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Templating approach stabilizes ‘ideal’ material for alternative solar cells

Scientists from University of Cambridge created a new method to stabilize the perovskite material for solar cells, resulting in improved performance and stability. The approach uses an organic molecule as a 'template' to guide the material into its desired phase, achieving a near-perfect bandgap without compromising cost.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Fueling the future with new perovskite-related oxide-ion conductors

Researchers have developed a new hexagonal perovskite-related oxide with excellent ionic conduction at intermediate and low temperatures, paving the way for efficient solid oxide fuel cells. The material's stability and ion conduction remain dominant in reducing atmospheres.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

‘Wonder material’ phosphorene nanoribbons live up to hype in first demonstration

Researchers have successfully incorporated phosphorene nanoribbons into new types of solar cells, achieving an efficiency above 21%, comparable to traditional silicon-based solar cells. The unique properties of PNRs, including improved hole mobility, enable the creation of high-performance optoelectronic devices.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 20, 2021

Perovskite solar cell with ultra-long stability

Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich have developed a perovskite solar cell with exceptional stability, retaining 99% of its initial efficiency after 1450 hours of operation. The new design features a double-layer polymer structure that protects the contact point and ensures stable conductivity.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Picture perfect X-ray capture

Researchers at KAUST have developed a nanocomposite that absorbs X-rays with near-perfect efficiency and re-emits the energy as light. This innovation improves high-resolution medical imaging and security screening, with detection limits up to 142 times lower than traditional methods.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMatter·DateDec 15, 2021

Scientists create stable materials for more efficient solar cells

Researchers developed a new process to produce stable formamidinium perovskite (FAPbI3) materials, which can be used to make more efficient and stable solar cells. The novel approach uses lower temperatures and eliminates additives, making it suitable for large-scale production and flexible solar cell applications.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 15, 2021

Losing isn’t always bad: Gaining topology from loss

Researchers have demonstrated a novel topology arising from losses in hybrid light-matter particles, introducing a new avenue to induce topological effects. The study found that the mere presence of loss in an exciton-polariton system causes it to exhibit nontrivial topology.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

The Wikipedia of perovskite solar cell research

A new database has been launched to systematically record findings on perovskite semiconductors, featuring over 42,000 individual data sets and analysis tools for interactive exploration. The FAIR principles guide the preparation of the data, enabling easy searching with modern algorithms and artificial intelligence.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Energy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

Zooming in on tiny defects

Scientists from OIST and University of Cambridge discovered distinct types of defects in state-of-the-art perovskite thin films, which may hinder solar cell efficiency. The most detrimental defects were grain boundaries and polytypes, while lead iodide defects had a benign impact on performance.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 12, 2021
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Polariton parametric oscillator in perovskite microcavity

Researchers have developed a room-temperature perovskite polariton parametric oscillator, enabling scalable and low-threshold nonlinear devices. This breakthrough offers possibilities for the development of cost-effective and integrated polaritonic devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Perovskite solar cells soar to new heights

Researchers have developed a novel method to improve the efficiency of inverted architecture perovskite solar cells by introducing organic halide salts at both interfaces. This approach has achieved a power conversion efficiency of 23.7%, the highest reported to date, while also improving device stability.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2021

Scientists reveal ultrafast exciton dissociation mechanism in 2D perovskites

Scientists reveal an ultrafast and high-yield polaronic exciton dissociation mechanism in 2D perovskites, contradicting previous theories. This study confirms that free-carriers dominate charge carriers in 2D perovskites under room temperature.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 29, 2021

Ultrathin solar cells get a boost

Researchers discovered that sunlight contracts the space between atomic layers in 2D perovskites, improving photovoltaic efficiency and stability. The new material shows a threefold increase in electron conduction and is less prone to degradation.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Mystery of high performing novel solar cell materials revealed in stunning clarity

Perovskite materials have emerged as promising alternatives to crystalline silicon for producing solar panels. Despite defects that reduce performance, perovskites show impressive efficiency levels comparable to silicon alternatives. Researchers used multimodal microscopy methods to visualize and explain the complex interactions betwee...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021
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Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Reaction-dependent coffee-ring-regulating method in spray-coating perovskite

A new approach controls the coffee ring effect in spray-coating, leading to high-performance perovskite solar cells with 19.17% power conversion efficiency. The reaction-dependent method uses solvent selection to regulate solute distribution and achieve uniform films.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2021

Plasmon-induced trap filling at grain boundaries in perovskite solar cells

A novel core-shell plasmonic metal nanostructure enhances coupling with perovskite material, effectively filling deep level trap states at grain boundaries. The incorporation of this technology improves photo-generated current and device performance by increasing open circuit voltage and filling factor.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 31, 2021
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Unlocking the technology to produce unbreakable screens

Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed a method to produce unbreakable screens using liquid-phase sintering of lead halide perovskites and metal-organic framework glasses. This breakthrough could revolutionize the display industry with virtually indestructible displays.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2021

Scientists find a way to stabilize a promising material for solar panels

Researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a synthetic alloy that increases perovskite cells' durability while preserving energy conversion performance. The new material can survive for several minutes completely immersed in water, retaining its efficiency for over 100 days after manufacturing.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Stretchy, bendy, flexible LEDs

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a new material for stretchy flexible LEDs using an inkjet printer, combining the benefits of organic and inorganic LEDs. The new material, called perovskite, can be printed onto unconventional substrates, including rubber, and is elastic and stretchable in nature.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2021

New technique paves the way for perfect perovskites

A new instrument at the Advanced Light Source enables simultaneous measurement of crystal structure and optical properties during perovskite synthesis. This allows for real-time monitoring of material quality and performance, leading to potentially more efficient solar cells.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

A sunny outlook for solar

Researchers found that defects in both organic and inorganic perovskites cause comparable levels of recombination, but the organic molecule in hybrid perovskites actually decreases efficiency due to hydrogen loss. The study suggests all-inorganic materials have potential for outperforming hybrids.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 14, 2021

Chemist develops synthetic materials for energy-saving applications

A chemist at UTA is working on creating new synthetic materials that can improve on inorganic metal oxides for use in various energy-saving applications, particularly in solar energy technology. The goal is to develop materials with improved stability and energy storage capability.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 12, 2021
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.

Perovskite solar cells: Defects trap charge carriers - and release them again

Researchers have characterized five different defect types in perovskite solar cells, revealing that a large proportion of defects release trapped charge carriers. This finding may explain the high efficiencies of MAPI perovskites and paves the way for optimizing these materials with improved stability.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Scientists first to achieve Wannier-Stark localization in polycrystals

Researchers from Paderborn University and Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have successfully demonstrated Wannier-Stark localization in polycrystalline substances. This achievement marks a significant step towards developing affordable optical modulators with broad applications in telecommunications and other fields.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2021

Novel polymer can boost performance of organic and perovskite solar cells

Researchers synthesized a new conjugated polymer using two chemical reactions, showing it outperforms traditional methods in organic and perovskite solar cells. The Stille reaction pathway yielded superior results with efficiencies of up to 15.1% in photovoltaic devices.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

Time to shine: scientists reveal at an atomic scale how chlorine stabilizes next-gen solar cells

Researchers have solved the mystery of chlorine's role in perovskite solar cells by imaging atoms at the surface. The team found that chlorine is incorporated into the material through grain boundaries, increasing stability and efficiency. An optimal concentration of chlorine was discovered to deliver high stability.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Pivotal discovery of nanomaterial for LEDs

Researchers have developed a stable perovskite nanocrystal material for LEDs, enabling bright and long-lasting light sources. The new material is made using a metal-organic framework structure, which keeps the nanocrystals separate and prevents degradation.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 7, 2021

Helping semiconductors find a cooler way to relax

A study from KAUST found that interface and bandgap engineering can significantly slow down the relaxation of 'hot' electrons in semiconductors, increasing their lifetimes. This innovation has potential applications in solar cells, which could improve efficiency by reducing heat loss.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

One material with two functions could lead to faster memory

Researchers developed a new memory device that uses perovskite to store and visually transmit data, achieving parallel and synchronous reading of data through electrical and optical methods. The device has the potential for numerous applications in next-generation technologies.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Solar gains stack up

Researchers have developed a new structure and materials for tandem solar cells, enabling more light to be captured and energy converted effectively. The n-i-p configuration achieved a significant improvement in power-conversion efficiency, exceeding 27%, surpassing previous best values.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2021

Perovskite solar cells: Interfacial loss mechanisms revealed

Researchers at HZB developed a method to quantify charge extraction at buried interfaces in perovskite solar cells. Time-resolved surface photovoltage technique facilitates design of ideal charge-selective contacts and improves efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2021

Minding the gaps to boost perovskite performance

KAUST researchers have developed a multifunctional molecule, phenformin hydrochloride, to plug various atomic-scale defects in perovskite solar materials. This innovation significantly improves the longevity and electrical output of perovskite solar cells, with boosted power conversion efficiencies reaching up to 20.5%.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021
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.

Print perovskite solar cells

Researchers provide a systematic overview of printing technologies for scaling up perovskite solar cells, highlighting the key role of ink engineering in achieving high-quality thin films. The study also discusses the technical feasibility of printing additional layers and presents progress on roll-to-roll printing and stability issues.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 21, 2021

Removing the lead hazard from perovskite solar cells

Researchers have developed a new method to capture and recycle lead from perovskite solar cells, addressing the environmental and health hazards associated with their use. The transparent phosphate salt solution prevents lead ions from leaching into the soil, rendering perovskite devices safer for large-scale commercialization.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 15, 2021
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.

Mixing it up: A low-cost way to make efficient, stable perovskite solar cells

High-quality nickel oxide films for perovskite solar cells can be created at low temperatures without expensive thermal annealing, enabling large-scale, low-cost manufacturing. The new process achieved power-conversion efficiencies of 17.9% and demonstrated stability over extensive testing.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalSolar RRL·DateJun 29, 2021

Recycling next-generation solar panels fosters green planet

A new recycling strategy for perovskite solar panels has been developed, which could reduce the carbon footprint of these panels by up to 72.6%. The recycling process could also lower the primary energy consumption of perovskite solar cells.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 24, 2021

Perovskite memory devices with ultra-fast switching speed

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed halide perovskite-based memory with fast switching speed, overcoming slow speed limitations. The new technology uses lead-free materials and offers a step towards practical applications.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2021
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.

Solar energy collectors grown from seeds

Rice University engineers have developed a method to grow remarkably uniform 2D perovskite crystals using microscopic seeds. This breakthrough addresses production issues and enables the creation of highly efficient photovoltaic devices with stable performance.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 21, 2021

Common perovskite superfluoresces at high temperatures

Researchers from North Carolina State University have discovered that a commonly studied perovskite can superfluoresce at practical temperatures and timescales, indicating this characteristic may be widespread in the class of materials. This phenomenon could prove useful for quantum computing applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 21, 2021

Future of perovskite solar cells shines a little brighter

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have developed a new method to synthesize crystalline powder necessary for perovskites, resulting in higher quality and stable solar cells. The newly created perovskite-based solar cells achieved conversion efficiencies of over 23% and lifespan of more than 2000 hours.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 21, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New research shine light on perovskite solar cell performance

Researchers found a correlation between intragrain planar defects and reduced solar cell performance in perovskite materials. Tuning the chemical composition of these films controlled the presence of defects, leading to improved solar cell efficiency.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 14, 2021

Lead halide perovskites -- a horse of a different color

Researchers develop new methodology to study lead halide perovskites' photophysics, revealing the limitations of existing theories. The method provides a complete representation of the material's photophysical processes, allowing for the examination of theory validity and exploration of new explanations.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Study of promising photovoltaic material leads to discovery of a new state of matter

Researchers at McGill University have gained new insight into the workings of perovskites, a semiconductor material that shows great promise for making high-efficiency, low-cost solar cells. They discovered a phenomenon known as quantum confinement occurs within bulk perovskite crystals, leading to the formation of 'quantum drops', whi...

SourceMcGill University·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMay 26, 2021

Scientists take a bite out of solar efficiency challenge with sandwich model

Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have discovered a 'sandwich' structure in 2D perovskite films used in solar cells. This layout encourages excitons to move from the central layer to both surfaces, helping to result in more efficient solar energy generation. Prototype devices have demonstrated 13% efficiency.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateMay 19, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Low-temperature crystallization of phase-pure α-formamidinium lead iodide enabled by study

A combined molecular dynamics and experimental study reveals a two-step process that enables the formation of phase-pure α-FAPbI3 at lower temperatures. The researchers used metadynamics to simulate the transformation from PbI2 to perovskite, which was confirmed by in situ x-ray and thin-film experiments.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 11, 2021