In a major breakthrough for clean energy technology, Chinese researchers at Fudan University have developed a new type of perovskite solar cell that replaces toxic lead with tin, eliminating environmental hazards while achieving record performance.

According to a study published Thursday in the UK journal Nature, the tin-based perovskite solar cell reached a power conversion efficiency of 17.7%, the highest ever reported for this type of material. Previously, tin-based perovskite cells had struggled to exceed 10% efficiency due to the metal’s instability, which often led to rapid degradation and poor energy output.

The research team overcame this challenge by developing a new molecular stabilization method that enhances the structural integrity of tin-based perovskite films, allowing them to maintain high efficiency and stability under sunlight.

Perovskite solar cells are widely viewed as the next generation of photovoltaic technology thanks to their potential for higher energy conversion rates and lower manufacturing costs compared with traditional silicon panels. However, most perovskite cells rely on lead-based materials, which pose significant environmental and health risks, particularly in large-scale production and disposal.

By removing lead from the equation, Fudan University’s innovation could pave the way for safer, more sustainable solar energy solutions that align with global goals for green technology and carbon neutrality.