Scientists at Lehigh University have made a significant discovery that might transform the solar energy industry. This novel material, described in a study that was covered by international media sources and published in the esteemed journal Science Advances, can increase the output of power in next-generation solar panels by an incredible 190 percent.
The study, conducted under the direction of Professor Chinedu Ekuma and his classmates, represents a major advancement in sustainable energy solutions. Through the use of the extraordinary qualities of a brand-new substance called Cu-intercalated GeSe/SnS, their experiment was able to outperform the theoretical efficiency limit of conventional solar cells.
Read Also: Double Sided Solar Panels Set to Transform Energy
The scientists carefully investigated the van der Waals gaps between layered 2-D materials to create a material that could absorb visible and infrared light with previously unheard-of efficiency. The material’s External Quantum Efficiency (EQE) of 190%, which indicates the production of more than one electron per absorbed photon, highlighted this innovation.
Professor Ekuma highlighted the material’s potential uses in photovoltaic systems by stressing its quick response and increased efficiency. The finding is extremely promising in terms of meeting the rising demand for energy worldwide and providing a route towards high-efficiency solar cells, which are necessary for a sustainable future.
The research’s subsequent stage will concentrate on incorporating this ground-breaking substance into the infrastructure already in place for renewable energy sources, opening the door for wider acceptance and useful application. A major step towards a better, more sustainable future, the Lehigh University discovery is indicative of the global movement towards clean and renewable energy sources.