Researchers from the University of Oxford's Department of Physics have developed an innovative ultra-thin, flexible material designed to absorb light with incredible efficiency. This ultra-thin coating is so incredibly thin that it can be easily applied to a variety of surfaces, including buildings and a wide range of objects. Its design allows it to blend seamlessly with a variety of structures without affecting their appearance or function.
The advanced light-absorbing properties of this material allow it to produce almost double the energy output compared to traditional solar panels.
The secret to this innovation lies in perovskite, a material that outperforms conventional silicon-based panels in absorbing solar energy. Unlike silicon-based panels, perovskite has a light-absorbing layer that is better suited to capture a wider spectrum of sunlight, enhancing energy generation.
Ultra-thin and versatile
Amazingly, this solar coating is just over one micron thick, 150 times thinner than the silicon wafers commonly used today. And its versatility doesn't end there: the material can be printed onto a variety of surfaces, including plastic and paper, using technology similar to inkjet printing.
The advent of this technology removes long-standing challenges associated with ground-mounted solar power plants, which take up large amounts of land and often cause conflict with the agricultural sector. By allowing solar energy to be collected from existing structures, Oxford's innovation has the potential to reduce land-use conflicts and lower energy costs.
Commercial viability and future prospects
Henry Snaith, professor of renewable energy at the University of Oxford's Department of Physics, who led the team, highlighted the commercial potential of the development, which he foresees wide-ranging applications in industries such as construction and car manufacturing, marking the beginning of a new era of sustainable energy solutions.
“The latest innovations in photovoltaic materials and technologies demonstrated in our lab could become a platform for new industries that use existing buildings, vehicles and objects to manufacture materials that generate solar energy more sustainably and cheaply,” he said.
(With input from relevant agencies)
