Liquid Crystals Revolutionize Perovskite Solar Cells, Achieving 26% Efficiency

• Researchers discover liquid crystals' temperature-responsive properties, improving efficiency of perovskite solar cells by 22% and paving the way for larger-scale renewable energy generation.

Researchers from Northwestern Chemistry and Engineering have developed a method to improve the efficiency of hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs), bringing them closer to widespread use. PSCs have shown promise in producing renewable solar energy, but scaling up their production has been challenging due to defects that arise during processing. The researchers used liquid crystals that can respond to temperature changes to protect large-area perovskite films, resulting in a 22% efficiency and a stabilised efficiency of 21% for solar modules. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and stable solar energy generation on a larger scale.

The use of liquid crystals in this manner was a novel idea, as previous research had overlooked their ability to change with temperatures. The researchers believe that this method can be extended to the production of larger-area perovskite submodules, and further exploration of liquid crystal molecules could enhance device stability. The findings were published in the journal Nature Energy.

How did researchers improve the efficiency of hybrid perovskite solar cells?

• The researchers at Northwestern Chemistry and Engineering have developed a method to improve the efficiency of hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
• PSCs have shown promise in producing renewable solar energy, but scaling up their production has been challenging due to defects that arise during processing.
• The researchers used liquid crystals that can respond to temperature changes to protect large-area perovskite films.
• This innovative approach resulted in a 22% efficiency and a stabilised efficiency of 21% for solar modules.
• The use of liquid crystals in this manner was a novel idea, as previous research had overlooked their ability to change with temperatures.
• The researchers believe that this method can be extended to the production of larger-area perovskite submodules.
• Further exploration of liquid crystal molecules could enhance device stability and improve the overall efficiency of hybrid perovskite solar cells.
  
• The findings of this research were published in the journal Nature Energy.