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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

New properties of perovskite solar cells

Researchers found that perovskite solar cells are stable up to 300 Gy of γ-radiation but suffer a rapid drop in efficiency with further increases in dose. The study aims to find more stable materials, which could make perovskite solar cells suitable for use in space

SourceUral Federal University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 25, 2019

Nanocrystal 'factory' could revolutionize quantum dot manufacturing

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a microfluidic system that can synthesize perovskite quantum dots across the entire spectrum of visible light. The system drastically reduces manufacturing costs and allows for real-time process monitoring to ensure quality control, enabling mass production of high-quality QDs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 15, 2019

Mixed-cation perovskite solar cells in space

Researchers tested large-area perovskite solar cells in near space at an altitude of 35 km, demonstrating their ability to retain power conversion efficiency despite extreme conditions. The study found that a device based on FA0.81MA0.10Cs0.04PbI2.55Br0.40 retained 95.19% of its initial efficiency.

Lithuanian scientists' approach to perovskite solar cells -- cheaper production and high efficiency

Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) developed a novel approach to form selective contact layers in perovskite solar cells using self-assembling monolayers. This method achieves extremely low material consumption and high efficiency, outperforming traditional methods.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 11, 2018

New records in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells through improved light management

Researchers have developed a new approach to improve the efficiency of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells by using textures and a polymer light management foil. This design achieved an efficiency of 25.5%, outperforming previous records, and has the potential to reach up to 32.5% with further improvements.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 12, 2018

High-performance solar cells: Physicists grow stable perovskite layers

Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg develop a method to produce stable perovskite layers, which could lead to high-performance solar cells. The approach uses an industry-wide process to control layer growth, resulting in homogenous and controlled crystals that can withstand elevated temperatures.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 8, 2018

New efficiency record set for perovskite LEDs

Perovskite LEDs have achieved close to 100% internal luminescence efficiency, opening up applications in displays, lighting, and communications. The devices outperform conventional OLEDs in terms of light-emission efficiency due to a composite layer of perovskites with an insulating polymer.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 5, 2018

Efficiently turning light into electricity

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered carrier multiplication in certain perovskites, increasing efficiency up to 44% compared to traditional solar cells. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of more efficient photodetectors and solar cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2018

Shake, rattle, and roll to high efficiency photovoltaics

Researchers at Penn State discover unique properties of halide perovskites that enable efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity, guiding the development of next-generation solar cells. The study's findings provide insights into how to improve the performance and stability of these materials.

SourcePenn State·JournalChem·DateSep 27, 2018

New material for splitting water

Researchers have discovered a new class of materials that can harness sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Cs2BiAgCl6 and Cs2BiAgBr6 are promising photocatalytic materials due to their ability to absorb visible light and generate sufficient energy to split water.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 18, 2018

Interest in tandem solar cells heats up

Recent improvements in perovskite alternatives are moving tandem devices closer to market with efficiencies similar to commercial silicon modules. Researchers have achieved lab device efficiencies up to 26.4 percent by tinkering with material composition and encapsulating cells in protective coatings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 13, 2018

Scientists go deep to quantify perovskite properties

Researchers at Rice University and Los Alamos National Laboratory developed a scale to measure exciton binding energy in perovskite quantum wells, enabling the design of efficient optoelectronic devices. This breakthrough could impact solar cells, LEDs, and other technologies.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2018

Beyond conventional solution-process for 2D heterostructure

Researchers have developed a facile wet-chemical method to directly grow organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite nanocrystals on dispersible MoS2 nanosheets. This enables the scalable production of solution-processible heterostructures, which exhibit improved light absorption and energy transfer due to their epitaxial interface. The use of...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateJun 4, 2018