Next-generation Hybrid perovskites for Indoor photovoltaics

The world is increasingly using low-power, electronic devices in myriad ways, including sensors for the Internet of Things (IoT), where billions of objects are connected to the internet to make a smart network. Powering these billions of devices sustainably is a huge challenge. This project aims to develop novel indoor photovoltaic systems based on hybrid perovskites to sustainably power the wireless sensors in IoT [1]. Considering the huge number of sensors going to be in IoT applications, using an electrical grid or battery to power them will consume even more electricity and pose an environmental issue. By recycling electrical energy used for indoor lighting - which is otherwise lost - to power these innumerable sensors will improve the nation’s energy security. This will help the rapid growth of IoT, revolutionise the communication, health care and well-being facilities of communities.
Hybrid perovskites are a relatively new family of materials providing a framework to bind organic and inorganic components to a molecular composite and possess exceptional optoelectronic properties [2]. In the history of photovoltaics, no other light-harvesting material system has ever triggered research attention and promising avenues to harness solar energy similar to hybrid perovskites. Within a decade, these perovskite solar cells have made an amazing advancement from 3.81 % of power conversion efficiency in 2009 to 25.2 % today. However, in these materials so far, their excellent photovoltaic property under sunlight has only been extensively explored, leaving opportunities for alternate energy-harvesting such as ‘indoor photovoltaics’ [3]. Through the proposed research, the knowledge gap in the fundamental material and device physics of hybrid perovskites under indoor light conditions will be filled and efficient indoor photovoltaics to sustainably power IoT sensors will be developed. There would be ample opportunities to interact with the industries as well since the project involve many industry collaborations.
[1] Ian et al Joule 2019 3 P1415
[2] Jena et al Chem. Rev. 2019 119 3036
[3] Lethy et al Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells 2019 201 110071