The cells generated enough energy during a two-hour test to charge lithium-ion batteries, while researchers estimate they could operate continuously at this depth for 5.5 years, potentially powering submerged sensors, cameras and communication systems.

Credits: Unsplash; Author: National Cancer Institute;

Researchers integrated perovskite solar cells with underwater robots and tested them near the Weizhou Islands.

The cells are designed to absorb blue-to-orange light, which penetrates seawater more effectively, and showed little degradation during laboratory testing.

Researchers now plan to test the technology at greater depths, determine its operational limits and develop standardised testing methods for underwater solar power systems.

Set The Portugal News as your preferred source for news on Google

GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google