UC Santa Barbara innovates room temperature process for perovskite solar cells
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 08, 2024
As the global demand for sustainable energy solutions intensifies, solar power stands out as a vital resource. Researchers at the University of California – Santa Barbara are at the forefront, enhancing solar technology with a new method for producing perovskite solar cells more efficiently.
Perovskite solar cells have gained attention for their potential to outperform traditional silicon-based cells due to their lightweight, flexibility, and lower production costs. However, the complex, high-temperature processes required previously have hindered their broader adoption and raised environmental concerns. Addressing these challenges, the UCSB team has developed a breakthrough room-temperature method that simplifies production and reduces energy consumption.
“This new process eliminates the need for the energy-intensive steps of thermal annealing and post-treatment,” explained Ahra Yi, a postdoctoral researcher at UCSB. This advancement not only streamlines manufacturing but also aligns better with existing industrial practices, significantly cutting down carbon emissions associated with production.
The innovation has led to a notable increase in efficiency, achieving a conversion efficiency of 24.4%. “This efficiency surpasses the previous barriers, setting a new benchmark for room-temperature processed devices,” stated Sangmin Chae, a doctoral student at UCSB.
The technique’s low energy requirements also allow for unique applications, such as integrating solar cells with delicate surfaces like leaves, highlighting its gentle processing nature. “Such applications demonstrate the method’s potential in non-traditional settings and in creating devices with unconventional shapes,” added Professor Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, director of the UCSB Center for Polymers and Organic Solids.
The development opens new possibilities for integrating high-efficiency solar cells into a wide array of products, from wearable electronics to IoT devices, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Research Report:Room-temperature-processed perovskite solar cells surpassing 24% efficiency
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