Speakers

​​Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted considerable attention as next-generation photovoltaic devices because of their high power conversion efficiencies, lightweight form factors, and compatibility with low-cost manufacturing processes. While rapid progress has been achieved in laboratory-scale devices, commercialization requires further advances in long-term durability, scalable manufacturing technologies, and efficient process optimization. This presentation introduces AIST's research strategy for accelerating the practical deployment of PSCs through the integration of materials development, scalable fabrication processes, advanced characterization, and data-driven process optimization.​

To improve long-term stability, our research focuses on the development of durable functional materials for PSCs. Conventional organic hole-transport materials generally rely on hygroscopic dopants that promote ion migration and accelerate device degradation. To address this issue, dopant-free hole-transport materials and novel dopant systems have been developed to suppress degradation while maintaining high device performance. In addition, molecular engineering of perovskite materials has been investigated using low-cost phosphonic-acid-based additives that effectively enhance resistance to moisture, heat, and light without compromising charge transport. Advanced spectroscopic analyses have provided insights into the interactions between these additives and perovskite crystals, offering design guidelines for highly durable photovoltaic materials.

For large-scale manufacturing, scalable deposition technologies capable of producing uniform, high-quality perovskite films are indispensable. AIST has developed continuous coating processes together with automated fabrication platforms that enable highly reproducible device fabrication. To further accelerate process development, Process Informatics (PI) based on Bayesian optimization has been introduced to efficiently identify optimal processing conditions from a vast experimental parameter space. This data-driven approach substantially reduces experimental effort while simultaneously improving reproducibility and device performance, demonstrating a practical methodology for industrial process development.

The presentation will also discuss how the integration of materials innovation, scalable process technologies, advanced characterization, and artificial intelligence can shorten development cycles for emerging photovoltaic technologies. Finally, future perspectives for the commercialization of PSCs, including scale-up manufacturing, reliability assessment, and industrial collaboration, will be presented. This integrated approach provides a foundation for the widespread deployment of perovskite photovoltaics and contributes to the realization of a sustainable energy society.