Nigerian Researcher, Collaborators Develop Breakthrough Technique To Prolong Lifespan Of Perovskite Solar Cells
•By Admin
LAGOS – Nigerian researcher and collaborators develop breakthrough technique to prolong lifespan of Perovskite solar cells
As the global race for sustainable and affordable clean energy accelerates, one persistent challenge remains: the degradation of solar technologies under real-world conditions. Now, a Nigerian researcher working with international collaborators has developed a pioneering, non-invasive technique that promises to extend the operational lifespan of next-generation solar cells.
An Unsolved Problem in Perovskite Solar Cell Technology Among the most promising clean energy materials, hybrid perovskite solar cells are celebrated for their remarkable power conversion efficiencies and cost-effective production. In laboratory conditions, perovskite solar cells have achieved conversion efficiencies exceeding 26%, rivaling and in some cases surpassing traditional silicon-based devices. However, their commercial adoption is hindered by rapid degradation when exposed to heat, humidity, and light.
“Most existing degradation studies unintentionally contribute to the very problem they’re trying to measure,” explains Kehinde Ogunmoye, a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Appalachian State University in the United States. “We needed a method that could monitor these delicate devices without inducing further damage.”
A Collaborative Breakthrough in Germany During his graduate research at the Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry (CEEC Jena) in Germany, Mr. Ogunmoye collaborated with a team of international physicists, engineers, and material scientists to develop a novel, non-invasive optical method for in-situ degradation monitoring. This technique employs low-intensity optical probes that track the degradation process in real time while preserving the device’s operational integrity.
“This approach ensures the data collected reflects actual operational behavior, without additional stress from the measurement itself,” he explains. “It provides manufacturers and researchers with a practical tool for assessing device longevity during real-world use.”
The significance of this research has been recognized through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations at reputable international conferences, where it has drawn interest from renewable energy experts worldwide. This interest reflects the growing global focus on perovskite technology, with major international research and funding bodies such as NASA, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and the African Development Bank identifying perovskite solar cells as a crucial component in future energy strategies.
According to a 2024 report by the IEA, perovskite photovoltaics represent one of the fastest-growing areas of clean energy materials research globally. The technology’s potential applications range from building-integrated photovoltaics to lightweight, portable power sources for space missions, where agencies like NASA have expressed active interest in perovskite’s high power-to-weight ratio.
The significance of Mr. Ogunmoye’s work has also been acknowledged by experts in the field. “Mr. Ogunmoye played a critical role in this research, particularly in applying Kramers-Kronig relations to obtain the optical constants of the perovskite solar cell layers,” said Dr. Thomas Brown, a professor at Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy. “His ability to independently carry out this rigorous process demonstrates his unique skill set and deep understanding of the complexities involved in solar cell device modeling and optimization.”
Echoing this view, Dr. Eli Danladi, a renewable energy researcher at the Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria, noted: “The non-invasive reflectance modeling method developed and applied by Mr. Ogunmoye is new in the field of perovskite solar cell research. His expertise in modeling the degradation process, including tracking the evolution of lead iodide from Methylammonium lead tri-iodide, offers valuable insights into the stability challenges of these materials.”
Commenting on the importance of this breakthrough, Dr. Amina Bello, a clean energy policy analyst and consultant for several African Union sustainable energy initiatives, stated: “Reliable, durable solar technology is crucial for addressing Africa’s electrification challenges. Research like Mr. Ogunmoye’s, which enhances our understanding of material behavior and device longevity, contributes meaningfully to the clean energy transition both within Africa and globally.”
A native of Nigeria, Mr. Ogunmoye earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) before pursuing advanced studies in Germany and later the United States. Throughout his career, he has remained passionate about leveraging cutting-edge science to address both global and African energy challenges.
“In Nigeria and across much of sub-Saharan Africa, access to reliable, affordable energy remains limited,” he observes. “By improving the durability and affordability of solar technology, we can make clean energy a realistic option for underserved communities.”
His contributions to the field have earned him fellowships with the Academy of Innovative Research, Science & Technological Development (AcIRSTD) and membership in the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), further solidifying his standing as a rising leader in renewable energy research.
A Vision for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Looking ahead, Mr. Ogunmoye hopes to foster more international research partnerships and contribute actively to renewable energy policy development both in Nigeria and abroad.
“My vision is to see innovative, locally relevant energy solutions being applied to meet Africa’s needs,” he says. “Collaborative research like this lays the groundwork for a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable energy future for everyone.”
As the world continues its transition to cleaner energy systems, discoveries such as this non-invasive solar cell monitoring technique serve as a beacon of what’s possible when global collaboration and scientific ingenuity intersect.
•VANGUARD.