Dr. Song Zhaoning, a research assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Utrecht University, and Dr. Yan Yanfa, a physics professor at Utrecht University, jointly developed a perovskite solar cell micro-module. (Image: University of Toledo)
The cheapest and most effective way to utilize the cleanest and richest renewable energy in the world is one step closer to reality.
Physicists at the University of Toledo have improved the performance of solar cells to unprecedented levels, and have made major breakthroughs in the process of chemical formulation and manufacturing of new materials.
The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Dr. Yanfa Yan of the University of Colorado, Professor of Utoledo Physics, envisioned an ultra-high-efficiency material called tandem perovskite solar cells to be prepared in the full-size solar panel consumer market future.
Perovskite is a composite material that forms a special crystal structure through chemical action. It will replace silicon. Currently, silicon is still the material of choice for solar cells to convert sunlight into electrical energy.
Yan said: "We are producing more efficient and lower-cost solar cells, these batteries are expected to help solve the world energy crisis." "This meaningful work will protect our planet for future generations. We are now facing The issue of consuming most of the fossil energy, our cooperation team is working to improve our innovative ways to clear these confusions. "
The new research paper was published in the journal Science ("Aircraft Carrier Service Life> 1µs Sn-Pb Perovskite Makes Efficient All-perovskite Tandem Solar Cells"), which outlines how the optoelectronic team fine-tuned the advancement technology of lead and tin close to its Maximum efficiency. Current efforts have increased the efficiency of this new type of solar cell to around 23%. In contrast, the efficiency of silicon solar panels currently on the market is only about 18%.
Scientists used a compound called guanidine thiocyanate to significantly improve the structure and photoelectric properties of lead-tin mixed perovskite films.
About five years ago Yan's team Utoledo determined the ideal characteristics of perovskite. He has 20 years of experience focusing on generating all-perovskite tandem solar cells, bringing together two different solar cells to increase the total power generated by using two solar spectra Different parts.
Last month, the US Department of Energy provided Yan with US $ 1.1 million in funding to continue research with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
"This is the material we have been waiting for a long time," Yan said. "The solar industry is watching and waiting. Some companies have already started investing in this technology."
Professor Yan is a theoretical expert on defects in physical and electronic properties in the fields of semiconductors, material synthesis, and thin-film solar cell manufacturing.
"Our UToledo research is underway with the goal of making cheaper and more efficient solar cells that can rival or even exceed the current popular silicon photovoltaic technology," co-author of the study, UToledo University Physics and Astronomy Research Assistant Professor Dr. Song Zhaoning said. "Our double-layer perovskite series solar cells provide high energy conversion efficiency and have the potential to reduce the production cost of solar panels, which is an important advancement in photovoltaic power generation."
Although Yan's team has improved the quality of materials and the process of manufacturing these materials at low cost, more progress is needed.
"The cost of materials is very low, and the cost of manufacturing is also very low, but the life of the material is still an unknown," Song said. "We need to continue to improve efficiency and stability."
"In addition, lead is considered a toxic substance," Yan said. "I am determined to work with the solar industry to ensure that solar panels made from this material can be recycled so that they will not cause harm to the environment."
Welded Gabions,Welded Gabion Mesh,Welded Gabion Wall,Welded Wire Gabion
ANPING HONGYU WIREMESH CO.,LTD , https://www.hongyufence.com