Solar cells of the future could withstand corrosive susceptibility by ‘self-healing’, in a scientific breakthrough by Monash University, the University of Oxford and the City University of Hong Kong

The breakthrough could pave the way for more reliable and efficient perovskite solar cells contributing to the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.

Highly efficient, lightweight and cheap, perovskite solar cells are expected to play a leading role in the future of solar energy production, but scientists still need to make them more durable and figure out how to produce them on a larger scale.

A study published in Nature reveals a novel strategy to enhance the stability and performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) through a mechanism described as ‘self-healing’. Researchers developed a novel strategy to enhance the stability and performance of PSCs.

The innovating agent they developed dynamically heals the perovskite layer when exposed to environmental stressors such as moisture and heat, ensuring sustained device performance and longevity.

Their game-changing approach resulted in solar cells with 25.1% power conversion efficiency and remarkable stability under 1,000 hours of accelerated ageing tests at 85°C and simulated solar illumination.

“This work addresses critical issues related to defect passivation in perovskites that have hindered widespread adoption of this promising technology,” Monash University director of research department of chemical and biological engineering and study co-author Professor Udo Bach says.

“Our slow-release strategy represents a significant advancement in the field of perovskite photovoltaics. By slowly releasing the passivating agents into our perovskite material, we have been able to produce solar cells not only with enhanced performance but also extended long-term stability under real-world conditions.”