Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells–compositions for improved stability and power conversion efficiency

Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells (PSTSCs) represent an emerging opportunity to compete with industry-standard single junction crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. The maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single junction cells is set by the Shockley–Queisser (SQ) limit (33.7%). However, tandem cells can expand this value to ~ 45% by utilising two stacked solar cells to harvest the solar spectrum more efficiently. 33.9% PCE has already been achieved with PSTSCs. This perspective analyses recent advances in PSTSC technology, with an emphasis on optimal perovskite composition, the problem and mitigation of light-induced halide phase segregation, self-assembled hole transporting monolayers and additives that can improve and stabilise the perovskite. Top-performing compositions show three cationic components (Cs+, FA+, Pb2+) and three anionic (I−, Br−, Cl−) with a bandgap between 1.55 and 1.77 eV and a theoretical maximum of 1.73 eV (717 nm). Anionic additives such as (Br3)− and SCN− reduce trap states and segregation. 2D-perovskite grain boundary interfaces are created with cationic alkylammonium additives such as methyl-phenethylammonium (MPEA) and result in improved performance. 2-, 3- or 4-terminal devices with a (partly) textured silicon heterojunction (SHJ) bottom cell are ideal. An ultra-thin interfacial recombination layer (~ 5 nm) of indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO) containing a carbazole-based hole transporting self-assembled monolayer (Me-4PACz) is used for optimal 2-terminal tandem devices.