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Solar cell research

Publications associées (16)

Optimizing carrier collection in solar cells through nanoscale junction design

A key challenge in thin-film photovoltaics is achieving selective carrier collection that minimizes recombination losses while maintaining efficient charge extraction. This study presents a theoretical analysis of how reducing junction contact area can enhance the open-circuit voltage (VOC) and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) in thin-film solar cells. Using a zinc-phosphide (Zn3P2) -based heterojunction as a model, we simulate the effect of geometrically minimizing contact via silicon-dioxide (SiO2) l

2026

Integrated memristor for mitigating reverse-bias in perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with power-conversion efficiencies comparable to established technologies hold huge promise for becoming the future photovoltaic technology, also given their versatility, low-cost and energy-efficient fabrication processes1. However, PSCs are not stable under moderate reverse bias2, 3–4, an unavoidable situation under real-world operation, for instance, caused by partial shading of a module or installation with PSCs connected in series. Approaches to address this issue have foc

Nature Research2026

Efficiency enhancement of the photovoltaic cells using a converter, methods for producing thereof, and a solar cell device

The present invention relates to method for producing an efficiency-enhancing converter layer for a photovoltaic cell, comprising the steps of: - providing a sheet-like polymeric substrate; - irradiating onto a main surface of the substrate with particles of a particle source to create fractal tree-like conduits extending from the main surface of the substrate into the bulk material of the substrate.

2026

Development of TOPCon-based Solar Cell Architectures : From Single-Junction Silicon Cells to Perovskite-Silicon Tandems

The global energy transition requires photovoltaic technologies capable of surpassing the thermodynamic efficiency limit of single-junction silicon cells (29.4%). While crystalline-silicon tunnel-oxide passivating-contact (TOPCon) solar cells currently dominate the market, their efficiencies are saturating. To overcome this barrier, the industry is pivoting toward perovskite-silicon tandem architectures, which have recently demonstrated efficiencies approaching 35%. This thesis aims to bridge the gap betwee

EPFL2026

Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based Cation as a Semiconducting Spacer in Layered Perovskite

Incorporating π‐conjugated organic spacers in layered “2D” perovskites in order to extend solar light harvesting has remained a challenge, as typically‐incorporated spacers (e.g. phenethylammonium, PEA + ) do not absorb deep into the visible spectrum. Here, we introduce a visible‐light‐absorbing π‐conjugated dithiophene–diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based spacer cation that forms a pure iodide layered perovskite that exhibits complementary organic–inorganic absorption and a type‐II nano‐heterojunction electronic str

Wiley2026

Techno-economic analysis framework for perovskite solar module production at various manufacturing capacities

Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin

Perovskite solar cells have disrupted the PV technology space with impressive power conversion efficiencies in the last decade. Given the solution-phase processability, band-gap tunability, and low energy intensity of production, many fabrication techniques and cell architectures have been explored to manufacture these cells and modules. However, the design space for these third-generation PVs is highly complex coupled with uncertainty regarding their lifetimes and efficiencies which requires a more detaile

Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd2026

Design, fabrication and characterization of monolithic perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells

Perovskite-Si tandem solar cells are a leading pathway to surpass the single-junction efficiency limit of crystalline silicon photovoltaics. Their realization requires integrating many functional layers, making reproducible high-performance fabrication and systematic analysis challenging. This thesis investigates the design, fabrication, and characterization of monolithic solution-processed perovskite-Si tandems, combining process development with quantitative modeling to establish practical guidelines for

EPFL2026

From Chemistry to Solar Cells: The Central Role of Materials Innovation in Perovskite Photovoltaic Revolution

Michael Graetzel

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as transformative technology in the field of photovoltaics. Following their inception in year 2009, they have become within a decade the leading candidate for next‐generation photovoltaics due to their exceptional efficiency, low‐cost processing, and tunable optoelectronic properties. However, challenges surrounding long‐term stability, lead toxicity, and industrial scalability remain major barriers to large‐scale commercialization. This perspective explores the ce

Wiley2025

Photo-Electrochemical Devices: Design, Characterization, and Operation

The direct photo-electrochemical conversion of water and carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable fuels and chemical commodities using concentrated solar light represents a promising route for sustainable fuel and material production. This thesis presents the design, characterization, operation, and optimization of an integrated photo-electrochemical (P-EC) device for CO2 reduction to carbon monoxide (CO) and ethylene (C2H4) with possible subsequent one-step thermochemical conversion into aviation fuels. The func

EPFL2025

Tandem Takeoff: Powering Tomorrow with Industrial‐Grade Perovskite/Silicon Solar Cells

Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin

Surpassing the Shockley‐Queisser (S‐Q) limit to realize photovoltaic efficiencies that significantly exceed those of traditional silicon solar cells (SSCs) remains a fundamental aspiration within the solar energy research community. The advent of multi‐junction tandem cells presents a highly promising strategy to achieve this ambitious goal. Owing to their adjustable bandgaps and exceptional power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as leading candidates for the top ce

Wiley2025

Techno-economic analysis of perovskite-tandem solar modules

Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin

Tandem photovoltaics (PV) is a promising new technology that can improve the efficiency of the current PV modules, even higher than the theoretical limit of the single-junction solar cells. To assess the commercialization potential of these tandem devices and transfer them from the lab to the market, a techno-economic analysis is conducted. The large-scale manufacturing costs of four high-efficiency two-terminal perovskite-silicon tandem that have been fabricated in the lab are calculated and compared with

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.2025

Zinc antimonite synthesis and assessment of its potential for sustainable photovoltaics

Research in photovoltaics is motivated by the need for sustainable electricity sources. Yet, current commercial technologies require complex supply chains and feature an incomplete recycling [1]. Thus, new approaches for designing solar cells are needed. This work proposes a photovoltaic device designed through a low-tech approach. The semiconductor central to the cell, zinc antimonite, finds applications in thermoelectricity. However, its use for photovoltaics was suggested within the low-tech community [2

EPFL2025

Lightweight Solar Modules Implementing Advanced Polymer Materials and Solar Cells

Christophe Ballif

Recent advancements in glass-free photovoltaic (PV) module designs have paved the way for lightweight, streamlined structures with versatile designs, all while maintaining high performance and reliability. These innovations are finding broader applications in Integrated Photovoltaics (IPV) domains. Within this context, CSEM has developed specialized encapsulants to ensure the high reliability of lightweight modules. This study will initially introduce newly developed polymeric materials designed to serve as

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers2024

Quantifying and modeling the impact of interconnection failures on the electrical performance of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules

Christophe Ballif, Antonin Faes, Jacques Levrat, Alessandro Francesco Aldo Virtuani, Matthieu Despeisse, Fanny Sculati-Meillaud, Eleonora Annigoni

Failures in the metallic interconnections are among the main degradation modes for photovoltaic modules. Fatigue accumulation due to thermomechanical stresses can result in deterioration of the solder joints or in broken ribbons. In this paper, we first qu ...

2019

Comprehensive control of voltage loss enables 11.7% efficient solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Shaik Mohammed Zakeeruddin, Jacques-Edouard Moser, Ulf Anders Hagfeldt, Ladislav Kavan, Jingshan Luo, Chenyi Yi, Yuhang Liu, Yiming Cao, Yasemin Saygili, Heewon Bahng

The relatively large voltage loss (Vloss) in excitonic type solar cells severely limits their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Here, we report a comprehensive control of Vloss through efficacious engineering of the sensitizer and redox mediator, makin ...

2018

The Role of Water in the Reversible Optoelectronic Degradation of Hybrid Perovskites at Low Pressure

Christophe Ballif, Björn Niesen, Michael Elias Stückelberger, Jérémie Werner

There is no doubt about the potential offered by the low-cost fabrication and high efficiency of hybrid organic inorganic perovskite solar cells. However, the service lifetimes of these devices must be increased from months to years to capitalize on their ...

American Chemical Society2017

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Publications associées (16)

Optimizing carrier collection in solar cells through nanoscale junction design

2026

Integrated memristor for mitigating reverse-bias in perovskite solar cells

Nature Research2026

Efficiency enhancement of the photovoltaic cells using a converter, methods for producing thereof, and a solar cell device

2026

Quantifying and modeling the impact of interconnection failures on the electrical performance of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules

Christophe Ballif, Antonin Faes, Jacques Levrat, Alessandro Francesco Aldo Virtuani, Matthieu Despeisse, Fanny Sculati-Meillaud, Eleonora Annigoni

2019

Comprehensive control of voltage loss enables 11.7% efficient solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Shaik Mohammed Zakeeruddin, Jacques-Edouard Moser, Ulf Anders Hagfeldt, Ladislav Kavan, Jingshan Luo, Chenyi Yi, Yuhang Liu, Yiming Cao, Yasemin Saygili, Heewon Bahng

2018

The Role of Water in the Reversible Optoelectronic Degradation of Hybrid Perovskites at Low Pressure

Christophe Ballif, Björn Niesen, Michael Elias Stückelberger, Jérémie Werner

American Chemical Society2017