Australian researchers are shaking up the renewable energy scene with a breakthrough that could power a greener tomorrow! A team from the University of Queensland has developed an eco-friendly solar cell using tin halide perovskite (THP) technology that achieved a certified efficiency of 16.65%—nearly a percentage point higher than previous global records.
Team leader Wang Lianzhou explained, "It might not seem like much, but this is a giant leap in a field that is renowned for delicate and incremental progress." By replacing toxic lead with safer tin, the new THP cells promise not only enhanced performance but also a more sustainable option for residential use.
This milestone was reached through a collaborative effort between UQ's School of Chemical Engineering and the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. Researchers overcame challenges with crystalline film quality by incorporating cesium ions, which strengthened the film structure and reduced defects.
Looking ahead, the team envisions these improved THP cells being used in household solar panels both indoors and outdoors, and even as a lightweight power solution for electric aircraft. The sky really is the limit! ☀️🚀
Reference(s):
Australian researchers make eco-friendly solar cell breakthrough
cgtn.com
