Perovskite-based tandem solar cells

doi:10.1016/j.scib.2020.11.006

Science Bulletin

Volume 66, Issue 6, 30 March 2021, Pages 621-636

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2020.11.006 Get rights and content

Abstract

The power conversion efficiency for single-junction solar cells is limited by the Shockley-Quiesser limit. An effective approach to realize high efficiency is to develop multi-junction cells. These years have witnessed the rapid development of organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells. The excellent optoelectronic properties and tunable bandgaps of perovskite materials make them potential candidates for developing tandem solar cells, by combining with silicon, Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ and organic solar cells. In this review, we present the recent progress of perovskite-based tandem solar cells, including perovskite/silicon, perovskite/perovskite, perovskite/Cu(In,Ga)Se₂, and perovskite/organic cells. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for perovskite-based tandem solar cells are discussed.

Graphical abstract

Introduction

The global economic development has been restricted by traditional energy sources, which are exhaustible and not environment-friendly. Converting solar energy to electricity is one of the most effective and sustainable approaches to solve above issue. In recent years, rapid advances in photovoltaic (PV) technologies reduce the PV module cost. The most effective method to further reduce the cost is to increase the power conversion efficiency (PCE). So far, the PCE for single-junction crystalline-silicon (c-Si) and thin film solar cells, such as Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) and CdTe, have reached saturation at ~27% and 23%, respectively (NREL Best Research-Cell Efficiency Chart, https://www.nrel.gov/pv/cell-efficiency.html, Accessed September 2020). III-V compound semiconductors present tunable bandgaps, and deliver impressively high efficiencies in multi-junction solar cells. However, the high manufacturing costs hinder their wide application [1]. For solar cells, the light-harvesting capability of the active layer is most important. The absorption spectra for the active materials are expected to cover most of the solar spectrum. However, when the photon energy exceeds the bandgaps (E_g) of active layers, the excess energy is lost via thermalization as excited electrons fall back to the bottom of conduction band. The balance between absorbing more photons and minimizing the thermalization loss limits the theoretical PCE of single-junction solar cells. To further increase the PCE of solar cells beyond Shockley-Quiesser limit, it is feasible to combine different absorbers with complementary bandgaps in a multi-junction or integrated solar cell to make full use of the sunlight [2], [3], and also to reduce thermalization loss. For example, in a multi-junction device, the front cell with wide-bandgap active layer harvests high-energy photons to deliver a high open-circuit voltage and to reduce the thermalization loss, while the rear cell with narrow-bandgap active layer capture low-energy photons to broaden the photoresponse.

Organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted great interest in recent years [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], and the PCE reaches 25.5% (NREL Best Research-Cell Efficiency Chart, https://www.nrel.gov/pv/cell-efficiency.html, Accessed September 2020). Perovskite (PVK) materials possess many fascinating properties, such as solution processability, high absorption coefficients, long diffusion length and high mobility [12]. And they show tunable bandgaps (1.18–2.3 eV) via composition engineering [13]. The combination of high efficiency, simple preparation and low cost makes PVKs attractive candidates for developing tandem solar cells, by combining with Si, CIGS, organic solar cells and PSCs themselves.

This review will focus on the recent progress and crucial challenges for PVK-based tandem solar cells. Here, we present four combinations: PVK/Si, PVK/PVK, PVK/CIGS and PVK/Organic. All the tandem cells exhibit impressive advances in recent years (Fig. 1). At the same time, challenges including large-area module fabrication, device stability and manufacturing cost need to be addressed. As the efficiencies for lab cells continue to increase, it is very hopeful to make highly efficient low-cost tandem solar cells for commercialization.

Section snippets

Tandem architectures

Tandem solar cells have two typical configurations: four-terminal (4-T) and two-terminal (2-T, or monolithic) (Fig. 2). The 4-T cell is fabricated by mechanically stacking a semitransparent wide-bandgap front (or top) cell onto a narrow-bandgap rear (or bottom) cell. The front and rear cells are electrically isolated from each other, thus enabling independent optimization. And the power outputs are extracted separately. In 2-T structure, the front or rear sub-cell is directly grown on the rear

Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells

Among all PV devices, Si solar cells are currently dominating the PV market because of their high efficiency, excellent stability, mature fabrication technology and relatively low manufacturing costs at the module level [16], [17]. The highest certified PCE for Si solar cells has reached 26.7% [18]. The efficiency limit results from carrier thermalization loss. To reduce the thermalization loss, it is feasible to develop tandem solar cells by combing Si solar cells with PSCs. In this concept, a

4-T all-perovskite tandem solar cells

Owing to the tunable bandgap of PVK materials, developing all-PVK tandem solar cells is a hot topic in perovskite field. Commonly used polar solvents for PVK film deposition make it difficult to fabricate monolithic tandem configuration. Mechanically stacking a wide-bandgap front cell with a narrow-bandgap rear cell (4-T tandem configuration) is a straightforward method. Replacing Pb with Sn is the most successful and widely used method to narrower the bandgap of PVKs [46]. Yang et al. [47]

4-T perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells

Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) thin-film solar cell is a promising candidate in the photovoltaic market with several advantages compared to c-Si. The bandgap of CIGS can be tuned to ~1.0 eV, which is suitable for rear cells [68]. More and more research focus on PVK-CIGS tandem solar cells in recent years. Bailie et al. [20] earlier developed a 4-T PVK/CIGS tandem device by using Ag nanowires as transparent electrode in MAPbI₃ front cell. The tandem device gave a PCE of 18.6%. Yang et al. [69] developed a

Perovskite-organic tandem solar cells

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have attracted tremendous attention because of solution processability, light weight, and flexibility [80], [81], [82]. We earlier demonstrated an integrated PVK/Organic solar cell with a structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/MAPbI₃/(PDPP3T-PC₆₁BM)/Ca/Al, pushing the photoresponse of PSC to 970 nm [3]. Then Chen et al. [83] developed a 2-T PVK/Organic tandem cell (Fig. 9a), which exhibited an efficiency of 10.23%. Liu et al. [84] demonstrated a 2-T device via combining a MAPbI₃

Device structure

In 4-T tandems, the two sub-cells are electrically isolated from each other. If one of the sub-cells is out of operation, the overall device can still work but with less power output. In 2-T tandems, since the two sub-cells are connected directly, the failure of one sub-cell or the recombination layer will destroy all devices. For 4-T tandem devices, one of the key issues is to develop high-performance semitransparent perovskite front cells. Meanwhile, optimizing transparent electrodes to

Conclusion

In this review, four types of PVK-based tandem solar cells: PVK/Si, PVK/PVK, PVK/CIGS and PVK/Organic, are summarized. Two device structures, 2-T and 4-T, are discussed. And six major challenges, i.e., device structure, efficiency, large-area fabrication, stability, costs and lead toxicity are highlighted. Among these devices, PVK/Si tandem cells have attracted the greatest attention due to high performance and mature fabrication technology. It is probable that PVK/Si tandem devices will lead

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

L. Ding thanks the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51773045, 21772030, 51922032, and 21961160720) for financial support.

Author contributions

Zhimin Fang and Qiang Zeng drafted the manuscript following Liming Ding’s conception. Chuantian Zuo, Lixiu Zhang, Hanrui Xiao, Ming Cheng, Feng Hao, Qinye Bao, Lixue Zhang, Yongbo Yuan, Wu-Qiang Wu, Dewei Zhao, Yuanhang Cheng, Hairen Tan, Zuo Xiao, Shangfeng Yang, Fangyang Liu, Zhiwen Jin, and Jinding Yan discussed and revised the manuscript. Liming Ding revised and finalized the manuscript.

Zhimin Fang got his B.S. degree from Sichuan University in 2015. Now he is a Ph.D. student at University of Science and Technology of China under the supervision of Prof. Shangfeng Yang. Since September 2017, he has been working in Liming Ding Laboratory at National Center for Nanoscience and Technology as a visiting student. His work focuses on perovskite solar cells.

References (111)

Z. Qiu et al.
Monolithic perovskite/Si tandem solar cells exceeding 22% efficiency via optimizing top cell absorber
Nano Energy
(2018)
B.o. Chen et al.
Grain engineering for perovskite/silicon monolithic tandem solar cells with efficiency of 25.4%
Joule
(2019)
C.U. Kim et al.
Optimization of device design for low cost and high efficiency planar monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells
Nano Energy
(2019)
A.F. Palmstrom et al.
Enabling flexible all-perovskite tandem solar cells
Joule
(2019)
D.H. Kim et al.
Bimolecular additives improve wide-band-gap perovskites for efficient tandem solar cells with CIGS
Joule
(2019)
F. Lang et al.
Proton radiation hardness of perovskite tandem photovoltaics
Joule
(2020)
Z. Xiao et al.
Ternary organic solar cells offer 14% power conversion efficiency
Sci Bull
(2017)
Q. An et al.
Solvent additive-free ternary polymer solar cells with 16.27% efficiency
Sci Bull
(2019)
X. Chen et al.
Efficient and reproducible monolithic perovskite/organic tandem solar cells with low-loss interconnecting layers
Joule
(2020)
Z. Fang et al.
CsPbI_2.25Br_0.75 solar cells with 15.9% efficiency
Sci Bull
(2019)

Q. Zeng et al.

A two-terminal all-inorganic perovskite/organic tandem solar cell

Sci Bull

(2019)

S. Xie et al.

Efficient monolithic perovskite/organic tandem solar cells and their efficiency potential

Nano Energy

(2020)

Q. Liu et al.

18% efficiency organic solar cells

Sci Bull

(2020)

J. Yuan et al.

Single-junction organic solar cell with over 15% efficiency using fused-ring acceptor with electron-deficient core

Joule

(2019)

T. Leijtens et al.

Opportunities and challenges for tandem solar cells using metal halide perovskite semiconductors

Nat Energy

(2018)

Z. Wang et al.

Perovskite—a perfect top cell for tandem devices to break the S–Q limit

Adv Sci

(2019)

C. Zuo et al.

Bulk heterojunctions push the photoresponse of perovskite solar cells to 970 nm

J Mater Chem A

(2015)

A. Kojima et al.

Organometal halide perovskites as visible-light sensitizers for photovoltaic cells

J Am Chem Soc

(2009)

C. Zuo et al.

An 80.11% FF record achieved for perovskite solar cells by using the NH₄Cl additive

Nanoscale

(2014)

M. Saliba et al.

Cesium-containing triple cation perovskite solar cells: improved stability, reproducibility and high efficiency

Energy Environ Sci

(2016)

C. Zuo et al.

Modified PEDOT layer makes a 1.52 V V_oc for perovskite/PCBM solar cells

Adv Energy Mater

(2017)

W.S. Yang et al.

Iodide management in formamidinium-lead-halide–based perovskite layers for efficient solar cells

Science

(2017)

D. Luo et al.

Enhanced photovoltage for inverted planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells

Science

(2018)

C. Zuo et al.

Self-Assembled 2D Perovskite Layers for Efficient Printable Solar Cells

Adv Energy Mater

(2019)

Q.i. Jiang et al.

Surface passivation of perovskite film for efficient solar cells

Nat Photonics

(2019)

C. Zuo et al.

Advances in perovskite solar cells

Adv Sci

(2016)

D.P. McMeekin et al.

A mixed-cation lead mixed-halide perovskite absorber for tandem solar cells

Science

(2016)

J. Werner et al.

Efficient near-infrared-transparent perovskite solar cells enabling direct comparison of 4-terminal and monolithic perovskite/Silicon tandem cells

ACS Energy Lett

(2016)

J. Werner et al.

Parasitic absorption reduction in metal oxide-based transparent electrodes: application in perovskite solar cells

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces

(2016)

K. Yoshikawa et al.

Silicon heterojunction solar cell with interdigitated back contacts for a photoconversion efficiency over 26%

Nat Energy

(2017)

P. Löper et al.

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite/crystalline silicon four-terminal tandem solar cells

Phys Chem Chem Phys

(2015)

C.D. Bailie et al.

Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells for tandems with silicon and CIGS

Energy Environ Sci

(2015)

B.o. Chen et al.

Efficient semitransparent perovskite solar cells for 23.0%-efficiency perovskite/silicon four-terminal tandem cells

Adv Energy Mater

(2016)

K.A. Bush et al.

Thermal and environmental stability of semi-transparent perovskite solar cells for tandems enabled by a solution-processed nanoparticle buffer layer and sputtered ITO electrode

Adv Mater

(2016)

M. Jaysankar et al.

Perovskite–silicon tandem solar modules with optimised light harvesting

Energy Environ Sci

(2018)

C.O. Ramírez Quiroz et al.

Balancing electrical and optical losses for efficient 4-terminal Si–perovskite solar cells with solution processed percolation electrodes

J Mater Chem A

(2018)

Z. Wang et al.

27%‐efficiency four‐terminal perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells by sandwiched gold nanomesh

Adv Funct Mater

(2020)

T. Duong et al.

Rubidium multication perovskite with optimized bandgap for perovskite-silicon tandem with over 26% efficiency

Adv Energy Mater

(2017)

T. Duong et al.

High efficiency perovskite‐silicon tandem solar cells: effect of surface coating versus bulk incorporation of 2D perovskite

Adv Energy Mater

(2020)

B. Chen et al.

Enhanced optical path and electron diffusion length enable high-efficiency perovskite tandems

Nat Commun

(2020)

J.P. Mailoa et al.

A 2-terminal perovskite/silicon multijunction solar cell enabled by a silicon tunnel junction

Appl Phys Lett

(2015)

S. Albrecht et al.

Monolithic perovskite/silicon-heterojunction tandem solar cells processed at low temperature

Energy Environ Sci

(2016)

J. Werner et al.

Efficient monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell with cell area >1 cm²

J Phys Chem Lett

(2016)

Y.L. Wu et al.

Monolithic perovskite/silicon-homojunction tandem solar cell with over 22% efficiency

Energy Environ Sci

(2017)

J. Zheng et al.

Large area efficient interface layer free monolithic perovskite/homo-junction-silicon tandem solar cell with over 20% efficiency

Energy Environ Sci

(2018)

J. Zheng et al.

21.8% efficient monolithic perovskite/homo-junction-silicon tandem solar cell on 16 cm²

ACS Energy Lett

(2018)

H. Shen et al.

In situ recombination junction between p-Si and TiO₂ enables high-efficiency monolithic perovskite/Si tandem cells

Sci Adv

(2018)

K.A. Bush et al.

23.6%-efficient monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells with improved stability

Nat Energy

(2017)

K.A. Bush et al.

Minimizing current and voltage losses to reach 25% efficient monolithic two-terminal perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells

ACS Energy Lett

(2018)

F. Sahli et al.

Improved optics in monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells with a nanocrystalline silicon recombination junction

Adv Energy Mater

(2018)

Cited by (92)

Self-cleaning transparent pn junction in CuAlO<inf>2</inf>/WO<inf>3</inf> via high entropy perovskite oxide La(Cu<inf>0.2</inf>Cr<inf>0.2</inf>Ni<inf>0.2</inf>Fe<inf>0.2</inf>Co<inf>0.2</inf>)O<inf>3</inf> transition layer for enhanced photovoltaic conversion
2024, Chemical Engineering Journal
The self-cleaning transparent pn junction in CuAlO₂/WO₃ via high entropy perovskite oxide La(Cu_0.2Cr_0.2Ni_0.2Fe_0.2Co_0.2)O₃ transition layer is prepared by the multiple sol–gel-annealing method. The CuAlO₂/La(Cu_0.2Cr_0.2Ni_0.2Fe_0.2Co_0.2)O₃/WO₃ pn junction exhibits high transmittance of ∼85–90 %, remarkable photovoltaic enhancement of ∼6.2 × 10³ folds (PCE of ∼1.19 %), stable output in 5 months’ cycle and decent self-cleaning performance via simple cleanout. It can be mainly attributed to the modification of multifunctional high entropy perovskite oxide solid solution La(Cu_0.2Cr_0.2Ni_0.2Fe_0.2Co_0.2)O₃ nanoparticles, besides the appropriate Fermi level and high quantum yield can improve the carrier kinetic equilibrium for balancing transparency and photovoltaic conversion, it can also improve extra carrier injection by the charge compensation and promote carrier driving by the lattice driving force, meanwhile achieving self-cleaning via the hydrophobicity of WO₃.
Ultra-high photoluminescence quantum yield of Bi<sup>3+</sup>-doped Cs<inf>2</inf>ZrCl<inf>6</inf> double perovskite micro-crystallites by thermal precipitation in ionic liquids
2024, Journal of Luminescence
All-inorganic lead-containing perovskites have shown strong luminescence, but the use of lead has hindered their commercial development due to its stability and toxicity. In this paper, we propose thermal precipitation in ionic liquids (ILs) for synthesizing Bi³⁺-doped Cs₂ZrCl₆ double perovskites (Cs₂ZrCl₆:Bi³⁺(ILs)), which have a better crystallinity compared to the Cs₂ZrCl₆:Bi³⁺ (HCl) synthesized by the traditional hydrochloric acid method. Most interestingly, the Cs₂ZrCl₆:Bi³⁺(ILs) exhibits ultra-high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of up to 78.52%, which is about three times higher than the Cs₂ZrCl₆:Bi³⁺ (HCl) prepared by the traditional method. In addition, the PLQY of this paper is the highest in the reported works for the Cs₂ZrCl₆:Bi³⁺. It has been confirmed that the high PLQY of Cs₂ZrCl₆:Bi³⁺(ILs) is due to the interaction force between N atoms and perovskites in ionic liquid cations, and the cations in ionic liquids can improve the crystallinity of Cs₂ZrCl₆:Bi³⁺(ILs) double perovskite crystallites by passivating shallow defects. The research provides an alternative and efficient method for synthesizing stable lead-free double perovskites with good optical properties.
Recent advances in perovskite/Cu(In,Ga)Se<inf>2</inf> tandem solar cells
2024, Materials Today Electronics
Tandem solar cells (TSCs) are poised to revolutionize photovoltaic (PV) technology as they hold the promise of a significantly higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to the current dominant single-junction solar cells. TSCs are composed of two different absorbing materials, strategically utilizing the shared incident solar spectrum to achieve a synergistic boost in PCE. The perovskite/Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) TSCs, as a cutting-edge and prospective solar energy conversion device, have sparked widespread research interest by synergistically combining the unique advantages of perovskite and CIGS materials. This comprehensive review presents a thorough investigation of the latest research advancements in perovskite/CIGS TSCs, with a specific focus on the intricacies of device structure design and state-of-the-art fabrication methods. Significant attention is devoted to elucidating the pivotal role of interface engineering, material composition optimization, and precise control of processing parameters in determining the PV performance of the devices. By optimizing the stacked architecture and enhancing material interfaces, the review demonstrates how substantial improvements have been achieved in terms of high-efficiency PV conversion and superior carrier transport, consequently elevating the performance and long-term device stability. Finally, the review provides a compelling outlook on the future development of perovskite/CIGS TSCs, aiming to drive further advancements and practical applications of this advanced technology.
Signal-on photoelectrochemical sensing by highly stable perovskite nanocrystals based on in situ formation of heterojunction
2024, Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical
Lead halide perovskites have garnered significant attention in the field of photoelectrochemistry due to their outstanding optical properties. Nevertheless, the pronounced susceptibility of perovskite to water poses a major limitation to its practical applications. A signal-on photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor was constructed in this work using water-resistant perovskite nanocrystals for the detection of hydrogen sulfide. Specially, the electrode surface was modified with composite nanomaterials (CsPbBr₃ @PEG-PCL). In the presence of H₂S, efficient heterojunctions were formed through the in-situ generation of PbS on CsPbBr₃ @PEG-PCL, thereby enhancing the photocurrent signal. The potential mechanism behind this signal enhancement was extensively discussed. The designed sensor exhibited a linear relationship with the concentration of H₂S ranging from 0.02 to 120 μM, with a detection limit of 6.67 nM. This work opens up new possibilities for utilizing halide perovskites in the field of sensing, with promising applications in areas such as food safety, environmental monitoring, and biomedical analysis.
Interfacial interactions and optoelectronic properties of Cs<inf>2</inf>AgInCl<inf>6</inf>/J-TMDs heterojunctions for photovoltaic applications
2024, Surfaces and Interfaces
The photoelectric performance of double perovskites is relatively poor compared to traditional perovskite materials, constructing heterojunctions to improve its optoelectronic properties is an effective strategy for designing high-performance double perovskite optoelectronic applications. In this study, we undertook a comprehensive investigation into the electronic and optical characteristics of Cs₂AgInCl₆/janus transition-metal dichalcogenides (J-TMDs) heterojunctions based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our findings reveal that the construction of van der Waals heterojunctions is only feasible when the Cs-Cl (001) surface of the double perovskite comes into contact with J-TMDs. The nature of the heterojunction formed between Cs₂AgInCl₆ Cs-Cl surface and J-TMDs (MXY) relies on the disparity in atomic numbers between X and Y, thereby influencing the charge transfer and interface interaction. Moreover, the Cs-Cl/WXY heterojunction exhibits the most promising features for optoelectronic applications due to its lower effective mass and lower exciton binding energy. The optical absorption coefficients of Cs-Cl/J-TMDs heterojunctions surpass those of corresponding Cs₂AgInCl₆ monolayers, signifying their potential utility in solar cells. Additionally, we computed the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Cs₂AgInCl₆/MXY heterojunctions and found that the Cs-Cl/WSeTe-Se heterojunction demonstrates the highest PCE (11.25 %) among all Cs₂AgInCl₆/MXY heterojunctions, positioning it as a promising material for photovoltaic applications. These results provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of Cs₂AgInCl₆/MXY heterojunctions for the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices.
Optical–electrical simulation and optimization of an efficient lead-free 2T all perovskite tandem solar cell
2024, Renewable Energy
The characteristics of a lead-free all perovskite tandem solar cell (P-TSC) are studied in this study. All P-TSCs were developed with the goal of breaking through the theoretical power conversion efficiency (PCE) limit for single-junction (SJ) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) established by Shockley and Queisser. Solving the toxicity problem in lead-containing sub-cells is essential for the continued growth of all P-TSCs. Here, we first present a coupled three-dimensional (3D) optical–electrical simulation of two lead-free SJ $M A G e I_{3} (E_{g} = 1.9 eV)$ and $M A S n I_{3} (E_{g} = 1.3 eV)$ PSCs. The results showed that the PCE of the SJ-wide bandgap (WBG) and SJ-narrow bandgap (NBG) PSCs is 19.59% and 15.57%, respectively. Next, a two-terminal (2T) eco-friendly all P-TSC with combines these two solar cells has been designed, where the $M A G e I_{3}$ -PSC serves as the top sub-cell and the $M A S n I_{3}$ -PSC serves as the bottom sub-cell. By establishing the current matching condition between two sub-cells in the 2T structure, the matched short-circuit current density ( $J_{s c}$ ) and PCE are obtained $12.30 m A / c m^{2}$ and 28.46%, respectively. Herein, a 299 nm-thick NBG-absorber layer and a 200 nm-thick WBG-absorber layer are required. In order to increase the matched $J_{s c}$ and PCE and decrease the required NBG-absorber layer thickness, the parasitic absorption and reflection losses are minimized by selecting the best materials for the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) front contact and interconnecting (IC) layers, as well as the addition of an anti-reflection (AR) layer at the air/device interface as light management strategies. The results indicate that, under the current matching condition, improving the structure would lead to in a 76 nm reduction in the NBG-absorber layer’s required thickness and a 16.44% increase in PCE. Finally, we suggested the optimized 2T non-Pb all P-TSC with a high PCE of 33.14% that is environmentally safe.

View all citing articles on Scopus

Qiang Zeng got his B.S. degree from Central South University in 2017. Now he is a M.S. student at Central South University under the supervision of Prof. Fangyang Liu. Since July 2018, he has been working in Liming Ding Group at National Center for Nanoscience and Technology as a visiting student. His work focuses on perovskite solar cells.

Shangfeng Yang got his Ph.D. degree from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2003. He then joined Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research, Dresden, Germany as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and a Guest Scientist. In 2007, he joined University of Science and Technology of China as a full professor. His research interest includes the synthesis of fullerene-based nanocarbons toward applications in energy devices.

Fangyang Liu received his B.S. degree in 2006 and Ph.D. degree in 2011 from Central South University, where he then worked as a lecturer and associate professor. In 2013, he joined Martin Green Group at University of New South Wales, Australia as a postdoc. In 2017, he moved back to Central South University as a full professor. His research interest focuses on inorganic solar cells and lithium ion batteries.

Zhiwen Jin received B.S. degree from Lanzhou University in 2011 and Ph.D. degree from Institute of Chemistry (CAS) in 2016. He moved back to Lanzhou University in 2018, and now he is a professor at School of Physical Science and Technology. His research interest includes inorganic semiconductors, thin-film optoelectronic devices and device physics, particularly inorganic perovskite solar cells.

Jinding Yan got his Ph.D. degree in Chemical Technology from Institute of Coal Chemistry (CAS) in 2005. Then he joined the High-Technology Research and Development Center (MoST), Beijing, engaging in national plans on science and technology and management on national research bases. His work focuses on the management on national nano research plans and strategies.

Liming Ding got his Ph.D. degree from University of Science and Technology of China (was a joint student at Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, CAS). He started his research on OSCs and PLEDs in Olle Inganäs Lab in 1998. Later on, he worked at National Center for Polymer Research, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Argonne National Lab (USA). He joined Konarka as a Senior Scientist in 2008. In 2010, he joined National Center for Nanoscience and Technology as a full professor. His research focuses on functional materials and devices.

¹: These authors contributed equally to this work.

View full text

ReviewPerovskite-based tandem solar cells

Abstract

Graphical abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Tandem architectures

Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells

4-T all-perovskite tandem solar cells

4-T perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells

Perovskite-organic tandem solar cells

Device structure

Conclusion

Conflict of interest

Acknowledgments

Author contributions

Nano Energy

Joule

Nano Energy

Joule

Joule

Joule

Sci Bull

Sci Bull

Joule

Sci Bull

Sci Bull

Nano Energy

Sci Bull

Joule

Opportunities and challenges for tandem solar cells using metal halide perovskite semiconductors

Nat Energy

Perovskite—a perfect top cell for tandem devices to break the S–Q limit

Adv Sci

Bulk heterojunctions push the photoresponse of perovskite solar cells to 970 nm

J Mater Chem A

Organometal halide perovskites as visible-light sensitizers for photovoltaic cells

J Am Chem Soc

An 80.11% FF record achieved for perovskite solar cells by using the NH4Cl additive

Nanoscale

Cesium-containing triple cation perovskite solar cells: improved stability, reproducibility and high efficiency

Energy Environ Sci

Modified PEDOT layer makes a 1.52 V Voc for perovskite/PCBM solar cells

Adv Energy Mater

Iodide management in formamidinium-lead-halide–based perovskite layers for efficient solar cells

Science

Enhanced photovoltage for inverted planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells

Science

Self-Assembled 2D Perovskite Layers for Efficient Printable Solar Cells

Adv Energy Mater

Surface passivation of perovskite film for efficient solar cells

Nat Photonics

Advances in perovskite solar cells

Adv Sci

A mixed-cation lead mixed-halide perovskite absorber for tandem solar cells

Science

Efficient near-infrared-transparent perovskite solar cells enabling direct comparison of 4-terminal and monolithic perovskite/Silicon tandem cells

ACS Energy Lett

Parasitic absorption reduction in metal oxide-based transparent electrodes: application in perovskite solar cells

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces

Silicon heterojunction solar cell with interdigitated back contacts for a photoconversion efficiency over 26%

Nat Energy

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite/crystalline silicon four-terminal tandem solar cells

Phys Chem Chem Phys

Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells for tandems with silicon and CIGS

Energy Environ Sci

Efficient semitransparent perovskite solar cells for 23.0%-efficiency perovskite/silicon four-terminal tandem cells

Adv Energy Mater

Thermal and environmental stability of semi-transparent perovskite solar cells for tandems enabled by a solution-processed nanoparticle buffer layer and sputtered ITO electrode

Adv Mater

Perovskite–silicon tandem solar modules with optimised light harvesting

Energy Environ Sci

Balancing electrical and optical losses for efficient 4-terminal Si–perovskite solar cells with solution processed percolation electrodes

J Mater Chem A

27%‐efficiency four‐terminal perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells by sandwiched gold nanomesh

Adv Funct Mater

Rubidium multication perovskite with optimized bandgap for perovskite-silicon tandem with over 26% efficiency

Adv Energy Mater

High efficiency perovskite‐silicon tandem solar cells: effect of surface coating versus bulk incorporation of 2D perovskite

Adv Energy Mater

Enhanced optical path and electron diffusion length enable high-efficiency perovskite tandems

Review
Perovskite-based tandem solar cells

An 80.11% FF record achieved for perovskite solar cells by using the NH₄Cl additive

Modified PEDOT layer makes a 1.52 V V_oc for perovskite/PCBM solar cells

Efficient monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell with cell area >1 cm²

21.8% efficient monolithic perovskite/homo-junction-silicon tandem solar cell on 16 cm²

In situ recombination junction between p-Si and TiO₂ enables high-efficiency monolithic perovskite/Si tandem cells