Highly sensitive measurement technique leads to better solar cell

Photo: Fabian Lucas Luijckx - For his PhD research, Bas van Gorkom developed a new way to measure defects in perovskite - a material used to make solar cells more efficient. Solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular source of renewable energy. Current solar panels with silicon as their primary component are affordable and reliable. However, the use of a relatively new material, perovskite, could dramatically improve the solar cell's efficiency. TU/e researcher Bas van Gorkom developed a highly sensitive technique for measuring defects in the crystal structure of perovskite. This is important, since a better quality of crystal can enhance the stability of perovskite. In the dark - pitch dark - and away from vibrations and noise.