Advancing perovskite solar cell commercialisation with AI

Researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have utilised AI to develop a roadmap for sustainable solar cells, in order to get clean electricity cheaply while protecting the environment. Perovskite solar cells, also known as “next-generation solar cells”, have received attention for their high theoretical efficiency (34%), which surpasses that of traditional silicon solar cells. However, the production of these cells requires the use of toxic chemicals and has limited long-term stability, thus hindering their commercialisation.

The research team, led by Professor Jeehoon Han, developed a new manufacturing process that uses bio-based solvents, such as gamma-valerolactone (GVL) and ethyl acetate (EA), instead of the toxic solvent dimethylformamide (DMF).

The study’s core is AI-based reverse engineering technology. By analysing experimental data, the researchers identified optimal conditions to boost efficiency while minimising costs and carbon emissions. They then verified the conditions suggested by AI through experiments and presented a sustainability evaluation model that considers manufacturing costs, environmental impact and process efficiency, as well as a global deployment scenario.

The GVL-EA process developed by the research team reportedly reduces the manufacturing cost of perovskite solar cells by half and decreases the climate impact by over 80%. Additionally, they confirmed that considering module lifespan and recycling strategies together can help identify the actual break-even point for commercialisation in different regions.

“AI has found conditions that were previously considered impossible by optimising the process itself,” Han said. He added that using non-toxic bio-solvents can make solar cells safer, cheaper and more efficient.

Image credit: iStock.com/Sakorn Sukkasemsakorn