Ultra-lightweight Perovskite Solar Cells Power Energy-Autonomous Drones

• Revolutionary flexible solar cells for energy-autonomous drones developed by researchers at Johannes Kepler University Linz. Lightweight, stable, and efficient.

Researchers at Johannes Kepler University Linz have developed flexible quasi-2D perovskite solar cells for energy-autonomous drones. The cells are lightweight, thin, and transparent-conductive-oxide-free, with improved stability. The team achieved a specific power of 44 W g−1, an open-circuit voltage of 1.15 V, and an efficiency of 20.1%. They also demonstrated energy-autonomous operation of a solar-powered quadcopter using a photovoltaic module made of these cells, which only constituted 1/400 of the drone's weight.

The devices were fabricated on an ultrathin polymer foil coated with an alumina barrier layer to ensure environmental and mechanical stability without compromising weight and flexibility. This research showcases the potential of ultra-lightweight perovskite solar cells as portable and cost-effective sustainable energy harvesting devices for various applications.

What are the key features of the flexible quasi-2D perovskite solar cells?

• Lightweight and thin design
• Transparent-conductive-oxide-free
• Improved stability
• Specific power of 44 W g−1
• Open-circuit voltage of 1.15 V
• Efficiency of 20.1%
• Fabricated on ultrathin polymer foil coated with alumina barrier layer
• Environmental and mechanical stability
• Portable and cost-effective
• Suitable for energy-autonomous drones and other applications