Welsh scientists create game-changing printable solar cells

Academics from Swansea University have developed a new method for producing “fully printable” perovskite photovoltaics

Big Zero Report 2022

Scientists from Swansea University in Wales have created what is described as the world’s first ‘fully printable’ perovskite solar cells using an innovative process.

The team sought to replace the expensive and slow evaporation process for applying gold electrodes and identified the right solvent mix for the carbon electrode ink to dry as a film without dissolving the underlying layer.

The devices with carbon electrodes showed a similar photovoltaic performance to those with evaporated gold electrodes, but with the added benefits of outperforming at higher temperatures and having better long-term stability.

The researchers received funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for their work.

Photovoltaic Research Lead, Professor Trystan Watson, said: “Perovskite solar cells show great promise in the drive towards cleaner, greener energy.

“The ability to produce a fully working device entirely in-line makes high-volume manufacturing easier and more economical and is a big step towards their commercialisation. It unlocks the idea of manufacturing process where a solar ink is added one end and a solar cell emerges from the other.”

Network with hundreds of businesses and public sector organisations taking bigger steps to net zero. Book your FREE ticket to the Big Zero Show 2023 now. 

If you enjoyed this story you can sign up to our weekly email for Energy Live News – and if you’re interested in hearing more about the journey to net zero by 2050, you can also sign up to the future Net Zero newsletter. 

Latest Podcast