The 20th (2020) Yamazaki-Teiichi Prize Winner Material
Invention and efficiency development of solar cells based on organic inorganic perovskite semiconductors
| Winner | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tsutomu Miyasaka Specially Appointed Professor, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Toin University of Yokohama |
Reason for award
Dr. Miyasaka is the discoverer of the perovskite solar cell which boosted a rapid progress in research worldwide. The semiconductors in which Dr. Miyasaka discovered the solar power generation function is a lead halide perovskite type crystalline structure ABX3 which consists of an organic-inorganic hybrid compound as represented by a composition of CH3NH3PbX3 (Pb=lead, X=I, Br) and demonstrates excellent photophysical properties. The energy conversion efficiency in his research has reached 22.7% with a unique interface control technology, and overseas research groups have also reported a high efficiency reaching 25.2%, which competes with top efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells. This perovskite type crystal is soluble in a solvent and easily coated in the form of a film by a low-cost solution (printing) processes and drying treatments. An extensive range of applications can be expected not only for solar cells but also for light emitting devices, photo diodes, memristor devices, etc. Since this material is lightweight and demonstrates excellent radiation durability, its development towards practical applications in a space environment is currently advancing. If lead-free perovskite materials are realized the social impact of this research achievement will become greater. Currently, the breakthrough for development of lead-free new perovskite materials is becoming actualized. Therefore, there is great significance in awarding the prize to Dr. Miyasaka the discoverer of the perovskite solar cell material.
Due to the above reason, Dr. Miyasaka was selected as the award winner in the materials field for The 20th Yamazaki-Teiichi Prize.