Sustainable Solar Cells through PerDry

Solar cells using metal halide perovskite (MHP) light absorbers have seen tremendous development in recent years. So far, the highest efficiencies, over 22 percent, have been achieved with lead-based MHPs, produced through non-scalable spin-coating methods using often toxic solvents. To reach a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) greater than 5, it's essential to develop scalable processes without toxic solvents and either replace lead or ensure safe end-of-life protocols.

What's the aim of the project?

The primary objectives of the project are:

Develop a scalable dry production technique to deposit thin films from pre-formed MHP powders.
Develop lead-free or low-lead MHPs and integrate them into solar cells aiming for energy conversion (PCE - Power Conversion Efficiency) above 20 percent, or with a secondary absorber with a low bandgap to achieve PCE above 25 percent.
Ensure protocols/encapsulation to prevent any remaining lead from reaching the environment.
Scale up the deposition area to 100 cm2 (PCE above 19 percent) using industrial tools and evaluate under outdoor conditions to demonstrate the technology's feasibility.

How is the project conducted?

The project consists of five different work packages:

WP 1 – Material Synthesis.
WP 2 – Development of dry deposition processes.
WP 3 – Development of efficient and stable solar cells using harmless perovskite materials.
WP 4 – Dissemination and exploitation of results.
WP 5 – Project Management.

Project Information
Project Period: November 1, 2019, to May 31, 2023.
Main Funder: Swedish Energy Agency.
Total Budget: 4,596,158 SEK.
Project Coordinator: Karlstad University.
Project Partners: Glava Energy Center, JB EcoTech AB.
Contact person at Glava Energy Center: Isac Myrén Andersson, see Contact.