Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite Solar Cells Latest News

Recently, Scientists have developed a water-based, non-toxic recycling method for PSCs, avoiding the need for hazardous solvents.

What are Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs)?

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a type of photovoltaic (PV) technology that uses crystal structures called perovskites for converting sunlight into electricity.
• These crystals share the structure of the mineral calcium titanium oxide (CaTiO₃) and can be engineered to possess a wide range of optical, electrical, and semiconducting properties.
• The general chemical formula of a perovskite compound is ABX₃, where 'A' and 'B' are cations, and 'X' is an anion.
• They offer high power conversion efficiencies at a lower cost than traditional silicon-based PVs, but they suffer from shorter lifespan and stability issues.

Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells (CPSCs)

• CPSCs are the first indigenous perovskite-powered niche product developed in India, aimed at improving device stability and reducing fabrication costs.
• However, humidity and thermal stress remain challenges for widespread commercialisation.
• Indian scientists have enhanced thermal stability by incorporating Guanidinium iodide (GuI) and improved moisture resistance through surface passivation using 5-amino valeric acid iodide (5-AVAI).

How the New Recycling Process Works

• Sodium acetate is added to the recycling solution. Its acetate ions bind with lead ions, forming lead acetate, which dissolves easily in water.
• Sodium iodide and hypophosphorous acid are then introduced.
  • Sodium iodide helps in regenerating degraded perovskite crystals.
  • Hypophosphorous acid acts as a long-term stabiliser for the water-based recycling solution.
• Scientists also used ethanol and ethyl acetate to dissolve other cell components, allowing them to recycle and reassemble each layer of the solar cell.

Perovskite Solar Cells FAQs

Q1. What is Perovskite?

Ans. Perovskite refers to materials with the crystal structure of calcium titanium oxide (CaTiO₃), discovered in 1839 in Russia. The general formula is ABX₃, where ‘A’ and ‘B’ are cations and ‘X’ is an anion.

Q2. What are Perovskite Solar Cells?
Ans. Perovskite Solar Cells are next-generation photovoltaic devices that use materials with a perovskite crystal structure to convert sunlight into electricity, offering higher efficiency and lower production costs than conventional silicon-based cells.

Source: TH