Identifying optimal photovoltaic technologies for underwater applications

LED-based characterization of solar cells for underwater applications

Improved solar energy harvesting in aquatic environments would allow for superior environmental monitoring. However, developing underwater solar cells is challenging as evaluation typically requires deployment in the field or in large water tanks that can simulate aquatic light conditions. Here, we present a protocol to test underwater solar cells using a light-emitting diode (LED)-based characterization technique usable in a typical laboratory setting. We describe steps for installing and running Python code, matching LEDs to irradiance, characterizing underwater solar cells, and calculating underwater solar cell efficiency. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Röhr et al.1.

Suppressing Phase Segregation in CsPbIBr2 Films via Anchoring Halide Ions toward Underwater Solar Cells

Inorganic CsPbIBr₂ perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have accomplished many milestones, yet their progress has been constrained by ion migration and phase separation. This study explores the modulation of perovskite crystallization kinetics and halide ion migration through chlorobenzene (CB) antisolvent with bis(pentafluorophenyl)zinc (Zn(C₆F₅)₂) additive. The photoluminescence and absorption spectra reveal the significantly reduced phase segregaton in CsPbIBr₂ film treated by CB with Zn(C₆F₅)₂. Moreover, this research analyzes the CsPbIBr₂ film's free carrier lifetime, diffusion length, and mobility using time-resolved microwave conductivity and transient absorption spectroscopy after Zn(C₆F₅)₂ modification. Consequently, the modified CsPbIBr₂ PSCs offer a 12.57% power conversion efficiency (PCE), the highest value among CsPbIBr₂ PSCs with negligible hysteresis and prolonged stability. Furthermore, under 1-m-deep water, CsPbIBr₂ PSCs display a PCE of 14.18%. These findings provide an understanding of the development of phase-segregation-free CsPbIBr₂ films and showcase the prospective applications of CsPbIBr₂ PSCs in underwater power systems.