Australian scientists have taken a giant leap in renewable energy innovation. In a collaborative breakthrough, a team from the University of Queensland (UQ) and the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology has developed a tin halide perovskite (THP) solar cell that achieved a certified efficiency of 16.65 percent. This marks nearly a one percentage point improvement over the previous global best for THP cells, paving the way for more cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions.
Team leader Wang Lianzhou noted, "It might not seem like much, but this is a giant leap in a field that is renowned for delicate and incremental progress." The new THP cell not only matches the efficiency of many commercial silicon-based cells but also holds the promise of being cheaper, faster, and more environmentally sustainable to produce.
Key to this advancement was the innovative replacement of toxic lead with safer tin. Team member He Dongxu explained that this shift makes THP technology more suitable for residential applications. Researchers also overcame previous hurdles related to poor crystalline film quality by incorporating cesium ions, which enhanced the film structure and reduced defects, as highlighted by researcher Chen Peng.
The potential applications of this breakthrough extend beyond conventional solar panels. Wang envisions THP cells being used in household solar solutions both indoors and outdoors, and even as a lightweight power source for electric aircraft. This dynamic development is set to spark new conversations around the integration of sustainable technology in various engineering challenges, resonating with tech enthusiasts, innovators, and global changemakers alike.
As the world seeks greener alternatives, this Australian achievement offers a glimpse into a future where eco-friendly solar energy becomes a cornerstone in the quest for sustainability and innovation.
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Australian researchers make eco-friendly solar cell breakthrough
cgtn.com
