Organometallic boost pushes perovskite solar cells to record efficiency, stability

Adding an organometallic compound to a perovskite solar cell can enhance their efficiency and their stability spectacularly, enabling them to run for 1000 hours with only a minimal drop in performance. The researchers believe the cells can now take the first steps towards commercialisation.

Perovskite solar cells have multiple advantages over silicon solar cells. Most notably, perovskites – unlike silicon – are direct band-gap semiconductors, which means they absorb light much more efficiently so that only a thin layer is required. They could therefore be prepared cheaply using solution processes. Unfortunately, they have been plagued by instability to moisture, air and even light. Numerous research groups have experimented with various stabilisation techniques, but no perovskite photovoltaics have hitherto shown durability close to that required of commercial solar cells, which are generally guaranteed for 25 years.