Ultralightweight perovskite solar cells for use in drones

In an era of increasing automation, energy autonomy becomes crucial. From smart watches on our wrists to spacecraft exploring the Solar System, the need for portable and efficient energy sources with a high power-per-weight is paramount. Traditional approaches to powering autonomous systems, such as fossil and nuclear fuels; battery storage; and energy harvesting from thermal, kinetic or radio waves, have their drawbacks, including bulkiness, the need for tethered recharging or a low power-per-weight. Flexible solar cells present a resilient, lightweight and sustainable solution that is viable wherever light is available. Traditional photovoltaic materials can achieve high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) 1, but hybrid organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites excel not only in terms of their high PCE, but also their affordability and ease of processing into thin and lightweight form factors 2, which is a …