As the costs of solar energy generation have dropped, installations have boomed around the world. However, there's work to be done in optimizing the efficiency of photovoltaic technologies and reducing the use of toxic materials.
Investigators from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin may have found a promising new way to address these challenges, according to a report by TechXplore.
Silicon has long been the go-to material for solar panels, but switching to perovskite could boost efficiency and allow for the creation of ultra-thin, lightweight solar cells.
Perovskite-based photovoltaics still struggle under environmental stresses such as heat and moisture, which has led to a variety of novel solutions to help improve their resilience.
The most efficient perovskite solar cells have also incorporated lead into their design, a toxic metal that's particularly dangerous to children.
As an alternative to lead-based perovskites, the researchers have found that by using phenothiazine — a self-assembled monolayer molecule abbreviated as Th-2EPT — they can achieve a higher power conversion efficiency with less toxicity.
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"We have demonstrated that the performance of tin perovskite photovoltaics can be significantly enhanced through targeted and rational molecular design," said Dr. Artem Musiienko, principal investigator in the study.
By 2030, solar technology is expected to account for 80% of renewable energy growth, driven by large solar plants and expanded rooftop installations for businesses and homes, according to the International Energy Agency.
This expansion of greener energy production is key to weaning society off of burning dirty fuels and instead harnessing more sustainable resources like the sun, wind, and hydropower.
Solar projects can even work in tandem with crop production, pollinator habitat development, and livestock grazing through the application of agrivoltaics, where photovoltaic panels share farming space, providing both shade and energy production.
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By using tin perovskite solar cells with Th-2EPT, the researchers reported an efficiency of 8.2%, laying the groundwork for future photovoltaic advancements free of toxic lead.
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