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Jeonbuk National University researchers reveal new interface engineering strategy for efficient and stable back-contact solar cells

Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new interface engineering strategy for back-contact solar cells, which can improve efficiency and stability. The team created a bilayer tin oxide electron transport layer that enhances interfacial contact and reduces recombination losses.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateDec 17, 2025

Chonnam National University researchers resolve long-standing limitation in thin-film solar cells

Researchers at Chonnam National University have developed a new approach to thin-film solar cells using a nanometric germanium oxide layer, resulting in improved performance and device stability. The innovative design boosts power conversion efficiency by up to 4.81%.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025

Synthetic molecular rings re-create energy flow found in plants

Scientists have designed human-made molecules that self-assemble into stacked rings, allowing charge and energy to circulate freely, echoing photosynthesis. This breakthrough could lead to improved energy generation and advanced electronics.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Tiny grooves re-shape future of solar cell manufacturing

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a new type of back-contact solar cell design using perovskite material and tiny grooves in plastic film. The technology enables scalable, low-cost manufacturing and avoids expensive rare earth metals, making it sustainable and affordable.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateFeb 18, 2025

How non-toxic and efficient solar cells can be produced

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a design principle for producing efficient organic solar cells with environmentally friendly solvents, reducing toxicity and increasing scalability. The study's findings pave the way for commercializing sustainable solar cell technology on a larger scale.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 4, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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Molecular level changes translate to big efficiency gains for organic solar cells

Researchers from Osaka University have synthesized a new molecule that increases the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells. The molecule's design reduces exciton binding energy, making it easier to convert sunlight into current. This breakthrough paves the way for high-performance and large-scale photovoltaic applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

Stacking molecules like plates improves organic solar device performance

The team discovered that the exciton-binding energy of solid materials is affected by how their molecules stack together, known as aggregation. By manipulating molecular aggregation, they found a way to decrease the exciton-binding energy and improve device performance.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

Rice lab achieves major gains in perovskite solar cell stability

Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in synthesizing formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) perovskite solar cells into ultrastable, high-quality photovoltaic films. The overall efficiency of the resulting FAPbI3 solar cells decreased by less than 3% over 1,000 hours of operation.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Next-generation sustainable electronics are doped with air

Researchers at Linköping University developed a new method to dope organic semiconductors using air as a dopant, enhancing conductivity and modifying semiconductor properties. The process involves dipping the material in a salt solution and illuminating it with light, resulting in a p-doped conductive plastic.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2024

New sustainable method for creating organic semiconductors

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new, sustainable way to create conductive inks for use in organic electronics. The new process uses benign solvents like water and has been shown to improve material properties and device performance.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Wood materials make for reliable organic solar cells

Scientists at Linköping University have created stable and environmentally friendly organic solar cells by incorporating untreated kraft lignin into the electron transport layer. This innovation improves the overall efficiency and reliability of organic solar cells, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 6, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists develop new method to recover high-purity silicon from expired solar panels for upcycling into lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have devised an efficient method of recovering high-purity silicon from expired solar panels, which can help meet the increasing global demand for electric vehicles. The new extraction method using phosphoric acid achieved a recovery rate of 98.9% and purity of 99.2%, comparable to existing methods.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

CityU scientists discover a novel photophysical mechanism that has achieved record-breaking efficiency for organic photovoltaics

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel device-engineering strategy to suppress energy conversion loss in organic photovoltaics, achieving PCE over 19%. The discovery enables OPVs to maximize photocurrent and overcome the limit of maximum achievable efficiency.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Achieving photovoltaic power generation for over 1,000 continuous hours at an efficiency of more than 20%

Researchers developed a durable perovskite solar cell capable of generating electricity for over 1,000 continuous hours with an efficiency of more than 20%. The team improved durability by creating a water-repellent interface between the electron and hole transport layers.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Fill me up: Improved efficiency of all-polymer solar cells

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology have discovered a high fill factor in all-polymer blend solar cells, exceeding 60%, which is higher than previously reported values. This breakthrough could help solve the environmental issue of silicon-based solar cell waste.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateOct 1, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Low temperature nanoparticle ink

Researchers developed a simple and versatile nanoparticle ink made from tin oxide, which can be printed at relatively low temperatures using microwave technology. This ink enables the mass production of high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with power-conversion efficiencies of up to 18%.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022

CityU chemists develop a strategy for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

A research team from City University of Hong Kong and Imperial College London developed a new strategy for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells using ferrocene molecules. The breakthrough invention can achieve efficiency of up to 25% while maintaining stability, making it a promising alternative to silicon solar cells.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

NUS researchers achieve major breakthrough in flexible electronics

NUS researchers have made a breakthrough in developing conducting polymer films that can provide unprecedented ohmic contacts, enabling superior performance in plastic electronics. The breakthrough allows for the creation of high-performance devices such as organic light-emitting diodes, solar cells and transistors.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2017

Why 'baking powder' increases efficiency of plastic solar cells

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have discovered that a co-solvent added during production increases the efficiency of plastic solar cells, comparable to the role of baking powder in dough mixture. The new understanding will enable more effective development of plastic solar cells.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2015
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.

Current loss tracked down by magnetic fingerprint

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a method to reveal how electricity is being lost in organic solar cells by manipulating the magnetic properties of charge-carrying particles. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in organic solar cell technology.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 26, 2010

Life of plastic solar cell jumps from hours to 8 months

A team of researchers at the University of Alberta developed a longer-lasting plastic solar cell by applying a polymer coating to an electrode. The coating helped prevent chemical leaching, allowing the solar cell to operate for up to 500 hours and then continue working for another seven months.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 21, 2010
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.

Plastic electronics could slash the cost of solar panels

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new technique to produce electricity-conducting plastics, potentially lowering the cost of manufacturing solar panels. The breakthrough allows for the use of low-cost printing techniques and replaces expensive materials like indium tin oxide.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2010

Plastics that convert light to electricity could have a big impact

Researchers have developed organic solar cells that can be produced easily and inexpensively as thin films, with the potential to generate electricity from sunlight. By understanding the structure of tiny bubbles and channels inside plastic solar cells, scientists hope to increase efficiency and make them more cost-effective.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 4, 2009

University of Alberta and NINT researchers make solar energy breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Alberta and NINT have made a breakthrough in plastic solar cell technology, achieving a 30% increase in efficiency through a novel approach. The development of inexpensive, mass-produced plastic solar panels could make solar energy accessible to everyone in the near future.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 25, 2009

Solarmer Energy Inc. expects sun to shine on Chicago invention

Solarmer Energy Inc. is working on a new plastic solar cell technology that achieves 8% efficiency and has a lifetime of at least three years. The invention, PTB1, converts sunlight into electricity using a semiconducting material with a thickness of just 100 nanometers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 21, 2009
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 energy: Charged for the future

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in improving the efficiency of solar cells, including plastic solar cells with efficiencies up to 15% and ultrathin dye-sensitized solar cells reaching 11%. Carbon nanotubes could also boost efficiency by doubling photoconversion rates.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 10, 2006

Taking charge of molecular wires

Researchers have developed a new method to enhance the conductivity of polymer nanowires by injecting extra negative or positive charges using high-energy electrons. This allows for the observation of charge movement across the wire, a key step toward developing good conductors.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateAug 22, 2004

UC Berkeley, LBNL chemists develop technology for cheap, plastic solar cells

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a technology for creating cheap plastic solar cells that can be painted onto any surface, enabling applications such as powering wearables or small devices. The efficiency of the solar cells is currently low, but the team believes it has the potential to improve with further development.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateMar 28, 2002

Amorphous Silicon-Based Solar Cells Come Into Their Own

Researchers have developed methods to improve efficiency and stability of amorphous silicon solar cells, enabling mass production. Stacking solar cells on panels has increased conversion of sunlight to power, with efficiencies reaching over 14 percent.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 3, 1997
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.