Bio -inspired design approach is intended to improve the sustainability and scalability of perovskiet solar cells
A research team from the School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has developed a groundbreaking multi-stimulus bio-inspired strategy to improve the long-term stability and the resilience of the environment of perovskite solar cells. The team cooperates with leading institutions in the US and Switzerland and has hired nature -based design principles to overcome important barriers to commercialization.
Perovskite solar cells are appreciated for their cheap, solution-based production, but their widespread deployment is hindered by poor interface hesion, limited mechanical robustness and vulnerability for moisture, UV radiation and heat. These challenges arise on scales ranging from the molecular to the device level.
Under the leadership of Association Lecturer Zhou Yuanyuan van Hkust’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the Energy Institute, the researchers propose a systematic redesign of Persal Solar cells inspired by the hierarchical structures of nature. For example, plant leaves and insectexoskeletons offer models for thermal regulation, durability and efficient light absorption.
The strategy includes three design levels: molecular, where bio-inspired interactions lead the formation of crystal and restrictive demolition; Micro scale, where self -healing and reinforcement mechanisms are implemented; And device level, where biological analogues such as moths and beetle scales inform functional architecture for light and thermal management.
“Nature offers an abundant reservoir of design solutions to help us build solar materials that can thrive in real circumstances,” said Prof. Zhou. “We have already translated some of these strategies into synthetic energy devices.”
The research builds on two recent developments by the group of Prof. Zhou. The first includes a chiral interface design using R/S-Methylbenzylammonium, which mimics biological sources to improve mechanical sustainability this study appeared in science. The second contains a laminated, multi-layered interface structure that mimics organic membranes to suppress defects and improve the energy lines were published in nature synthesis.
The team emphasizes sustainability by concentrating on components with low toxicity and designs that are compatible with circular economies. Future work will give priority to selecting bio-derived molecules for improved crystal control, developing stress-activated self-healing characteristics and optimizing multifunctional encapsulation for a long service life and efficiency.
Dr. Duan Tianwei, the first author of the study and a research assistant professor at Hkust, noted: “This is not only about new materials; it represents a new approach to solar technology, inspired by nature itself. Bio-inspired structures, functions, functions and sustainability are to be integrated in that in the new chapter that in the new chapter, that in the new chapter, that in the new chapter, that is to be integrated in the new chapter, that in the new chapter, that is to be integrated in the new chapter, functions, functions, functions, and sustainability.”
Research report:Bio-inspired multi-skill design for perovskiet solar cells
