Research Progress of Separator Materials in Lithium-ion Batteries

Abstract

Solar energy, recognized as a clean and sustainable resource, stands as a pivotal technology within the renewable energy landscape. As the core of photovoltaic technology, solar cells directly convert light into electricity via the photovoltaic effect, operating without greenhouse gas emissions and thereby playing a significant role in energy security and environmental protection. This paper systematically reviews the research progress in solar cell technologies through a comprehensive literature study, with a focus on the working principles, technical characteristics, and application status of crystalline silicon, thin-film, and emerging perovskite solar cells. The study finds that crystalline silicon cells dominate the current market due to their high conversion efficiency (22-24%) and reliability, despite their energy-intensive production process and temperature sensitivity. In contrast, thin-film cells offer advantages in terms of material usage and manufacturing energy consumption; however, their efficiency faces developmental bottlenecks, and their market presence remains limited. Perovskite solar cells demonstrate remarkable efficiency potential, with recorded rates exceeding 29%, yet their commercialization is hindered by challenges in material stability and the risk of lead leakage. Furthermore, this paper discusses the critical roles of energy storage technologies, smart management systems, and material optimization in advancing the future development of solar energy.