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Scientists crack code to longer-lasting perovskite solar

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19 Mar, 2025

This post was originally published on Sustainability Matters

Perovskite solar cells could last 10 times longer thanks to research by the University of Surrey. The research suggests that alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles enhance the lifespan and stability of these high-efficiency energy devices.

While perovskite solar cells provide a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to traditional silicon-based technology, their commercial potential has been limited due to a flaw in their structure — primarily caused by iodine leakage. Over time, this escape of iodine can lead to material degradation, reducing performance and durability.

Working in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory and the University of Sheffield, Surrey scientists have now discovered a way to trap iodine by embedding tiny particles of Al2O3 — aluminium oxide — within the cell, holding promise for longer-lasting and more affordable next-generation solar panels.

Dr Hashini Perera, a postgraduate research student and lead author on the study from the Advanced Technology Institute at the University of Surrey, said, “It’s incredibly exciting to see our approach make such an impact. A decade ago, the idea of perovskite solar cells lasting this long under real-world conditions seemed out of reach. With these improvements, we’re breaking new ground in stability and performance, bringing perovskite technology closer to becoming a mainstream energy solution.”

The study, published in EES Solar, tested the modified solar cells under extreme heat and humidity to replicate real-world conditions. Results showed that solar cells with embedded Al2O3 nanoparticles maintained high performance for more than two months (1530 hours) — a 10-fold improvement compared to 160 hours without the alumina-enhanced modifications.

Further analysis revealed that the Al2O3 nanoparticles contributed to a more uniform perovskite structure, reducing defects and improving electrical conductivity. They also resulted in the formation of a protective 2D perovskite layer, which acts as an additional barrier against moisture degradation.

Dr Imalka Jayawardena from the Advanced Technology Institute said, “By addressing these common challenges we see with perovskite solar technology, our research blows the doors wide open for cheaper, more efficient and more widely accessible solar power. What we’ve achieved here is a critical step toward developing high-performance solar cells that can withstand real-world conditions, bringing us closer to their commercial use at a global scale.”

Professor Ravi Silva, Director of the Advanced Technology Insitute and interim Director at the Surrey Institute for Sustainability, added, “With the deadline for net-zero targets fast approaching, expanding access to renewable energy solutions is more critical than ever if we’re to successfully reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Breakthroughs like this will play a vital role in meeting global energy demands while supporting our transition to a sustainable future.

“Recent analysis by the Confederation of British Industry also highlights that training in the renewable energy sector not only improves career prospects but can lead to wages above the national average, reinforcing the economic and environmental benefits of investing in clean energy.”

Image caption: Dr Hashini Perera, postgraduate research student at the University of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute.

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Food waste action reduces methane emissions

Food waste action reduces methane emissions

An NZ food waste reduction initiative is providing an extra 12,000 meals per day and helping prevent climate-warming methane emissions from food going to landfill.

New results, released by the Kai Commitment, show that organisations involved in the food waste reduction program — which includes major New Zealand food businesses such as Woolworths NZ, Goodman Fielder, Fonterra, Silver Fern Farms, Foodstuffs and Nestlé NZ — increased food rescue volumes by 73% over the past year, totalling almost 13 million meals.

The data also revealed a 3% reduction in food going to landfill, helping prevent emissions from methane, a greenhouse gas said to be around 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. This data enables estimation of methane emissions reduction across New Zealand, in line with the New Zealand Government’s methane reduction priorities under the second Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP2), which aims to reduce biogenic methane by 10% by 2030.

Kaitlin Dawson, Executive Director of the Kai Commitment, said the results show that food waste reduction is a powerful lever for food insecurity and climate action, and targeted measurement and action in this space has an important role to play in helping the country meet its local and international climate targets.

“Food sector organisations have a crucial role in reducing food waste, and when supported with the right tools and frameworks, they can be a genuine force for good. We’re seeing businesses step up, take responsibility, and … deliver real impact for our community and climate,” Dawson said.

The results follow the NZ Government’s 2025 Budget announcement, which committed $15 million to support food redistribution. At the same time, food insecurity continues to rise across New Zealand. According to the Ministry of Health, one in four children (27.0%) now live in households where food runs out often or sometimes. For Pacific children, that figure is over half (54.8%); for Māori children, it is one in three (34.3%).

“With mounting financial pressures and increasing food insecurity, ensuring that good food is not wasted and gets to those who need it has never been more critical. At the same time, businesses have a unique opportunity to directly contribute to New Zealand’s national climate targets by embedding food waste reduction across their operations,” Dawson said.

Since its launch two years ago, the Kai Commitment program has helped businesses implement stronger food waste measurement, improve stock handling practices, and integrate food waste principles into operations and culture.

Key achievements include:

All participating businesses now integrate food loss and waste (FLW) into staff training.
43% of businesses have established FLW key performance indicators, up from just 14% in the first year.
71% of businesses now manage waste according to the food waste hierarchy, prioritising reuse and rescue over landfill.
Edible food waste reduced by 54%.
Expired stock to waste destinations reduced by 24%.
An 83% increase in surplus food revenue was recorded, returning an additional $3.6 million to food businesses.
 

“These results show what’s possible when we work together to deliver impact,” Dawson said. “As we grow the Kai Commitment, we’re focused on scaling that impact supporting more organisations to reduce food waste, cut emissions, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient food system for Aotearoa.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Dragos Condrea

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