Perovskite and quantum dot tandem solar cells with interlayer modification for improved optical semitransparency and stability†

In this work, four-terminal (4T) tandem solar cells were fabricated by using a methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI(3)) perovskite solar cell (PSC) as the front-cell and a lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal quantum dot solar cell (CQDSC) as the back-cell. Different modifications of the tandem interlayer, at the interface between the sub-cells, were tested in order to improve the infrared transparency of the perovskite sub-cell and consequently increase the utilization of infrared (IR) light by the tandem system. This included the incorporation of a semi-transparent thin gold electrode (Au) on the MAPbI(3) solar cell, followed by adding a molybdenum(vi) oxide (MoO3) layer or a surlyn layer. These interlayer modifications resulted in an increase of the IR transmittance to the back cell and improved the optical stability, compared to that in the reference devices. This investigation shows the importance of the interlayer, connecting the PSC with a strong absorption in the visible region and the CQDSC with a strong infrared absorption to obtain efficient next-generation tandem photovoltaics (PVs).

Automated summary

This study improved the infrared transparency of the perovskite sub-cell and increased the utilization of infrared light by modifying the tandem interlayer. The introduction of different materials in the interlayer enhanced the IR transmittance to the back cell and improved optical stability, showing the importance of interlayer in achieving efficient next-generation tandem photovoltaics.