Revolutionizing Solar and Lighting Technology with Shape-Shifting Perovskites

Shape-Shifting Perovskites Pave the Way for Smarter Solar and Lighting Tech
Date: June 18, 2025

There’s a remarkable transformation unfolding in laboratories that could significantly influence the future of solar energy and smart lighting. This innovation revolves around reshaping the very materials at the core of our devices rather than reinventing existing technologies. Researchers at the University of Utah’s Bischak Lab are exploring a fascinating category of layered crystals known as Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites. Their latest discoveries indicate that these perovskites possess a unique ability to alter their optical properties in response to temperature changes. This characteristic has potential applications far beyond mere scientific interest, paving the way for more intelligent and efficient solar panels, extended thermal energy storage systems, and customizable color-tuneable LEDs.

What makes perovskites particularly intriguing? First and foremost, these crystalline materials consist of alternating organic and inorganic layers. This sandwich-like structure endows them with exceptional flexibility: the organic layers can “melt” or shift with temperature variations, consequently altering the structure of the inorganic layers responsible for light emission. In simpler terms, these materials can adapt their shape according to their environment, thus modifying the color and intensity of the light they emit.

“There are these almost greasy chains that kind of crystallize together. When you hit a certain temperature, those will essentially melt and become more disordered,” explained Assistant Professor Connor Bischak, the study’s senior author. “The melting process influences the structure of the inorganic component, which controls how much light is emitted from the material and its wavelength.”

### The Science Behind the Shift

The research team, led by graduate student Perry Martin, utilized various techniques, including temperature-dependent absorption, emission spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, to examine how perovskites undergo phase transitions—essentially shifting between different solid states—and how these transitions impact their light-emitting properties. A key finding from the study was that structural changes in the inorganic portion of the crystal resulted in precise modifications of the emitted light’s wavelength. This discovery is crucial for the development of devices like LEDs or photodetectors that require highly controlled color outputs.

“Perovskites can be manipulated easily at the molecular level,” noted Bischak. “The emission wavelength can be tuned from ultraviolet up to near-infrared.” Such versatility is seldom found in other semiconductor materials.

### Redefining Energy Storage Potential

Beyond their optical properties, perovskites also offer substantial advancements in thermal energy storage. Their shape-shifting nature allows them to be tailored to specific thermal characteristics simply by adjusting the temperature, making them ideal for applications where efficient heat management is essential, such as in batteries or building-integrated energy storage systems. Even more impressively, perovskites can endure repeated heating and cooling cycles without significant degradation, outpacing traditional materials used in thermal storage.

### Perovskites vs. Silicon

For decades, silicon has dominated the solar panel market, but it is beginning to show its limitations. Silicon is costly to produce, requires significant energy for processing, and faces increasing supply chain challenges. In contrast, perovskites can be fabricated using a low-cost, ink-like solution that can be printed onto substrates, similar to newspaper printing.

“What that means is you basically dissolve all these precursor chemicals in a solvent, and then you can make your solar cell almost like printing with ink,” Bischak explained. “It produces an efficient solar cell material that’s better than silicon.” Furthermore, perovskites are not aiming to completely replace silicon; rather, their greatest advantage lies in their ability to work alongside it. Stacking perovskite layers on top of traditional silicon cells creates hybrid configurations that significantly enhance overall efficiency.

### A Perfect Match for LED Technology

LEDs are ubiquitous, from home lighting to large-scale displays, but achieving precise color tuning has always been a challenge. With perovskites, this color adjustment is inherently achievable. By modifying the temperature or altering the molecular structure, manufacturers can easily achieve the desired shade or brightness without changing materials or redesigning the device. This capability could simplify LED production and unlock new opportunities in smart lighting and adaptive optics. The technology could even be applied in dynamic displays or lighting systems that adapt in real-time based on external conditions, such as temperature fluctuations or user interactions.

### A Clean Future Driven by Chemistry

The Bischak Lab’s research, published in the journal Matter, represents more than just a significant academic milestone; it signals a move toward a cleaner, more adaptable future. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, this study illustrates how advanced materials chemistry can contribute to renewable energy objectives. Perry Martin, the lead author, worked alongside co-authors Rand Kingsford, Seth Jackson, Garrett Collins, Jonene Keller, and Emily Dalley, all of whom are chemistry students at the University of Utah and members of the Bischak Lab. Their collaborative efforts continue to explore how dynamic chemical structures can drive innovation in energy and healthcare applications.

### On the Radar of Global Innovators

The implications of this research have attracted attention from international clean-tech companies and materials science firms, which are increasingly investing in perovskite development. Organizations ranging from Oxford PV in the UK to Energy Materials Corporation in the US are racing to commercialize perovskite-enhanced solar and lighting innovations. Some start-ups are already testing perovskite-silicon tandem solar panels and flexible LED displays using similar phase-tunable compounds, making this an area to watch closely.

### Bright Prospects for Tomorrow’s Tech

In a world seeking smarter, cleaner, and more efficient energy solutions, perovskites could emerge as the unsung heroes of the future. With their shape-shifting capabilities, broad tunability, and compatibility with existing technologies, these materials hold the potential to redefine our relationship with energy. From flexible solar panels to color-changing LEDs and robust energy storage systems, the outlook is undeniably bright—quite literally.