Researchers have unveiled a promising advancement in solar cell technology using piracetam, a crystal-modifying agent that enhances the efficiency of all-perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs). Conducted by Shiqiang Fu, Shun Zhou, and their colleagues, the study emphasizes the scalability of this approach, which could lead to significant improvements in solar energy conversion. These results were published in the journal Nature Materials, and the research was accessed on May 27, 2025.
Researchers are equally thrilled about the advance of all-perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs). These new-age cells stack multiple sub-cells on top of each other to efficaciously harness light across a wider wavelength spectrum with remarkable efficiency and agility. Our creative employment of piracetam helps in growing 1-D (Pi)PbI3 perovskite nanoneedles at grain boundaries and surfaces. Through this process, the structural integrity of the cells is significantly increased while simultaneously optimizing their optoelectronic properties.
Achievements in Power Conversion Efficiency
In their study, Fu, Zhou and their co-workers set impressive records for monolithic two-terminal all-perovskite TSCs. To test their model the team fabricated devices with aperture areas of 0.07 cm² and 1.02 cm². They achieved notable PCEs of 28.71% and 28.20%, respectively. These numbers take into account both stabilized and certified efficiencies, affirming the success of this new methodology.
“All-perovskite TSCs offer exceptional performance and versatile applicability,” – Shiqiang Fu, Shun Zhou and their colleagues.
One aspect of this study that’s incredibly impressive is the lack of PCE loss when moving from small-area to large-area devices. The realized loss ended up being just 0.51%. This breakthrough addresses a significant challenge in the field: bridging the efficiency gap between smaller test devices and larger commercial units.
“However, a significant challenge persists in bridging the power conversion efficiency (PCE) gap between small- and large-area (>1 cm²) devices, which presents a formidable barrier to the commercialization of all-perovskite TSCs,” – Shiqiang Fu, Shun Zhou and their colleagues.
The Role of Piracetam
Piracetam is an indispensable component of this creative process. It is helpful for regulating perovskite nucleation, thus resulting in the formation of larger grain sizes and increased crystallinity. This is critical for achieving inter-cell uniformity of optoelectronic properties in tandem solar cells.
“Piracetam, featuring amide and pyrrolidone moieties, initially modulates perovskite nucleation, resulting in large-sized grains, preferred (110) orientation, enhanced crystallinity and uniform optoelectronic properties,” – Fu, Zhou and their colleagues.
The agent directly removes residual PbI2 during thermal annealing. This step considerably contributes to the quality and performance of the solar cells. This wide-ranging applicability provides a pathway to increase PCE from 23.56% up to 25.71% for single-junction 1.56 eV-bandgap solar cells.
Future Implications for Solar Energy
If the predictions from this research hold true, this work has the potential to impact radically the direction of solar energy technology. Fu, Zhou and their group introduce an impressive, scalable strategy that highlights the thrilling promise of all-perovskite TSCs. This strategic approach expands pathways for integration and faster adoption across multiple use cases. With advances like these, their efforts are likely to lead the development of commercial solutions that make use of these more efficient solar energy conversion techniques.
“In addition, piracetam demonstrates broad applicability across different perovskite compositions,” – Fu, Zhou and their colleagues.
This study is about more than just increasing efficiency. It opens the door to cheaper, faster, and easier solar energy solutions for the whole planet. Researchers are hopeful that persistent investigation into crystal-modifying agents such as piracetam will produce more breakthroughs in solar technology.