What are perovskites?

Recently, perovskites have become loud in the field of new technologies. The name is unlikely to be associated with anyone other than geologists. Meanwhile, this mineral has aroused keen interest thanks to the technology developed in Poland. This is an additional reason why it is worth taking a closer look at it.

When and who invented perovskites?

Perovskites are minerals known to us for nearly two hundred years. They were discovered in 1839 by a German mineralogist and chemist during his trip to the Urals. He named them after his colleague, Lev Pierowski.

The discovery, however, was not particularly fruitful. Perovskites in nature do not conduct electricity and therefore have a very limited use. Only their processing in a laboratory can give them new properties.

Perovskites in photovoltaic panels

Henry Snaith’s research in 2012 turned out to be a breakthrough. As a result, photovoltaic cells were created with an efficiency in generating electricity up to 10%. As far as perovskites are concerned, efficiency at this level was only possible by replacing the mineral in the form of an electrolyte with its polymeric counterpart.

Less than a decade later, a fascinating use of the mineral was found. This is due to the Polish physicist, Dr. Olga Malinkiewicz. It has developed a method to eliminate titanium oxide from production and to lower the temperature required for a successful process. And these are not the only interesting properties that perovskite acquired thanks to the discovery of our compatriot.

The principle of operation of perovskites

The perovskites developed by a Pole come in a … liquid form. So you can print them on any surface in the wet chemistry process. There are practically no restrictions. Perovskites can be printed on windows, roof tiles, building facades, car bodies, and even clothes, e.g. baseball caps.

How is this even possible? The perovskite mechanism of performance is relatively simple. They have a natural ability to absorb light clearly better than silicon, and at the same time do not need such a thick layer. Approx. 300 nm is enough to absorb visible light with a wavelength in the range of 300 to 800 nm.

The future of perovskites and the panels produced with them

Scientists predict that in the future it is possible to increase the efficiency of hybrid perovskites (with silicon content) in cells from 29% to 35%. Even now, however, it is difficult to find a better solution. Unfortunately, more research and investment is needed. Perovskites and the panels produced with their use will revolutionize the photovoltaic market – and change the world with it – only when scientists develop a way to stabilize them and enterprises are convinced of the new technology. Further reduction of production costs will be of no less importance.

In an issue such as perovskite, panels are undoubtedly the future. That is why some companies decide to invest in them today. And this may not only quickly reimburse them for costs, but also increase their competitiveness.