ICIQ molecule EADR03 for solar cells is commercialized worldwide

Dyenamo and Lumtec, chemical companies specialized in solar energy, are making the Palomares Group molecule global

From ICIQ laboratories to the global market. This is the journey of the molecule EADR03, developed in the Prof. Palomares group in 2021 and published in Energy & Environmental Science journal. The Swedish chemical company Dyenamo joins the Taiwanese company Lumtec commercializing worldwide the ICIQ molecule thanks to its exceptional performance in solar energy production. Both companies are specialized in state-of-the-art materials for research and industrialization, particularly in the fields of dye-sensitized solar cells, perovskite solar cells, light emitting diodes and solar fuels. The companies are selling now the molecules under the commercial names of DN-X32 and LT-S9583, respectively.

The novel molecule 4-(3,6-bis(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-9H-carbazol-9-yl)benzoic acid, is capable of forming self-assembled monolayers, serving as hole-selective contact in solar cell devices and enhancing its efficiency. This molecule not only facilitates hole transport but also blocks undesired back-donation of electrons. Furthermore, its capability to passivate surface defects is remarkable.

EADR03 has a modified bulky carbazole as its main part. By adding two 1,3-dimethoxy benzene units to the carbazole, it aligns well with the perovskite absorber film in the solar cell and also makes it more soluble. It has revolutionized the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells, enabling them to maintain an impressive 80% of their initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21% over a 250-hour period at 85°C under 1 sun illumination.

This molecule not only elevates solar cell efficiency but also paves the way for a greener and cleaner future. With ICIQ’s dedication to sustainable research and the expertise of Dyenamo and Lumtec in commercializing cutting-edge materials, we could sight an eco-friendlier world.

Reference article

Aktas, E.; Phung, N.; Köbler, H.; González, D. A.; Méndez, M.; Kafedjiska, I.; Turren-Cruz, S. H.; Wenisch, R.; Lauermann, I.; Abate, A.; Palomares, E. “Understanding the perovskite/self-assembled selective contact interface for ultra-stable and highly efficient p–i–n perovskite solar cells”.Energy Environ. Sci. 2021, 14, 3976-3985, DOI: 10.1039/D0EE03807E.