Zintl-Phosphides: New Earth-Abundant Solar Cell Materials

On March 11th, Professor Geoff Hautier from Dartmouth presented groundbreaking research on Zintl-phosphides during his talk at the Innovation Agora at CERAWeek 2025. His findings suggest that newly discovered materials could enhance the efficiency of solar photovoltaics (PV) by 10-20% if proof-of-concept is demonstrated through successful piloting. This presents significant potential for major energy gains in the PV sector.

Watch a recording of Professor Hautier's CERAWeek 2025 presentation.

Professor Hautier discussed the mechanics of solar cells, emphasizing the importance of materials that effectively absorb light in the 1.2 – 1.8 eV range. While current technologies predominantly rely on silicon, which makes up 95% of the PV market, he highlighted the limitations regarding energy consumption and supply chain complexities. In contrast, Zintl-phosphides demonstrate a favorable combination of characteristics, including high electron transport efficiency and defect tolerance, making them promising alternatives.

Utilizing modeling and AI, Hautier screened 40,000 inorganic compounds to identify optimal materials for solar applications, focusing on cost and efficiency. One entire family of standout materials, with BaCd2P2 as an example shows exceptional stability under heat and moisture conditions and offers a longer carrier lifetime, translating to higher efficiency. With a patent pending and previous funding from the Department of Energy (DOE), Hautier is seeking partnerships to close the funding gap needed for prototype development.

To bring this innovative material to market, an initial investment of $1-$2 million is required to create a solar cell prototype. This entails addressing challenges in prototyping methods, including the complexities of layer deposition. Alongside applications in solar technology, Hautier's methodology also has potential implications for other energy challenges, such as catalysis and closed-loop recycling. His insights into stable, earth-abundant materials signal a promising direction for investors looking to participate in the future of renewable energy.