While perovskite solar cells offer a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to traditional silicon-based solar panels, they have struggled with long-term reliability due to iodine leakage, which leads to material degradation.
In collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory and the University of Sheffield, the research team discovered that incorporating Al2O3 nanoparticles effectively traps iodine, mitigating degradation and enhancing the cells' overall performance.
Dr Hashini Perera, a postgraduate research student and lead author of the study from the Advanced Technology Institute at the University of Surrey, expressed enthusiasm about the findings: "It's incredibly exciting to see our approach make such an impact. A decade ago, the idea of perovskite solar cells lasting this long under real-world conditions seemed out of reach. With these improvements, we're breaking new ground in stability and performance, bringing perovskite technology closer to becoming a mainstream energy solution."
The study, published in *EES Solar*, tested the modified solar cells under extreme heat and humidity to simulate real-world conditions. The results showed that perovskite solar cells enhanced with Al2O3 nanoparticles maintained high efficiency for over two months (1,530 hours), a remarkable improvement compared to the 160-hour performance of unmodified cells.
Further analysis indicated that the nanoparticles not only reinforced the perovskite structure, reducing defects and improving electrical conductivity, but also facilitated the formation of a protective 2D perovskite layer. This additional layer helps shield the cells from moisture-related degradation, further enhancing their longevity.
Dr Imalka Jayawardena from Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute emphasized the significance of this breakthrough: "By addressing these common challenges we see with perovskite solar technology, our research blows the doors wide open for cheaper, more efficient, and more widely accessible solar power. What we've achieved here is a critical step toward developing high-performance solar cells that can withstand real-world conditions - bringing us closer to their commercial use at a global scale."
Professor Ravi Silva, Director of the Advanced Technology Institute and interim Director at the Surrey Institute for Sustainability, highlighted the broader implications of the discovery: "With the deadline for Net-Zero targets fast approaching, expanding access to renewable energy solutions is more critical than ever if we're to successfully reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Breakthroughs like this will play a vital role in meeting global energy demands while supporting our transition to a sustainable future.
Recent analysis by the Confederation of British Industry also highlights that training in the renewable energy sector not only improves career prospects but can lead to wages above the national average, reinforcing the economic and environmental benefits of investing in clean energy."
Research Report:Improved stability and electronic homogeneity in perovskite solar cells via a nanoengineered buried oxide interlayer
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