0
By clicking the button, I accept the Terms of Use of the service and its Privacy Policy, as well as consent to the processing of personal data.
Don’t have an account? Signup
Powered by :
Nano-Scaffold Pushes Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cell To 34% Efficiency Photograph: (AI)
Researchers at Soochow University have developed a new interfacial architecture for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells that achieved a laboratory power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 34.0% and an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 2.014 V in an independently certified device.
The certified device also recorded a steady-state efficiency of 33.5%, while retaining 84% of its initial efficiency after 2,000 hours of continuous one-sun operation at maximum power point.
The study, published in Science Bulletin, uses discrete zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) nanoparticles as a nanoscale interfacial scaffold. The researchers said the architecture addresses two challenges in perovskite-silicon tandem cells — achieving uniform perovskite growth on textured silicon and suppressing non-radiative recombination at the buried interface.
Perovskite/silicon tandem cells combine a wide-bandgap perovskite top cell with a silicon bottom cell, allowing them to utilise sunlight more efficiently than conventional single-junction silicon cells. However, uneven perovskite deposition and interface-related recombination can limit their voltage and overall efficiency.
The research team, led by Prof. Jiang Liu, Prof. Xiaohong Zhang and Dr. Hongbo Mo of Soochow University, together with Dr. Bo He of LONGi Central R&D Institute, inserted discrete monoclinic ZrO₂ nanoparticles between the transparent conductive oxide and a self-assembled monolayer (SAM).
Unlike a continuous insulating layer, the nanoparticles create a nanoscale scaffold with localised contact pathways. According to the researchers, the ZrO₂ nanoparticles modify the surface energy of the interface, allowing the perovskite precursor to spread more uniformly. This resulted in denser, void-free perovskite films with larger grains.
The nanoparticles also provide field-effect passivation, helping suppress non-radiative recombination. At the same time, exposed pathways through the self-assembled monolayer allow efficient hole extraction to continue.
The researchers said the high dielectric constant of zirconia further helps screen local electrical fluctuations, limit charge accumulation and reduce hysteresis in the device.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated the formation of Zr–O–P bonds between the zirconia and monolayer molecules. Together with bonding between the monolayer and conductive oxide, these connections form what the researchers describe as a dual-anchoring network, improving molecular attachment and interface coverage.
Microscopy and spectroscopy measurements supported the proposed mechanism. Conductive atomic force microscopy and Kelvin probe measurements showed more uniform current and surface-potential distributions following the interface modification.
Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements showed that the average carrier lifetime increased from 1.46 microseconds to 2.81 microseconds after the combined modification.
Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy also indicated improved energy alignment for hole extraction, while impedance measurements showed reduced interfacial recombination. The champion tandem cell achieved a 34.0% efficiency, with a 1.997 V open-circuit voltage, 20.36 mA/cm² short-circuit current density and 83.62% fill factor. Independent certification recorded a 2.014 V open-circuit voltage and 33.5% steady-state efficiency.
The researchers also tested the operational stability of encapsulated devices under continuous one-sun illumination at maximum power point and room temperature. After 2,000 hours of operation, the ZrO₂-modified device retained 84% of its initial efficiency.
The findings suggest that a patterned insulating interface can simultaneously improve perovskite film growth and reduce recombination without creating a barrier to charge extraction. The researchers said the nanoscale interface design provides a route towards improving both the efficiency and operational stability of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells.
We are India’s leading B2B media house, reporting full-time on solar energy, wind, battery storage, solar inverters, and electric vehicle (EV)
Quick Links
© 2025 Saur Energy. All Rights Reserved.

source