Photovoltaic: Perovskite fever: Is Perovskite the future of solar cells?

Abstract

Perovskites, this somewhat "barbaric" term derived from the name of a 19th century Russian mineralogist, Lev Perovski, is not yet known to the public. But in labs around the world researchers are feverishly active around this family of crystals that promise to revolutionize the conversion of solar energy into electricity.

Originally the perovskite is a crystal composed of calcium, titanium and oxygen. However, the term is now used to refer to other chemical compounds with identical structures. About ten years ago these materials, then used to make certain electronic components, suddenly emerged as potential candidates for the replacement of expensive silicon cells in solar panels. The hope was mainly based on the cost of perovskite cells, which are significantly lower than those made with silicon crystals and which currently equip most photovoltaic installations