Semiconducting nanorods help laser-powered drones keep cool

A team of researchers from the Civil Aviation University of China has developed a promising solution to the cooling issue faced by laser-powered drones equipped with solar cells. Traditional onboard batteries have long been a barrier to longer drone missions, but the integration of laser wireless power transmission presents a potential solution.

However, the use of laser light to charge these drones also results in heat buildup, which can reduce the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells they carry. To address this challenge, the researchers incorporated a heat-blocking technology based on antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) nanorods into the solar cells. By embedding these nanorods into the upper portion of the CsPbBr3 perovskite layer, the team was able to create a thermal barrier that helps maintain a significant temperature gradient, thereby improving the overall energy conversion efficiency of the device.

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