A schematic diagram of bilateral ligand binding on the surface of perovskite quantum dots. Credit: DGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)
Researchers have developed a new method to improve both the performance and stability of solar cells using “perovskite quantum dots”. They developed more durable solar cells by addressing the problem of distortions on the surface of quantum dots, which deteriorate solar cell performance.
Professor Jongmin Choi’s team from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at DGIST conducted the research with Professor of Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology Tae Kyung Lee from Gyeongsang National University and Professor applied chemistry Younghoon Kim of Kookmin University.
The results were published in the Journal of Chemical Engineering on September 15, 2024.
Perovskite quantum dots are essential materials for next-generation solar cells. They have excellent light-to-electricity conversion capabilities and are easy to mass produce. However, to use them in solar cells, the “ligands” attached to the surface of the quantum dots must be replaced. This process often results in distortions of the surface of the quantum dots, resembling crumpled paper, leading to decreased performance and shorter lifespan of solar cells.
To solve this problem, Professor Jongmin Choi’s team recently adopted short ligands that securely hold the quantum dots on both sides, effectively breaking down the distorted surface.
The ligands help restore the distorted network structure, smoothing the wrinkled surface of the quantum dots. This significantly reduces surface defects, allowing solar cells to operate more efficiently and extending their lifespan.
As a result, the energy conversion efficiency of solar cells increased from 13.6% to 15.3%, demonstrating its stability by maintaining 83% of their performance for 15 days.
“Through this research, we could minimize the surface defects of quantum dots and stabilize their surfaces by adopting new amphiphilic ligands, thereby significantly improving the efficiency and stability of solar cells,” said Professor Jongmin Choi of the Department of energy sciences and engineering. at the DGIST.
“We plan to continue our research into surface stabilization of perovskite quantum dots, hopefully applying the results to various photoelectric devices.”
More information:
Gayoung Seo et al, Multifaceted anchoring ligands for uniform orientation and enhanced cubic phase stability of perovskite quantum dots, Journal of Chemical Engineering (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.154312
Provided by DGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)
Quote: Scientists restore performance of quantum dot solar cells using short ligands to reduce surface defects (October 4, 2024) retrieved October 4, 2024 from
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