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A little tension yields enormous solar crystals

Scientists at KAUST and Oxford University have created a method to produce centimeter-scale, highly pure perovskite crystals by exploiting surface tension. This technique enables the growth of large-area perovskites without being limited to specific metal cations.

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Researchers set time limit for ultrafast perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells could generate electricity more efficiently by harnessing the kinetic energy of electrons moving at high speeds. The study found that electrons retain their highest levels of energy for up to 10 quadrillionths of a second, limiting the time frame for extraction.

Defects in next-generation solar cells can be healed with light

Defects in perovskites can be permanently healed with light and humidity, accelerating the development of cheap and high-performance solar cells. The process involves exposure to light, oxygen, and controlled humidity levels, which create a protective shell that locks in improvements.

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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Green light for ultra-fine display colors

Scientists have made a breakthrough in producing ultra-pure green light for high-resolution displays, exceeding 97-99% of the Rec.2020 standard. The new technology uses simple room-temperature processes and inexpensive materials, paving the way for low-cost industrial production.

Insect eyes inspire new solar cell design from Stanford

Stanford University scientists have created a compound solar cell with perovskite microcells encapsulated in hexagonal scaffolds, inspired by the insect compound eye. The design increases fracture resistance without compromising efficiency, and the cells withstand extreme temperatures and humidity.

Perovskite solar cells go single crystal

Researchers have successfully grown single crystalline films of perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 on electron-collecting substrates, exhibiting excellent photovoltaic properties. The resulting devices achieve high efficiency rates, closing the gap with traditional silicon-based solar cells and offering a promising solution for renewable energy.

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Shape-shifters soak up sunshine

Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a crystalline material that changes shape in response to light, showcasing its potential applications in novel optoelectronic devices

The power of perovskite

Researchers at OIST have improved the stability of perovskite solar cells by inserting a thin polymer layer, extending their lifespan four-fold. They have also developed a new method to manufacture perovskite LEDs using chemical vapor deposition, which could lead to lower-cost and more efficient lighting solutions.

Fewer defects from a 2-D approach

Scientists at KAUST have discovered that two-dimensional layers of perovskite material can achieve higher purity levels than their three-dimensional counterparts. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.

UNIST hits new world efficiency record with perovskite solar cells

Researchers at UNIST have achieved a new world record efficiency performance of 22.1% in small cells and 19.7 percent in 1-square-centimeter cells using perovskite solar cells. The breakthrough is made possible by careful control of growth conditions to fix defects that reduce photoelectric efficiency.

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Non-toxic alternative for next-generation solar cells

A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and the US has demonstrated a non-toxic alternative to lead for use in next-generation solar cells, using bismuth oxyiodide. The material shows comparable performance to current silicon-based solar cells, with efficiencies up to 22%.

New class of 'soft' semiconductors could transform HD displays

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a new type of semiconductor that can emit multiple bright colors from a single nanowire, challenging traditional quantum dot displays. The 'soft' semiconductors use ionic bonds instead of covalent bonds, making them easier to reconfigure and produce.

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Ultra-stable perovskite solar cell remains stable for more than a year

Scientists have developed an ultra-stable perovskite solar cell with a constant efficiency of 11.2% for more than 10,000 hours, resolving stability issues and paving the way for commercialization. The 2D/3D hybrid perovskite design efficiently absorbs light across the visible spectrum and transports electrical charges.

A new spin on electronics

Researchers at University of Utah have discovered that organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites possess contradictory properties necessary to make spintronic devices work, enabling exponentially more data processing and overcoming size limitations in traditional electronics.

Solar cells more efficient thanks to new material standing on edge

Researchers developed a new perovskite material that overcomes water sensitivity, creating stable and efficient solar cells with a ten percent efficiency rate. The material's ability to self-organize in an edge-standing structure increases electron circulation, improving energy conversion.

Next-gen solar cells could be improved by atomic-scale redesign

New research reveals the mechanism behind perovskite solar cell breakdown in air, which causes significant degradation and reduces their efficiency. By understanding this process at an atomic scale, scientists have proposed possible solutions to engineer defects out of the material.

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Mixed valence states in lead perovskites

Scientists have discovered a new class of materials with mixed valence states in lead perovskites, exhibiting charge ordering and high thermopower. The study reveals the key to stabilizing these unusual valence states through tuning the energy levels of Pb 6s and TM 3d orbitals.

Light can improve perovskite solar cell performance

EPFL scientists have found that light plays a crucial role in controlling the morphology of perovskite crystals, leading to improved photovoltaic performance. The study reveals that the presence of light accelerates the formation of perovskites and enhances crystal growth.

NREL's new perovskite ink opens window for quality cells

Scientists at NREL developed a new perovskite ink with a long processing window, allowing for the production of high-efficiency solar cells. The ink was tested using blade-coating and produced indistinguishable film morphology and device performance.

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Revealing the microscopic mechanisms in perovskite solar cells

Researchers have confirmed that doping spiro-OMeTAD with LiTFSI prevents holes from getting trapped, allowing them to move freely and generate electrical current. This process was observed using electron spin resonance spectroscopy and demonstrated a two-order-of-magnitude increase in the number of electron spins.

Nanotube film may resolve longevity problem of challenger solar cells

Researchers from Aalto University have developed a nanotube film that can replace traditional materials in perovskite solar cells, improving their stability and lifetime. The new material has conductivity as high as possible and can be made transparent and thin, making it suitable for use as the front contact of the cell.

Perovskite edges can be tuned for optoelectronic performance

Researchers have developed layered 2D hybrid perovskites with nanometer thickness, improving optoelectronic performance for efficient devices. The discovery of layer-edge-states at the edges of perovskite layers enables uninhibited charge transport and enhances photovoltaic and light-emitting properties.

Printable solar cells just got a little closer

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new chemical reaction that enables the growth of an electron-selective layer made of nanoparticles in solution, directly on top of the electrode. This breakthrough reduces the manufacturing temperature and improves efficiency, paving the way for low-cost, printable solar panels.

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NREL research pinpoints promise of polycrystalline perovskites

Scientists from NREL found that surface recombination significantly affects the performance of polycrystalline perovskite solar cells. The study suggests that improving surface properties could lead to more efficient devices, with potential applications in photodetectors and light-emitting diodes.

Self-assembling particles brighten future of LED lighting

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a technique to create ultra-fine grained films using self-assembling nanoparticles, leading to more efficient and stable perovskite-based LEDs. This advancement brings perovskite technologies closer to commercialization and could speed the adoption of lower-cost and environmentally fri...

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An ordered route to improved performance

Researchers used bright X-rays to observe the one-step solution-coating process of perovskite material, identifying a crucial intermediate solid state. This discovery highlights the importance of solvent-solute interactions in halide perovskites, which significantly impacts film formation behavior and solar cell performance.

Stability challenge in perovskite solar cell technology

A new study has found that iodide-based perovskites produce a gaseous form of iodine during operation, causing further degradation of the material. The researchers suggest that developing new materials with reduced iodine concentrations or reinforced structures could help address this issue.

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Perovskite solar cells hit new world efficiency record

Researchers at the University of New South Wales achieved a 12.1% efficiency rating for a 16 cm2 perovskite solar cell, making it the largest single certified with the highest energy conversion efficiency. The team has also demonstrated an 18% efficiency rating on smaller cells and plans to extend durability.

A new perovskite could lead the next generation of data storage

EPFL scientists developed a new perovskite material with rapid and reversible magnetic properties, enabling high-density data storage systems. The material's unique photovoltaic properties allow for easy manipulation of its magnetic order via light illumination.

New way to make low-cost solar cell technology

Researchers at Australian National University have developed a new way to fabricate high-efficiency semi-transparent perovskite solar cells, which can improve the performance of conventional silicon solar cells. The new fabrication method could increase power output by up to 25% and achieve efficiencies of up to 30%.

Major advance in solar cells made from cheap, easy-to-use perovskite

Scientists have developed a new design for solar cells made from perovskite, achieving an average steady-state efficiency of 18.4%. The innovative tandem solar cell combines two types of perovskite into one photovoltaic cell, absorbing nearly the entire spectrum of visible light and outperforming traditional silicon-based solar cells.

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Toward 'greener,' inexpensive solar cells

Scientists have made a significant advance toward more practical, environmentally friendly solar cells using inexpensive halide perovskite materials. The new cells have a power conversion efficiency of 15 percent and contain 60% less lead than traditional cells, representing a major step towards sustainable energy solutions.

New advances in solar cell technology

Researchers at OIST have made significant breakthroughs in perovskite solar cells, improving efficiency, stability, and scalability. New post-annealing treatments and manufacturing methods have increased conversion efficiency to 18.4%, while discovering new decomposition products has led to the development of more stable materials.

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Water vapor sets some oxides aflutter

Researchers have discovered a phenomenon where certain oxides oscillate when exposed to water vapor, generating oxygen gas and exhibiting flexibility unlike expected. The exact frequency of the oscillations can be precisely tuned, which could have practical applications in battery materials and water-splitting devices.

Water vapor sets some oxides aflutter

Researchers have observed a unique phenomenon in perovskite oxides, where they oscillate when exposed to water vapor and electron beams, generating oxygen gas. The exact frequency of the oscillations can be precisely tuned, which could have practical applications for battery development and water-splitting devices.

NREL discovery creates future opportunity in quantum computing

Scientists at NREL found that perovskites could have great potential for optoelectronic applications beyond photovoltaics, including in quantum computing. The discovery was made by accident while investigating excitons in perovskites and demonstrates the optical Stark effect's promise as an ultrafast optical switch.

NREL technique leads to improved perovskite solar cells

Researchers at NREL and Shanghai Jiao Tong University develop a method to treat perovskite films with MABr solution, repairing defects and improving efficiency. The new approach boosts the efficiency of perovskite solar cells to up to 19% and demonstrates improved reproducibility.

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Watering solar cells makes them grow ... in power!

Researchers found that moisture in the air enhances perovskite solar cells' performance by redistributing a dopant, increasing electric properties. However, prolonged exposure to moisture can be detrimental.

Researchers discover key mechanism for producing solar cells

Researchers from the University of Houston have reported a critical step toward large-scale manufacture of better and less-expensive solar panels. They discovered how perovskite thin films change structure upon gentle heating, crucial for designing a manufacturing process that can consistently produce high-efficiency solar panels.

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Flipping crystals improves solar-cell performance

Researchers have developed a new type of two-dimensional layered perovskite with outstanding stability and more than triple the material's previous power conversion efficiency. The breakthrough involves flipping crystals during casting, eliminating a gap in electron flow that previously reduced efficiency.

Discovery could dramatically boost efficiency of perovskite solar cells

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered a possible secret to dramatically boosting the efficiency of perovskite solar cells, potentially increasing conversion rates up to 31 percent. The discovery involves exploiting the unique properties of facets on individual grains in the crystalline material.

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Ferroelectric materials react unexpectedly to strain

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that layered perovskite ferroelectrics can completely lose their polarization when subjected to too much strain. This unexpected finding opens up new avenues for developing more efficient logic devices and memory elements.

Perovskite solar cells surpass 20 percent efficiency

EPFL researchers have achieved the highest performance ever measured for larger-size perovskite solar cells, reaching over 20% efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to increased efficiency in hybrid solar panels that combine perovskites with silicon, potentially exceeding 30% efficiency.