SEALPTSC Strain and Photonic Engineering Toward Stable, Efficient, and Large-scale All-perovskite Triple-junction Solar Cells
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Oxford Physics
Abstract
Solar energy is central to future energy supply due to its vast abundance and low-carbon footprint. Compared to established technologies such as crystalline silicon, emerging perovskite semiconductors offer an avenue to surpass the efficiency limit of single-junction solar cells (33%) with low cost and potential for mass production. Triple-junction solar cells pairing cascaded wide-, mid-, and narrow-bandgap perovskite absorbers could deliver potential performance above 36%. Pushing efficiencies beyond the limit relies on minimizing the energetic losses of each sub-cell and reducing the optical constraints of tandem structures. Furthermore, operational stability and upscalable fabrication of perovskites must be addressed to exploit their full potential.
This project aims to develop scalable all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells with efficiency beyond 30% and stability for more than 1000 hours. I will outline a multidisciplinary approach to improving the stability and performance of wide-bandgap perovskites, developing low optical loss tandem structures, and exploring large-area fabrication techniques for triple-junction solar cells.
Specifically, a multimodal characterization procedure will be introduced to uncover the dynamic formation and nanoscopic strain of solution-processed wide-bandgap perovskite films. The knowledge will enable a controllable growth of perovskite thin films, leading to the fabrication of solar cells with good photostability and low energetic losses at a wide bandgap. In parallel, novel nanophotonic structures will be developed to enhance the near-infrared photon response of the narrow-bandgap sub-cell. Combining these strategies, I will fabricate triple-junction solar cells with efficiency beyond 30%. Eventually, these procedures will be adopted to produce all-perovskite triple-junction solar modules, where scalable deposition techniques will be used to process all the charge transport layers, perovskite absorbers, and electrodes.
This project aims to develop scalable all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells with efficiency beyond 30% and stability for more than 1000 hours. I will outline a multidisciplinary approach to improving the stability and performance of wide-bandgap perovskites, developing low optical loss tandem structures, and exploring large-area fabrication techniques for triple-junction solar cells.
Specifically, a multimodal characterization procedure will be introduced to uncover the dynamic formation and nanoscopic strain of solution-processed wide-bandgap perovskite films. The knowledge will enable a controllable growth of perovskite thin films, leading to the fabrication of solar cells with good photostability and low energetic losses at a wide bandgap. In parallel, novel nanophotonic structures will be developed to enhance the near-infrared photon response of the narrow-bandgap sub-cell. Combining these strategies, I will fabricate triple-junction solar cells with efficiency beyond 30%. Eventually, these procedures will be adopted to produce all-perovskite triple-junction solar modules, where scalable deposition techniques will be used to process all the charge transport layers, perovskite absorbers, and electrodes.
Publications
Hu S
(2024)
Steering perovskite precursor solutions for multijunction photovoltaics
in Nature
Liu A
(2025)
Roadmap on metal-halide perovskite semiconductors and devices
in Materials Today Electronics
Wang J
(2025)
Performance and stability analysis of all-perovskite tandem photovoltaics in light-driven electrochemical water splitting
in Nature Communications
Wu L
(2025)
Resilience pathways for halide perovskite photovoltaics under temperature cycling
in Nature Reviews Materials
| Description | Through this research award, significant progress has been made in multijunction solar cells, a cutting-edge solar technology that could surpass 50% efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity-far exceeding the limits of traditional solar panels. The research achieved a breakthrough in material and device design, developing highly efficient solar cells made entirely from metal halide perovskites, which minimize energy and optical losses. These advancements led to the triple- and the world's first quadruple-junction perovskite solar cells, achieving record efficiencies of 28.4% and 27.9%, respectively. This sets a new benchmark for the future of perovskite photovoltaics, bringing us closer to more affordable, high-performance solar energy solutions. |
| Exploitation Route | The advancements in scalable multijunction solar cell fabrication are bringing perovskite photovoltaics closer to commercial viability. These breakthroughs pave the way for next-generation solar panels that are highly efficient, cost-effective, and flexible, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. Companies in the solar energy sector can leverage this research to accelerate the development and large-scale production of perovskite-based solar cells. Additionally, this work directly supports the UK and global renewable energy goals, reinforcing policies that drive the transition to sustainable and carbon-neutral energy solutions. |
| Sectors | Chemicals Electronics Energy Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Advanced Multijunction Perovskite Photovoltaics: A Collaborative Effort Between Oxford University and Kyoto University |
| Organisation | University of Kyoto |
| Country | Japan |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | As one of the key contributors to this collaboration, the fellow played a crucial role in the fabrication, development, and characterization of multijunction solar cells, with a particular focus on the following areas: 1. Designed and fabricated high-efficiency double-junction, triple-junction, and quadruple-junction perovskite photovoltaics, achieving record-breaking power conversion efficiencies. 2. Refined composition and precursor formulations to improve the stability and performance of wide-bandgap perovskites, critical for achieving high open-circuit voltages and low recombination losses. 3. Characterization of tandem photovoltaic performance and stability 4. Helped conduct optoelectronic characterization (e.g., external quantum efficiency, electroluminescence, optical simulation) to assess optical and recombination losses. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborators at Kyoto University played a fundamental role in the understanding and designing perovskite precursor solution chemistry to improve the fabrication of high-quality lead-tin perovskite subabsorber, a key material component used in multijunction solar cells. Their key contributions included: 1. Investigation of the Solution Chemistry of Sn-Pb Perovskites 2. Conducted NMR and computational modeling to analyze precursor interactions, revealing the dominant role of Sn(II) species in solution structuring. 3. Developed a comprehensive theoretical understanding of precursor interactions and how they influence perovskite film formation. 4. Proposed amino acid salts additive engineering strategies to enhance lead-tin perovskite stability, leading to more uniform film growth and improved device performance. |
| Impact | This collaboration has yielded significant advancements in perovskite multijunction solar cells, leading to the following key outputs: 1. Breakthrough efficiency in perovskite multijunction photovoltaics: achieved power conversion efficiencies of 29.26% (double-junction, certified), 27.28% (triple-junction, certified), and 27.9% (quadruple-junction)-setting new benchmarks for all-perovskite tandems. 2. Demonstrated a record-high open-circuit voltage of 4.94V in quadruple-junction devices, significantly advancing perovskite solar technology. 3. High-Impact publication in Nature (doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08546-y). 4. This research represents a multidisciplinary effort, integrating materials science, photovoltaics, chemistry, and computational modeling expertise to advance perovskite tandem photovoltaics. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Advancing Solar-Driven Water Splitting: A Partnership between Oxford University and Eindhoven University of Technology |
| Organisation | Eindhoven University of Technology |
| Department | Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The fellow played a leading role in the conceptualization, experimental design, and execution of this collaboration. The primary contributions from members from Oxford included: 1. Developing and optimizing all-perovskite tandem photovoltaics for efficient solar-driven electrochemical water splitting. 2. Investigating interface engineering strategies to reduce non-radiative recombination losses, significantly improving perovskite solar cell efficiency. 3. Designing performance and stability analysis of the tandem devices and lead-tin perovskite absorbers. 4. Leading the interpretation of results and drafting the manuscript, ensuring a comprehensive scientific discussion and knowledge dissemination. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners at Eindhoven University of Technology provided essential resources and expertise that were critical to this research. Their contributions included: 1. Providing platforms for solar cells and light-driven electrochemical water splitting, enabling direct evaluation of solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency. 2. Conducting advanced sub-cell characterization to identify degradation pathways in the perovskite tandem solar cells, particularly focusing on interface stability and charge transport dynamics. 3. Offering technical expertise in electrocatalysis and proton exchange membrane water electrolysis, facilitating the integration of photovoltaic and electrochemical systems. |
| Impact | This collaboration has resulted in significant scientific and technological advancements: 1. A high-efficiency photovoltaic-electrochemical water-splitting system, achieving a maximum solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 17.8%. 2. A peer-reviewed publication in Nature Communications (doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55654-4). 3. Insights into long-term stability challenges, identifying degradation mechanisms that impact perovskite sub-cells in tandem architectures. 4. Multidisciplinary impact, integrating expertise from materials science, photovoltaics, and electrochemistry. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Public Communication of Solar Energy Breakthrough |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | As part of the team effort to communicate the record-breaking efficiency achievement for all-perovskite multijunction solar cells, the fellow actively contributed to drafting the official press release at Oxford University. This initiative was aligned with Oxford Physics' Sustainable Energy Development outreach, aiming to enhance public awareness and engagement with sustainable energy advancements. The fellow contributed to the following activities: 1. Assisting in writing and refining the press release to ensure accurate and impactful messaging. 2. Preparing for media interactions, including coordinating responses and key messages for interviews. 3. Answering journalist inquiries (such as CNN) when requested, providing scientific explanations accessible to a broader audience. As a result, the outreach campaign garnered extensive global media attention, resulting in 278 pieces of media coverage internationally, featured in major outlets including BBC, CNN, AP, MSN, and Yahoo News. It has reached a total audience reach of 474 million people worldwide, with around 1.11 million total news views, significantly amplifying public interest in sustainable solar energy technologies. This media engagement helped position Oxford University as a leader in solar energy research and raised public and industry awareness of the potential of perovskite photovoltaics in revolutionizing renewable energy. The widespread coverage has sparked increased interest from policymakers and the scientific community, paving the way for further discussions on clean energy solutions and future collaborations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |