ATI researchers nears mass production of perovskite solar cells featuring nanoscale ‘ink’ coating of aluminium oxide

When the globe is struggling to discover new techniques to allow the creation of more efficient solar panels while remaining cost-effective, the University of Surrey has developed an innovative solution in this respect. The Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) has just announced a significant scientific advancement that pushes the mass manufacture of the next generation of perovskite solar cells, which are cheaper and lighter, closer to realisation.

This institution is affiliated with the University of Surrey. Applying a nanoscale layer of aluminium oxide over metal halide perovskite material enhances the prospects of this nascent solar technology. It mitigates the issue of declining energy efficiency that presently hampers perovskite-based systems.

Hashini Perera, lead author of the study at the University of Surrey, said, “In the past, metal oxides have been shown to either benefit or degrade the performance of perovskite solar cells. We’ve identified aluminium oxide, which can improve performance and minimises the drop in efficiency during conditioning of perovskite solar cells. We show that this nano-oxide allows a uniform coating of perovskite material on highly promising organic molecules that self-assemble on a surface and improve device output.”

Professor Ravi Silva, corresponding author from the ATI, University of Surrey, said that solar and wind energy prices are quickly reducing due to technological advancements to the point where renewables account for more than 80% of all new added power production capacity globally. Solar energy currently has a lower cost than most other power-generation sources. The levelised cost of power will continue to fall as perovskite solar modules mature, which is why this is such an attractive field to engage in.

Dr Imalka Jayawardena, from the Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey, added “Performance limits of traditional solar cells are why researchers are switching to examining perovskite as the next-generation solar technology, especially as applications both terrestrial and in space are rapidly growing. Our key development in solar panel technology shows a cost-effective approach to scaling of perovskite solar cells, a development which could help countries around the world to reach their net zero targets faster.”