Publications

Authors: M. Stefanelli, L. Vesce, A. Di Carlo

Journal: Nanomaterials, 2023, 13 (2), 313

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13020313

Published Date: January, 2023

Open Access

Article Type: Review

Abstract: Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and modules are driving the energy revolution in the coming photovoltaic field. In the last 10 years, PSCs reached efficiency close to the silicon photovoltaic technology by adopting low-cost solution processes. Despite this, the noble metal (such as gold and silver) used in PSCs as a counter electrode made these devices costly in terms of energy, CO₂ footprint, and materials. Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) and modules use graphite/carbon-black-based material as the counter electrode. The formulation of low-cost carbon-based inks and pastes makes them suitable for large area coating techniques and hence a solid technology for imminent industrialization. Here, we want to present the upscaling routes of carbon-counter-electrode-based module devices in terms of materials formulation, architectures, and manufacturing processes in order to give a clear vision of the scaling route and encourage the research in this green and sustainable direction.

Authors:  L. Vesce

Journal: Energies, 2023, 16 (1), 425

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en16010425

Open Access

Published Date: January, 2023

Article Type: Editorial

Abstract:

Authors: S.P. Feng, Y. Cheng, H.L. Yip, Y. Zhong, P.W.K. Fong, G. Li, A. Ng, C. Chen, L.A. Castriotta, F. Matteocci, L. Vesce, D. Saranin, A. Di Carlo, et al.

Journal: JPhys Materials, 2023, 6, 032501

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7639/acc893

Open Access

Published Date: March, 2023

Article Type: Review

Abstract:

Authors: M. Pitaro, J. Sebastian Alonso, L. Di Mario, D. G. Romero, K. Tran, T. Zaharia, M. B. Johansson, E. M. J. Johansson, M. A. Loi

Journal: Journal Material Chemistry A, 2023, 11 (22), 11755-11766

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA01276J

Open Access

Published Date: May, 2023

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Mixed tin/lead (Sn/Pb) perovskites have the potential to achieve higher performances in single junction solar cells compared to Pb-based compounds. The best Sn/Pb based devices are fabricated in a p-i-n structure, and PEDOT:PSS is frequently utilized as the hole transport layer, even if there are many doubts on a possible detrimental role of this conductive polymer. Here, we propose the use of [2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (2PACz) and [2-(3, 6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl) ethyl] phosphonic acid (Br-2PACz) as substitutes for PEDOT:PSS. By using Cs_0.25FA_0.75Sn_0.5Pb_0.5I₃ as the active layer, we obtained record efficiencies as high as 19.51% on Br-2PACz, while 18.44% and 16.33% efficiencies were obtained using 2PACz and PEDOT:PSS, respectively. In addition, the implemented monolayers enhance both the shelf lifetime of the device as well as the operational stability. Finally, the Br-2PACz-based devices maintained 80% of their initial efficiency under continuous illumination for 230 h, and after being stored in a N₂ atmosphere for 4224 h (176 days).

Authors: L. Vesce, M. Stefanelli, A. Di Carlo

Journal: Materials Proceedings, 2023, 14 (1), 29

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/IOCN2023-14539

Open Access

Published Date: May, 2023

Article Type: Proceeding Paper

Abstract: Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and modules are driving the energy revolution in the coming photovoltaic field. In the last 10 years, PSCs reached efficiency close to the silicon photovoltaic technology by adopting low-cost solution processes. Despite this, the noble metal (such as gold and silver) used in PSCs as a counter electrode made these devices costly in terms of energy, CO₂ footprint, and materials. Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) and modules use graphite/carbon-black-based material as the counter electrode. The formulation of low-cost carbon-based inks and pastes makes them suitable for large area coating techniques and hence a solid technology for imminent industrialization. Here, we want to present the upscaling routes of carbon-counter-electrode-based module devices in terms of materials formulation, architectures, and manufacturing processes in order to give a clear vision of the scaling route and encourage the research in this green and sustainable direction.

Authors: L. Vesce, M. Stefanelli, H. Nikbakht A. Di Carlo

Journal: Engineering Proceedings, 2023, 37 (1), 29

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ECP2023-14721

Open Access

Published Date: May, 2023

Article Type: Proceeding Paper

Abstract: In less than a decade, Perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology has gained high efficiency and broad attention because of its key enabling physical and morphological features. One of the main obstacles to PSC industrialization and commercialization is managed with the demonstration of stable devices by adopting low-cost, reliable materials and fabrication process methods. Here, we report a Perovskite solar module based on a low-temperature carbon electrode. The full process was performed in ambient air and engineered by printing techniques.

Authors: X. Liu, B. Ding, M. Han, Z. Yang, J. Chen, P. Shi, X. Xue, R. Ghadari, X. Zhang, R. Wang, K. Brooks, L. Tao, S. Kinge, S. Dai, J. Sheng, P. J. Dyson, M. K. Nazeeruddin, Y. Ding

Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2023, e202304350

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202304350

Open Access

Published Date: May, 2023

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Hole transport materials (HTMs) are a key component of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The small molecular 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenyl)-amine-9,9′-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD, termed “Spiro”) is the most successful HTM used in PSCs, but its versatility is imperfect. To improve its performance, we developed a novel spiro-type HTM (termed “DP”) by substituting four anisole units on Spiro with 4-methoxybiphenyl moieties. By extending the π-conjugation of Spiro in this way, the HOMO level of the HTM matches well with the perovskite valence band, enhancing hole mobility and increasing the glass transition temperature. DP-based PSC achieves high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 25.24 % for small-area (0.06 cm²) devices and 21.86 % for modules (designated area of 27.56 cm²), along with the certified efficiency of 21.78 % on a designated area of 27.86 cm². The encapsulated DP-based devices maintain 95.1 % of the initial performance under ISOS-L-1 conditions after 2560 hours and 87 % at the ISOS-L-3 conditions over 600 hours.

Authors: M. Harth, L. Vesce, I Kouroudis, M. Stefanelli, A. Di Carlo, A. Gagliardi

Journal: Solar Energy, 2023, 262, 111840

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.111840

Open Access

Published Date: July, 2023

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We present our research for fast and reliable extraction of bandgap and absorption quality values for triple-cation perovskite thin films from sample scans. Our approach leverages machine learning methods, namely convolutional neural networks, to perform regression tasks aimed at predicting the properties of interest. To this end, thin film samples were synthesized via blade-coating and their photoluminescence and ultraviolet–visible spectra collected, along with the film thickness. We propose a method of computing a dimensionless figure of merit we called the Area Under Absorption Coefficient (AUAC), its purpose being to qualitatively evaluate the absorption quality of perovskite films for use in photovoltaic modules. This work demonstrates the usability of simple imaging techniques to analyze experimental samples while requiring only a feasibly acquirable initial amount of data. Our reported method can help speed up time consuming material optimizations by reducing lab time spent on recurrent characterization, nicely synergizes with high throughput production lines and could be adapted for quick extraction of other optoelectrical quantities.

Authors: Lijun Chen, Eelco Kinsa Tekelenburg, Kushagra Gahlot Matteo Pitaro, Jun Xi, Alessia Lasorsa, Giovanna Feraco, Loredana Protesescu, Patrick C. A. van der Wel, Giuseppe Portale, Petra Rudolf, Christoph J. Brabec and Maria Antonietta Loi

Journal: Energy Environ. Sci., 2023, Advance Article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE02507A

Open Access

Published Date: October, 2023

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Lead–tin (Pb–Sn) perovskites are a highly promising composition for single-junction and all-perovskite tandem solar cells due to their narrower bandgap and reduced toxicity. While the use of quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) Ruddlesden–Popper phases has resulted in superior stability towards the environment and large improvement in the crystallization with respect to the 3D compositions, very little work has been done towards their deposition with scalable techniques. Here, PEA₂(FA_0.5MA_0.5)₄(Pb_0.5Sn_0.5)₅I₁₆ (n = 5) with a gradient structure is successfully prepared for the first time via a two-step blade coating. Perovskite films which are treated with tin(II) acetate (SnAc₂) along with N,N-dimethylselenourea (DMS) exhibit a reduced number of surface traps and enhanced surface crystallization, owing to the in situ formation of tin selenide (SnSe). Record devices with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.06%, an open circuit voltage (V_OC) of 0.855 V, and negligible hysteresis are obtained. More importantly, the hydrophobic SnSe significantly protects the active layer from the environment. These devices retain 91% of the original PCE after 10 days in ambient air (30–40% humidity) without encapsulation, and almost no degradation of the PCE is detected after over a month of storage in an inert atmosphere, and under continuous MPP tracking for 15 hours.

Authors: L. Vesce, M. Stefanelli, F. Rossi, L. A. Castriotta, R. Basosi, L. Parisi, A. Sinicropi, A. Di Carlo

Journal: Progress in Photovoltaics Res Appl. 2023; 1–15

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.3741

Open Access

Published Date: November, 2023

Article Type: Review

Abstract: The efficiency gap between perovskite (PVSK) solar sub-modules (size ≥200 cm²) and lab scale cells (size ˂1 cm²) is up to 36%. Moreover, the few attempts present in the literature used lab-scale techniques in a glove-box environment, reducing its compatibility for further product industrialization. Here, we report a PVSK sub-module (total area 320 cm², aperture area 201 cm², 93% geometrical fill factor [GFF]) fabricated in ambient air by hybrid meniscus coating techniques assisted by air and green antisolvent quenching method. To suppress nonradiative recombination losses, improve carrier extraction and control the PVSK growth on such a large surface, we adopted phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) passivation and PVSK solvent addiction strategies. The high homogeneous and reproducible layers guarantee an efficiency of 16.13% (7% losses with respect to the small area cell and zero losses with respect to the mini-modules) and a stability of more than 3000 h according to International Summit on Organic PV Stability, dark storage/shelf life in ambient (ISOS-D-1). The sustainability of used methods and materials is demonstrated by the life cycle assessment. The scale-up operation allows for strong impact mitigation in all the environmental categories and more efficient consumption of the resources. Finally, the economic assessment shows a strong cost reduction scaling from mini- to sub-module (about 40%).

Authors: F. Rossi, L. Rotondi, M. Stefanelli, A. Sinicropi, L. Vesce, M.L.Parisi

Journal: EPJ Photovoltaics 15, 20 (2024)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/epjpv/2024014

Open Access

Published Date: April, 2024

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Sustainable energy production is one of the major goals for society to address climate change, with the aim of reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gases emissions. One of the main alternatives to burning fossil fuels is solar energy conversion; therefore, scientific research has moved towards the development of photovoltaic devices that are able to harvest solar radiation and convert it into electric energy, such as perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Several production processes for PSCs exist, differing in the deposition technique of PSCs layers as well as energy and material consumption. One of the main challenges is then to minimize the environmental impact of PSC manufacturing, which can be assessed through Life Cycle Assessment. The aim of this work is to evaluate and compare the eco-profiles of four different PSC production line at mini-module scale, namely, Spin Coating, Blade Coating, Spin Coating + Press and Blade Coating in Glovebox. Results disfavour the latter manufacturing route, showing that its burden is higher than the alternatives. Differently, the Blade Coating process results to be the one having the lowest environmental impact among the proposed solutions, whereas Spin Coating and Spin Coating + Press lines show almost the similar intermediate result.

Journal: IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1109/JPHOTOV.2024.3377190

Open Access

Published Date: April, 2024

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Perovskite technology has been advancing at unprecedented levels over the past years, with efficiencies reaching up to 26.1%. State-of-the-art results are obtained on a very small area scale (<0.1 cm²), by adopting high materials wasting processes not compatible with industry and with market exploitation. Silicon is a well-established technology and one of the advantages of perovskite is its ability to pair with silicon forming a tandem device that extracts charges reducing transmission and thermalization losses. In this work, we focused on finding a strategy to fabricate 15.2 × 15.2 cm² perovskite modules by using blade/slot-die coating and avoiding any spin coating deposition. Furthermore, we optimized the indium tin oxide top electrode deposition by adjusting the sputtering process and buffer layer deposition; finally, we focused on light management by applying an antireflective coating. We obtained a semitransparent and a tandem silicon–perovskite module in a four-terminal (4T) configuration over 225 cm² (4T configuration) with 13.18% and 20.91% efficiency, respectively, passing International Summit on Organic PV Stability ISOS-L1 (under continuous light soaking in the air) test with a remarkable T₈₀ of 1459 h.

Journal: Energy & Environmental Science

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE02344C

Open Access

Published Date: January, 2024

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Chemical environment and precursor-coordinating molecular interactions within a perovskite precursor solution can lead to important implications in structural defects and crystallization kinetics of a perovskite film. Thus, the opto-electronic quality of such films can be boosted by carefully fine-tuning the coordination chemistry of perovskite precursors via controllable introduction of additives, capable of forming intermediate complexes. In this work, we employed a new type of ligand, namely 1-phenylguanidine (PGua), which coordinates strongly with the PbI2 complexes in the perovskite precursor, forming new intermediate species. These strong interactions effectively retard the perovskite crystallization process and form homogeneous films with enlarged grain sizes and reduced density of defects. In combination with an interfacial treatment, the resulted champion devices exhibit a 24.6% efficiency with outstanding operational stability. Unprecedently, PGua can be applied in various PSCs with different perovskite compositions and even in both configurations: n–i–p and p–i–n, highlighting the universality of this ligand.

Journal: Nature Energy

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-023-01421-6

Open Access

Published Date: January, 2024

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The stabilization of grain boundaries and surfaces of the perovskite layer is critical to extend the durability of perovskite solar cells. Here we introduced a sulfonium-based molecule, dimethylphenethylsulfonium iodide (DMPESI), for the post-deposition treatment of formamidinium lead iodide perovskite films. The treated films show improved stability upon light soaking and remains in the black α phase after two years ageing under ambient condition without encapsulation. The DMPESI-treated perovskite solar cells show less than 1% performance loss after more than 4,500 h at maximum power point tracking, yielding a theoretical T₈₀ of over nine years under continuous 1-sun illumination. The solar cells also display less than 5% power conversion efficiency drops under various ageing conditions, including 100 thermal cycles between 25 °C and 85 °C and an 1,050-h damp heat test.

Authors: J. Suo, B. Yang, D. Bogachuk, G. Boschloo, A. Hagfeldt

Journal: Advanced Energy Materials

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202400205

Open Access

Published Date: March, 2024

Article Type: Review

Abstract: Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) hold significant promise as the next-generation materials in photovoltaic markets, owing to their ability to achieve impressive power conversion efficiencies, streamlined fabrication processes, cost-effective manufacturing, and numerous other advantages. The utilization of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) molecules has proven to be a significant success in enhancing device efficiency and extending device stability. This review highlights the dual use of SAM molecules in the realm of PSCs, which can not only serve as charge transport materials but also act as interfacial modulators. These research endeavors encompass a wide range of applications for various SAM molecules in both n-i-p and p-i-n structured PSCs, providing a deep insight into the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, this review proposes current research challenges for future investigations into SAM materials. This timely and thorough review seeks to provide direction and inspiration for current research efforts dedicated to the ongoing incorporation of SAMs in the field of perovskite photovoltaics.

Authors: Lukas Wagner, Jiajia Suo, Bowen Yang, Dmitry Bogachuk, Estelle Gervais, Robert Pietzcker, Andrea Gassmann, Jan Christoph Goldschmidt

Journal: Joule

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2024.01.024

Open Access

Published Date: February, 2024

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Photovoltaics (PV) and wind are the most important energy-conversion technologies for cost-efficient climate change mitigation. To reach international climate goals, the annual PV module production must be expanded to multi-terawatt (TW) scale. Economic and resource restraints demand the implementation of cost-efficient multi-junction technologies, for which perovskite-based tandem technologies are highly promising. In this work, the resource demand of the emerging perovskite PV technology is investigated, considering two factors of supply criticality, namely, mining capacity for minerals and the production capacity for synthetic materials. Overall, the expansion of perovskite PV to a multi-TW scale may not be limited by material supply if certain materials, especially indium, can be replaced. Moreover, organic charge-transport materials face currently unresolved scalability challenges. This study demonstrates that, besides the improvement of efficiency and stability, perovskite PV research and development also need to be guided by sustainable materials choices and design-for-recycling considerations.

Authors: N. Lago, F. Moretti, N. Tormena, A. Caria, M. Buffolo, C. De Santi, N. Trivellin, A. Cester, G. Meneghesso, E. Zanoni, M. Meneghini, F. Matteocci, J. Barichello, L. Vesce, A. Di Carlo, F. Quartiani

Journal: Photonics

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11090880

Open Access

Published Date: September, 2024

Article Type: Communication

Abstract: The mass production of photovoltaic (PV) devices requires fast and reliable characterization methods and equipment. PV manufacturers produce a complete module roughly every 20 s, and the electrical performance assessment is typically completed in less than 1 s. Times are even more stringent during cell manufacturing. To be competitive in the PV market, perovskite solar cells and modules aim to the same target, i.e., fast and reliable quality assessment. This communication report discusses the limit of characterizing the current perovskite technology. Standard current vs voltage measurements are compared to maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and a fast MPPT procedure is developed to meet the highly demand standard for quality control in the industry of PV production.

Authors: L. Vesce, Z. Abbas, M. Stefanelli, S. Podapangi, H. Nikbakht, A. Di Carlo

Journal: 2024 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2024 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&CPS Europe)

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1109/EEEIC/ICPSEurope61470.2024.10750973

Open Access

Published Date: November, 2024

Article Type: Conference Proceedings

Abstract: In recent years, there has been growing interest among researchers in the development of photovoltaic (PV) cells specifically tailored for harvesting low-intensity diffused indoor light energy. A variety of PV materials have been utilized thus far in the quest to create efficient solar cells suitable for indoor applications. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) can operate effectively under low-level injection conditions, such as low-light. Besides, carbon electrode gathered huge attention to substitute the instable and high-cost gold counter-electrode. Here, we present a PSC with carbon counter electrode formed by a lamination method with an efficiency close to 20% at indoor illumination. The hot-pressing method helps to enhance the conductivity of the carbon film and to improve the interfacial contact with the hole transporting layer. Moreover, the lamination protocol is compatible with the scaling-up of the PSC production.

Authors: L. Vesce, K. Pandurangan, M. Stefanelli, E. Iannibelli, H. Nikbakht, M. L. Parisi, A. Sinicropi, A. Di Carlo

Journal: 41st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC) 2024

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.4229/EUPVSEC2024/2DO.8.4

Open Access

Published Date: September, 2024

Article Type: Conference Proceedings

Abstract: In few years, the perovskite (PVSK) solar technology reached high efficiency on lab scale cells. The upscaling of PVSK photovoltaic (PV) technology from small area cells (PSCs) to modules, and the related industrial and economical transition, is achievable by scalable and low-cost manufacturing processes/materials and module design/interconnection patterning. Carbon-based PSCs are attracting attention because of low-cost, durability and printability (high throughput), but few works are present about modules. On the other hand, the most efficient and stable FAPI PVSK is mainly deposited by different techniques with a gold counter-electrode. Here, we changed the paradigm by optimizing the materials composition, by blade coating the full stack out of glove-box. The laser ablation strategy in combination with printing techniques were adopted to fabricate a fully printed module (preliminary prototype). We got 20.8%, 15% and 13.2% efficiency on gold- and carbon-based cells (0.5 cm2), and carbon-based module, respectively.

Authors: M. Stefanelli, S. Ternes, L. Vesce, M. Balucani, A. Di Carlo

Journal: 41st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC) 2024

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.4229/EUPVSEC2024/2CV.3.33

Open Access

Published Date: September, 2024

Article Type: Conference Proceedings

Abstract: During the last 15 years, perovskite (PVK) photovoltaics (PVs) attained immense progress in single junction devices and, nowadays, spearhead the development of commercially viable 2-T tandem devices. This achievement became possible due to the exceptional properties of this material class, permitting not only power conversion efficiencies beyond 26%, but also low-cost fabrication from solution by common printing techniques. A wide consensus of researchers and technologist is reached, considering perovskite semiconductors feasible for industrial-scale fabrication alongside the well-establish silicon technology. While laboratory-scale work enabled fast material screening, characterization and process analysis, the transfer of the technology to industry is often not sufficiently treated. Most likely, in situ quality assessment is needed to ensure stable output for failure analysis early in the device fabrication. Here, we present a unique toolkit for simulating industrial conditions by employing a fully automated slot-die coater, sample handling, gas quenching as well as in situ characterization. We succeed in re-creating conditions of high-throughput industrial fabrication in a model box of about 10 m^3 under ambient atmosphere. Using the model box, we can investigate the feasibility of large-scale perovskite fabrication in a very cost-effective manner, identifying possible failure modes and predicting fabrication yield in a close-to-realistic model environment.

Authors: R. Keshavarzi, F. Hajisharifi, Z. Saki, M. Omrani, R. Sheibani, N. Afzali, M. Abdi-Jalebi, L. Vesce, A. Di Carlo

Journal: Nano Today

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nantod.2024.102600

Open Access

Published Date: December, 2024

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In recent times, organic and perovskite solar cells (OSCs and PSCs) has garnered considerable attention due to the rapid advancement of their impressive photovoltaic performance, achieving power conversion efficiencies exceeding 19 % and 26 %, respectively. Various industrially scalable methods such as blade coating, spray coating, and slot-die coating have been employed to manufacture these promising solar cells, yet the efficiency of devices produced by these methods tends to be lower than those prepared in laboratory scales. To create pinhole-free and high-quality active layer in scalable devices, controlling the crystallization process is required. Therefore, the quality of the active layers plays a pivotal role in constructing efficient and stable solar cells. Among the scalable methods, the slot-die coating method is emerged as particularly attractive for large-scale and cost-effective production of both OSCs and PSCs. Thus, in the current work, we present the strategies to control the morphology of organic and perovskite films prepared by slot-die coating method, such as drying conditions, precursor engineering, solvent engineering, surface modification, and additive engineering, temperature controlling, sequential processing, and ternary blends. Also, the effect of slot-die-coated charge trasportlayers on the OSC and PSC efficiencies and stabilities has been investigatedtransport. Finally, the challenges and potential of commercialization of these promising solar cells, improving their efficiency, quality, and sustainability in the future, are discussed.

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