The research was led by Prof. Lioz Etgar and Prof. Shlomo Magdassi from the Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at Hebrew University, with a team headed by Dr. Vikas Sharma. Their group produced a device that operates as a power-generating film while designers adjust transparency and color to match architectural requirements.
At the core of the design is a pattern of microscopic polymeric pillars created by 3D printing, which form openings that regulate how much light passes through without altering the perovskite absorber layer. The fabrication route avoids high temperatures and toxic solvents, making it compatible with flexible substrates and reducing environmental impact during manufacturing.
"Our goal was to rethink how transparency is achieved in solar cells for applications in Building Integrated Photovoltaics," said Prof. Shlomo Magdassi. "By using 3D-printed polymeric structures, we can precisely control how light moves through the device in a way that is scalable and practical for real-world use."
The team demonstrated that the device's color can be adjusted by changing the thickness of a transparent electrode layer, which reflects selected wavelengths while the solar cell continues to generate power. This method allows independent tuning of optical appearance and electrical performance so that solar modules can be integrated into visible surfaces without sacrificing function.
"What is particularly exciting is that we can customize both the device's appearance and its level of transparency," said Prof. Lioz Etgar. "That makes this technology particularly relevant for solar windows and for adding solar functionality to existing buildings."
In laboratory measurements, the flexible perovskite solar cells reached power conversion efficiencies up to 9.2 percent with about 35 percent average visible transparency. The devices also maintained stable output after repeated bending and extended operation, addressing key requirements for deployment in building environments.
The researchers plan to focus next on enhancing long-term durability through encapsulation and barrier layers that protect the perovskite from moisture and other degradation pathways. This work is intended to move the technology toward commercial building-integrated photovoltaics and other applications where form factor and transparency are critical.
Research Report:Semitransparent color tunable perovskite solar cells with 3D pillar structure
Related Links
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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