Scientists at UNIST, in cooperation with Korea University, have actually significantly enhanced the stability and effectiveness of perovskite solar cells, providing developments in both solar power and green hydrogen production. By developing a novel cathode interlayer, they accomplished exceptional efficiency in photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic gadgets, marking a step forward in sustainable energy technology.A group of scientists from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST, collectively led by Professors Sung-Yeon Jang, Jungki Ryu, and Ji-Wook Jang, in collaboration with Professor Sang Kyu Kwak from Korea University, has made substantial strides in improving the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar batteries. Their pioneering research not just advances the potential for commercializing perovskite solar batteries (PSCs) however likewise reveals promising implications for green hydrogen production technology, ensuring efficient and lasting operation.Perovskite solar batteries (PSCs) have actually gathered attention due to their minimized toxicity and broad light absorption abilities, making them highly guaranteeing for photovoltaic applications. The presence of fundamental ionic vacancies in tin-lead halide perovskites (TLHPs) has postured challenges, leading to sped up gadget destruction through inward metal diffusion.a) Illustration of the chemical interaction in between PDINN and metal atoms. b) Cross-sectional SEM image of a PV device. Credit: UNISTTo address this obstacle, the research study group developed a chemically protective cathode interlayer using amine-functionalized perylene diimide (PDINN). By leveraging its nucleophilic sites to form tridentate metal complexes, PDINN efficiently draws out electrons and reduces inward metal diffusion. The novel solution-processed PDINN cathode interlayer has actually showcased remarkable efficiency in stabilizing TLHP-based photovoltaic (PV) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices.Remarkable Achievements in Efficiency and StabilityThe PV gadget accomplished an outstanding performance of 23.21%, with over 81% retention after 750 hours of operation at 60 ° C, and more than 90% retention after 3100 hours at 23 ± 4 ° C. Additionally, the TLHP-based PEC gadgets, paired with biomass oxidation, displayed a record-high bias-free solar hydrogen production rate of 33.0 mA cm − 2, roughly 1.7-fold higher than the target set by the U.S. Department of Energy for one-sun hydrogen production.From leading left are Professor Jungki Ryu, Professor Ji-Wook Jang, and Professor Sung-Yeon Jang. From bottom left are Yuri Choi, Muhibullah Al Mubarok, and Rashmi Mehrotra. Credit: UNISTTheir ingenious design of the cathode interlayer has actually effectively demonstrated the tremendous capacity of TLHPs for steady and effective photoconversion.”We have considerably increased the long-lasting stability of tin-lead PSCs,” discussed Professor Jang. “Our objective is not only to convert light energy into electrical energy however also to establish environment-friendly techniques for producing fundamental chemicals, such as hydrogen, which form the structure of numerous industries.”a) Schematic illustration of PEC device utilizing TLHP/PDINN photocathode and CNT/C3N4 anode. Credit: UNISTReference: “Stable and efficient Tin– Lead Perovskite Photoconversion Devices Using Dual-Functional Cathode Interlayer” by Muhibullah Al Mubarok, Yuri Choi, Rashmi Mehrotra, Yu Jin Kim, Rama Krishna Boddu, Inhui Lee, Jiyeong Kim, Sang Kyu Kwak, Ji-Wook Jang, Jungki Ryu and Sung-Yeon Jang, 30 November 2023, Advanced Energy Materials.DOI: 10.1002/ aenm.202302555 The study received support from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) under the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT).