A “giant leap” in the world of (very) very small… The size of the photovoltaic cells developed by a French-Canadian team corresponds, according to a communicatedtwice as thick as a strand of hair.

It doesn’t seem like much, but by achieving this level of miniaturization on the micrometric scale (thousandths of a millimeter), the authors of a study published in Cell Reports Physical Science (November 22, 2023) managed to reduce the shadow caused by the electrodes by 95% compared to conventional technologies. This reduces energy production costs by up to three times. Clever!

⋙ A 2-liter engine developed by researchers that runs entirely on hydrogen

Making solar energy more powerful and accessible

Their team, which includes the Canadian universities of Ottawa and Sherbrooke and the Grenoble Microelectronics Technologies Laboratory, sees at least three possible applications for this technological achievement – based on 3D compounds and semiconductors (materials that conduct electricity but can also act as an insulator). depending on the conditions).

First, reducing energy production costs should help make solar energy both more powerful and accessible to as many people as possible, thereby helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

⋙ Is Vladimir Putin’s “Plan B” to bring Ukraine to its knees working?

Space exploration

In addition, researchers see the opportunity to miniaturize devices used in telecommunications, the Internet of Things and, more broadly, electronic devices such as computers and smartphones. Finally, they discuss the possibility of producing lightweight nuclear batteries for space exploration. To infinity and beyond !

⋙ A real risk of sabotage lurks on European offshore wind farms

“This technological breakthrough promises significant benefits for society. Cheaper and more powerful solar cells will help accelerate the energy transition.”welcomes in the press release Dr. Mathieu de Lafontaine, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Ottawa and lead author of the study.

On the same topic:

⋙ Ultra-thin solar panels developed by scientists that can be installed “anywhere”.

⋙ Space solar energy: soon a reality?

⋙ Why could the new sodium-ion battery announced by Northvolt shake up the electric vehicle sector?