Solar Energy
Breakthrough in tin-based perovskite solar cells achieves 11 percent power conversion efficiency
![Breakthrough in tin-based perovskite solar cells achieves 11 percent power conversion efficiency Breakthrough in tin-based perovskite solar cells achieves 11 percent power conversion efficiency](https://www.spxdaily.com/images-hg/solar-cell-tin-perovskites-sem-hcl-hg.jpg)
Breakthrough in tin-based perovskite solar cells achieves 11 percent power conversion efficiency
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jan 24, 2024
In the rapidly evolving field of solar energy, tin perovskite solar cells have emerged as a significant area of interest, particularly for their potential in creating lead-free alternatives. A recent development from the Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, led by Prof. Ligang Xu, has marked a notable advancement in this sector.
Their research, focusing on overcoming the challenges of deep-level traps in tin perovskite solar cells, has been highlighted in their paper, “Suppression of deep-level traps via semicarbazide hydrochloride additives for high-performance tin-based perovskite solar cells,” published on December 29, 2023, in Frontiers of Optoelectronics.
Deep-level traps in tin perovskite solar cells, predominantly caused by Sn vacancies and undercoordinated Sn ions, have been a persistent issue. These traps lead to non-radiative recombination and the absorption of nucleophilic O2 molecules, both of which significantly impede the efficiency and stability of these devices.
Addressing this challenge, the research introduces a novel method – the integration of semicarbazide hydrochloride (SEM-HCl) into the tin perovskite precursor. This technique has been instrumental in fabricating high-quality perovskite films with a markedly low concentration of deep-level traps.
The SEM-HCl plays a dual role in enhancing the quality of tin perovskite films. Firstly, it diminishes the quantity of uncoordinated Sn2+ ions on the surface, and secondly, it modulates the intrinsic Sn deep-level defects. This comprehensive modulation is key to enhancing device performance.
The O=C-N functional group in SEM-HCl forms coordination interactions with charge defects of the tin perovskites. This interaction intensifies the electron cloud density surrounding the defects, thereby enlarging vacancy formation energies. This approach is crucial in reducing the deep-level trap state density, which originates from undercoordinated Sn2+ ions and Sn4+ oxidation.
By effectively reducing nonradiative recombination and extending the charge lifetime, the tin-based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) approaching 11%, a significant stride in the realm of solar cell technology.
An equally impressive feat is the stability of these newly developed cells. The unencapsulated devices maintained almost 100% of their initial efficiencies after operating for 100 hours under AM1.5 illumination conditions. This level of stability, coupled with the improved efficiency, marks a significant step forward in the practical application of tin-based perovskite solar cells.
Prof. Ligang Xu’s team has effectively addressed one of the major hurdles in the development of efficient and stable tin perovskite solar cells. By employing SEM-HCl, they have not only improved the performance of these cells but also opened new avenues for further research and development in lead-free perovskite solar cells. This advancement aligns well with the global shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions, offering a promising future for solar technology.
The implications of this research extend beyond the academic realm into the commercial and environmental sectors. With increasing concern over the use of lead in perovskite solar cells, the development of efficient lead-free alternatives is crucial. The approach demonstrated by Prof. Ligang Xu and his team represents a significant step in this direction, potentially paving the way for more widespread adoption of solar energy as a clean and renewable resource.
Related Links
Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com
Solar Energy
Argonne to lead National Energy Storage Research Hub
![Argonne to lead National Energy Storage Research Hub Argonne to lead National Energy Storage Research Hub](https://www.spxdaily.com/images-hg/argonne-chemical-fuel-cycle-technologies-glove-box-hg.jpg)
Argonne to lead National Energy Storage Research Hub
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 05, 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Argonne National Laboratory to lead the newly established Energy Storage Research Alliance (ESRA), a national hub focused on advancing energy storage technologies. The ESRA, co-led by DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), is one of two new Energy Innovation Hubs announced by the DOE.
Bringing together nearly 50 leading researchers from three national laboratories and 12 universities, ESRA aims to address the most critical challenges in battery technology, such as safety, high-energy density, and the development of long-duration storage solutions using cost-effective and abundant materials. The initiative is designed to push the boundaries of energy storage science, fostering innovation and strengthening the competitive edge of the U.S. in this crucial field.
“The demand for high-performance, low-cost and sustainable energy storage devices is on the rise, especially those with potential to deeply decarbonize heavy-duty transportation and the electric grid,” stated Shirley Meng, ESRA director and chief scientist at the Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science. “To achieve this, energy storage technology must reach levels of unprecedented performance, surpassing the capabilities of current lithium-ion technology. The key to making these transformative leaps lies in a robust research and development initiative firmly grounded in basic science.”
Leveraging decades of investment in fundamental science, ESRA will focus on transformative discoveries in materials chemistry, a deeper understanding of electrochemical processes at the atomic level, and establishing the scientific foundations necessary for major advancements in energy storage technology.
“ESRA creates an energy storage research ecosystem with the mission to rapidly innovate, shorten the time between basic discovery and technology development, and train the next-generation workforce,” commented Bryan McCloskey, ESRA deputy director for scientific thrusts and a faculty engineer at Berkeley Lab.
The success of ESRA’s efforts will lead to the development of high-energy batteries that are fire-resistant, capable of providing long-duration storage for multiple days, have a lifespan of several decades, and are constructed from low-cost, widely available materials.
“ESRA will pave the way for innovative energy storage solutions that drive both U.S. prosperity and security,” said Argonne Director Paul Kearns. “As the lead laboratory for ESRA under the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Argonne takes pride in spearheading this collaborative effort that unites world-leading experts and taps the impressive scientific resources available in national labs and academia.”
The DOE has committed up to $62.5 million in funding for ESRA over the next five years.
In addition to its research goals, the Argonne-led hub will prioritize training a diverse, next-generation battery workforce to meet future manufacturing demands. This will be achieved through innovative training programs that involve industry, academia, and government partnerships.
“Cultivating a diverse workforce dedicated to safeguarding America’s energy resilience is key to ESRA’s mission,” noted Wei Wang, ESRA deputy director for crosscuts and director of the Energy Storage Materials Initiative at PNNL. “Through our strategic equity and inclusion initiatives, we plan to create a robust training ground for energy storage science from the undergraduate to postdoctoral levels.”
With Berkeley Lab and PNNL as co-leads, the ESRA collaboration brings together comprehensive expertise across the energy storage spectrum. Their state-of-the-art capabilities in technology discovery, modeling and simulation, and materials synthesis and characterization complement those of Argonne, setting the stage for significant advancements in energy storage.
Argonne is joined by 14 partners in this initiative, all of whom are deeply involved in ESRA’s scientific endeavors, governance, strategic development, and the training of the next generation of battery scientists and engineers. This collaboration among national laboratories and universities is vital for discovering new materials, accelerating the development of technology, and commercializing new energy storage innovations.
Related Links
Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com
Solar Energy
UN’s Guterres says China-Africa ties can drive ‘renewable energy revolution’
![UN’s Guterres says China-Africa ties can drive ‘renewable energy revolution’ UN’s Guterres says China-Africa ties can drive ‘renewable energy revolution’](https://www.spxdaily.com/images-hg/solarcell-spix-hg.jpg)
UN’s Guterres says China-Africa ties can drive ‘renewable energy revolution’
by AFP Staff Writers
Beijing (AFP) Sept 5, 2024
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told African leaders Thursday that expanding ties between China and the continent could “drive the renewable energy revolution”.
Guterres and more than 50 African leaders are attending this week’s China-Africa forum, according to state media.
Guterres told the gathering that “China’s remarkable record of development — including on eradicating poverty — provides a wealth of experience and expertise”.
“It can be a catalyst for key transitions on food systems and digital connectivity,” he said.
“And as home to some of the world’s most dynamic economies, Africa can maximise the potential of China’s support in areas from trade to data management, finance and technology,” Guterres added.
Guterres also told the leaders it was time to correct “historic injustices” against the continent.
“It is outrageous… that the continent of Africa has no permanent seat on the Security Council,” he said.
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Solar Energy
Major Qatari plant to double solar capacity by 2030: minister
![Major Qatari plant to double solar capacity by 2030: minister Major Qatari plant to double solar capacity by 2030: minister](https://www.spxdaily.com/images-hg/west-china-desert-huanghe-hydropower-hhsd-pv-solar-farm-hg.jpg)
Major Qatari plant to double solar capacity by 2030: minister
by AFP Staff Writers
Doha (AFP) Sept 1, 2024
A large new solar plant planned in Qatar will double the Gulf emirate’s previously projected renewable energy capacity by 2030, Qatari Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi announced on Sunday.
The photovoltaic farm, which will be built in the Dukhan area some 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of the capital Doha, will increase the gas-rich state’s solar production capacity to four gigawatts by the end of the decade, Kaabi said.
The plant “that will be established in Dukhan area will produce 2,000 megawatts, which is twice more than the capacity of Qatar’s production of solar energy of the current projects,” the minister, who is also chief executive of state-owned QatarEnergy, said.
In October 2022, Qatar inaugurated its first large-scale solar farm at al-Kharsaah, west of Doha. The emirate announced in August of the same year another solar project with two plants at Ras Laffan in the north.
Through the combined projects, including at Dukhan, Qatar would achieve “4,000 megawatts of clean energy by 2030”, Kaabi said.
This will “constitute 30 percent of the total production of energy of the state of Qatar” with a yearly reduction of “4.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions,” he added.
Kaabi said the existing projects should produce 1.7 gigawatts of energy “in first quarter of next year, or early next year”.
The energy minister also announced plans to more than double Qatar’s urea production making the country the largest producer of the fertiliser in the world by the end of the decade.
He said Qatar would “maximise the production of chemical fertilisers” through “a complex with global standards” which would “increase our production capacity from 6 million tonnes annually to more than 12.4 million tonnes annually”.
Qatar is one of the world’s top liquefied natural gas producers alongside the United States, Australia and Russia. Natural gas is a major ingredient in urea manufacturing.
In February, Qatar announced plans to expand its output from its North Field project, saying it will boost capacity to 142 million tonnes per year before 2030.
Over the past year, Qatar has inked a series of long-term LNG deals with France’s Total, Britain’s Shell, India’s Petronet, China’s Sinopec and Italy’s Eni among others.
csp/dcp
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