A groundbreaking development in the field of solar energy has been achieved by scientists at the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK). They have successfully created highly efficient, printable, and stable perovskite solar cells that have the potential to revolutionize the industry and contribute to carbon neutrality and sustainable development.
The new type of perovskite solar cells developed by the research team at CityUHK can be mass-produced at a remarkable speed, comparable to newspaper printing. With a daily output of up to 1,000 solar panels, these cells have the potential to significantly increase the accessibility of solar energy technology. Furthermore, the flexibility and semi-transparency of the cells allow them to be transformed into light-absorbing glass windows, enabling the concept of “urban solar farms” in cities with high-rise buildings.
One of the major challenges with perovskite solar cells has been their operational stability over time. The CityUHK research team has addressed this issue by developing a series of organic redox mediators with appropriate chemical potentials to enhance the long-term stability of the cells. The integrated cells have demonstrated an impressive retention rate of over 90% of their initial Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) after 500 hours of continuous operation, marking a significant advancement in the field.
In addition to improved stability, the team has also achieved a record-high efficiency of 25.22% (certified 24.27%) with their perovskite solar cells. This remarkable efficiency, coupled with the cells’ good operational stability in humid air conditions, further solidifies their potential for practical applications in various industries.
The research results obtained by the CityUHK team are not limited to the academic setting but are intended to be transformed into practical applications. A start-up company, HKTech Solar Limited, will oversee the commercialization of the technology, under the management of Dr. Francis Lin, a postdoctoral student of Professor Jen at CityUHK. The team also has plans to establish a pilot production line with an annual output of 25 megawatts in Hong Kong within the next year and a half, aiming to launch products for industry testing and applications.
The development of highly efficient, printable, and stable perovskite solar cells by the City University of Hong Kong represents a significant milestone in the field of solar energy technology. With their groundbreaking achievements in efficiency, stability, and practical applications, these cells have the potential to drive forward the transition towards sustainable energy solutions and contribute to the global efforts of achieving carbon neutrality.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.