Reviewed by Lexie CornerOct 4 2024
An international team of researchers from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Gyeongsang National University, and Kookmin University created a novel technique using “perovskite quantum dots” to improve the stability and efficiency of solar cells. By addressing the issue of quantum dot surface distortions that reduce solar cell performance, they successfully created longer-lasting solar cells. The study was published in the Chemical Engineering Journal.
A schematic diagram of bilateral ligand bonding on the surface of perovskite quantum dots. Image Credit: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
Perovskite quantum dots are crucial for the next generation of solar cells. They are simple to mass-produce and have good light-to-electricity conversion capabilities. However, to integrate them into solar cells, the surface ligands must be replaced, which often distorts the quantum dot surface, resembling crumpled paper. This distortion reduces both the performance and lifespan of the solar cells.
To address this issue, a team led by Professor Jongmin Choi developed a method using short ligands that securely bind to both ends of the quantum dots, effectively smoothing the crumpled surface and restoring the deformed lattice structure.
This approach significantly reduced surface imperfections, increasing the power conversion efficiency from 13.6% to 15.3%. Additionally, the solar cells demonstrated stability, maintaining 83% of their efficiency over 15 days.
Through this research, we could minimize surface defects on the quantum dots and stabilize their surfaces by newly adopting these amphiphilic ligands, thereby significantly improving the efficiency and stability of the solar cells. We plan to continue our research on stabilizing the surface of perovskite quantum dots, hopefully applying the results to various photoelectric devices.
Jongmin Choi, Professor, Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
Co-authors of the study include Professor Jongmin Choi from DGIST, Professor Tae Kyung Lee from Gyeongsang National University, and Professor Younghoon Kim from Kookmin University. The research was led by Gayoung Seo and Sanghun Han from DGIST, along with Donggyu Lee, a Ph.D. candidate at Gyeongsang National University.
The study was supported by funding from the Creative Convergence Research Project of the National Research Council of Science & Technology, the DGIST R&D Program, and the New Faculty Research Foundation Project at Gyeongsang National University.
Journal Reference:
Seo, G., et al. (2024) Multifaceted anchoring ligands for uniform orientation and enhanced cubic-phase stability of perovskite quantum dots. Chemical Engineering Journal. doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.154312.