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U.S. Develops Environmentally-Friendly Perovskite Solar Cells
**Scientists at Northwestern University Make Breakthrough in Eco-Friendly Solar Cell Technology**
A team of researchers from Northwestern University has made a significant advancement in solar cell technology by developing environmentally friendly perovskite solar cells that replace the toxic lead with tin. This innovation not only reduces environmental harm but also offers high efficiency and low production costs. Unlike traditional methods, these solar cells can be created using simple "bench-top" chemistry, eliminating the need for expensive equipment or hazardous materials.
The findings were published in *Nature Photonics* on May 5 (Beijing time). Dr. Mekri Karnatdis, one of the study’s leading researchers and an inorganic chemistry expert, emphasized the importance of this development in an interview with the Physics Organization Network on May 4: “This is a major breakthrough in the field of next-generation solar cells. Tin is a very practical and sustainable material.â€
Perovskites are a class of materials with a unique crystal structure, first discovered as calcium titanate (CaTiO3) in natural minerals. Traditional silicon-based solar panels are costly due to their raw materials and cause significant pollution during manufacturing. In recent years, researchers have turned their attention to perovskite solar cells, which have seen rapid improvements in efficiency—rising from 3% to over 16% in just two years. These cells are now considered a promising candidate for the future of renewable energy.
The new solar cells still use a perovskite structure as the light-absorbing layer, but instead of lead, they employ tin. According to the researchers, tin-based perovskites could match or even surpass the performance of lead-based ones, as both elements belong to the same group in the periodic table. Zhang Bangheng, another lead researcher and professor of materials science and engineering, stated, “Our tin-based perovskite layer functions like an efficient solar light trap.â€
Although the current photoelectric conversion efficiency of this solid-state tin-based solar cell is around 5.73%, the team believes it is a strong starting point. They highlight two key advantages of tin perovskite: its ability to absorb visible light efficiently and its capacity to be melted directly without heating.
The solar cell is structured as a "sandwich" made up 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, serving as a conductive contact. The third layer is the tin perovskite, acting as the core light-absorbing material. This layer was synthesized in a nitrogen-filled glove box to prevent oxidation.
Above the tin perovskite is a hole transport layer composed of a pyridine molecule, which helps control the flow of electricity. Finally, a thin gold layer completes the structure. The entire cell is only 1 to 2 microns thick and is air-stable. Testing showed a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 5.73%.
Since the formation of Earth, the sun has continuously provided energy through its light and heat. As technology advances, our methods of harnessing solar power continue to evolve. While solar cells have long struggled with high costs and low efficiency, the emergence of tin-based perovskite solar cells marks a step forward in making solar energy more sustainable, affordable, and efficient.
As research progresses, scientists hope to further improve the efficiency of these cells, bringing us closer to a future of clean, green, and cost-effective solar energy. (Reporter: Liu Xia)