Perovskite solar cells have taken a giant step towards commercial viability. Researchers at the University of Surrey, in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory and the University of Sheffield, have developed a method that significantly improves the stability and lifetime of these cells by using aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles.
The solution to the Achilles heel of perovskite
Perovskite solar cells are an efficient and economical alternative to traditional silicon panels. However, their commercialization has been limited due to iodine leakage, a structural defect that causes their degradation over time.
To address this problem, scientists have incorporated aluminum oxide nanoparticles inside cells, which helps trap iodine and prevent its loss.
Promising results in extreme conditions
The study, published in EES Solar , put the improved cells through tests in high-humidity and high-temperature environments. The results were astonishing: these solar cells maintained their performance for more than 1,530 hours , a tenfold improvement compared to the 160 hours of durability of devices without this modification.
Further analysis showed that the Al₂O₃ nanoparticles, in addition to trapping iodine, also contributed to a more uniform perovskite structure with fewer defects. Furthermore, a protective 2D perovskite layer was formed that acted as an additional barrier against moisture, reinforcing the stability of the material.
Implications for the future of solar energy
By addressing these common challenges we see with perovskite solar technology, our research opens the door to cheaper, more efficient, and more accessible solar energy. What we have achieved here is a fundamental step towards developing high-performance solar cells that can withstand real-world conditions, bringing us closer to their commercial use on a global scale.
According to Dr. Imalka Jayawardena, a professor at the University of Surrey
Furthermore, Professor Ravi Silva, Director of the Advanced Technology Institute, emphasized that this type of innovation will be key to achieving global renewable energy and sustainability goals.
With the urgency to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, improving the stability of perovskite solar cells could be a decisive factor in the transition to a sustainable energy future.
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Source and internal photo: University of Surrey
Main photo: Shutterstock