16/07/2025
A research published on Energy & Environmental Materials has shown that perovskite solar cells can operate efficiently even in aquatic environments, paving the way for innovative underwater energy technologies. The study is the result of a collaboration between the National Research Council of Italy, the University of Rome Tor Vergata and BeDimensional SPA
Solar energy may soon find a surprising new application: the ocean floor. A team of Italian researchers has shown that perovskite solar cells can operate efficiently even in aquatic environments, paving the way for innovative underwater energy technologies.
The study, published in the journal Energy & Environmental Materials, is the result of a collaboration between Cnr-Ism, University of Rome Tor Vergata, BeDimensional SPA (a global leader in the production of two-dimensional materials), and Cnr-Ipcf.
Below 50 meters of depth, only blue-green light can effectively penetrate. Perovskite solar cells—already known for their efficiency and versatility—have proven particularly suitable for harvesting this residual light. Tests conducted using a specific perovskite composition, FAPbBr?, revealed remarkable performance: when submerged in the first few centimeters of water, the cells produced more energy than when exposed to air. This improvement is due to the optical properties of water and its cooling effect, which enhances the device’s efficiency.
“Thanks to the optical properties of water and its cooling effect, which improves the efficiency of the device,” explains Jessica Barichello, a researcher at CNR-ISM who coordinated the study. “A further durability test also evaluated the environmental aspect: thanks to effective encapsulation, based on a hydrophobic polymer adhesive developed by BeDimensional, after 10 days of immersion in salt water, the solar cells released only minimal amounts of lead, well below the limits set for drinking water.”
“Thanks to the collaboration with CNR-ISM and BeDimensional, and the technology available in our CHOSE lab, we validated the entire process for applying the perovskite photovoltaic material in underwater environments, where its properties are effectively utilized. This is a new experiment for us,” comments Fabio Matteocci, associate professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, “since our research usually focuses on developing new semi-transparent photovoltaic devices through easily scalable industrial processes for application on buildings.”
Today, solar panels are widely used on rooftops, greenhouses, buildings, and even in space. Yet the marine environment remains a largely unexplored frontier. This pioneering work not only demonstrates that perovskites can function in humid conditions, but also opens new opportunities for the sustainable use of underwater space—an environment increasingly being used for innovative activities such as marine agriculture, underwater wine aging, and more.
Per informazioni:
Jessica Barichello
Cnr-Ism
corso perrone 24
jessica.barichello@ism.cnr.it
3293178725
Ufficio stampa:
Francesca Gorini
Cnr Press Office
francesca.gorini@cnr.it
Responsabile Unità Ufficio stampa:
Emanuele Guerrini
emanuele.guerrini@cnr.it
ufficiostampa@cnr.it
06 4993 3383
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