Researchers from the University of Sydney and the Centre for Accelerator Science in Australia have made an exciting breakthrough with newly developed solar panels.
These solar panels, known as perovskite solar cells (PSCs), have shown great potential for use in space due to their lightweight and cost-effectiveness. However, they must withstand the damaging effects of space radiation, particularly high-energy proton particles.
In their experiments, the scientists found that certain hole transport materials (HTMs) in the PSCs were crucial in determining their ability to endure damage and self-heal. By carefully configuring the HTM, the solar panels can repair themselves up to 100 percent efficiency using annealing, which involves applying heat in a vacuum, potentially powered by the Sun. This discovery could lead to more resilient and reliable power sources for satellites and spacecraft in the future, reducing costs and making space missions more feasible.
Though more research is needed, this breakthrough offers the exciting possibility of spacecraft powered by solar panels that can repair themselves, reducing costs and improving space missions’ reliability.