Additive-assisted Fabrication of Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Thematic Area:
University: African University of Science and Technology (AUST)
Project Leader: Dr. Richard Koech
Collaborating Partners: 1. Moi University: (i) Prof Samwel Rotich, Dr. Kiptiemoi Korir and Dr. Geoffrey Yegon, all from Mathematics, Physics and computing Department (ii) Dr. Sarah Chepkwony from Chemistry and Biochemistry Department 2. CEMHTI-CNRS, France: Prof Esidor Ntsoenzo
Duration: 2 years
Project Overview
Background
The increased pressure on conventional fossil fuel-based energy resources coupled with the need to mitigate the effects of climate change has fueled the global endeavors to develop affordable and sustainable energy systems. The emerging photovoltaic technology based on perovskite solar cell (PSC) is the best candidate that can accelerate the achievement of this objective if only the non-radiative recombination power loss and performance degradation problems can be addressed. These issues are mainly caused by various intrinsic and external factors whose effects can be alleviated through improvement in solar cell design and fabrication procedures. Engineering the properties of the different components of PSC has been shown to be instrumental in reducing recombination and performance degradation routes that limit their power conversion efficiency (PCE) and lifetime. Specifically, the incorporation of some additives into the absorber (perovskite) layer has been shown to be effective in modulating its nucleation and crystallization dynamics which eventually improve its bulk and surface properties and consequently the overall performance of PSCs.
Project Objective
This project seeks to study the effects of some local plant-derived antioxidant compounds; when used as additives in perovskite precursors; on the power conversion efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. The project brings together researchers with physics, chemistry and material science background to work on extracting antioxidant compounds from some local plants, testing their antioxidant activities, and incorporating them in PSCs so as to assess the impact on their performance.
Expected Impact
The project will provide a leeway to advance the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells thus contribute to accelerating the commercialization of low cost solar cell technologies leading to increased access to affordable energy by the population especially low-income earners.
For more information, please contact the Project Leader.
