Solar panel technology inspired by nature

An innovative strategy has been introduced by a research team from the School of Engineering (SENG) at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), for the long-term operational stability of perovskite solar cells. 

The strategies, led by Professor Zhou Yuanyuan, seek to improve the efficiency and lifespan of solar panels, by enhancing their resistance and adaptability to environmental changes such as heat, humidity, and ultraviolet light. 

Their article, "Bio-Inspired Multiscale Design for Perovskite Solar Cells," published in Nature Reviews Clean Technology, suggests that hierarchical structures found in nature, such as those in leaves, moths, or beetles, may encourage the development of low-cost solar panel technologies that prioritize sustainability. 

The challenge 

Although the perovskite solar cell manufacturing process offers a potential advantage in reducing solar energy costs, the challenge for scientists was to address some issues that directly affect their operation and lifespan. 

The research focused primarily on counteracting degradation processes at different scales, due to the susceptibility to environmental changes that significantly affects the stability and performance of solar cells during prolonged use. 

With his research group and collaborators from leading institutions in the US and Switzerland, Professor Zhou Yuanyuan proposed applying knowledge of biological systems to inspire the development of technologies that are efficient, low-cost, resilient, and adaptable. 

A multi-scale strategy 

According to Professor Zhou's, nature offers a wealth of solutions that inspire the design of solar technology that thrives over time under real-world conditions, so the research was conducted through several scales: molecular, microscale, and device level. 

Nature Reviews Clean Technology (2025).

The molecular approach was used to control crystallization and mitigate solar cell degradation, while at the microscopic level, strategies were implemented to increase their resilience and self-healing. 

Finally, biological structures inspired by moth eyes, leaf transpiration, and beetle cuticles could be applied to enhance their performance under adverse environmental conditions. 

Inspiration for the future 

The research seeks to set a precedent for the development of technologies that provide solutions to complex challenges, while also focusing on large-scale sustainability and cost-effectiveness. 

"This is not just about new materials; it represents a novel approach to solar technology, inspired by nature itself. By integrating bio-inspired structures, functions, and sustainability, we are excited about the new chapter unfolding in solar energy”, said Dr. Duan Tianwei, the first author and Research Assistant Professor at HKUST's CBE Department. 

Another step forward for a greener and more sustainable world. 

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Tianwei Duan, Peijun Guo, Sascha Feldmann, Carolin M. Sutter-Fella & Yuanyuan Zhou (2025) “Bio-inspired multiscale design for perovskite solar cells”. Nature Reviews Clean Technology.