Physicists Investigate Promising Antimony-Based Solar Cell Technology for Outer Space Applications
January 27, 2026 — Researchers at the University of Toledo are exploring cutting-edge solar cell materials designed to withstand the extreme conditions of outer space, with an emphasis on durability against radiation and harsh environmental factors. Their work centers on antimony chalcogenide-based solar cells, an emerging technology that could become a game-changer for powering spacecraft and satellites.
Tackling the Challenges of Space Environments
Solar cells operating in space face a variety of challenges absent on Earth. The lack of atmospheric protection exposes them to intense particle radiation, including protons and cosmic rays, and extreme temperature fluctuations that can degrade performance and shorten operational life. Developing materials that not only endure these conditions but maintain efficient energy conversion is critical for the success of long-term space missions.
At the University of Toledo’s Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization, physicists are investigating ways to improve solar cell resilience specifically for space applications. Their research is supported by a significant project funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, underlining the strategic importance of advancing energy technologies for defense and space exploration.
Antimony Chalcogenides: A Radiation-Hard Candidate
The focus of this research is on solar cells that utilize antimony chalcogenides—compounds made from antimony and elements of the chalcogen group such as sulfur or selenium—as the light-absorbing semiconductor layer. These materials have shown promise due to their strong radiation hardness, outperforming many conventional solar cell technologies currently used in space.
In a recent study published in the journal Solar RRL, a team led by doctoral student Alisha Adhikari along with faculty and other students presented the first comprehensive assessment of how antimony chalcogenide solar cells respond to proton radiation typical of space environments. Their simulation studies demonstrated that these solar cells retain much of their functional integrity even under exposure to high-energy protons, a major cause of performance degradation in space solar cells.
“Antimony chalcogenide solar cells exhibit superior radiation robustness compared to the conventional technologies we’re deploying in space today,” Adhikari explained. “However, to become a competitive option for future space missions, their energy conversion efficiency needs substantial improvement.”
Research Team and Next Steps
The research team is led by Dr. Randall Ellingson, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and endowed chair at the Wright Center. Collaborators include postdoctoral researcher Dr. Vijay Karade, doctoral student Scott Lambright, and faculty members Dr. Yanfa Yan and Dr. Zhaoning Song. Together, they blend expertise in materials science, radiation physics, and photovoltaic engineering to tackle the challenges of space-ready solar cells.
Their ongoing work seeks to optimize the fabrication and performance of these antimony-based devices, aiming to enhance solar energy harvesting under the extreme temperatures and intense particle radiation encountered beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Physical experiments are complemented by advanced computer simulations that analyze the interactions between space radiation particles and solar cell materials.
A Step Towards Efficient and Durable Space Power Sources
This research adds to a growing interest in alternative semiconductor materials for solar cells beyond traditional silicon and perovskite technologies. Antimony chalcogenides offer a unique combination of chemical stability and radiation resistance, representing a potentially vital material class for long-duration space missions and satellites that require reliable power sources with extended lifespans.
As the team continues to improve the efficiency of antimony chalcogenide solar cells, they contribute to the broader pursuit of next-generation photovoltaics designed not just for Earth-bound applications but for powering humanity’s ventures into space.
Reference:
Adhikari, A., Karade, V., Lambright, S., Yan, Y., Song, Z., & Ellingson, R. (2025). Assessing Proton Radiation Hardness of Antimony Chalcogenide Solar Cells. Solar RRL. DOI: 10.1002/solr.202500699
For more information on this research and related advances in solar technology, visit the University of Toledo’s Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization.
