Researchers have synthesized highly durable solar cells made from perovskite — a common crystal structure — in a breakthrough that could revolutionize the solar industry.
In recent years, perovskites have shown promise as a cheaper, less wasteful material, the scientists said, but have far less durability. Natural perovskites are rare but can be synthesized artificially as an organic-inorganic compound with an ABX3 crystal structure harboring electrically charged ions. They work as an active light-harvesting layer like those found in solar technologies today. But they are not commercially viable because they have a lifetime measured in just months.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."Perovskite solar cells are kind of the holy grail of this new solar cell technology. And that's because perovskites can be made in theory significantly cheaper than inorganic solar cells like silicon or gallium arsenide," said Isaac Metcalf, graduate student of materials science and nanoengineering at Rice University.