PROBLEM
Solar cells made from perovskites have advantages over traditional silicon solar cells, including simplicity in manufacture and being lightweight. But perovskite solar cells also are slightly less efficient at converting energy and have a much shorter lifetime than silicon solar cells.
SOLUTION
Purdue researchers have created a molecule that fits perfectly into perovskite solar cells’ structure. Using the molecule, the researchers achieved near 25% power conversion efficiency, compared to less than 20% without them. They also improved the solar cell lifetime to more than 2,400 hours.
IN THE MEDIA
Purdue University News Release
PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR
Letian Dou, the Charles Davidson Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering
INNOVATION DISCLOSURE
Multi-Functional Conjugated Ligand Engineering for Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
LICENSING CONTACTS
Email: otcip@prf.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Email: Steve Martin // sgmartin@prf.org
QUOTE
“Degradation has long plagued the commercial viability of perovskite solar cells. The Purdue researchers’ technology has the potential to introduce perovskites to the commercial solar industry due to its resistance to degradation and efficiency comparable to that of silicon solar cells. Perovskite solar cells provide unique benefits, and this technology is a step toward realizing them on a commercial scale.”
— Jacob Brejcha, Licensing Associate – Physical Sciences