Toward high-efficiency solution-processed tandem solar cells

Arfa Karani; Le Yang; Neil C. Greenham; Dawei Di

doi:10.1117/12.2320109

14 September 2018 Toward high-efficiency solution-processed tandem solar cells

Arfa Karani, Le Yang, Neil C. Greenham, Dawei Di

Proceedings Volume 10737, Organic, Hybrid, and Perovskite Photovoltaics XIX; 107371I (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2320109
Event: SPIE Organic Photonics + Electronics, 2018, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Tandem solar cells (TSCs) based on solution-processable semiconductors, including metal-halide perovskites and organic materials, show great promise for overcoming the Shockley-Queisser efficiency limit at low cost. However, difficulty in obtaining low-bandgap (<1.1 eV) perovskite and organic absorbers restricts the spectral range of solarenergy conversion, limiting the possibility of reaching ultrahigh efficiencies. Here we carry out detailed balance limit computations for a wide range of solution-processable materials in combination with a standard perovskite top-cell. Theoretical efficiency of 43% has been calculated for a tandem cell with a bandgap combination of 1.55 eV (perovskite) and 1.0 eV (bottom-cell material) under 1-sun illumination. We find that radiative coupling between the subcells contributes substantially (>11% absolute gain) to the ultimate efficiency via photon recycling. We emphasize the significance of using materials with high luminescence quantum efficiencies to benefit from this important effect. Initial laboratory demonstration of monolithic TSCs operating in the radiative-coupling regime is currently underway.

Citation Download Citation

Arfa Karani, Le Yang, Neil C. Greenham, and Dawei Di "Toward high-efficiency solution-processed tandem solar cells", Proc. SPIE 10737, Organic, Hybrid, and Perovskite Photovoltaics XIX, 107371I (14 September 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2320109

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