DEVT OF HIGH EFFICIENT SOLAR BATTERY

[Anchor Lead]

South Korean scientists have developed technologies to boost the power generation efficiency of solar cells that transform solar energy into electricity. There are rising expectations that the upgraded, next-generation solar battery, based on a mineral called perovskite, will soon be commercialized.

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A solar cell was developed by a research team led by professor Suk Sang-il at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Adjustments in the proportions and varieties of ions have increased the solar cell's power generating efficiency to the world's highest level of 25.17 percent. The new solar battery is based on a mineral called perovskite. Professor Suk is leading the field by setting five world records for solar cells' power generation efficiency. He is the first researcher to develop a solar cell with a power generation efficiency of over 20 percent.

[Soundbite] SUK SANG-IL(UNIST PROFESSOR) : "We lowered the ionic combination concentration of perovskite to achieve greater efficiency and stability."

A research team led by another UNIST professor Yang Chang-duk also developed an organic hole transport material that will significantly enhance the power generation efficiency of perovskite-based solar cells. Their achievements were published in the journal Science. Perovskite solar batteries are lighter and more flexible than current silicon-based ones. In thickness, they are only a sixtieth of the existing cells so they can be easily applied to outer walls of buildings or vehicle roofs. Coupled with a simpler production process, the greater power generation efficiency is one of the strengths perovskite solar cells is being touted as a next-generation technology. These new developments are expected to help Ulsan City's green new deal project gain greater momentum.