GVL overcomes barriers to next-generation solar cell production
Scientists in Wales have found that a non-toxic biodegradable solvent called GVL could remove a major barrier to the production of printed carbon perovskite solar cells.
Touted as a commercially viable next-generation solar technology, printed carbon perovskite solar cells are said to be cheap, easy to make, and extremely efficient at converting light to electricity.
UK project to advance organic and perovskite solar cells
A major barrier to the large-scale manufacture and commercialisation of these cells is the solvents used to control crystallisation of the perovskite during fabrication because they are made from toxic, unsustainable materials that are banned in many countries.
Now, researchers at SPECIFIC Innovation and Knowledge Centre, Swansea University have discovered that a non-toxic, biodegradable solvent called GVL (γ-Valerolactone) could replace these solvents without impacting cell performance. Their findings have been published in Energy Technology.
As well as overcoming issues related to toxicity and biodegradability, GVL is made from sustainable feedstocks, suitable for use in large-scale manufacturing processes, and there are no legal issues in its use around the world.
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