CityUHK Secures Funding for Advanced Solar Cell Research

• CityUHK secures HK$14.8 million to propel tandem solar cell innovations, aiming for 28% efficiency and advancing global carbon neutrality efforts. Sustainable energy breakthroughs are on the horizon!

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) have secured over HK$14.8 million (approximately USD$1.9 million) in funding for innovative projects aimed at advancing high-performance perovskite/organic tandem solar cells. The funding comes from the 2024/25 National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) through two schemes: the Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS) and the Joint Research Scheme (JRS).

One notable project, led by Professor Zeng Xiaocheng, seeks to develop tandem solar cells with efficiencies exceeding 28%, aligning with global carbon neutrality goals. CityUHK President Freddy Boey praised the achievements of the funded scholars, emphasizing the importance of collaborative research in enhancing output across various disciplines to promote sustainable energy solutions.

What innovative advancements are being pursued in tandem solar cell technology at CityUHK?

Certainly! Here are some innovative advancements being pursued in tandem solar cell technology at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK):

• Material Optimization: Researchers are focusing on enhancing the performance and stability of perovskite materials used in tandem cells, aiming to identify novel compositions that can withstand environmental stresses.
• Layer Thickness Control: Advanced techniques are being explored to control the thickness of the perovskite and organic layers, optimizing light absorption and minimizing recombination losses, which can lead to greater energy conversion efficiencies.
• Interlayer Engineering: The development of new interlayer materials is underway to improve charge transport between the perovskite and organic layers, which can significantly enhance overall device performance.
• Scalable Manufacturing Techniques: Efforts are being made to identify scalable fabrication methods that can produce tandem solar cells efficiently, including roll-to-roll processing and other innovative printing techniques.
• Integration with BIPV Systems: Researchers are investigating the integration of tandem solar cells into Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), enhancing urban aesthetics while maximizing energy production in buildings.
• Flexible Substrates: Exploration of eco-friendly and flexible substrates that can support the tandem architecture, allowing for lightweight and adaptable solar solutions suitable for diverse applications.
• AI and Machine Learning: Utilizing artificial intelligence to predict the performance of different material combinations and processing conditions, aiming to accelerate the discovery of high-efficiency tandem solar cells.
• Long-Term Stability Testing: Comprehensive research is being conducted to assess and improve the longevity of tandem solar cells under real-world conditions, which is crucial for their commercial viability.
• Economic Feasibility Studies: Analysis of the economic aspects associated with the production of tandem solar cells, focusing on reducing costs while maintaining high performance, enabling wider adoption in the renewable energy market.
• Collaboration with Industry: Establishing partnerships with industry leaders to facilitate technology transfer and commercialization of the advancements in tandem solar cell technology, ensuring a practical impact on renewable energy solutions.

These advancements signify CityUHK's commitment to pushing the boundaries of solar technology, contributing to the global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.