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At least 127 records · Page 7

Tailoring Crystallization Dynamics of CsPbI 3 for Scalable Production of Efficient Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells

All-inorganic perovskite cesium lead triiodide (CsPbI 3 ) with inorganic nature, low-temperature synthesis, and a suitable bandgap is desirable for high-performance photovoltaics. However, the scalable production of CsPbI 3 photovoltaics is still challenging due to a large nucleation energy barrier and slow phase transition during unassisted natural crystallization. Here, the crystallization dynamics of CsPbI 3 thin films is tailored via lead acetate (PbAc 2 ) substitution in the perovskite precursor ink, allowing the scalable fabrication of efficient all-inorganic perovskite solar cells and minimodules. Introducing PbAc 2 enlarges CsPbI 3 colloid size in the precursor and reduces the nucleation energy barrier. Additionally, reactions between acetate and dimethylammonium in the wet film accelerate the removal of dimethylammonium additives and generate solvent vapors for self-regulate internal solvent annealing, resulting in densely packed, uniform, and pinhole-free CsPbI 3 perovskite films over large areas. This strategy demonstrates inverted CsPbI 3 solar cells with 20.17% efficiency and good operational stability (retaining 95.5% of initial efficiency after continuous operation for 1800 h) and 15.1%-efficient CsPbI 3 minimodules with an active area of 26.8 cm 2 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Eco–Friendly Solvent Engineered CsPbI 2.77 Br 0.23 Ink for Large–Area and Scalable High Performance Perovskite Solar Cells

The performance of large-area perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been assessed for typical compositions, such as methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI 3 ), using a blade coater, slot-die coater, solution shearing, ink-jet printing, and thermal evaporation. However, the fabrication of large-area all-inorganic perovskite films is not well developed. This study develops, for the first time, an eco-friendly solvent engineered all-inorganic perovskite ink of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a main solvent with the addition of acetonitrile (ACN), 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME), or a mixture of ACN and 2-ME to fabricate large-area CsPbI 2.77 Br 0.23 films with slot-die coater at low temperatures (40–50 °C). The perovskite phase, morphology, defect density, and optoelectrical properties of prepared with different solvent ratios are thoroughly examined and they are correlated with their respective colloidal size distribution and solar cell performance. Here, the optimized slot-die-coated CsPbI 2.77 Br 0.23 perovskite film, which is prepared from the eco-friendly binary solvents dimethyl sulfoxide:acetonitrile (0.8:0.2 v/v), demonstrates an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.05%. Moreover, the device maintains ≈91% of its original PCE after 1 month at 20% relative humidity in the dark. It is believed that this study will accelerate the reliable manufacturing of perovskite devices.

binary and ternary solvent↗

Charged Hole‐Transporting Materials Based on Imidazolium for Defect Passivation in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

The hole‐transporting material (HTM) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) provides an ideal interface with the perovskite layer for hole collection while influencing the perovskite crystalline structure and morphology. This article presents SIM and DIM, two new dopant‐free imidazolium‐based HTMs with charged units accompanied by counter ions that show the potential to function as ionic HTMs and ionic liquid additives and help improve the efficiency and stability of inverted PSCs. DIM‐based PSCs demonstrates exceptional performance with a high‐power conversion efficiency of 19.15%, attributed to improved passivation of perovskite interface defects. Furthermore, these new imidazolium salt‐based HTMs can be manufactured economically, making them a viable option for mass production and PSC commercialization.

Tingare, Yogesh S.↗

Photo-Crosslinkable Naphthalene Diimide Polymer for Solution Processed n-i-p Perovskite Solar cells

Lead-halide perovskite has attracted tremendous attention due to its extraordinary optoelectronic properties.1 Charge transport layers play an important role in both solar cell device efficiency and long-term stability.2 Here we used a photo-crosslinkable polymer for n-i-p perovskite solar cells. Compared to the non-crosslinkable counterpart, we see an overall improved open-circuit voltage and efficiency in mixed-cation mixed-halide perovskite solar cell using the crosslinked naphthalene diimide polymer (NDI-CL) as cathode modification layer.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Hot-Casting-Assisted Liquid Additive Engineering for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

High-performance inorganic–organic lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are often fabricated with a liquid additive such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which retards crystallization and reduces roughness and pinholes in the perovskite layers. However, DMSO can be trapped during perovskite film formation and induce voids and undesired reaction byproducts upon later processing steps. Here, it is shown that the amount of residual DMSO can be reduced in as-spin-coated films significantly through use of preheated substrates, or a so-called hot-casting method. Hot casting increases the perovskite film thickness given the same concentration of solutions, which allows for reducing the perovskite solution concentration. By reducing the amount of DMSO in proportion to the concentration of perovskite precursors and using hot casting, it is possible to fabricate perovskite layers with improved perovskite–substrate interfaces by suppressing the formation of byproducts, which increase trap density and accelerate degradation of the perovskite layers. The best-performing PSCs exhibit a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.4% (23.0% stabilized efficiency) under simulated solar illumination. Furthermore, encapsulated devices show considerably reduced post-burn-in decay, retaining 75% and 90% of their initial and post-burn-in efficiencies after 3000 h of operation with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) under high power of ultraviolet (UV)-containing continuous light exposure.

perovskite-substrate interface↗

Moisture-Induced Crystallographic Reorientations and Effects on Charge Carrier Extraction in Metal Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

Lead halide perovskites (LHPs) are promising semiconductors for optoelectronic applications. In LHP solar cells, the focus thus far has been mainly on compositional optimization of the MHP layer, without much understanding of the effects of compositional mixing on structure and texture. This is a serious gap in our knowledge because research has shown that texture underlies the mechanisms of charge carrier and ionic transport. Therefore, it is essential to understand the mechanisms that drive changes in texture in LHPs. Here we examine the effect of moisture and composition on the structure and texture of LHPs and their impacts on optoelectronic properties. Exposure to moisture is shown to induce a crystallographic reorientation in the polycrystalline films, which is also dependent on the amount of organic cation material present at the surface. For films with an excess of organic halide, moisture was shown to induce texture in the (001) plane contributing to the enhancement of photocurrents and long-term device stability. This work shows the importance of texture for the electronic properties of LHPs with a special emphasis on charge carrier extraction in optoelectronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Spontaneously supersaturated nucleation strategy for high reproducible and efficient perovskite solar cells

High-quality perovskite films are predominantly prepared by anti-solvent assisted spin-coating method. How- ever, small device size and narrow operation window limit their applications in practical and scalable production. Here, a spontaneously supersaturated nucleation strategy is developed to fabricate high-quality perovskite films without any antisolvents. The rapid precipitation behavior of the precursor solutions could be triggered by the volatilization of methylamine ethanol at the initial film formation stage, forming uniform and compact intermediate phase films. Mirror-like large area (10 cm × 10 cm) methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI 3 ) perovskite films with micrometer-sized grains can be achieved by phase transition via annealing. The average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.4% is achieved for 0.1 cm 2 perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The 1 cm 2 device shows a PCE of 17.57% and retains 96.8% after aging for 39 days in the air with a relative humidity of 5–30%. The perovskite module based on the perovskite films prepared by our strategy exhibits a PCE of 13.13%. Here, the perovskite film fabrication method developed in this work shows high reproducibility of the fabrication process due to the spontaneous nucleation process. Meanwhile, it also exhibits significant potential in the application of scalable solution processing deposition techniques toward the commercialization of PSCs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Optimizing Vertical Crystallization for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells by Buried Composite Layers

Planar-heterojunction perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have experienced rapid evolution in recent years because of the low-temperature processing, suitable alignment, and high mobility of the tin oxide buried contact layer. However, improper SnO 2 surface states and poor crystallinity of the top perovskite films are still the main obstacles for the planar PSCs in which performance always lags behind their mesoporous counterparts. Herein, a new buried contact is reported by introducing graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) into the commonly used SnO 2 which performs outstanding transmittance, conductivity, and surface states for a high-quality electron-transporting layer. Moreover, the vertical composition and crystallinity of the top perovskite film are manipulated by rich amino groups on the edge of the g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets which induce the prenucleation of the lead-rich species at the buried interface. Benefiting from the high-quality buried contacts and the optimized perovskite layers, the resultant PSCs achieve a champion efficiency of 21.5% with all photovoltaic parameters enhanced in comparison with their control counterparts (<20%).

planar-heterojunction perovskite solar cells↗

On-Device Lead Detention for Perovskite Solar Cells

As the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have reached above 25.5%, the commercialization of PSCs appears to be imminent due to its lower fabrication cost, simpler manufacturing processes, and larger processing area over Si-based solar cells that dominate the current photovoltaic (PV) market. While many efforts have focused on tackling the stability and scalability issues with promising advances, the potential lead (Pb) toxicity issue has remained a concern of PSCs. Unlike the metallic Pb, the Pb 2+ in perovskite generally exhibit high solubility in water. However, Pb 2+ has so far appeared to be a necessary component in all high-efficiency PSCs. Handful methods have been explored to mitigate the potential Pb2+ leaking issue, which can be generally categorized as physical encapsulation and our pioneering chemical absorption method, which was extended by others later. Since device damage is inevitable in outdoor conditions, physical encapsulation alone is not sufficient to mitigate the long-term risk of leakage of soluble Pb 2+ to the environment under severe weather conditions. As a result, the chemical absorption approach has recently attracted significant attention as a more effective solution to confine the potential lead leakage. Hence, it is of great value to develop durable and highly efficient Pb-absorbing components that can be conveniently mounted onto the standard PSC stack as an add-on accessory in line with the encapsulation of PSCs instead of modifying the standard device fabrication and/or device configuration.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Multifunction Hydrophobic Ligand Engineered Cd(S, Se)/ZnS Quantum Dots for Stabilizing Highly Efficient Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells

The long-term operational stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) remains a key challenge impeding their commercialization, particularly due to ambient environments (e.g., moisture, oxygen, heat)-induced degradation. Carbon electrode-based PSCs have emerged as cost-effective and relatively stable alternatives to metal electrode-based devices due to carbon materials' hydrophobic behavior, yet they still lag in both long-term durability and power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this work, an ultrathin hydrophobic ligand-modified core–shell Cd(S,Se)/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) capping layer is introduced as a multifunctional interfacial modifier for carbon-electrode-based PSCs. This oleic acid ligand-modified QDs capping layer exhibits inherent hydrophobicity, effectively serving as a moisture barrier to retard perovskite degradation under ambient conditions. Furthermore, the strong interfacial bonding between the QDs and perovskite halide surfaces leads to efficient trap state passivation, reducing trap density and creating a more uniform electrical contact. The modified QDs/perovskite interface also features an elevated conduction band edge, promoting improved charge extraction. As a result, devices incorporating this quantum dot capping layer retain 98% of their initial PCE after 450 h of ambient aging and achieve a champion efficiency of 20.74%. As a result, this strategy highlights the potential of hydrophobic ligand-modified chalcogenide QDs as surface modifiers to enhance both the stability and performance of carbon-based PSCs, offering a promising route toward scalable fabrication of durable perovskite solar modules.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

An Open Source Perovskite Solar Cell Curve Tracer

When developing systems for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), it is important to have a testing platform that closely resembles your deployed systems. While developing a 1 U CubeSat, the Big Red Sat-1 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we found a lack of passive curve tracing instrumentation, which we needed for our mission. To that end, we developed a benchtop passive curve tracer that leverages the Ossila Solar Simulator as an AM1.5 light source. This device utilizes a ladder of switched resistors and a precision voltage and current measurement to achieve the curve tracing. It also integrates a common-anode multiplexer to switch through multipixel PSCs. Finally, the solar cell holder is separate from the main measurement system, so various substrates sizes and pixel counts can be supported. This system is tested using various PSCs. It has been open sourced to enable reuse in future systems that may benefit from the lower power consumption and flight heritage.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

In-situ Characterizations of Microstructural Degradation of Perovskite Solar Cells

Rapid progress has been achieved in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and their efficiencies have improved from 3.8 % to 24.2 % in less than a decade. With low-cost processing, PSCs have shown exciting photovoltaic (PV) properties, such as effective optical absorption, a long carrier lifetime, and unique defect tolerance. While recent studies demonstrated improved stability up to 100 days, PSC technology is still challenged to meet the stringent industry requirements for commercialization. Despite considerable efforts, the underlying physical mechanisms for the inferior stability of PSCs are not well understood. One reason for this divergence is that many established measurement techniques (e.g., quantum efficiency, photoluminescence) probe the properties on length scales far greater than that of electronic and/or structural inhomogeneity (i.e., < 1 μm near grain boundaries) and therefore characterize convoluted and/or averaged properties. Ion/electron beam-based techniques have been extensively used to access the microstructures of PSCs, enabling atomic/nanoscale structural, chemical, optical, and electrical characterizations. For example, focused ion beam (FIB) milling produces an atomically smooth surface that minimizes the artifacts attributed to the surface roughness. FIB techniques can also create a well-defined cross-section of PSCs without mechanical damage in a physical cleaving sample preparation. While powerful, there are some concerns about possible beam damage of inorganic-organic perovskites via chemical-bond breakage and local heating. This project aims to comprehensively understand how the microstructural/interfacial properties of PSCs (e.g., Methylammonium Lead Iodide [MAPbI 3 ]) are modified under the irradiating ion beams. Specifically, we investigate the sub-surface properties of PSCs before and after Ar-ion beam injections. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measures the contact potential differences (CPDs). Photoluminescence (PL) microscopy in conjunction with Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) simulations infers the formation of a “dead layer” (< 15 nm) on the subsurface of MAPbI 3 during Ar+ milling processes while preserving the initial bulk properties. The x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) confirms this modified surface is a lead-rich and iodine-deficient surface. We initiate customizing in-situ measurement setup while measuring the local optical and electrical properties of PSC under thermal (cooling, heating) and light stressors. Our results provide in-depth knowledge of the ion-beam impact on metal-halide perovskites and how this modified sub-surface impacts their properties under accelerated stressors of light and heat. Intensive Monte Carlo simulations of an electron beam interacting with PSCs provide the beam energy distribution in PSCs, proposing possible measurement conditions of using e-beam with minimizing beam damage. Our in-situ measurement platform can accommodate the diverse architecture of PSC devices for studying deterioration mechanisms under mixed environmental stressors.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Review on Perovskite Solar Cells: From Single‐Junction Devices to Tandem Deployment in Space

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a transformative photovoltaic technology, offering high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and the potential for cost-effective manufacturing. However, stability and large-scale manufacturing remain critical challenges that must be addressed for widespread adoption. This review provides a roadmap from single-junction perovskite solar cells to tandem deployment in space. First, material-level innovations are discussed, including mixed-cation and low-dimensional perovskites, transport materials, and additives that improve thermal and structural stability while enhancing efficiency. Then, we examine both established industrial standards and emerging scientific protocols aimed at stabilizing PSCs under operational conditions, including tandem cell integration strategies and encapsulation techniques to mitigate performance degradation. Manufacturing scalability is a focal point, where deposition methods and green solvents are explored to improve large-area film uniformity and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, the increasing viability of PSCs in extraterrestrial environments is assessed, with emphasis on their performance in space applications, radiation resistance, and flexible lamination methods for deployment in extreme conditions. Progress across materials innovation, device architectures, stability testing protocols, and both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications collectively drives perovskite photovoltaics toward higher efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness.

flexible PSCs↗

Ambient Pressure XPS Investigation of Thermally Stable Halide Perovskite Solar Cells via Post-Treatment

Long-term thermal stability is one limiting factor that impedes the commercialization of perovskite solar cell. Inspired by our prior results from machine learning, we discover that coating a thin layer of 4,4’-dibromotriphenylamine (DBTPA) on top of a CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 (MAPbI 3 ) thin film can improve the stability of the resultant perovskite solar cells. The passivated perovskite solar cells retained more than 96% of their initial power conversion efficiency over 1000 h at 85 °C in N2 atmosphere without encapsulation. Near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) was employed to investigate the evolution of composition and evaluate thermal and moisture stability by in-situ studies. A comparison between pristine MAPbI 3 films and DBTPA-treated films shows the DBTPA treatment suppresses the escape of iodide and methylamine up to 150 °C under 5 mbar humidity. Furthermore, we have used ATR-FTIR and XPS to probe the interactions between DBTPA and MAPbI3 surface. The results prove that DBTPA coordinate with perovskite by Lewis acid-base and cation-π interaction. Compared with the 19.9% efficiency of pristine sample, the champion efficiency of passivated sample reaches 20.6%. Finally, our results reveal DBTPA as a new post-treating molecule that not only leads to the improvement of photovoltaic efficiency but also thermal and moisture stability.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

In situ energetics modulation enables high-efficiency and stable inverted perovskite solar cells

In contrast to conventional (n-i-p) perovskite solar cells (PSCs), inverted (p-i-n) PSCs offer enhanced stability and integrability with tandem solar cell architectures, which have garnered increasing interest. However, p-i-n cells suffer from energy level misalignment with transport layers, imbalanced transport of photo-generated electrons and holes, and significant defects with the perovskite films. Here we introduce tris(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(pyridin-3-yl)phenyl)borane (3TPYMB), a nonionic n-type molecule that, through hydrogen bonding and Lewis acid-base reactions with perovskite surfaces or grain boundaries, enables in situ modulation of perovskite energetics, effectively mitigating the key challenges of p-i-n PSCs. The p-i-n PSCs incorporating 3TPYMB achieve a certified quasi-steady-state power conversion efficiency of 24.55 +- 0.33%, with a reverse scan efficiency of 25.58%. Finally, they also exhibit exceptional stability, with unencapsulated devices retaining 97.8% of their initial efficiency after 1,800 h of continuous operation at maximum power point under N 2 atmosphere, 1 sun illumination and 60 °C conditions.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Comparative Life Cycle Analysis of Scalable Single-Junction and Tandem Perovskite Solar Cell (PSC) Systems

Efficient, low-cost solar cells based upon perovskites have the potential to transform the US and global energy portfolio and improve energy security if they can be manufactured in an environmentally sustainable manner. However, previous life cycle analyses (LCA) of perovskite solar cells (PSC) used lab recipes to project the environmental impact of industrial PSC production – using materials and processes that may not be representative of industrial productions due to high material waste and complex synthesis – and such studies were limited to a few single-junction technologies. Thus, the goal of this project was threefold: a) to review the most promising for industrial production single-junction and tandem PSC technologies, b) to build life-cycle materials inventories that reflect scalable production of these technologies, and c) to conduct comprehensive life-cycle analysis of these technologies and compare their environmental impact with those of established commercial technologies. In response, this project identified challenges for fabrication transitioning from laboratory to sustainable industrial production, developed life-cycle inventory (LCI) data for scaling to industrial production four promising single-junction and three tandem PSC systems and produced life-cycle-investigations using, as metrics, a complete spectrum of energy, environmental and ecological impact indicators. Special focus was given to the use of lead, silver and indium in PSC. The project used the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology as standardized by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), ISO standards 14040 and 14044, and the International Energy Agency PVPS Task 12 LCA guidelines. LCA allows the calculation of a number of energy and environmental and impact categories, including energy cumulative energy demand (CED), global warming potential (GWP), human toxicity potential (HTP), eco-toxicity potential (ETP), abiotic resource depletion potential (ADP), acidification potential (AP), ozone depletion potential (ODP), photochemical oxidation potential (POP), eutrophication potential (EP). In addition to those, we calculated the Energy Pay-Back Time (EPBT) and the Energy Return On Investment (EROI). We provide LCA impacts for complete perovskite PV systems – including balance of system components – installed at three irradiation levels and considering reference and future potential module efficiencies. Finally, a sensitivity analysis on perovskite lifetime has been performed, considering 10, 20 and 30 years. Contribution analysis of the impacts of each material and layer of PSC shows, that the use of Pb in metalorganic PSC does not result in significant environmental impacts as the major contributions to environmental indicators arise from the use of Ag and encapsulation materials. Solution-based PSC manufacturing was found to be less impactful to the environment than vapor-based fabrication, and roll-to-roll (RtR) printing uses less energy and generates the lowest emissions. PSC produced with RtR manufacturing could reach the same Energy Return on Energy Investment (EROI) as that of crystalline-Si PV within 12 years of life, whereas the most energy demanding spray coating on rigid substrates, would require a 20-yr life to match the EROI of 30-yr lasting silicon PV. This work lays the foundation for sustainability investigations in a comparative context of large-scale production and deployment of PSC. The results of this project have the potential to have a significant impact on the future of PV manufacturing, by providing industry, policy-makers, and academia with insights necessary to choose which, if any, lead-based solar cell life cycles are environmentally sustainable.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Towards Long‐Term Stable Perovskite Solar Cells: Degradation Mechanisms and Stabilization Techniques

It is certain that perovskite materials must be a game‐changer in the solar industry as long as their stability reaches a level comparable with the lifetime of a commercialized Si photovoltaic. However, the operational stability of perovskite solar cells and modules still remains unresolved, especially when devices operate in practical energy‐harvesting modes represented by maximum power point tracking under 1 sun illumination at ambient conditions. This review article covers from fundamental aspects of perovskite instability including chemical decomposition pathways under light soaking and electrical bias, to recent advances and techniques that effectively prevent such degradation of perovskite solar cells and modules. In particular, fundamental causes for permanent degradation due to ion migration and trapped charges are overviewed and explain their interplay between ions and charges. Based on the degradation mechanism, recent advances on the strategies are discussed to slow down the degradation during operation for a practical use of perovskite‐based solar devices.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Highly Efficient Bifacial Single Junction Perovskite Solar Cells

We report on efficient, single-junction bifacial perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that simultaneously exhibit high front-side-illumination power conversion efficiency (PCE) (over 22 %) and high bifaciality (over 91%), which represents a significant advancement for single junction bifacial PSC development. The bifacial PSCs exhibit substantial performance boost under concurrent front and rear illumination conditions. The stabilized power output goes up to 25.3 mW/cm 2 under albedos of 0.2, which is comparable to the state-of-the-art monofacial single-junction PSCs. Our work demonstrates the value and potential of bifacial single junction PSCs as an attractive direction for future scientific study and commercialization.

commercialization↗