Researchers at University College London (UCL) have set a new record for harvesting energy from indoor light using next-generation perovskite solar cells, achieving an efficiency of 37.6 per cent. The breakthrough could lead to a battery-free future where devices such as remote controls and headphones are powered solely by ambient light.
Perovskite solar cells have long been hailed for their potential to revolutionise renewable energy due to their ability to convert light into electricity far more efficiently than conventional silicon cells. However, the presence of high-density traps has previously disrupted charge flow and caused energy loss as heat. By introducing the chemical rubidium chloride, the UCL team reduced the density of these traps, breaking the world record for indoor light harvesting.
Tests showed the new cells retained more than 90 per cent of their performance after 100 days. Dr Mojtaba Abdi Jalebi, associate professor at the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, said: 'Currently, solar cells capturing energy from indoor light are expensive and inefficient. Our specially engineered perovskite indoor solar cells can harvest much more energy than commercial cells and are more durable than other prototypes.'
Indoor solar cells have existed since the 1970s, with companies like Stockholm-based Exeger producing flexible, durable cells for bike helmets and Bluetooth speakers. However, these do not match the efficiency achieved by UCL's perovskite cells. The researchers are now exploring commercialisation with industry partners.
