Scientists at Northwestern University have made a significant breakthrough by developing eco-friendly perovskite solar cells that replace toxic lead with tin. This new design not only reduces environmental harm but also offers high efficiency and lower production costs. The innovation can be created using simple benchtop chemistry, eliminating the need for expensive equipment or hazardous materials. The research was published in *Nature Photonics* on May 5 (Beijing time).
Mekri Karnatdis, an inorganic chemistry expert and one of the study's leaders, told the Physicist Organization Network on May 4: "This is a major step forward in next-generation solar cell development. Tin is a very practical and sustainable material."
Perovskites are a class of crystalline materials known for their unique structure and excellent light-absorbing properties. They were first discovered in the mineral perovskite, which contains calcium titanate (CaTiO3). Traditional silicon solar panels are costly and pollute the environment during manufacturing. In recent years, researchers have turned to perovskite-based solar cells, achieving a rapid increase in efficiency—from 3% to over 16%—making them a promising "star of tomorrow" in renewable energy.
The newly developed solar cells still use a perovskite structure as the light-absorbing layer, but they substitute lead with tin. Scientists believe that tin-based perovskites could match or even surpass the efficiency of lead-based ones since both elements belong to the same group in the periodic table. Zhang Bangheng, another lead researcher and professor of materials science, stated: "Our tin-based perovskite layer functions as an efficient light-harvesting device."
Although the current photoelectric conversion efficiency of this solid-state tin-based solar cell is around 5.73%, the team sees this as a promising beginning. According to the researchers, tin perovskite has two key advantages: it can absorb visible light across the solar spectrum efficiently, and it can be melted directly without the need for heat.
The new solar cell is structured like a "sandwich," consisting of five layers. The first layer is conductive glass that allows sunlight to enter. The second layer is titanium dioxide deposited on top of the glass, acting as a conductive contact. The third layer is the tin perovskite, the core component responsible for capturing sunlight. This layer was synthesized in a nitrogen-filled glove box to prevent oxidation.
Above the perovskite layer is a hole transport layer made from a pyridine molecule, which plays a crucial role in managing the flow of electrical charge. Finally, a thin gold layer completes the structure. The entire cell is just 1 to 2 microns thick and is air-stable. Tests show it achieves a 5.73% efficiency.
Since the formation of Earth, the sun has provided a constant source of energy. As technology advances, our methods of harnessing solar power continue to evolve. While solar cells have long struggled with high costs and low efficiency, this new tin-based perovskite cell offers a greener and more affordable alternative. Researchers hope to further improve its efficiency, bringing us closer to truly green, efficient, and cost-effective solar energy solutions. (Reporter: Liu Xia)
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