south korean scientists have demonstrated that solar panels can operate efficiently not only on land but also underwater. this advancement opens up new possibilities for underwater sensors and monitoring devices that require an independent power supply.
the team led by the multi-functional integrated research institute for future energy (mcife) succeeded in developing a multicrystalline solar cell with the highest-ever efficiency of 21.56% underwater.
the scientists coated the surface of the cell with a 2.3-nanometer-thick layer of gallium oxide, added silver bus bars to improve charge collection, and used an anti-reflection coating of silicon nitride.
the combination of water and the gallium oxide layer produced the best results. in comparison, the efficiency of conventional underwater multicrystalline cells is 19.36%, that of air-based gallium oxide cells is 19.04%, and that of simple air cells is just 17.87%.
the scientists explained that ga₂o₃ reduces light reflection, prevents oxidation, and improves charge transport. similar research is also being conducted in india, china, and italy, where various types of solar cells are being tested underwater.
