Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have made significant advancements in understanding halide perovskites, materials that hold promise for creating the next generation of solar cells. As the global demand for electricity surges, researchers are exploring innovative ways to enhance solar technology efficiency. These materials are particularly valued for their potential in developing lightweight and flexible solar cells that can be integrated into a variety of surfaces, from smartphones to buildings.
Amidst rising electricity needs, projected to surpass 50% of global energy consumption in the next 25 years, the urgency for efficient, sustainable energy solutions is paramount. Chalmers’ research focuses on halide perovskites, which excel at light absorption and emission, yet face challenges related to stability, particularly with a compound known as formamidinium lead iodide. Researchers are investigating how to improve this material’s longevity by combining it with other perovskites.
The team at Chalmers is employing advanced computer simulations and machine learning techniques to clarify the underlying structures and behaviors of these compounds. They have recently detailed a crucial low-temperature phase of formamidinium lead iodide, which has previously evaded thorough experimental explanation. Their findings, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, confirm a pivotal structural question regarding this phase, enhancing understanding that could lead to improved solar technologies.
This research effort harnesses the power of supercomputing to run extensive simulations, drastically improving upon prior modeling capabilities. Collaborating with experimental partners at the University of Birmingham, the team validated their computational models by cooling materials to extreme temperatures and observing their properties. By bridging simulation and real-world experiments, the Chalmers researchers hope their insights will pioneer future advancements in the versatile and evolving category of halide perovskite materials.