Innovative design doubles the efficiency of lightweight space batteries

Tech 2023-06-13 09:40:22 Source: Network

Science and Technology Daily (reporter Zhang Jiaxin) Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States proposed a new design of a lightweight two-dimensional transition metal halide (2DTMDC) solar cell in the first issue of the newly published Equipment magazine. The cell is enhanced by the Superlattice structure, which increases the absorption of solar energy, and the efficiency is improved from 5% to 12%, which is very suitable for space applications

Science and Technology Daily (reporter Zhang Jiaxin) Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States proposed a new design of a lightweight two-dimensional transition metal halide (2DTMDC) solar cell in the first issue of the newly published Equipment magazine. The cell is enhanced by the Superlattice structure, which increases the absorption of solar energy, and the efficiency is improved from 5% to 12%, which is very suitable for space applications.

Dip Jarivara, chief author of the University of Pennsylvania and member of the Advisory Committee of Equipment magazine, said that people are slowly realizing that 2DTMDC is an excellent photovoltaic material. The weight of 2DTMDC solar cells is only 1/100 of that of silicon or gallium arsenide solar cells. Although the efficiency of these cells is not as high as that of silicon solar cells, they generate more electricity per unit weight, a characteristic known as "specific power". Due to its thickness being only 3-5 nanometers, it absorbs sunlight comparable to commercial solar cells. They are only a few atoms thick, and this ultra-thin feature gives them the label of "2D".

The team believes that in order to further improve the efficiency of this type of battery, it is necessary to properly consider the excitons of the equipment. Excitons are generated when solar cells absorb sunlight, and they are the key to efficient absorption of light energy in 2DTMDC solar cells. When the positive and negative charge components of excitons are transported to different electrodes, solar cells generate electricity.

By modeling solar cells, the research team's new design demonstrated a doubling of efficiency in the experiment compared to before, reaching 12%.

The researchers said that the unique feature of this device is its Superlattice structure, which means that there are alternate 2DTMDC layers separated by spacer layers or non semiconductor layers, and the spacing between layers allows multiple reflections of light.

Next, researchers hope to design batteries with actual efficiency exceeding 10% within the next 4-5 years.

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