Tuneable perovskite: A breakthrough in low-cost solar and laser materials – New Atlas

Report on Perovskite Technology Advancement and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to the Technological Breakthrough

• Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a method to create ultra-thin, stable layers of halide perovskites.
• This innovation presents a low-cost, high-efficiency alternative to silicon for various technological applications.
• The research findings were published in the journal Science.

Technical Specifications and Innovations

• A new vapor-based processing technique enables the growth of individual 2D and 3D halide perovskite layers at the Angstrom scale (a tenth of a nanometer).
• This method provides precise atomic-level control, allowing layers to be stacked with perfect atomic alignment, which facilitates the free movement of electrons and holes for efficient light absorption and emission.
• The technique overcomes previous challenges associated with halide perovskites, including instability when exposed to light, heat, and moisture.
• It offers a pathway to develop perovskite devices without relying on lead, a toxic element previously used to maintain efficiency.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The breakthrough directly supports the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
   • It enables the manufacturing of low-cost, high-efficiency solar cells, which can increase the accessibility of solar power.
   • The technology also applies to the creation of next-generation, energy-efficient LEDs and lasers, contributing to reduced energy consumption.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • This research represents a significant scientific innovation that can foster sustainable industrialization.
   • The vapor-based processing method is analogous to standard semiconductor manufacturing, allowing for scalable production and integration into existing industrial infrastructure.
   • The development supports the creation of advanced and resilient technologies, including next-generation electronics and quantum devices.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • The new manufacturing process is described as less “messy” and more controllable than previous solution-based methods, aligning with sustainable production patterns.
   • By enabling the creation of efficient perovskite devices without lead, the technology promotes the environmentally sound management of chemicals and reduces hazardous waste.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • By significantly enhancing the efficiency and reducing the cost of solar cells, this innovation is a critical tool in combating climate change.
   • Widespread adoption of this improved solar technology can accelerate the global transition to renewable energy sources, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Future Implications and Conclusion

• The advancement has the potential to revolutionize the production of affordable electronics and solar cells, offering greater efficiency and durability than current silicon-based technologies.
• The ability to precisely control the material’s properties by altering growth conditions opens new possibilities for designing custom semiconductors for specific functions.
• This development marks a critical step toward leveraging perovskites for a wide range of applications that are central to achieving global sustainability targets.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article focuses on a breakthrough in perovskite technology to create “low-cost, high-efficiency… solar cells.” This directly contributes to making clean energy more accessible and affordable, a core objective of SDG 7.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The research from the University of Cambridge represents a significant scientific innovation. The development of a new “vapor processing” method for manufacturing perovskite devices, which is cleaner and more controlled than previous methods, points to upgrading technological capabilities and promoting sustainable industrial processes.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The article notes that previous perovskite solar cells used lead, a hazardous material. The advancement in creating more stable and efficient materials implies a move towards more sustainable production patterns that minimize harmful substances and improve material efficiency.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  Although not explicitly mentioned, the development of more efficient solar technology is a critical tool for climate change mitigation. By improving the viability of solar power, this innovation supports the global transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources to combat climate change.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article’s focus on creating “high-efficiency… solar cells” directly supports the expansion of solar power, a key renewable energy source.
   • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. The publication of this research in the journal Science by a leading university is an example of advancing and sharing clean energy research.
2. Under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure):
   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. The new “vapor processing” method is described as less “messy and hard to control” than previous techniques, representing a cleaner and more efficient industrial process.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors… encouraging innovation. The entire article is about a scientific “breakthrough” that could “revolutionize how we make cheap electronics and solar cells,” which is the essence of this target.
3. Under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):
   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil. The article mentions the problem of lead in previous perovskite cells, and the development of new, stable perovskites implies progress towards creating technologies with less hazardous materials.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Implied Indicator for Target 7.2:

   The article discusses creating “high-efficiency” solar cells. This directly relates to Indicator 7.2.1 (Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption). Higher efficiency leads to greater energy output from solar installations, making them more viable and likely to increase their share in the energy mix.

2. Implied Indicator for Target 9.5:

   The research itself, being a significant scientific discovery published in a major journal, is a qualitative measure of progress. It relates to Indicator 9.5.1 (Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP), as such breakthroughs are the direct result of investment in R&D.

3. Implied Indicator for Target 12.4:

   The article’s reference to overcoming the instability and use of lead in older perovskite technology implies a reduction in hazardous materials. This can be linked to Indicator 12.4.2 (Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of waste), as the new technology aims to be more durable and potentially use less toxic components, thereby reducing hazardous waste from production and disposal.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newatlas.com