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%).