German scientists create solar cells from Moon dirt

A team of German scientists has advanced lunar exploration efforts by successfully transforming lunar regolith into glass, which can be used to construct solar power cells. The research involved heating a simulant of lunar regolith to 1,550°C in a vacuum-sealed furnace for several hours, resulting in a semi-transparent moonglass that, when combined with halide perovskite materials, led to functional solar cells. This innovative technique eliminates the need to transport bulk materials from Earth, offering a sustainable energy solution for potential Moon habitats. The ideal source of regolith for this process comes from the Moon's highland regions, characterized by rich anorthosite content and low iron oxide, producing clearer glass than regolith from the darker, iron-heavy lowlands. The researchers suggest that a single kilogram of raw perovskite precursor could theoretically generate up to 400 square meters of solar cells. However, the resulting solar cells, which are only two millimeters thick, face challenges such as limited transparency due to the presence of iron in the glass, which reduces light transmission and thus affects their overall efficiency. While these experimental cells exhibited a simulated power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.5%, this is lower compared to conventional solar technologies. The scientists emphasized the necessity for additional research to improve the stability and longevity of the cells under extreme lunar conditions, where factors like constant illumination and temperature fluctuations could impede their lifespan. Despite showing promise, perovskite materials are known to have stability issues, particularly when exposed to radiation and UV light. The protective moonglass layer aims to mitigate some of the UV damage that perovskites are prone to. Lead researcher Lang indicated that while they believe their innovation could ensure a lifespan of over ten years under central lunar conditions, they acknowledge that further studies are needed to address longevity under continuous light exposure. Overall, this work has set a promising foundation for the future development of solar cells on the Moon, proving that local resources can be leveraged to create renewable energy solutions that support lunar habitation without the necessity of resupplying from Earth. As the concept of lunar colonization continues to gain traction, the implications of manufacturing energy solutions using local materials could revolutionize how we approach long-term space missions. The ability to generate energy on the Moon efficiently aligns with broader goals of sustainability and self-sufficiency in extraterrestrial environments, paving the way for subsequent missions and explorations focused on establishing human presence beyond our planet.