A new radiation-resistant layer, developed by the University of Surrey, significantly increases the durability of new generation perovskite solar cells for space use. This innovation makes satellite solar panels lighter, more effective and cheaper compared to traditional analogues.
Engineers from the Institute of Advanced Surrey In cooperation with Oxford University, The University of New South Wales and several South Korean institutions created a protective layer of propane-1,3-diammonium iodide (PDAI2). This thin film protects the perovskite solar cells from degradation in the space environment, where intense radiation can damage their organic components.
To test the effectiveness of PDAI2, the researchers simulated over 20 years of exposure to low Earth orbit, exposing solar cells to intense proton radiation. The coated elements showed significantly better performance and structural integrity compared to untreated ones. The coating stabilizes vulnerable molecules, preventing them from turning into gases, такі як водень чи аміак, which reduce the efficiency of the elements.
The project combined the expertise of the Institute of Advanced Technologies, Surrey Ion Beam Center and Institute for Sustainable Development, solving complex global challenges, in particular, the development of clean energy technologies for space.
Source: https://www.spacedaily.com