Lithuanian researchers advance photo voltaic cell expertise
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Might 16, 2024
Researchers from Kaunas College of Know-how (KTU), Lithuania, who beforehand developed high-efficiency photo voltaic cells, have expanded their invention. The self-assembled monolayers can now be utilized in each inverted and common construction perovskite photo voltaic cells.
Self-assembling molecules type a single-molecule-thick layer, appearing as an electron-transporting layer in photo voltaic cells.
“The molecules that make up these monolayers, like a intelligent glue, coat the floor of the constructed gadgets with a skinny one molecule thick layer. And this isn’t random, they do not stick wherever they go, however connect themselves by chemical bonds solely the place they’re involved with conductive metallic oxide,” defined Tadas Malinauskas, Professor at KTU’s College of Chemical Know-how and one of many inventors of the brand new expertise.
In accordance with Malinauskas, creating such a layer is a straightforward and material-efficient course of that requires a glass substrate with an electrically conductive metallic oxide layer to be immersed in or sprayed with a extremely diluted resolution of the compound. The self-assembling molecules connect solely to the metallic oxide floor, with non-adhering molecules being washed away. This creates a skinny layer exactly the place it’s wanted.
KTU researchers have been synthesizing and finding out charge-transporting natural supplies for a number of years, focusing beforehand on molecules for constructive cost switch in perovskite photo voltaic cells.
“We will already say with confidence that these molecules have given a serious increase to the event of the subsequent technology photo voltaic cells. So, our subsequent step is sort of logical: to develop analogous molecules that may carry destructive costs, and to use these supplies in perovskite photo voltaic cells,” stated Vytautas Getautis, professor on the KTU College of Chemical Know-how and head of the analysis group.
Though it’s a very skinny layer, its position in photo voltaic cells is crucial. Malinauskas in contrast its perform to that of an computerized gate within the subway, permitting just one sort of cost to cross by means of in the direction of the electrode, thereby growing photo voltaic cell effectivity.
Perovskite photo voltaic cell buildings fluctuate in layer sequence. Within the common construction, a destructive cost transporting layer is fashioned on a clear substrate, adopted by light-absorbing and constructive cost transporting layers. Within the inverted construction, the constructive and destructive cost transport layers are swapped.
KTU PhD scholar Lauryna Monika Svirskaite defined that the principle distinction between the 2 buildings lies of their software areas. The common construction is used for finding out low-cost, easier-manufactured however much less environment friendly photo voltaic cells, whereas the inverted structure permits for extra environment friendly mixed gadgets, often called tandem gadgets.
At present, as each buildings are being intensively researched, KTU scientists imagine that their new invention is as important and promising as their earlier developments.
The brand new invention resulted from collaboration with scientists from King Abdullah College of Science and Know-how (KAUST).
“We, KTU chemists, had been answerable for the event, enchancment, and optimisation of the supplies and coating expertise, whereas our colleagues from Saudi Arabia investigated the efficiency of it in photo voltaic cells,” revealed Malinauskas.
Greta Zekiene, head of Mental Property Administration at KTU’s Nationwide Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (NIEC), stated the demand for this invention is surprisingly excessive. Curiosity within the invention’s industrial use preceded the patent software submitting.
“A Japanese firm, with whom we have already got a number of licences for innovations on this subject, instantly expressed the curiosity to have the innovation of their product portfolio. They had been ready for us to organize a patent software. The method of negotiating a licence settlement began immediately,” stated Zekiene.
She emphasised that getting a patent isn’t mandatory for commercializing an invention, because it depends upon the person case. Commercialization can happen at any time if a enterprise declares its intention to license or take over all of the property rights.
Zekiene added that innovations within the subject of photo voltaic cells made by the Synthesis of Natural Semiconductors analysis group are the strongest in KTU’s patent portfolio and obtain important curiosity from companies. “We really feel proud and acknowledged when corporations wish to begin utilizing the innovations as quickly as doable,” she stated.
Analysis Report:Nonfullerene Self-Assembled Monolayers As Electron-Selective Contacts for n-i-p Perovskite Photo voltaic Cells
Associated Hyperlinks
Kaunas College of Know-how
All About Photo voltaic Power at SolarDaily.com
