Electron micrograph cross-section of perovskite solar cell with layer of the new high-performance material. Shown without hole transport layer and electrode
Image: Canon
Japan-based optical imaging and printing technology company Canon has announced a new functional material that can be used as a passivation layer with perovskite thin films, potentially improving durability and simplifying the manufacturing process of perovskite solar cells. Samples are available this month and volume production is expected in 2025.
The company said the research underlying the new product had been validated by researchers from Japan’s Toin University, led by Tsutomu Miyasaka, and Canon, as described in “Phthalocyanine-based polycrystalline interlayer realizing charge collection and ion defect passivation simultaneously for perovskite solar cells,” published by Journal of Materials Chemistry A.
The paper describes the creation of perovskite solar cells with a passivation layer with Lewis base functionality via an organic semiconductor made of gallium phthalocyanine hydroxide (OHGaPc).
The company explained that the new material was grown as part of its office equipment, electronics and laser printing products. The coating is applied in a thickness of 100 nm to 200 nm. The main feature is the ability to thickly cover the perovskite layer while maintaining high photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Canon will ship samples to companies engaged in mass production of perovskite solar cells from June 2024. In the future, Canon will work on further technological development and plans to start mass production in 2025.
This content is copyrighted and may not be reused. If you would like to collaborate with us and reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.