Scientists have created inexpensive, flexible solar cells that last almost ten times longer than other types of that kind.
Often called the solar “Holy Grail,” perovskite cells offer a lightweight alternative to traditional silicon-based solar technology. Their flexible construction allows them to be applied to cars and phones in the form of printable layers so they can be recharged on the go.
Do you think it’s too good? So far you’re right. Perovskite has some major flaws. In particular, they quickly decompose due to chemical reactions with moisture in the air that leaks iodine.
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But now, the team of researchers has found a solution to this problem. By embedding nanoparticles in perovskite, they produced new cells lasting for 1,530 hours, almost magnification increased in previous perovskite solar cell designs. The researchers published the results of the survey on February 20 in the journal EES Solar.
“By addressing these common challenges found in perovskite solar technology, our research has opened the doors wide for cheaper, more efficient and more accessible solar power,” said Imarca Jayawardena, an engineering researcher at the Advanced Technology Institute at the University of Surrey in the UK, in a statement. “What we achieved here is a critical step in developing high-performance solar cells that can withstand real-world conditions, bringing us closer to commercial use on a global scale.”
Solar power generation
As the fastest and cheapest form of renewable energy, solar power is the key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the growth of this technology is hampered by its dependence on silicon, a finite and non-renewable resource that is in its purest form.
To avoid this bottleneck, scientists are trying to develop an alternative to perovskite. This is a synthetic version of naturally occurring calcium calcium oxide that can be made at a fraction of the cost. However, unlike pure silicon cells that last for decades, solar cells made from perovskite last for around 100 hours, significantly limiting their utility.
Related: Ultra-thin solar “coating” can turn phone cases and EVs into mini generators
In a new study, scientists looked for ways to catch iodine leaking from perovskite. Their solution was to embed small nanoparticles of aluminum oxide into the manufactured cells. This not only prevents iodine from leaking, but also creates a more uniform and electrically conductive structure.
After testing these cells under extreme heat and humidity, the researchers found that the modified cells remained high performance for more than two months (1,530 hours), a significant improvement in perovskite cells that have no lifespan of 160 hours.
Researchers plan to continue investigating new methods to see if these benefits can be built further.
“A decade ago, this long-lasting perovskite solar idea under real-world conditions seemed out of reach,” researchers at Hashini Perera, a researcher at Advanced Technology Institute, said in a statement. “Through these improvements, we are breaking new ground in stability and performance, bringing perovskite technology closer to mainstream energy solutions.”
