Australian scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in eco-friendly solar energy technology. A team from the University of Queensland has developed a tin-based perovskite solar cell that boasts a certified efficiency of 16.65%, surpassing the previous global record for tin halide perovskite (THP) cells.
“It might not seem like much, but this is a giant leap in a field that is renowned for delicate and incremental progress,” said team leader Wang Lianzhou. “Our THP cell matches the efficiency of many commercial silicon-based cells but has the potential to be cheaper, faster, and more sustainable to produce.”
The innovation replaces the toxic lead found in most perovskite solar cells with tin, making the technology safer and more environmentally friendly for residential use. “Tin is a much safer alternative, and this advancement makes THPs better suited for homes,” explained team member He Dongxu.
One of the significant challenges the team overcame was improving the quality of the crystalline films in the solar cells. Researcher Chen Peng highlighted how incorporating cesium ions enhanced the film’s structure and reduced defects, boosting efficiency.
The team believes this breakthrough could revolutionize how we harness solar energy. “We could eventually see THPs used for engineering challenges, including as a lightweight solution to power electric aircraft—the sky really is the limit,” Wang added.
This development not only marks a significant step forward for renewable energy but also opens doors to more sustainable and accessible solar power solutions worldwide, especially in regions that can benefit most from affordable clean energy.
