Stopping Perovskite Degradation: Georgia Tech Unlocks the Key

• Georgia Tech researchers make breakthrough in understanding degradation of new material for solar cells, discovering a way to prevent instability by adding a thin layer of molecules. Working to further develop the tech, they aim to create an ecosystem where Georgia can lead in emerging solar energy.

Researchers at Georgia Tech have made a breakthrough in understanding the degradation of a promising new material for solar cells called metal halide perovskites. Using X-ray scattering and spectroscopy, the team uncovered that the complex interplay of water and oxygen with the perovskites leads to instability, and were able to prevent it by adding a thin layer of molecules that repel water. The researchers tested their discovery by adding the molecules to a perovskite film, which stabilized the perovskites' structure and thus their power conversion efficiency. To further develop the technology, the researchers are now working on the thermal stability problem with Georgia Tech chemist and materials scientist Antonio Facchetti to develop new molecules that can prevent water interactions and remain stable at high temperatures. Ultimately, the aim is to create an ecosystem where Georgia can become a leader in emerging solar energy technology.

How Can Georgia Tech Achieve Solar Energy Leadership?

• Georgia Tech researchers are developing a thin coating of molecules that repels water to protect metal halide perovskites, a promising new material for solar cells, to prevent degradation.
• The team tested their discovery by adding the molecules to a perovskite film, which stabilized the perovskites' structure and thus their power conversion efficiency.
• The researchers are now collaborating with Georgia Tech chemist and materials scientist Antonio Facchetti to develop new molecules that can prevent water interactions and remain stable at high temperatures.
• Georgia Tech is pursuing an ecosystem to become a leader in emerging solar energy technology.
• Georgia Tech is researching ways to create efficient, stable, and cost-effective solar cells to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and reduce the environmental impact of energy production.
• The university is exploring ways to make solar energy more accessible and affordable for individuals and businesses by integrating solar energy into existing infrastructure.
• Georgia Tech is striving to improve the reliability and scalability of solar energy production and storage in order to create an efficient solar energy network.
• The university is also exploring ways to increase the efficiency of solar cells to ensure that solar energy is produced at the highest possible rate.
• The research team is working to improve the reliability of solar energy production and storage to ensure a dependable and sustainable solar energy infrastructure in the future.