The team of researchers from Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania has expanded their invention of self-assembled monolayers for solar cells. These molecules arrange themselves into a single-molecule-thick layer and act as an electron-transporting layer in both inverted and regular structure perovskite solar cells. The molecules attach themselves to conductive metal oxide through chemical bonds, creating a thin layer only where needed. This development is a relatively simple and material-efficient process that enhances the efficiency of solar cells.
The development of the self-assembled monolayers is seen as a crucial step in the advancement of next-generation solar cells. The team has been synthesizing and studying charge-transporting organic materials, with previous experiments focusing on molecules used for positive charge transfer in perovskite solar cells. The next logical step is to develop molecules that can carry negative charges and apply them in solar cells. The self-assembled molecules act as a selective gate for charges, enhancing the efficiency of solar cells and increasing their overall performance.
The regular structure of perovskite solar cells involves a negative charge transporting layer formed on a transparent substrate, followed by light-absorbing and positive charge transporting layers. On the other hand, the inverted structure swaps the positive and negative charge transport layers. The regular structure is commonly used for low-cost and easier-to-manufacture solar cells, while the inverted structure is utilized in more efficient tandem devices. The researchers at KTU believe that their new invention is just as significant and promising as their previous breakthrough in solar cell technology.
The new invention was developed in collaboration with scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). KTU chemists were responsible for the development, improvement, and optimization of the materials and coating technology, while their colleagues from Saudi Arabia investigated the performance of the self-assembled monolayers in solar cells. This partnership has led to the strengthening of the KTU patent portfolio and has further solidified their position as pioneers in solar cell research and development.
Overall, the self-assembled monolayers developed by the researchers at KTU have the potential to revolutionize the solar cell industry by enhancing efficiency and performance. Through selective charge transfer and application in both regular and inverted structure perovskite solar cells, these molecules serve as a critical component in the development of next-generation solar technology. The collaborative efforts with KAUST have further expanded the reach and impact of this invention, making it a significant breakthrough in the field of renewable energy.