World-leading 27% perovskite cell efficiency record set by UNSW and Soochow University, with ACAP support

With support from ACAP, a collaborative research effort between the teams of UNSW Scientia Professor Xiaojing Hao and Professor Jun Peng at Soochow University in China has led to the development of a laboratory-scale, single-junction perovskite solar cell with a verified, class-leading efficiency of 27%.

The 0.05 centimetre squared cell has earned a spot on the "Best Research-Cell Efficiency Chart" maintained by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), as the highest-performing single-junction perovskite solar cell to date (NREL Chart).

(https://www.nrel.gov/pv/cell-efficiency.html).

This milestone brings perovskite solar cells closer to the 27.3% efficiency benchmark set by silicon-based cells, marking a significant step forward in the field.

UNSW and Soochow University's 27% perovskite efficiency record cell was listed by NREL in its "Best Research Cell Efficiencies chart" (and is highlighted in the image above by the red outline).

Perovskite materials have garnered significant attention due to their excellent photoelectric properties, tolerance to defects, and simple fabrication process. These advantages make them a promising alternative for advancing photovoltaic technologies, offering the potential for greater efficiency and cost reductions in solar energy.

Over the past decade, perovskite solar cell technology has experienced rapid advancements, with power conversion efficiency increasing from just 3.8% in 2009 to the current record of 27%.

"This record-breaking result stems from an in-depth analysis of performance loss mechanisms, as well as exploration and optimisation of perovskite solar cell materials, structural design, and fabrication processes," says Professor Hao.

Beyond efficiency improvements, the research team has also been tackling the challenge of perovskite solar cell stability through innovative materials design and synthesis. "Stability is a crucial factor for commercial adoption, and we have been developing solutions to address various degradation origins – such as our work on modifying hole transport materials, published in Nature Photonics [Nat. Photonics 17, 96-105 (2023)]."

Looking ahead, the team remains committed to further enhancing both efficiency and stability, with the goal of unlocking the full potential of perovskite solar cells and contributing to the global shift toward renewable energy.

Professor Hao says, “The material is not perfect yet. There is still a lot to be done to make it better.”

Collaboration is playing a critical role in advancing perovskite solar cell technology

Professor Jun Peng was previously a PhD student at ANU. The collaboration began with the joint paper in Nature Photonics on improving the stability of perovskite solar cells.

Hao emphasises that complementary collaborations are essential for advancing all types solar materials, not just perovskites, as each lab brings unique capabilities and strengths.

"Iterative optimisation works better with the collective expertise of diverse research teams."

Professor Hao has been researching PV materials for over fifteen years and has established extensive collaborations across the world. The seed grants provided through ACAP have been important in initiating and supporting these types of international collaborations.

And, Hao explains, the ACAP network facilitates a lot of knowledge sharing, with regular workshops across different member institutes to discuss problems and potential solutions.

Hao also says she uses the knowledge gained from opitimising other PV material technologies to her work on perovskite solar cells. “You see common challenges across different PV materials," she says, "particularly in how to manipulate and control defects.”

Professor Xiaojing Hao's research team at UNSW.