UNSW researchers have advanced singlet fission, a process that can split one photon into two usable energy excitations and potentially boost silicon-panel efficiency. Using a moisture-stable dye (dipyrrolonaphthyridinedione) and a thin pigment coating, the team says the theoretical efficiency limit could reach about 45%, versus today’s ~22%–27% for typical silicon cells. The group expects a small-scale proof of concept within a few years, but notes that engineering, durability and integration challenges remain.
UNSW Progresses Singlet Fission Coating That Could Nearly Double Silicon Solar Output
Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) report a significant advance in a process called singlet fission, which can split one high-energy photon into two usable energy excitations. If integrated with standard silicon panels, the approach could substantially increase the amount of sunlight converted into electricity.
The team says their work follows roughly a decade of study into the underlying physics, including magnetic testing and other analyses to understand how the process behaves under real-world conditions. They identified a moisture-stable dye, dipyrrolonaphthyridinedione, that supports singlet fission without rapid degradation, and found that different wavelengths (colors) of light affect the process in useful ways.
Postdoctoral researcher Ben Carwithen explained the opportunity: "A lot of the energy from light in a solar cell is wasted as heat. We're finding ways to take that wasted energy and turn it into more electricity instead." Professor Tim Schmidt added: "Different colors of light carry different energies. Blue light has more energy, but most of that gets lost as heat in a normal solar cell. With singlet fission, that excess energy can be turned into usable electricity instead."
The practical proposal is straightforward in concept: apply a thin layer of durable industrial pigments — similar to automotive-grade coatings — on top of existing silicon panels to enable singlet fission. UNSW reports that, in principle, adding a singlet-fission-capable layer could raise the theoretical conversion limit to about 45%, a large increase over typical silicon efficiencies reported in the 22%–27% range.
Important caveat: The 45% figure is a theoretical limit for the combined system. Translating laboratory physics into commercial rooftop panels will require engineering to couple the fission layer efficiently to silicon cells, ensure long-term durability, manage costs, and validate real-world performance.
UNSW says a small-scale proof of concept could be possible within a few years as the team moves from laboratory demonstrations to applied testing. Associate Professor Murad Tayebjee called the advance "a big step forward" for the sector, while researchers acknowledge further work is needed to integrate the coating with manufacturing and weatherproofing requirements.
The development arrives as solar power continues rapid growth — supplying roughly 7% of global electricity, according to BBC and Reuters — and as cleaner electricity technologies are increasingly important to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based grid power. NASA and other agencies link air-polluting fuels to higher risks from extreme weather, which adds urgency to scaling low-carbon energy solutions.
While promising, the innovation should be viewed as an important laboratory-to-field step rather than an immediate market-ready product. Continued materials testing, device integration, and cost analysis will determine how quickly singlet-fission coatings can be commercialized at scale.
