Phone case with solar power generation function

In fact, this is an ultra-thin solar "coating" that can turn phone cases or electric cars into mini generators.

This type of battery is 150 times thinner than existing silicon solar cells. (Illustration photo).

This type of solar cell is quite flexible. The product was invented by Oxford University (UK), certified by Japan's Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Institute (AIST). This type of cell is 150 times thinner than existing silicon solar cells.

To create this ultra-thin film, the researchers developed a new photovoltaic material , less than 1 micrometer (0.001 mm) thick, from perovskite structures . 

These crystal structures are synthetic versions of natural calcium titanium oxide , which is cheap to produce, both in the lab and in mass production. One of the disadvantages of perovskite materials is that they degrade and break down when exposed to air. 

But the researchers overcame this by creating a multilayered perovskite structure, using a multijunction method, combining several light-sensitive layers corresponding to different wavelengths of light to increase light sensitivity. 

As a result, the new film is both thin and has an efficiency of converting sunlight into energy of up to 27% compared to silicon batteries on the market today (only 22%).

According to the research team, in the future, perovskite could help solar cells surpass the 45% efficiency level - the limit given based on current physics and methods. 

It can produce electricity in very low light conditions, suitable for use in personal electronic devices or vehicles such as electric cars to provide on-site energy for their operation.