Renewable energy sources have become increasingly important in the quest for sustainable development and carbon neutrality. Scientists at the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) have recently made a significant breakthrough in solar technology by developing highly efficient, printable, and stable perovskite solar cells.
Unlike traditional solar cells, the new perovskite solar cells can be mass-produced at a speed comparable to newspaper printing, with a daily output of up to 1,000 solar panels. This opens up new possibilities for large-scale implementation of solar energy technologies in urban environments. Additionally, these cells have the potential to revolutionize the concept of “urban solar farms” by being integrated into high-rise buildings as light-absorbing glass windows.
One of the key challenges in the development of perovskite solar cells has been their long-term stability. The CityUHK research team, led by Professor Alex Jen Kwan-yue, has addressed this issue by designing a series of organic redox mediators to enhance the stability of the cells. These innovative solutions have resulted in the cells retaining over 90% of their initial Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) after 500 hours of operation.
The team at CityUHK has reported a record-high efficiency of 25.22% (certified 24.27%) for the perovskite solar cells. Not only do these cells exhibit impressive efficiency, but they also demonstrate good operational stability in humid air conditions (relative humidity, 70-80%). This combination of high efficiency and stability makes them a promising candidate for widespread adoption in various applications.
The research results from CityUHK are not just confined to the labs. They are set to be transformed into practical applications through the start-up company HKTech Solar Limited. The company, managed by Dr. Francis Lin, a postdoctoral student of Professor Jen, aims to bring the benefits of perovskite solar cells to the market. These cells can be integrated and applied in different scenarios, from large buildings and farms to various components of the Internet of Things.
In a bold move, the CityUHK research team plans to set up a pilot production line with an annual output of 25 megawatts in Hong Kong within a year and a half. This reflects their commitment to scaling up the production of perovskite solar cells and making them commercially available. Furthermore, they aim to collaborate with industry partners to test applications and match investors interested in adopting this new solar technology.
The breakthrough in perovskite solar cells by the research team at CityUHK marks a significant milestone in the field of solar technology. With their high efficiency, enhanced stability, and potential for mass production, these cells have the power to transform the way we harness solar energy and move towards a more sustainable future.
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