A breakthrough with solar cells being able to withstand corrosive susceptibility via ‘self-healing’ could be huge for solar energy production and the decarbonisation of road transport and manufacturing.
A recent study published in Nature features a strategy to enhance the stability and performance of Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) through a process described as ‘self-healing’.
In line with this strategy, researchers from Monash University, the University of Oxford, and the City University of Hong Kong have developed an agent that heals the perovskite layer when exposed to environmental stressors such as moisture and heat, ensuring sustained device performance and longevity.
This resulted in solar cells with 25.1 per cent power conversion efficiency and remarkable stability, through 1,000 hours of accelerated ageing tests at 85°C and simulated solar illumination.
“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.”
Being highly efficient, lightweight and cheap, PSCs are expected to play a leading role in the future of solar energy production.
Yet, Monash said scientists still need to find a way to produce them on a larger scale and make them more durable.
In other news, Singapore Post subsidiaries, CouriersPlease and FMH Group, have announced the completion of their merger.
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