USTC team enhances air-processed perovskite solar cells with new stabilizer

by Riko Seibo

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Apr 19, 2024

Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), led by Prof. XU Jixian, have developed a novel stabilizer, dimethylammonium formate (DMAFo), for air-processed p-i-n perovskite solar cells. This innovation significantly inhibits the oxidation of iodide ions and the deprotonation of organic cations, as detailed in their recent publication in Nature Energy.

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of metal halide perovskite solar cells has seen rapid advances, surpassing 26.1% in controlled environments. However, manufacturing these cells in ambient air has been challenging due to significant efficiency and stability losses, which impede mass production and broader application.

The new stabilizer addresses the “whole-process” degradation observed when perovskite films are exposed to moisture, oxygen, and heat during air processing. DMAFo’s ability to reduce halide oxidation and support hydrogen bonding with the perovskite precursor allows for the long-term stability of perovskite solutions under ambient conditions.

Further enhancements are noted during the crystallization stage in air, where DMAFo improves the crystallinity of perovskite films, thus minimizing the energetic disorder and non-radiative recombination caused by atomic defects. This development is critical as it overcomes the limitations of conventional surface passivation, which alone has proven inadequate for maintaining the integrity of air-processed cells.

As a result of these improvements, the team has achieved a maximum PCE of 25.4% and a certified stabilized efficiency of 24.7% with their 1.53-eV p-i-n perovskite solar cells processed in ambient air-performances nearly matching those of the highest-grade cells produced in nitrogen atmospheres. The successful application of DMAFo in wide bandgap perovskites also demonstrates potential for the production of stacked devices in non-inert conditions.

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Addressing the dangers of lead pollution from solar power batteries in Africa

by Sophie Jenkins

London, UK (SPX) Apr 19, 2024

A study conducted by The University of Manchester highlights significant health and environmental risks from the informal recycling of lead-acid batteries used in off-grid solar systems in Malawi. These batteries are essential for providing electricity in regions without traditional power grids, a crucial step towards broader electricity access across sub-Saharan Africa.

Researchers noted that a typical battery recycling process releases between 3.5 and 4.7 kg of lead, vastly exceeding safe levels by over 100 times the lethal dose for adults. Dr. Christopher Kinally, who led the study during his PhD, emphasized the dire need for structured waste management to mitigate these risks. According to him, “The expansion of solar power access is vital for sustainable development, but it must be paired with effective waste management strategies to avoid grave public health impacts.”

The private sector’s role in providing off-grid solar solutions is growing, with projections indicating potential electricity access for hundreds of millions by 2030. However, the absence of formal recycling practices in places like Malawi has resulted in dangerous lead exposure. Lead, a potent neurotoxin, poses severe risks, especially to children whose brain development can be permanently damaged even at low exposure levels.

The study also revealed alarming practices in local communities where technicians, lacking proper training in hazardous waste management, handle and recycle these batteries in open markets. Often, they use rudimentary tools to break open batteries and extract lead, significantly contaminating the environment.

Dr. Alejandro Gallego Schmid, Kinally’s supervisor, stated, “It’s crucial to address the lifecycle of batteries used in solar systems, from production to disposal, to maintain the sustainability credentials of solar energy.”

The findings, published in Applied Energy, are part of a broader investigation into the impacts of unregulated recycling practices in developing economies, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive research into their health implications and calling for immediate regulatory reforms.

Research Report:Life cycle assessment of solar home system informal waste management practices in Malawi

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Momentus and Ascent Solar Technologies announce new solar array partnership

by Staff Writers

Momentus

by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 18, 2024
Momentus Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTS) and Ascent Solar Technologies (Nasdaq: ASTI) has unveiled their partnership aimed at jointly marketing innovative solar arrays that integrate Momentus’s low-cost Tape Spring Solar Array (TASSA) technology and Ascent’s advanced, flexible photovoltaic modules.

The surge in satellite production and deployment underscores a critical demand for affordable and efficient solar arrays. This collaboration will deliver a solar solution offering significant benefits including cost-effectiveness, durability under extreme space conditions, and high power output capabilities.

Following the successful initial demonstration of TASSA in orbit, launched via the Vigoride-6 mission, Momentus is enhancing the system with Ascent’s newer, more efficient Titan Module solar blankets. These upgrades aim to optimize power generation while reducing costs, with TASSA designed to support high-volume satellite operations by accommodating multiple units within standard launch payload configurations.

Rob Schwarz, CTO of Momentus, noted, “TASSA aims to empower small satellites with substantial power capabilities without compromising on mass, thermal management, or budget. This innovation not only maximizes space utilization within launch vehicles but also expedites satellite constellation deployment.”

The system’s adaptability includes retractable features to minimize exposure to space debris and adverse weather, potentially extending mission lifespans and operational reliability.

Paul Warley, CEO of ASTI, highlighted the suitability of their photovoltaic technology for space applications, emphasizing its durability and lightweight attributes which are critical in harsh orbital environments. “Our technology is designed to deliver sustained power output over time with significantly reduced mass, which is fundamental for successful long-term missions,” said Warley.

This partnership is set to streamline satellite array systems, making prolonged, cost-efficient space missions feasible.

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Ascent Solar Technologies

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