In the realm of solar energy, singlet fission is a process where a single photon of light can be divided into two energy packets, effectively increasing the electricity output of solar technologies. The UNSW team, known as “Omega Silicon,” showcased in a study published in ACS Energy Letters how this process can be utilized with organic materials to potentially enhance solar panel efficiency.
Dr. Ben Carwithen, a postdoctoral researcher at UNSW, explains, “A lot of the energy from light in a solar cell is wasted as heat. We’re finding ways to convert that wasted energy into additional electricity.”
Unlocking New Potentials
Current solar panels predominantly use silicon technology, which, while reliable and cost-effective, has limitations in efficiency. Singlet fission presents an opportunity to surpass these limitations by generating two usable energy packets from one high-energy photon, thereby increasing the panel’s efficiency.
Professor Ned Ekins-Daukes, the project lead, notes, “Introducing singlet fission into a silicon solar panel can boost its efficiency by allowing a molecular layer to supply additional current to the panel.”
While previous attempts with compounds like tetracene proved promising in lab settings but lacked real-world stability, the UNSW team has demonstrated the feasibility of using DPND, a stable compound, to achieve the same results under practical conditions.
Dr. Carwithen highlights the significance, stating, “We’ve illustrated the integration of silicon with this stable material capable of singlet fission, which can inject additional electrical charge into the system. This marks a pivotal step towards practical implementation.”
The research is a culmination of years of fundamental studies led by Professor Tim Schmidt, shedding light on the intricate pathways of singlet fission and devising strategies to optimize the process for improved efficiency.
Associate Professor Murad Tayebjee emphasizes the breakthrough, stating, “This demonstration of singlet fission with a stable organic molecule derived from industrial pigments marks a significant advancement in solar panel technology.”
Paving the Way for Future Solar Cells
The innovative technology involves adding an ultra-thin organic layer atop traditional silicon cells to enhance efficiency. Dr. Carwithen envisions a theoretical efficiency limit of 45% for solar panels utilizing singlet fission, a substantial leap from current standards.
With industry partners eagerly awaiting the commercialization potential, the Omega Silicon team aims to validate the technology in lab settings before scaling up for mass production. While timelines may vary, the researchers remain optimistic about the transformative impact of their work on the solar energy landscape.
More information:
Alexander J. Baldacchino et al, Singlet Fission c-Si Solar Cells: Beyond Tetracene, ACS Energy Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.5c01930
