'Cosmic Veil': A Breakthrough Shield for Next-Generation Space Solar Cells

Cosmic Veil Coating for Solar Cells

In a groundbreaking step forward for aerospace energy technologies, engineers from the University of Surrey have unveiled a novel protective coating nicknamed the "cosmic veil"—a thin layer that can shield perovskite solar cells from the relentless assault of space radiation. The innovation, detailed in a study published in Joule, could significantly extend the life and efficiency of solar panels used in satellites and spacecraft, heralding a new era of durable, lightweight, and cost-effective energy sources in orbit.

The Fragility of Perovskites in Space

Perovskite solar cells have become a beacon of hope in the quest for next-generation photovoltaics. They are lightweight, cheaper to produce than traditional silicon panels, and boast impressive efficiency. However, their Achilles’ heel remains their vulnerability to the harsh environment of space—especially the onslaught of high-energy protons and UV radiation that bombard devices in low-Earth orbit.

Dr. Jae Sung Yun, co-author of the study and lecturer in energy technology at the University of Surrey, explains: "Perovskite solar cells are promising for space, but the various sources of radiation in our solar system are still a major threat—especially to the organic molecules that make them work."

Enter the Cosmic Veil

To tackle this challenge, the research team collaborated with institutions including Oxford University, the University of New South Wales, and several Korean partners such as Chungbuk National University, Gyeongsang National University, and KRICT. Their solution? A wafer-thin coating of propane-1,3-diammonium iodide (PDAI₂), which acts as a barrier that stabilizes fragile organic components within the perovskite structure.

By preventing the formation of gaseous degradation products like hydrogen and ammonia—common culprits in solar cell decay—the PDAI₂ layer preserves the cell's integrity and efficiency.

Rigorous Testing in Simulated Space Conditions

To ensure the coating’s real-world viability, researchers subjected both treated and untreated solar cells to intense proton radiation, simulating over 20 years of low-Earth orbital exposure. The results were striking: treated cells retained far more of their efficiency and displayed fewer signs of internal structural breakdown.

This demonstration opens the door to large-scale deployment of perovskite solar cells on satellites and other space-bound technologies, greatly reducing launch costs by slashing payload weights and extending mission durations through better energy resilience.

Global Collaboration, Tangible Impact

Professor Ravi Silva, director of the Advanced Technology Institute and interim director of the Surrey Institute for Sustainability, highlighted the collaborative nature of this achievement. “This project is a brilliant example of how our cross-institute collaborations can deliver real impact. By bringing together expertise from the Advanced Technology Institute, the Surrey Ion Beam Center, and the Institute for Sustainability, we're able to tackle complex global challenges—like developing the next generation of clean energy technologies for space.”

Looking Beyond the Stars

This innovation may also spill over into terrestrial applications. The enhanced radiation resistance and longevity of perovskite cells treated with PDAI₂ could find uses in nuclear facilities, aviation electronics, and extreme-environment sensors where conventional solar technologies fall short.

The full article, published on July 30, 2025, can be accessed at TechXplore.

Further Reading & Reference

  • Hongjae Shim et al, “Enhancing radiation resilience of wide-band-gap perovskite solar cells for space applications via A-site cation stabilization with PDAI₂,” Joule (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2025.102043
  • Perovskite materials overview: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) - nrel.gov

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