Perovskite refers to a class of materials with the same crystal structure as calcium titanate (CaTiO3). In the context of renewable energy, perovskites are a family of materials used to create highly efficient, low-cost solar cells. They are known for their excellent light absorption, charge-carrier mobilities, and lifetimes, making them a promising alternative or partner (tandem cells) to silicon.
The mineral was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia by Gustav Rose in 1839 and named after Russian mineralogist L.A. Perovski. Its application in solar cells began in 2009 with a reported efficiency of just 3.8%, which has since skyrocketed.
Perovskite solar cells are rapidly emerging as a competitor to silicon solar cells in the renewable energy market due to their high efficiency potential (over 25%) and low manufacturing costs (solution processing). Research is currently focused on improving their long-term stability and scalability.