QD Solar Cells Realize 16.6% Power Conversion Efficiency

Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) are harnessing the properties of quantum dots (QDs) to make solar cells that capture a wider range of light for energy, are more stable in their energy production, and can be applied to curved surfaces. According to the team led by professor Lianzhou Wang, UQ has achieved a new world record for QD solar cell efficiency — going from 13.5% to 16.6%, a nearly 25% gain in efficiency. The researchers developed a surface engineering strategy to overcome roughness and instability on the surface of QDs, which can interfere with efficiency. An oleic acid ligand-assisted cation-exchange strategy allowed controllable synthesis of a mixed cesium and formamidinium lead triiodide perovskite...