A groundbreaking finding from a group of Australian researchers unveils that proton radiation damage in low-earth orbiting perovskite solar cells can be fully restored to its original efficiency through a process of thermal vacuum annealing.
This multidisciplinary study was a first in several aspects. It marked the initial use of thermal admittance spectroscopy (TAS) and deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) for analyzing defects in proton-irradiated and subsequently recovered perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, it was a pioneering effort to incorporate ultrathin sapphire substrates with high power-to-weight ratios conducive to commercial applications. The research has been made publicly available in the journal Advanced Energy Materials.
Lightweight perovskite solar cells (PSCs) stand out as a viable option for powering cost-effective space hardware. Their significant potential is largely attributed to the trifecta of their low production cost, high efficiency, and radiation resistance. Prior research on proton-irradiated PSCs involved thicker, heavier substrates exceeding 1mm. However, this study employed 0.175mm ultrathin, radiation-resistant, and optically transparent sapphire substrates to harness high power-to-weight ratios.
This innovative project was conducted at the University of Sydney, helmed by Professor Anita Ho-Baillie, who also serves as an Associate Investigator with the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science.
The team executed the testing of the solar cells by exposing them to a rapid scanning pencil beam of seven mega-electron-volts (MeV) protons. This procedure, carried out at the Centre for Accelerator Science (CAS) at ANSTO, simulated the proton radiation exposure solar cell panels would experience during their lengthy orbits around the earth in a low-earth orbit (LEO) on a satellite.
The team made a critical discovery about the hole transport material (HTM), which functions to convey the photo-generated positive charges to the electrode in the cell. It emerged that cells using the popular HTM compound 2,2',7,7'-Tetrakis[N,N-di(4-methoxyphenyl)amino]-9,9'-spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD) and the dopant lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) were less resilient to radiation than their counterparts.
Chemical analysis provided further insights, demonstrating that proton radiation induces fluorine diffusion from the LiTFSI, creating surface defects on the perovskite photo-absorber. These defects potentially contribute to cell degradation and efficiency losses over time.
Dr. Shi Tang, the study's lead author, expressed gratitude for the support of Exciton Science, which enabled the team to harness deep-level transient spectroscopy to scrutinize the cell defect behavior.
Further, the team determined that cells devoid of Spiro-OMeTAD and LiTFSI were resistant to fluorine diffusion related damage. In these cells, the proton radiation-induced degradation could be reversed by heat treatment in vacuum. The resistant cells utilized Poly[bis(4-phenyl) (2,5,6-trimethylphenyl) (PTAA) or a combination of PTAA and 2,7-Dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8BTBT) as the hole transport material, with tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (TPFB) as the dopant.
Reflecting on the significance of their findings, Professor Ho-Baillie voiced hope that their research would guide future initiatives in the design and development of cost-effective, lightweight solar cells for space applications.
Research Report:Effect of Hole Transport Materials and
Their Dopants on the Stability and Recoverability of Perovskite Solar Cells on Very Thin Substrates after 7 MeV Proton Irradiation
Artificial Intelligence Analysis
Defense Industry Analyst:
A Defense Industry Analyst might rate the article 8/10 in relevance due to the articles focus on the promising potential of proton radiation resistant solar cells for use in space hardware. The article provides valuable insight into the specific testing procedures and results of the research conducted by the team at the University of Sydney. It also highlights the potential commercial applications of the research findings. The primary audience for this analyst would be the military, defense contractors, and the aerospace industry.
Stock Market Analyst:
A Stock Market Analyst might rate the article 5/10 in relevance due to its focus on research as opposed to market trends or stock performance. Although the article provides insights into the potential commercial applications of the research, it does not provide any direct information about market performance or investments. The primary audience for this analyst would be investors, traders, and stock market analysts.
General Industry Analyst:
A General Industry Analyst might rate the article 6/10 in relevance due to its focus on the potential of proton radiation resistant solar cells. The article provides valuable insight into the specific testing procedures and results of the research conducted by the team at the University of Sydney. The primary audience for this analyst would be those interested in the aerospace, defense, and technology industries.
Analyst Summary
: A groundbreaking study conducted by a team of Australian researchers has revealed a revolutionary recovery technique for space solar cells that were exposed to proton radiation. The team, led by Professor Anita Ho Baillie of the University of Sydney, employed a rapid scanning pencil beam of seven mega electron volts MeV protons to simulate the radiation exposure solar cell panels would experience during their lengthy orbits around the earth in a low earth orbit LEO on a satellite. The research utilized 0.175mm ultrathin radiation resistant and optically transparent sapphire substrates to harness high power to weight ratios conducive to commercial applications. Results showed that the proton radiation damage in low earth orbiting perovskite solar cells can be fully restored to its original efficiency through a process of thermal vacuum annealing. This study was a first in several aspects, marking an initial use of thermal admittance spectroscopy TAS and deep level transient spectroscopy DLTS for analyzing defects in proton irradiated and subsequently recovered perovskite solar cells.The potential implications this research has for the defense, aerospace, and technology industries are significant. The lightweight perovskite solar cells PSCs stand out as a viable option for powering cost effective space hardware due to their low production cost, high efficiency, and radiation resistance. The results of this study could lead to the development of more efficient and reliable solar cells for use in space hardware, and the technology could potentially be adapted to other industries as well.When compared to significant events and trends in the space and defense industry over the past 25 years, the findings of this article are in line with the increasing demand for more efficient, reliable, and cost effective solutions for powering space hardware. This research provides a potential solution to this demand and could have a lasting impact on the industry.Investigative
Question:
- 1. How could the results of this study be applied to other industries?
- 2. What other types of radiation resistant solar cells could be developed from this research?
- 3.
What other types of testing procedures could be employed to further understand the implications of this research?4. What are the potential long-term impacts of this research on the space and defense industry?
5. How could this r
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