07.29.23
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has reportedly developed a new formula for a “self-healing” polymeric coating for solar cells that can heal cracks within five minutes.
The team was led by Dr. Sanjib Banerjee from the chemistry department, and their report has been published in the European Polymer Journal. Banerjee reportedly plans to submit the formula for evaluation for potential aerospace applications.
According to a report from Mercom India, a clean energy communications and consulting group, the polymer is called PSt0b-PTEVE and is synthesized through cationic polymerization. Due to its redox responsiveness, the polymer can heal cracks independently.
The researcher’s primary motivation for the project was solar cells’ role in combating climate change. As a renewable energy source, solar cells reduce the reliance of fossil fuels. Since solar power is sustainable and abundant, researchers believe that solar energy could present a viable solution to meeting the increasing demands on energy.
The project was reportedly supported by IIT Bhilai, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Space Experiments Review Board. The team now aims to bring self-healing technology to practical applications.
According to a report from the Times of India, this new self-healing coating is expected to prevent crack propagation and system failures caused by prolonged exposure to hot and humid environments that hinder solar cells’ efficacy and performance.
The process is reportedly cost-effective and ‘industry-friendly nature’ making its eventual integration into solar cell manufacturing easy and the venture holds a promise of enhancing the performance and reliability of aerospace technology.
The team was led by Dr. Sanjib Banerjee from the chemistry department, and their report has been published in the European Polymer Journal. Banerjee reportedly plans to submit the formula for evaluation for potential aerospace applications.
According to a report from Mercom India, a clean energy communications and consulting group, the polymer is called PSt0b-PTEVE and is synthesized through cationic polymerization. Due to its redox responsiveness, the polymer can heal cracks independently.
The researcher’s primary motivation for the project was solar cells’ role in combating climate change. As a renewable energy source, solar cells reduce the reliance of fossil fuels. Since solar power is sustainable and abundant, researchers believe that solar energy could present a viable solution to meeting the increasing demands on energy.
The project was reportedly supported by IIT Bhilai, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Space Experiments Review Board. The team now aims to bring self-healing technology to practical applications.
According to a report from the Times of India, this new self-healing coating is expected to prevent crack propagation and system failures caused by prolonged exposure to hot and humid environments that hinder solar cells’ efficacy and performance.
The process is reportedly cost-effective and ‘industry-friendly nature’ making its eventual integration into solar cell manufacturing easy and the venture holds a promise of enhancing the performance and reliability of aerospace technology.
