Bio impressed design strategy goals to boost sturdiness and scalability of perovskite photo voltaic cells
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Jul 25, 2025
A analysis crew from the College of Engineering at The Hong Kong College of Science and Expertise (HKUST) has developed a pioneering multiscale bio-inspired technique to enhance the long-term stability and environmental resilience of perovskite photo voltaic cells. Collaborating with main establishments within the US and Switzerland, the crew has adopted nature-based design rules to beat key boundaries to commercialization.
Perovskite photo voltaic cells are valued for his or her low-cost, solution-based manufacturing, however their widespread deployment is hindered by poor interfacial adhesion, restricted mechanical robustness, and vulnerability to moisture, UV radiation, and warmth. These challenges come up at scales starting from the molecular to the gadget degree.
Led by Affiliate Professor ZHOU Yuanyuan from HKUST’s Division of Chemical and Organic Engineering and the Power Institute, the researchers suggest a scientific redesign of perovskite photo voltaic cells impressed by nature’s hierarchical buildings. For instance, plant leaves and bug exoskeletons provide fashions for thermal regulation, sturdiness, and environment friendly gentle absorption.
The technique contains three design ranges: molecular, the place bio-inspired interactions information crystal formation and restrict degradation; microscale, the place self-healing and reinforcement mechanisms are carried out; and gadget degree, the place organic analogs like moth eyes and beetle shells inform purposeful structure for gentle and thermal administration.
“Nature gives an considerable reservoir of design options to assist us construct photo voltaic supplies that may thrive in real-world circumstances,” stated Prof. Zhou. “We have already translated a few of these methods into artificial vitality gadgets.”
The analysis builds on two latest advances by Prof. Zhou’s group. The primary entails a chiral interface design utilizing R-/S-methylbenzylammonium, which mimics organic springs to boost mechanical durability-this research appeared in Science. The second contains a laminated, multi-layer interfacial construction that mimics organic membranes to suppress defects and enhance vitality alignment-this was revealed in Nature Synthesis.
The crew emphasizes sustainability by specializing in low-toxicity parts and designs appropriate with round economies. Future work will prioritize deciding on bio-derived molecules for improved crystal management, creating stress-triggered self-healing options, and optimizing multi-functional encapsulation for longevity and effectivity.
Dr. DUAN Tianwei, the research’s first writer and a Analysis Assistant Professor at HKUST, remarked, “This isn’t nearly new supplies; it represents a novel strategy to photo voltaic expertise, impressed by nature itself. By integrating bio-inspired buildings, capabilities, and sustainability, we’re excited concerning the new chapter unfolding in photo voltaic vitality.”
Analysis Report:Bio-inspired multiscale design for perovskite solar cells
Associated Hyperlinks
School of Engineering (SENG) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com
