Scientists create stable silicon-free solar cells with longer lifespan

Solar energy is fast becoming one of the most important sources of electricity generation in the US, with 7% of Americans using it to power their homes. However, while solar power affords a viable and green alternative to traditional energy production methods, scientists are still working to improve the efficiency of the solar panel manufacturing process.

Solar panels consist of numerous solar cells, typically made from silicon. Although silicon is the standard material, its production and processing are energy-intensive, making setting up of new manufacturing facilities costly.

While scientists in the US have long been aware of the need to come up with new, cost-effective material to boost solar cell production domestically, a team of researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Materials Science and Engineering may just have come up with a solution.

New materials to increase output

Led by associate professor Juan Pablo Correa-Baena, the researchers have spent years exploring perovskite crystals as an alternative to silicon. Composed of iodine atoms, lead, and organic elements, perovskite is a promising and efficient replacement, offering performance on par with silicon.

“We’re developing technologies that we can easily produce without spending a ton of money on expensive equipment,” said Correa-Baena in a statement released by Georgia Tech.

However, one major drawback of perovskite is its limited lifespan—lasting only about 5% as long as a silicon cell. Perovskite cells begin to deteriorate after just one year of use as compared to silicon cells which endure for 20 years. The material is particularly sensitive to high summer temperatures and can break down before providing significant energy savings.

To address this, Correa-Baena’s lab has developed a new technology to stabilize perovskite solar cells, which are constructed similarly to batteries.

Enhancing solar cells with titanium treatment

The perovskite solar cells built by Correa-Baena and his team have a positive and a negative electrode, with the perovskite layer placed between them. Before adding the positive electrode on top, the researchers exposed the perovskite to titanium gas in a light vacuum. This process, called vapor-phase infiltration, incorporates titanium into the top layer of the solar cell. The technology is currently under patent review.

According to Correa-Baena, the team has made one of the layers causing longevity issues more robust and resilient to high temperatures. By inserting titanium, scientists found they can prevent the degradation process, allowing the solar cell to be tested on roofs or in other environments.

The transition from silicon to perovskite crystals in solar cell production could ultimately transform the solar industry. The innovative stabilization technique addresses the main limitation of perovskite cells, enhancing their durability and making them more suitable for long-term use.

Furthermore, this advancement boosts domestic solar cell production and supports the broader goal of accelerating renewable energy adoption in the US. By improving the durability and efficiency of perovskite cells, Correa-Baena’s stabilization technique removes a major barrier to their use, paving the way for more cost-effective and sustainable solar technologies across various sectors.

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