Scientists from Hong Kong have identified and addressed a key shortcoming of perovskite solar panels, paving the way for their widespread use and improved solar energy conversion efficiency.
Solar Energy Breakthrough
Perovskite Panels: Potential and Challenges
Experts from the School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have made a significant breakthrough in the field of solar energy. They discovered and solved a problem that had previously prevented widespread adoption of high-efficiency perovskite solar panels.
Modern commercial solar panels typically exhibit power conversion efficiencies (ECEs) in the range of 15 -20%. This means that under optimal conditions they can convert no more than a fifth of the sunlight that hits them into electricity. In unfavorable weather conditions this figure is even lower.
Advantages of perovskite technologies
The use of perovskite makes it possible to achieve an EPE of up to 33%, which is significantly higher than that of traditional panels. In addition, perovskite solar cells are characterized by lower production costs and environmental friendliness. They can be produced in different color variations, making it easier to integrate into the urban environment.
Key problem and solution
However, perovskite had a significant drawback: instability under sudden temperature fluctuations and prolonged exposure to moisture and oxygen. This problem has been the main obstacle to large-scale commercial application of perovskite panels.
A team of scientists led by HKUST Associate Professor Zhou Yuanyuan examined the microstructure of perovskite and found that The crystalline grains of the material have concavities on the surface. These irregularities compromise the structural integrity of the perovskite film, leading to its failure under various operating conditions.
Innovative processing method
Researchers have developed a method for processing perovskite material using the surfactant molecule tridecafluorohexane-1 potassium salt -sulfonic acid. This approach promotes ion diffusion in the production of films for solar panels.
Solar cells created using processed perovskite material have demonstrated improved efficiency and stability under high humidity and temperature conditions, as well as in thermal cycling and maximum power point tracking tests.
The structure and geometry of individual crystal grains play a key role in the performance of perovskite semiconductors and solar cells, Zhou said.
Glossary
- HKUST - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, a leading educational institution in the field of engineering and technological research
- Perovskite - a class of materials with a special crystal structure, promising for use in solar energy
- EPE - conversion efficiency energy, a measure of the ability of solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity
- Zhou Yuanyuan - Associate Professor at HKUST, leader of a research group working on improving perovskite solar cells
- Tridecafluorohexane-1-sulfonic acid potassium salt is a surfactant used for processing perovskite material
References
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Discussion of the topic – Revolutionary breakthrough: advanced solar panels with increased efficiency
HKUST scientists have discovered and solved the problem of instability in perovskite solar panels, paving the way for widespread adoption of high-efficiency solar technologies.
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