University of Surrey research to unleash 'untold potential' of solar energy

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Stephen Emerson

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University of Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) have said they have discovered a method to harness "untold potential" from solar energy.

Academics said a new production technique for perovskite solar cells would enhance space exploration and assist in the drive to net zero among many other applications. A simple semiconductor solution, they stated, could boost solar energy generation by improving interfacial recombination.

By precisely controlling the fabrication process, ATI said it is possible to regulate and reduce unwanted energy loss. The research has been published in the October edition of the peer reviewed publication, Advanced Energy Materials.

Lead researcher of the programme Dr Bowei Li, said: "The future of perovskite solar panels is incredibly exciting, with the promise of not only improving the performance of solar farms and roof panels but many opportunities in powering spacecraft and interstellar probes.

"We hope the relatively straightforward approach demonstrated in our study, which tackles recombination losses, can improve the reproducibility, efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells."

Dr Wei Zhang, the primary supervisor of the research from the University of Surrey, said: "Perovskites are wonderful semiconductor materials enabling the revolution of next-generation photovoltaic technologies. However, despite unprecedented success in many emerging applications, their full potential has yet to be unlocked.

"Our work will foster the understanding of the complex interplay between the passivators and perovskites at the material interfaces and take the perovskite photovoltaics to new heights."

Professor Ravi Silva, the co-supervisor of the research programme and Director of the ATI at the University of Surrey, said: "Net-Zero is impossible if solar energy isn't a crucial component of the mix. Solar energy is currently the leading technology for large-scale inexpensive green energy harvesting worldwide.

"The ATI, and indeed the University of Surrey, is dedicated to making sure that this perovskite technology complements conventional solar modules and is central to the sustainability requirements for tomorrow's world."

The work is a collaboration between the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Swansea University, University of Sheffield, University of Toronto, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.