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Additive boosts through a twist in the tail

Researchers at KAUST have discovered a way to boost the efficiency of long-lived inverted perovskite solar cells, achieving record-certified efficiency of 22.3 percent. The innovative approach involves adding long-chain alkylamine ligands during production, which enhances stability and reduces boundary defects.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 27, 2020

Perovskite solar cells made of peppermint oil and walnut aroma food additives, preventing lead leakage

Researchers developed a new material technology to create high-efficiency perovskite solar cells using eco-friendly organic materials dissolved in peppermint oil or walnut aroma. The new polymers overcame the instability issue of conventional perovskite solar cells, maintaining 88% efficiency after 30 days.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 26, 2020
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Scientists develop safer lead-based perovskite solar cell

Scientists have developed a technique to sequester lead in perovskite solar cells, minimizing potential toxic leakage by applying lead-absorbing films to the front and back of the solar cell. The new approach has been shown to capture 96% of lead leakage under severe damage conditions.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalNature·DateFeb 19, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Researchers develop a roadmap for growth of new solar cells

A new study outlines a roadmap for perovskite-based solar cells to gain traction in the global market. Starting with higher-value niche markets, manufacturers can avoid steep initial capital costs and gradually expand production capabilities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateFeb 6, 2020

A consensus statement establishes the protocols to assess and report stability of perovskite photovoltaic devices

A new consensus statement has been established to assess and report the stability of perovskite photovoltaic devices. The agreement aims to improve reproducibility in studies by providing a set of testing procedures specific to this technology, including light-dark-cycling and intrinsic stability testing.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 30, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Plants absorb lead from perovskite solar cells more than expected

A recent study found that perovskite solar cells absorb lead from the environment, with lead from these cells being ten times more bioavailable than from other industrial sources. This could have significant implications for the safety of these materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020

Growing strained crystals could improve performance of perovskite electronics

Engineers at UC San Diego created a way to fabricate perovskite single crystals with precisely deformed structures, enabling significant changes in material properties. The researchers found that -1.2% strain produced samples with the best charge-carrier mobility and stabilized its photoactive alpha phase.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2020

Harnessing hot carriers for high efficiency solar cells

Researchers at KAUST have developed a way to prolong hot carrier lifetime in 2D perovskite solar materials, potentially increasing solar energy efficiency. The approach involves tuning the structure of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites to suppress hot carrier cooling mechanisms.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 30, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Fine-tuning thermoelectric materials for cheaper renewable energy

Researchers have developed new thermoelectric materials, halide perovskites, which can convert heat into electricity at lower costs. The team improved the materials' properties through partial oxidation and doping techniques, paving the way for their use in sustainable energy applications.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2019

Freestanding microwire-array enables flexible solar window

Scientists developed flexible and efficient transparent solar cells with colour-neutrality using silicon microwires embedded in a polymer matrix. The devices demonstrate transparency of up to 55% and excellent flexibility, making them promising for future transparent solar cells.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateDec 13, 2019
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Armored with plastic 'hair' and silica, new perovskite nanocrystals show more durability

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a novel approach to improve perovskite nanocrystal durability by encasing them in a plastic and silica double-layer protection system. The new method enables high-quality, complex architecture perovskites with controlled dimensions and surface chemistry, unlocking potential for v...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 29, 2019

Scratching the surface of perovskites

Researchers at OIST have characterized the structural defects that prompt ion movement in perovskite materials, which can destabilize the device. The study's findings may inform future engineering approaches to improve perovskite solar cells' performance and stability.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 24, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

NTU and Dutch scientists show how perovskite solar cells can capture more electricity

Scientists from NTU and UG have developed a method to identify the best pairs of materials in next-generation perovskite solar cells, which can capture more electricity. The new technique uses extremely fast lasers to observe how an energy barrier forms when perovskite is joined with a material that extracts electrical charges.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 16, 2019

Perovskite solar cells: Possible aspects of high efficiency uncovered

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the crystalline structure of hybrid halide perovskites, which could lead to improved stability and efficiency. The study found that ferroelectric effects are possible in these materials, which could increase their efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 13, 2019

New material points toward highly efficient solar cells

A new type of perovskite material eliminates lead and improves stability for next-generation solar cells. These materials have been shown to be as much as 28% efficient compared to current panels capturing only 15-18%. The new organic-inorganic hybrid structure also offers a blueprint for other functional hybrid materials.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

'Messy' production of perovskite material increases solar cell efficiency

Scientists at Cambridge discovered that perovskite materials can be more efficient when their chemical compositions are less ordered, simplifying production processes and lowering costs. This is achieved by creating areas with different compositions that trap energized charge carriers, improving solar cell efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 11, 2019

Perovskite solar cells get an upgrade

Rice University scientists have overcome a major hurdle keeping perovskite-based solar cells from achieving mainstream use by engineering defects and retaining efficiency. They replaced lead with indium, resulting in cells that can be made in open air and last for months.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 5, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New technique lets researchers map strain in next-gen solar cells

Scientists visualize grain structure of perovskite crystals without damaging solar cells, revealing misorientation as primary contributor to strain buildup. The discovery enables researchers to explore strategies to reduce or eliminate non-radiative recombination, a major efficiency-dampening factor in next-gen solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJoule·DateOct 31, 2019

Biological material boosts solar cell performance

Researchers at Penn State have successfully increased the efficiency of perovskite solar cells by adding the protein bacteriorhodopsin, boosting it from 14.5% to 17%. This breakthrough could lead to more environmentally friendly and cost-effective bioperovskite solar cell technology.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 22, 2019

Why modified carbon nanotubes can help the reproducibility problem

Researchers found that functionalized carbon nanotubes enhance the interaction between perovskite and CNTs, improving their performance and stability. The study revealed a self-recrystallization process in perovskite at room temperature, which can be accelerated by frequent measurements but degrades stability.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalSolar RRL·DateOct 18, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Solar cells with new interfaces

Scientists from NUST MISIS and University of Rome Tor Vergata developed a new approach to design perovskite solar cells using MXene, increasing efficiency by more than 25% compared to original prototypes. The innovative material enhances charge extraction through interfaces.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 30, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Tiny tweaks for big wins in solar cells

Researchers have made significant advancements in perovskite solar cells by tuning the halide-cation mixture, delaying the collapse of the sol-gel structure and promoting the formation of the desirable α-phase. This leads to improved solar cell performance and stability.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJoule·DateAug 26, 2019

New design strategy brightens up the future of perovskite-based light-emitting diodes

The team discovered a new strategy to design highly efficient perovskite-based LEDs by leveraging the quantum confinement effect, which allows for superior mobility of electrons and holes. This results in attractive light-emission properties, enabling record-setting performance in terms of brightness and power efficiency.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateAug 8, 2019

Improving efficiency, brightness of perovskite LEDs

Researchers developed a new approach to optimize highly efficient perovskite LEDs by exploring the performance of an amorphous zinc-silica-oxide system layered with perovskite crystals. The resulting devices showed improved efficiency, brightness, and light out-coupling efficiency, particularly in green diodes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateJul 30, 2019

Extraordinarily thick organic light-emitting diodes solve nagging issues

Scientists at Kyushu University created micrometer-thick OLEDs using a hybrid perovskite approach, overcoming manufacturing constraints and color distortion issues. The devices exhibit improved efficiencies and lifetimes, paving the way for low-cost, reliable, and uniform fabrication of OLED-based displays.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature·DateJul 29, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New record: PLQE of 70.3% in lead-free halide double perovskites

A new class of lead-free double perovskites has been developed, showcasing broad emission across the entire visible spectrum and achieving a record-high photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) of 70.3%. The material's stability and potential for efficient warm white-light emission make it promising for LED applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateJul 22, 2019

A crystal clear step closer to commercial solar cells

Researchers at KAUST have developed a synthetic approach to generate homogeneous and defect-free crystals that could fast-track the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. The new single-crystal films exhibit lower defect density and higher charge-carrier diffusion lengths, leading to high-quality solar cells with a maximum power-...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJul 11, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Nanobowl arrays endow perovskite solar cells with iridescent colors

Researchers developed colorful perovskite solar cells by depositing a uniform perovskite thin layer into arrayed nanobowls acting as a structured electron transport layer. The cells exhibited high-efficiency photovoltaic performance with up to 16.94% efficiency, overcoming previous color limitations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateJul 8, 2019

Next-gen solar cells spin in new direction

Research into phosphorene nanosheets has improved the potential of perovskite solar cells by increasing their electricity production efficiency by 2-3%. This breakthrough is significant as it could lead to more efficient and potentially cheaper solar cells, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSmall Methods·DateJun 21, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Perovskite solar cells tested for real-world performance -- in the lab

Researchers successfully simulated real-world conditions to assess perovskite solar cell performance. The study found that temperature and irradiance variations have a minimal impact on efficiency, with slight decreases during the day but recoveries at night.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 20, 2019

UCI scientists create new class of two-dimensional materials

Researchers at UCI unveil a new process for producing oxide perovskite crystals in exquisitely flexible, free-standing layers. The discovery creates a new class of two-dimensional materials with remarkable electronic properties, including high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2019

Data science helps engineers discover new materials for solar cells and LEDs

Researchers developed a computational approach to design new hybrid halide semiconductors, discovering 13 new material candidates for solar cells and 23 for LEDs. The study used large-scale quantum mechanics calculations to identify novel materials with excellent optoelectronic properties.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 22, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Quantum rebar: Quantum dots enhance stability of solar-harvesting perovskite crystals

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a way to combine perovskite crystals and quantum dots to create a stable hybrid material that can increase the efficiency of solar cells. The resulting material remains stable under ambient conditions for six months, significantly longer than similar materials without stabilization.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2019

Inorganic perovskite absorbers for use in thin-film solar cells

Researchers developed stable inorganic perovskite semiconductors at moderate temperatures, enabling integration into thin-film solar cells. The optimized CsPbI3 layers showed an initial efficiency of over 12% and stable performance for over 1200 hours.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 29, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Caffeine gives solar cells an energy boost

Scientists have discovered that caffeine can improve the performance and thermal stability of perovskite solar cells, increasing their efficiency from 17% to over 20%. The unique molecular structure of caffeine allows it to interact with perovskite precursors, giving this technology an edge on the market.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateApr 25, 2019

Better performance for mixed tin-lead perovskite solar cells

Researchers improved mixed tin-lead perovskite solar cells using guanidiinium thocyanate, enhancing carrier lifetimes and optoelectronic properties. This led to all-perovskite tandem solar cells achieving efficiencies of up to 25% with over 88% efficiency maintained after 100 hours of continuous operation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2019

The interface makes the difference

A collaboration of researchers from ICIQ and ICMAB-CSIC investigated the impact of changing Hole Transport Materials in perovskite solar cells. They found that the surfaces and interfaces created in the solar cell stack have a crucial role in functional device performances.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateApr 12, 2019
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.