As the world increasingly relies on the Internet of Things (IoT) and low-energy electronics, the need for efficient indoor energy sources has surged. Indoor photovoltaics (iPVs), which harness light from artificial sources, are emerging as one of the most promising solutions. New research from the University of Taipei [25°N, 121.4°E] introduces a breakthrough in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), achieving an impressive 42% indoor power conversion efficiency (iPCE). This study brings the potential of perovskite solar technology closer to powering a new generation of sustainable, energy-efficient devices.
The Problem: Defects Restrict Performance
Perovskite solar cells have been praised for their low-cost manufacturing and high efficiency, but a critical issue has been holding them back: interface defects. These defects, which occur between the solar cell’s nickel oxide (NiOx) layer and the perovskite material, lead to energy loss through non-radiative recombination—where energy is wasted as heat rather than converted into electricity. Reducing these defects is crucial to improving the efficiency and reliability of PSCs, particularly for indoor applications where light levels are lower.
A Solution: Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs)
The researchers found that self-assembled monolayers (SAMs)—ultrathin layers of molecules that form on surfaces—can drastically improve the performance of PSCs by passivating, or neutralising, defects at the NiOx-perovskite interface. SAMs not only reduce these defects but also enhance carrier transport, allowing for more efficient energy conversion. The study investigated four different SAMs, with MeO-2PACz and 4PADCB proving especially effective at improving the interaction between NiOx and perovskite, thereby reducing energy loss.
The modified PSCs, using a wide-bandgap perovskite (Cs₀.₁₈FA₀.₈₂Pb(I₀.₈Br₀.₂)₃), reached a record-breaking 42% efficiency under indoor lighting conditions, such as those provided by LED lights. These findings are a major leap forward, showing that perovskite solar technology is ready to move from labs into real-world applications for powering IoT devices and other low-energy electronics.
Important Implications for Smarter, Sustainable Homes
As IoT devices become more integrated into daily life, the need for sustainable energy sources to power them is crucial. Most IoT devices operate in environments with low light, such as offices or homes with artificial lighting. The ability of these newly optimised PSCs to efficiently capture energy from indoor light means that homes and offices could become self-sustaining hubs for low-power electronics. Devices could run on energy captured from the lights already in use, reducing both energy costs and carbon footprints.
In addition to the significant increase in efficiency, the study demonstrates how the scalability and low-cost production of PSCs make them an ideal candidate for wide-scale adoption. The sol-gel derived NiOx used in this study is known for its energy efficiency and uniformity in production, further improving the potential for PSCs to be manufactured on a large scale at affordable prices.
The Future of Indoor Solar Energy
The research not only highlights the potential for indoor photovoltaics but also opens up new opportunities for using perovskite solar cells in other low-light environments, such as hospitals, retail spaces, or warehouses. With further refinements, these advanced PSCs could power anything from sensors to smart home devices, contributing to smarter, greener living spaces.
The next step? The researchers plan to explore even more advanced SAMs and ways to further refine the interface between materials, aiming to push the efficiency of perovskite solar cells even higher while extending their lifespan. With such rapid progress, the future of indoor energy harvesting looks brighter than ever, bringing us closer to a more sustainable and energy-efficient world.
By fine-tuning the interaction between key materials using self-assembled monolayers, researchers have achieved unprecedented efficiency levels that can power a wide range of IoT devices and indoor technologies. With the promise of sustainable, low-cost energy solutions, this development could transform the way we think about powering the homes and offices of tomorrow.
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Source
Achieving over 42 % indoor efficiency in wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells through optimized interfacial passivation and carrier transport, Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024-10-15
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