Chemists have developed materials that enhance solar components for indoor applications. These photovoltaic cells can be incorporated into various electronic devices and produce electricity even in dim lighting conditions.
Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Lithuania have created materials that enhance solar elements designed for indoor environments. These photovoltaic cells can also be integrated into numerous electronic devices, generating electricity efficiently, even under low-light conditions.
Using oil and gas contributes to rises in atmospheric temperatures, which is responsible for climate change, a situation that is currently referred to as a climate crisis. To address this challenge, strides are being made to adopt renewable and eco-friendly energy sources like wind, hydro, and solar energy.
“Wind and hydro energy face issues of high costs and site-specific limitations, while solar energy offers flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Unfortunately, energy produced from indoor lighting and natural light entering through windows goes to waste every day,” explains Juozas Vidas Gražulevičius, a professor at KTU’s Faculty of Chemical Technology and the head of the Chemistry of Materials research group.
Profesor Gražulevičius believes that the use of indoor photovoltaics could effectively capture this lost energy by generating electricity in low-light situations.
A Promising Market for Efficient Indoor Photovoltaic Cells
“Perovskite solar cells for indoor applications can be embedded in mobile devices, flashlights, and various other electronics; they have the capacity to generate power under artificial lighting. By utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, this energy can be harnessed to control devices efficiently and optimize energy usage,” states Dr. Asta Dabulienė, a senior researcher at KTU’s Chemistry of Materials research group.
As IoT technologies evolve rapidly, the need for photovoltaic cells specifically designed for indoor use has grown significantly. To meet this market need, efficient, affordable, and versatile indoor photovoltaic cells are essential.
Dr. Dabulienė has developed a range of innovative hole-transporting thiazol[5,4-d]thiazole derivatives for use in indoor perovskite solar cells. The primary role of these layers is to selectively conduct holes (positive charge carriers) while preventing the movement of electrons (negative charge carriers). This targeted charge transport minimizes recombination losses, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of the solar cell.
“An optimal hole-transporting semiconductor for such applications is characterized by high hole mobility and good alignment of energy levels with adjacent layers,” Dr. Dabulienė explains.
A thiazol[5,4-d]thiazole derivative featuring a triphenylamine donor segment, developed by KTU’s Dr. Dabulienė, was utilized by the research team at Ming Chi University of Technology in Taiwan to create perovskite solar cells for indoor settings. This organic semiconductor developed at KTU achieved a power conversion efficiency of 37.0% under lighting conditions of 3000 K LED (1000 lx). Research indicates the significant potential of thiazol[5,4-d]thiazole derivatives in boosting the efficiency of perovskite solar cells.
A Collaborative Achievement by an International Team
The innovative approach to indoor solar cells is the result of collaboration among an international group of scientists. Researchers from KTU’s Chemistry of Materials research group have developed and synthesized organic semiconductors that effectively transport positive charges while examining their properties. The theoretical aspects of the new compounds were studied by scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. Researchers at Ming Chi University of Technology in Taiwan have implemented and characterized indoor perovskite solar cells.
Professor J.V. Gražulevičius points out that international collaboration broadens project scope: “This year, our Chemistry of Materials research group secured four projects through the European Horizon Programme. Additionally, we have received invitations for cooperation on new project proposals from colleagues in the United Kingdom and Germany.”
The professor highlights that KTU’s Chemistry of Materials research group consists of researchers from various nations, including Lithuania, Ukraine, India, Pakistan, Armenia, Egypt, and Nigeria. He believes that working within an international team is beneficial as it introduces diverse viewpoints and fosters innovative solutions, but it also requires readiness to overcome communication, cultural, and organizational challenges to achieve shared objectives effectively.
“Diverse cultures and experiences inspire creativity and fresh ideas, with each team member contributing unique insights and skills that enhance the overall capacity of the group. Collaborating with individuals who communicate in different languages helps to strengthen international dialogue and develop language skills, while varied working styles encourage adaptability and flexibility in various scenarios,” asserts Prof. Gražulevičius.
