A new lead-free material with strong potential for solar cells has, to date, raised concerns about its durability. However, researchers have unveiled a breakthrough that shields the material from humidity and air, potentially overcoming a major hurdle.
Here's what to know
A material known as perovskite has been used in solar panels because of its strong photovoltaic properties. However, perovskite contains lead, so it has also raised public health and environmental concerns.
Scientists have since developed a new, nontoxic, lead-free form known as tin perovskite, according to a summary by the University of Wisconsin–Madison. However, the new material has lacked the durability needed for solar panels, which are exposed to the elements for years during their lifetimes.
"Tin perovskites are very promising materials for solar energy, but they are extremely sensitive to air and moisture," said Song Jin, a University of Wisconsin–Madison professor of chemistry and a corresponding author of the study, per Tech Xplore.
However, the new research strongly suggests that tin perovskite can be made more resilient and long-lasting.
The researchers revealed their findings in a study published in the journal Nature Materials. The work was a collaboration between the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the National Laboratory of the Rockies, and other institutions.
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More background
According to experts, perovskites are appealing because of their high solar conversion rates and simpler production methods. If the durability-related challenges can be overcome, perovskites could expand access to cleaner, cheaper electricity for residences, commercial buildings, and utility-scale projects.
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Eliminating lead would also ease a central health and environmental objection to some solar technologies.
What's being done?
Around the world, labs and solar startups have been working on two problems at once: boosting perovskite performance and durability, and figuring out how to manufacture the cells at commercial scale, Tech Xplore reported. Breakthroughs in durability could represent a real step toward the widespread adoption of the technology.
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Where can I learn more?
This work is part of a broader push to make next-generation solar cells more efficient and durable. The articles here explore coated perovskites, record-setting designs, and other experimental materials that could reshape photovoltaics.
• Scientists have built coated perovskite-silicon solar cells that approach 31% efficiency with stability.
• In Singapore, engineers achieved certified world-record efficiency with a next-generation solar-cell design.
• In Japan, scientists advanced near-perfect organic solar material that could reshape lightweight panels.
• Researchers unveiled a selenium-based technique that could significantly improve solar-cell performance.
• A team explored alpha-phase indium selenide to push solar materials toward higher output.
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