‘Holy grail’ of solar technology set to consign ‘unsustainable silicon’ to history
Technology tamfitronics “Seasoning” the FAPbI3 precursor solution with a sprinkling of specially designed two-dimensional (2D) perovskites improved not only the efficiency of FAPbI3 solar cells but also their durability.(Image credit: Photos by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)Researchers have synthesized highly durable solar cells made from perovskite — a common crystal structure (in its natural form a calcium titanium oxide mineral) — in a breakthrough that could revolutionize the solar industry.Solar power is the fastest-growing energy technology and plays a key role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Solar power converts sunlight into electricity — and is used in various applications including lighting, heating, cooling, computers, electronics and powering machinery.Solar panels made from silicon have a lifetime of around 25 years. It is tried and tested, but using silicon is environmentally unsustainable because it is a non-renewable, finite...
