Researchers from Monash University, the University of Oxford and the City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel strategy to enhance the stability and performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
The material engineering breakthrough creates an effect called 'self-healing', where the solar cell is capable of repairing minute defects caused by exposure to heat and moisture.
Perovskite solar cells are highly efficient, lightweight and cheap to manufacture but have demonstrated durability issues that reduce the technology’s usefulness in solar energy production.
Scientists believe this new method of creating self-healing PSCs could position them to play a major role in the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
Slow-release repair agents
Researchers have developed an innovating agent which dynamically heals the perovskite layer when exposed to environmental stressors such as moisture and heat, increasing sustained performance and overall longevity.
The idea of self-repairing materials is not a new one – Roman Concrete was also self-healing using inclusions of quicklime.
When cracks formed, water would penetrate the concrete and react with the quicklime deposits, which would then bubble up as calcium hydroxide or slaked lime, filling in the cracks and strengthening the concrete.
“This work addresses critical issues related to defect passivation in perovskites that have hindered widespread adoption of this promising technology,” said Professor Udo Bach, study co-author and director of Research, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Monash.
“Our slow-release strategy represents a significant advancement in the field of perovskite photovoltaics.
“By slowly releasing the passivating agents into our perovskite material we have been able to produce solar cells not only with enhanced performance but also extended long-term stability under real-world conditions.
“This breakthrough could pave the way for more reliable and efficient perovskite solar cells contributing to the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.”
The number one net-zero solution
Solar energy is the most widely available energy resource on earth and research has indicated it is likely to become the dominant source of renewable energy in global electricity markets due to its low cost and almost universal accessibility.
The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Net Zero Scenario requires about 8,300 terra watt-hours (TWh) by 2030, up from 1,300 TWh in 2022.
Solar took the crown for largest absolute generation growth of all renewable technologies in 2022, surpassing wind for the first time in history.
The IEA upgraded the status of solar photovoltaic technologies in its Net Zero Scenario to “on track” in 2023, meaning current growth should meet projected targets.
“Maintaining a generation growth rate aligned with the Net Zero Scenario will require reaching annual capacity additions that are close to three times higher than those of 2022 until 2030,” the IEA Solar PV Report states.
“Achieving this will require continuous policy ambition and effort from both public and private stakeholders, especially in the areas of grid integration and in addressing policy, regulation and financing challenges.”