Islamabad: Scientists have developed a new method that could make next-generation solar cells more efficient and durable, addressing two major challenges that have slowed the wider use of emerging solar technologies.
A research team co-led by scientists at the University of California, San Diego, found a way to temporarily create a liquid phase during the crystallisation of perovskite materials. The process helped form larger, more uniform crystals with fewer defects.
The improvement could help researchers produce solar cells that deliver strong performance while maintaining stability for longer periods.
New Crystal-Growth Method Improves Performance
Perovskite solar cells are considered one of the most promising alternatives to conventional silicon technology because they can potentially offer high efficiency at lower manufacturing costs.
In the new process, researchers introduced a temporary liquid phase while the material was crystallising.
This allowed the crystals to grow more evenly and reduced defects that can affect both efficiency and durability.
Solar cells and light-emitting diodes made with the improved material achieved efficiencies of around 24% to 26%, according to the research.
Solar Cells Retain Most Performance After Eight Weeks
Researchers also tested the solar cells under simulated sunlight to assess how well they performed over time.
After operating continuously for eight weeks, the devices retained most of their initial efficiency.
Long-term stability has been one of the main barriers to the commercial adoption of perovskite solar technology, even as laboratory performance has improved rapidly.
The latest results suggest that better control over crystal formation could help overcome some of those limitations.
Why the Technology Matters
Unlike traditional silicon solar cells, perovskite materials can be processed in solution and applied as thin layers to surfaces.
This could make manufacturing simpler and potentially reduce the amount of energy required during production.
The technology is also being studied for lightweight, flexible and other advanced solar applications.
Breakthrough Could Support Next-Generation Solar Panels
Researchers say the new method provides another path toward improving the performance and reliability of emerging solar-cell technology.
If the technique can be scaled successfully, it could support the development of more efficient and longer-lasting solar panels while simplifying parts of the manufacturing process.
The research was published in the scientific journal Science.