Released a progress report on research utilizing medical equipment (linear particle accelerator) to present an indicator for radiation exposure based on the perovskite solar cell
Published in the 「Journal of Physical Chemistry C」, a renowned international academic journal in the materials, physics, and chemistry field

<From left, Professor Ryu Seung-yoon, Professor Cho Shin-haeng, Ph. D. Kim Sang-soo, Ph. D. Candidate Lee Chang-min>

○ Professor Ryu Seung-yoon’s team at the Department of Physics and Semiconductor of Dongguk University and Professor Cho Shin-haeng’s team at the Department of Radiation Oncology of the Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital reported the result of the research on the radiation exposure for the application of the perovskite solar cells. This is basic research on its utilization with a dosimeter, which is used in the hospital, and it suggests, along with optical analysis, that the possibility of deducing the dose as the solar cell does not operate normally after a certain threshold in the research.

<Overview of the radiation exposure test using a linear particle accelerator​>

<Journal of Physical Chemistry C 2024, 128, 885−893, Cover Image>

○ Although there were attempts to apply the existing Amorphous silicon (a-Si) and copper indium gallium selenide solar cells (CIGS) as chromoradiometer for medical use, the utilization of perovskite solar cells with strong radiation resistance was not examined. Under the circumstances, a radiation exposure test using a linear particle accelerator was performed to verify whether they could be utilized in extreme environments like space. 

○ This research irradiated perovskite solar cells with a 6 MeV electron beam for the first time to imitate an extreme environment. The dosage of radiation used for treatment at hospitals is approximately 1 fx / 50 Gy, but this research increased the level to an extreme dose (3 kGy – 21 kGy) for verification. It suggested that a flaw (vacancy, antisite, or distortion) occurs inside the perovskite crystal, and the performance of the solar cell declines at a certain level (15 kGy).

○ In addition, the research team cross-validated the flaw inside the perovskite crystal through optical analysis and simulation and suggested using perovskite solar cells under extreme environments. However, it indicated that additional research is necessary to maintain the stability of the perovskite solar cells to utilize them under extreme environments, such as in space.

○ Professor Ryu Seung-yoon said with expectations, “Recently, the need for converged and joint research is emerging in various areas. Experts from various fields can work together to make technology more cutting-edge. With Professor Cho Shin-haeng’s team, we were able to study medical dosimeters and technologies to apply under extreme environments, such as in space, by sharing knowledge.” 

○ Ph. D. Kim Sang-soo and Ph. D. Candidate Lee Chang-min said, “The stability of the perovskite solar cells is still not very high, and it is difficult to prepare and analyze the element, but we engaged in the research to lay the foundation for researching the use of solar cells under extreme environments considering the strong radiation resistance of the perovskite compared to existing solar cells,” giving their impression.

○ This research was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea and Dongguk University and published online and featured on the cover of the January 2024 edition of the distinguished international academic journal in the materials, physics, and chemistry fields 「Journal of Physical Chemistry C (IF=4.17)」 under the title <Radiation Tolerance of Organohalide-Based Perovskite Solar Cells under 6 MeV Electron Beam Irradiation>.