Tokyo, Japan – Sumitomo Heavy Industries (SHI), a leading Japanese industrial group, has announced the development of a novel reactive plasma deposition (RPD) method aimed at revolutionizing the manufacturing of perovskite solar cells. This innovative technology is designed to create ultra-thin tin oxide electron transport layers (ETL) crucial for the next generation of photovoltaic devices, promising low-temperature mass production with significantly reduced substrate damage.
The announcement, made on August 22, 2025, highlights a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing challenges of scaling perovskite solar cell technology for widespread adoption.
Advancing Perovskite Technology with Reactive Plasma Deposition
Perovskite solar cells are celebrated for their high efficiency, lightweight, flexibility, and potential for low manufacturing costs, making them a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells. However, their mass production has been hampered by the sensitivity of perovskite materials to high temperatures and the complexities of depositing critical functional layers without compromising performance.
SHI’s newly developed RPD method specifically targets the formation of the electron transport layer (ETL), a vital component that facilitates the efficient transfer of electrons generated in the perovskite layer to the electrode. Traditional methods for forming these layers often involve high-energy particles and elevated temperatures, which can be detrimental to the delicate perovskite material.
Key Advantages of SHI’s Plasma Method
The reactive plasma deposition method offers several critical advantages:
- Low-Temperature Production: The process enables the formation of ETLs at low temperatures, crucial for preserving the integrity and performance of the heat-sensitive perovskite layers.
- Minimal Substrate Damage: By reducing the impact on the substrate, the new method ensures higher quality and potentially more durable solar cells.
- Cost-Effective and Scalable: SHI emphasized that the method utilizes cost-effective materials and a low-impact process, directly addressing major barriers to the large-scale manufacturing of perovskite technologies. This positions the RPD method as a viable pathway toward economically efficient mass production.
The electron transport layer’s ability to accept electrons from the perovskite layer and efficiently move them to the electrode is paramount for the cell’s performance. SHI’s RPD technology aims to achieve this functionality while overcoming the limitations of conventional deposition techniques.
Broader Implications for Japan’s Renewable Energy Goals
This development aligns with Japan’s ambitious renewable energy targets. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) aims to deploy 20 GW of perovskite solar capacity by 2040, as part of broader plans to accelerate the adoption of next-generation solar technologies. SHI’s innovation is expected to play a crucial role in achieving these national objectives by making perovskite solar cell manufacturing more accessible and cost-effective.
Japan has been a significant player in perovskite solar cell research and development, with various companies and consortia actively working on commercialization and deployment. Recent efforts include Sekisui Chemical launching pilot projects, and a consortium of Macnica, Reiko, and Peccell Technologies testing flexible perovskite modules. Furthermore, Japanese scientists have achieved record efficiencies in flexible perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, showcasing the nation’s commitment to advancing this technology.
The advancement by Sumitomo Heavy Industries underscores the ongoing global efforts to enhance the stability and scalability of perovskite solar cells, paving the way for their broader integration into the world’s energy infrastructure.
