https://phys.org/news/2018-07-materials-scientists-approach-solar-cells.html

Thin-film solar cells based on hybrid perovskites have already reached an efficiency of 23.2 percent, surpassing traditional solar cells based on silicon. The light-absorbing layer of perovskite in such devices can be obtained by simpler and cheaper solution methods. The scientists studied the processes of perovskite crystallization from a solvent with unusual properties—gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).

"In our laboratory we develop new innovative non-solvent methods for obtaining solar cells but also pay great attention to the fundamental aspects of perovskite chemistry. This is a traditional characteristic trait of the materials science school of Lomonosov Moscow State University, which distinguishes us from most of the world's groups," said contributing researcher Alexey Tarasov.