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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/X03660X/1
Title: Printing Perovskite Solar Cells: Reducing Toxicity and Improving Scalability
Principal Investigator: Hughes, Dr A
Other Investigators:
Phillips, Dr L
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Solar Capture Technologies The Manufacturing Technology Centre Ltd
Department: Material, Design & Manufacturing Eng
Organisation: University of Liverpool
Scheme: New Investigator Award
Starts: 30 June 2024 Ends: 29 June 2026 Value (£): 286,473
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Processing Solar Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
03 May 2023 Engineering Prioritisation Panel Meeting 3 and 4 May 2023 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
Perovskite solar cells are one of the newest and most exciting materials in the world of solar cell research. In little over 10 years their lab scale efficiencies have advanced from 8% to over 25%, putting them on a par with market leading silicon solar cells. However, after a decade's worth of interest and investment, this potentially revolutionary solar cell has not made it on to the market yet. There are several important barriers to commercialisation for perovskites, principally:

1. Issues with stability of perovskite materials,

2. Concerns around the use of toxic element such as lead, and,

3. Issues in transitioning to scalable manufacturing processes.

In order to overcome these barriers, we propose a more holistic approach to design and fabrication of perovskite solar cells, which considers both toxicity and scalability, as well electrical efficiency during the optimisation process. The aim of this project to develop safe, stable and printable perovskite solar inks. This will be achieved by developing tin-based perovskite solar cells and exploring the use of ionic liquids in the solvent system to create a stable non-toxic ink that can be used in an inkjet printer. Ionic liquids are an impressive new solvent option for perovskite processing, exhibiting many favourable properties, such as solubility, low toxicity and stability. Most promising of all is the tunability of their viscosity, a key parameter in ink formulation for printing and thin film processing, which is yet to be explored.

The goal is to fully print a tin-based perovskite solar cell in atmospheric conditions. This will be a revolutionary solar cell product that contains no harmful materials, is more easily recyclable and can be fabricated at lower costs.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.liv.ac.uk