Researchers led by Simin Ma at Yunnan University have developed perovskite solar cells designed to generate electricity underwater. These cells address the typical degradation issues of perovskites by tuning them to absorb wavelengths of light that penetrate water and incorporating a durability-enhancing additive.
Perovskite solar cells offer advantages over traditional silicon cells, including lower production costs, flexibility, and higher energy conversion rates. However, they are prone to rapid degradation. The team, led by Simin Ma, focused on overcoming this limitation to create a functional underwater solar panel. Water typically destroys perovskites, but the materials can be adjusted to work with different wavelengths of light.
The researchers designed the cells to absorb the wavelengths of light that reach depths of a few meters underwater, where silicon panels are ineffective. Lower light levels and cooler temperatures are also expected to extend the lifespan of the cells. The key to their success was an additive, polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride, which creates a water-repelling layer around the perovskite material.
This additive also integrates into the perovskite crystal lattice, promoting the formation of larger crystals and preventing ion movement, both of which contribute to degradation. The additive both improves the cell’s electricity production and limits common breakdown pathways.
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