Tin halide perovskite solar cell record falls to UQ team

A team from The University of Queensland has claimed a world record for a type of perovskite solar cell, demonstrating results of 16.65 per cent efficiency converting sunlight to electricity.

According to a statement from UQ, the team led by Professor Lianzhou Wang (pictured in middle) developed a “tin halide perovskite” (THP) solar cell performing almost a percentage point better than the previous THP cell record. The research (linked) was published in Nature Nanotechnology.

“The reading is in line with many silicon-based solar cells currently on the market but with the potential to be cheaper and quicker to make,” said Wang.

“We are thrilled with the record and also to be contributing to the progress of cost-effective renewable energy technology.” 

The result is five years after Wang’s lab set an efficiency record for solar cells using quantum dots.

Research group member Dr Dongxu He (pictured on right) said that “many of the methods, processes, and materials” featuring in the quantum dot result inspired efforts in the THP thin-film result.

“There is great commercial potential in THP solar cells because perovskite devices are more sustainable to produce than silicon-based solar cells,” He added.

“The benefit of THPs is that we’re dealing with more eco-friendly tin and not the toxic lead that is widely used in most of the perovskite solar cells, meaning they can be safely installed around the home.”

Perovskite solar cells are the subject of a global race among researchers.

They are behind silicon cells for efficiency, but can be made at a lower cost without the use of certain expensive ingredients, as well as with physical advantages, such as flexibility, light weight and portability.

Picture: Dr Peng Chen, Professor Lianzhou Wang and Dr Dongxu He (supplied)

Further reading

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