In the renewable energy landscape, solar energy represents the fastest growing frontier, essential for fight climate change. Its ability to convert sunlight into electricity makes it a protagonist in various sectors, from lighting to heating and powering devices.
Traditional silicon solar cells, with a lifespan of about 25 years, are a bastion of reliability. However, silicon, being a non-renewable resource, poses problems of environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the most durable solar cells, which use pure silicon, are expensive and complex to produce.
Recently, perovskites have proven to be a promising solution. These materials, rare in nature but artificially synthesizable, have an ABX3 crystalline structure and are composed of electrically charged ions. Perovskites offer a cheaper and less impactful alternative to silicon, but their durability has so far been limited.
A group of scientists published on Science a study that could change the cards on the table. They have developed highly durable perovskite solar cells, exceeding the limits of stability which have slowed down the commercial use of these materials. Traditional perovskite cells, in fact, they have a useful life of only a few months and are vulnerable to chemical and thermal instability, as well as being sensitive to moisture and oxygen during manufacturing.
The research team adopted new design strategies, focusing on formamidinium iodide, known for its excellent light absorption and thermal stability. By introducing a soluble form of this precursor into a layer of 2D perovskites and subjecting them to heat, they obtained “ultra-stable” 3D perovskites.
Isaac Metcalf, a materials science and nanoengineering student, explained the importance of this discovery: “Perovskite solar cells are considered the Holy Grail of new solar technology. They can be produced at significantly lower costs than inorganic cells, such as silicon ones, because they can be processed in solution at low temperatures”.
This innovation not only promises solar cells with a lifespan comparable to silicon ones, but also paves the way for large-scale production thanks to compatibility with solution processing methods. The breakthrough made with this study is significant and could bring perovskite solar cells to a level of commercial maturitywith positive impacts on the environment and the global economy.
Apple AirPods (2nd generation) it is one of the best sellers on today
