Emerging Trends in Perovskite Research: insights from Nature Editors

Author: Saskia Hoving

Perovskite materials are gaining global attention for their exceptional properties and versatile applications in solar cells, LEDs, and more. Sharon George from SpringerMaterials interviews Nature Communications editors to explore the latest trends, including advancements in photovoltaics, LED technologies, quantum applications, and sustainability efforts. Discover how perovskites are set to revolutionize various industries and contribute to a sustainable future.

Advancements in photovoltaics: from tandem to indoor solar cells

Photovoltaics is one of the most hotly discussed topics in perovskite research. According to Natalie Lok Kwan Li, Senior Editor Nature Communications, current research is heavily focused on improving the performance of solar cells and modules. One of the most exciting advancements in this area is the development of tandem solar cells. These cells combine perovskite materials with other semiconductors to achieve higher efficiencies than traditional single-junction solar cells.

Another emerging trend is the application of perovskite materials in space photovoltaics and indoor photovoltaics (IPV) for the Internet of Things (IoT). These applications require materials that can perform efficiently under low-light conditions, making perovskites an ideal candidate. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of perovskite solar cells to reach efficiencies close to 45% for indoor applications, making them a promising solution for powering IoT devices.

Notable publications highlighting these trends include research on radiation damage and healing mechanisms in halide perovskites and the development of roll-to-roll fabricated perovskite solar cell modules. These studies exemplify the ongoing efforts to enhance the stability and manufacturability of perovskite solar cells, paving the way for their commercialization.

Breakthroughs in light-emitting diodes and display technologies

Perovskite materials are also making significant strides in the field of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and display technologies. Steven Lukman, Chief Editor Nature Communications, points out that there is a growing body of research focused on improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite LEDs using additives. These additives can be incorporated into the bulk material or at the interfaces, enhancing the overall performance of the LEDs.

As perovskite LEDs move towards commercialization, there is also a push to address challenges related to large-area manufacturing and sustainability. For instance, researchers are exploring ways to make perovskite solar cells more sustainable by implementing a circular economy approach, which involves recycling materials at the end of their life cycle.

Additionally, perovskite materials are being used in advanced display technologies. Companies are commercializing perovskite phosphor displays, with prototypes reaching impressive sizes like 77”. This demonstrates the potential of perovskites to revolutionize the display industry with their superior light-emitting properties.

Exploring quantum technologies with perovskites

Perovskite materials are not just limited to conventional applications like solar cells and LEDs. They are also being explored for use in quantum technologies. According to Lukman, there is increasing interest in using perovskites for single-photon emission, polarized light emission, and circularly polarized light emission. These properties are crucial for developing advanced quantum technologies.

Researchers who previously focused on hot carrier cooling in perovskites are now shifting their attention to these advanced applications. For example, studies have demonstrated coherent single-photon emission from colloidal lead halide perovskite quantum dots, highlighting the potential of perovskites in quantum computing and communication.

Addressing sustainability: lead-free alternatives and circular economy

One of the major challenges in perovskite research is the presence of lead, which poses environmental and health risks. To address this issue, researchers are actively seeking lead-free alternatives. Harry Geddes, Senior Editor Nature Communications, emphasizes the importance of understanding how defects and disorder influence the properties of perovskites. By developing materials that are tolerant to defects, researchers can create more stable and efficient lead-free perovskites.

Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on implementing a circular economy approach for perovskite materials. This involves recycling and reusing materials to minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact. For instance, studies have explored ways to prevent lead release from perovskites, ensuring that these materials can be safely recycled and reused.

Future directions: defect tolerance and advanced applications

Looking ahead, the future of perovskite research lies in understanding and controlling defect tolerance. By comprehensively understanding how compositional changes affect material properties, researchers can fine-tune perovskites for various applications. This theme is relevant not only to perovskites but also to the broader field of materials chemistry.

Recent publications have highlighted advancements in stabilizing formamidinium lead iodide perovskites through defect control and composition engineering. Additionally, automated materials synthesis and characterization techniques are accelerating the discovery of new perovskite solid solutions. These innovations are driving the field forward, opening new possibilities for advanced applications. In conclusion, perovskite research is at the forefront of materials science, with groundbreaking advancements in photovoltaics, LEDs, quantum technologies, and sustainability.

Insights from Nature editors and recent studies highlight the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of this field - the Organic Inorganic Perovskite data collection, freely available in the SpringerMaterials platform, is just another example and, a result of a collaborative project curated by the HybriD³ team from Duke University and led by Professor Volker Blum. The comprehensive data set is a pivotal resource in this field, including information on hundreds of hybrid perovskite compositions, their properties, and synthesis methods. In addition to organic inorganic perovskites, SpringerMaterials also contain a vast amount of property data for inorganic perovskites. By providing a centralized repository of data, it allows researchers to compare and analyze different perovskite materials efficiently, optimizing their properties for specific applications. This not only accelerates the discovery of new materials but also enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of research efforts - you may find more information about this collaborative project here.

As researchers continue to explore and innovate, perovskite materials hold the promise of revolutionizing multiple industries, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable future.

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