Stable and inexpensive perovskite for photovoltaic applications
Optimal optical bandgap for photoconversion efficiency (1 eV; ~1150 nm) within the solar spectrum Robust photovoltaic material performance and environmental resistance to decomposition, including changes in humidity and temperature
Highlights
- Optimal optical bandgap for photoconversion efficiency (1 eV; ~1150 nm) within the solar spectrum
- Robust photovoltaic material performance and environmental resistance to decomposition, including changes in humidity and temperature
Opportunity
A research team from the University of Alberta has synthesized a novel all-inorganic double perovskite compound for optoelectronic applications. The compound was synthesized from inexpensive and relatively abundant elements and is lead-free, thus non-toxic to the environment. The compound exhibits optimal solar spectrum photoconversion due to its small bandgap (between 1 eV and 1.4 eV). The bandgap of the compound can be tuned to a desired energy by varying the concentration of dopant in the compound. The stability of the compound to extreme environmental conditions has been demonstrated through thermal and moisture exposure, with results indicating long-term structural and photophysical stability up to 365 days. In particular, the compound showed no degradation and retained its optical properties under a relative humidity of about 55% and temperatures of about 110 0C.
Competitive advantage
- Bandgap can be tuned by varying a concentration of dopant in the compound
- Can be synthesized from readily available elements that are less toxic to the environment
- High structural and optical stability upon exposure to light, moisture, or heat.
Status
- Patent Issued, United States – US 11,479,477
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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