# Liquid-Assisted Growth Enhances Perovskite Semiconductor Efficiency New manufacturing technique significantly reduces defects in thin films for solar and LED applications. - **Source:** [Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories](https://brifing.si/source/8b0f98da-d179-4c93-871f-7ac460bf9c61) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [science](https://brifing.si/c/science) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ceb1702a-6afc-4c1c-8241-da5fd20b68ef ## Innovative Crystal Growth Method A research team led by Professor Seong Sik Shin at Sungkyunkwan University developed a novel liquid-assisted crystal growth technique. This method targets the creation of next-generation perovskite semiconductor thin films. By refining the crystallization process, the researchers successfully achieved a dramatic reduction in material defects, which typically hinder overall device efficiency. ## Collaborative Global Research Effort The project represents a significant international collaboration involving multiple prestigious institutions. Partners include the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, the University of California, San Diego, and Princeton University. This cross-border cooperation combined expertise in nanotechnology and material science to overcome long-standing challenges in semiconductor thin film manufacturing and stability. ## Dual Application Material Platform The researchers utilized a unified material platform to demonstrate versatility across two distinct technology sectors. By applying the same liquid-assisted growth process, they produced high-performance solar cells and efficient light-emitting diodes. This dual-purpose capability highlights the potential for standardized manufacturing processes to improve performance in both energy harvesting and lighting. ## Addressing Semiconductor Defect Density Defects in perovskite structures often act as traps for charge carriers, significantly reducing the operational lifespan and energy conversion efficiency of devices. The new liquid-assisted method mitigates these structural imperfections during the film formation stage. Reducing these microscopic flaws is essential for scaling perovskite technology toward reliable, long-term commercial applications. ## Advancing Perovskite Solar Technology Perovskite materials are widely recognized for their potential to surpass the efficiency limits of traditional silicon-based solar cells. By minimizing defects through this liquid-assisted approach, the team has improved the charge transport properties within the thin film. This development brings perovskite solar technology closer to achieving high-efficiency standards required for market. ## Enhancing LED Performance Metrics Beyond solar energy, the same thin film technology shows promise for next-generation light-emitting diodes. The reduction of defects allows for more efficient radiative recombination, which is critical for high-brightness and low-energy LED operation. This research demonstrates that the structural integrity of the semiconductor film is the primary driver for performance. ## Technical Implications for Manufacturing The liquid-assisted growth method offers a scalable pathway for producing high-quality semiconductor films. Unlike traditional vapor-based deposition techniques, this liquid-phase approach provides better control over the crystal grain size and orientation. Such precision is vital for ensuring consistency across large-area modules, which remains a key hurdle for industrial-scale perovskite production. ## Future Research and Development While the current results demonstrate high performance, future studies will likely focus on long-term environmental stability and moisture resistance. The collaboration between SAINT, KRICT, and US universities sets a foundation for further optimization of these thin films. Continued progress in defect engineering will determine the viability of perovskites in commercial markets. ## Sources covering this story - https://phys.org/news/2026-11-liquid-crystal-growth-perovskite-defects.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._