EPFL Researchers Boost Perovskite Solar Cells' Efficiency with Rubidium Lattice Strain Trick

Researchers at EPFL have improved perovskite solar cells by incorporating rubidium using lattice strain, a slight deformation in the atomic structure that helps keep rubidium in place. This method reduces energy loss and boosts efficiency, overcoming issues with wide-bandgap perovskites and phase segregation. The team used X-ray diffraction, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and computational modeling to verify and fine-tune the approach. The result is a more uniform material with fewer defects and improved operational stability.