Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs)”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Novel method of recycling perovskite solar cells using iodide solutions

A novel recycling method utilizing aqueous iodide solutions has shown promise at selectively dissolving lead perovskite and preserving the glass substrate of lead perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Perovskite compounds are notorious for degrading upon contact with moisture into lead iodide which can be capitalized upon for recycling. When iodide ions reach a critical concentration in aqueous solutions, the solubility of lead iodide begins to rapidly increase as several complex ions are formed. Iodide solutions selectively interact with the perovskite material which dissolves from the edge inwards, allowing for exfoliation of the back contact and retention of the glass substrate and electron transport layer. PbI 2 solubility studies using KI, HI, and NH 4 I were conducted to determine an effective iodide source to develop a scalable recycling process. Further, retaining the coated glass substrate intact preserves the possibility to manufacture new solar cells from the same materials, by also omitting the use of organic solvents the costs as well as the human and environmental hazards of recycling PSCs can be minimized.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

The promise of metal-halide-perovskite solar photovoltaics: A brief review

Solar photovoltaics (PVs) based on metal-halide perovskites (MHPs) have taken the renewable-energy world by storm. The excitement stems from the promise of a high-efficiency, low-cost, and low “carbon-footprint” new PV technology. Here, a brief overview of the important topics pertaining to MHPs, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and perovskite solar modules (PSMs) is presented. The topics include: (1) PSC architectures, (2) MHPs, (3) synthesis and processing of MHP thin films, (4) MHP thin-film microstructures, (5) PSC functional layers, (6) interfacial engineering in PSCs, (7) PSC performance, (8) PSC stability, (9) PSMs, (10) lead toxicity, and (11) mechanical behavior and reliability. The significant challenges in the path toward commercialization of this burgeoning PV technology are also highlighted. Chief among them are scalability, stability, reliability, and safety, while achieving high efficiency, low cost, and low “carbon-footprint.” Furthermore, the promise of this new PV technology and the fascinating underlying science make it a worthwhile endeavor to address these challenges.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Antisolvent‐Mediated Air Quench for High‐Efficiency Air‐Processed Carbon‐Based Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have becoma a leading low‐cost photovoltaic technology, achieving power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to 26.1%. However, their commercialization is hindered by stability issues and the need for controlled processing environments. Carbon‐electrode‐based PSCs (C‐PSCs) offer enhanced stability and cost‐effectiveness compared to traditional metal‐electrode PSCs, i.e., Au and Ag. However, processing challenges persist, particularly in air conditions where moisture sensitivity poses a significant hurdle. Herein, a novel air processing technique is presented for planar C‐PSCs that incorporates antisolvent vapors, such as chlorobenzene, into a controlled air‐quenching process. This method effectively mitigates moisture‐induced instability, resulting in champion PCEs exceeding 20% and robust stability under ambient conditions. The approach retains 80% of initial efficiency after 30 h of operation at maximum power point without encapsulation. This antisolvent‐mediated air‐quenching technique represents a significant advancement in the scalable production of C‐PSCs, paving the way for future large‐scale deployment.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Enhancing Photostability of Sn-Pb Perovskite Solar Cells by an Alkylammonium Pseudo-Halogen Additive

High-performance tin-lead perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are needed for all-perovskite-tandem solar cells. However, iodide related fast photodegradation severely limits the operational stability of Sn-Pb perovskites despite the demonstrated high efficiency and thermal stability. Herein, this work employs an alkylammonium pseudo-halogen additive to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and photostability of methylammonium (MA)-free, Sn-Pb PSCs. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the pseudo-halogen tetrafluoroborate (BF 4 - ) has strong binding capacity with metal ions (Sn 2+ /Pb 2+ ) in the Sn-Pb perovskite lattice, which lowers iodine vacancy formation. Upon combining BF 4 - with an octylammonium (OA + ) cation, the PCE of the device with a built-in light-scattering layer is boosted to 23.7%, which represents a new record for Sn-Pb PSCs. The improved efficiency benefits from the suppressed defect density. Under continuous 1 sun illumination, the OABF 4 embodied PSCs show slower generation of interstitial iodides and iodine, which greatly improves the device photostability under open-circuit condition. Moreover, the device based on OABF 4 retains 88% of the initial PCE for 1000 h under the maximum-power-point tracking (MPPT) without cooling.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Photophysics in emerging photovoltaics

Emerging photovoltaic technologies continue to march forward with power conversion efficiencies of lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) nearing 26%, perovskite-Si tandems now exceeding the single junction detailed balance limit of 33%, and organic solar cells (OSCs) showing efficiencies nearing 20%. Yet, some of the photophysics underpinning PSCs and OSCs remain unresolved. A better understanding will enable more efficient and photostable solar cells and optoelectronic devices in the future. Here, this special issue collects the latest cutting-edge research in the photophysics of PSCs and OSCs, contributed by experts on spectroscopy, theory, device physics, and materials science.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Ultra-High Efficiency and Stable All-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells

In the project period, the research team has fabricated more than 6,000 single-junction wide-bandgap (wide-E g ) and low-bandgap (low-E g ) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and more than 2,000 all-perovskite tandem solar cells (APTSCs). The best-performing wide-E g and low-E g PSCs and APTSCs showed PCEs greater than 19%, 23%, and 30%, respectively. The average PCEs for wide-E g and low-E g PSCs and APTSCs fabricated by the benchmark processes are (18.5 ± 0.4)%, (21.9 ± 0.8)%, and (26.8 ± 2.1)%, respectively. We have demonstrated APTSCs with T 80 lifetime of more than 1,000 h, which were measured by maximum power point tracking (MPPT) under one sun operation in the air. The team has also utilized various advanced characterization techniques to study the optical and electrical properties of wide-E g and low-E g perovskite materials and devices, developing a better understanding of the unique working principle and degradation mechanism of APTSCs. The team has met most GNG decision criteria except for the stability goal of APTSCs under 85 °C/85 RH accelerated lifetime test (ALT). The shortfall of the device ALT stability is mainly limited by the intrinsic instability of Sn-Pb perovskites under illumination at elevated temperatures. The team discussed with stakeholders in the PV academic and industry about these durability concerns and concluded that this is the major technical barrier preventing the market entry of APTSCs. Future fundamental study and R&D work are needed to advance this promising technology.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Long-Term Stability in Perovskite Solar Cells Through Atomic Layer Deposition of Tin Oxide

Robust contact schemes that boost stability and simplify the production process are needed for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). We codeposited perovskite and hole-selective contact while protecting the perovskite to enable deposition of SnOx/Ag without the use of a fullerene. The SnOx, prepared through atomic layer deposition, serves as a durable inorganic electron transport layer. Tailoring the oxygen vacancy defects in the SnOx layer led to power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of >25%. Our devices exhibit superior stability over conventional p-i-n PSCs, successfully meeting several benchmark stability tests. They retained >95% PCE after 2000 hours of continuous operation at their maximum power point under simulated AM1.5 illumination at 65degrees C. Additionally, they boast a certified T97 lifetime exceeding 1000 hours.

c60↗
DOE OSTI2024

Barrier reinforcement for enhanced perovskite solar cell stability under reverse bias

Stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) under light, heat, humidity and their combinations have been notably improved recently. However, PSCs have poor reverse-bias stability that limits their real-world application. Here we report a systematic study on the degradation mechanisms of p-i-n structure PSCs under reverse bias. The oxidation of iodide by injected holes at the cathode side initialize the reverse-bias-induced degradation, then the generated neutral iodine oxidizes metal electrode such as copper, followed by drift of Cu+ into perovskites and its reduction by injected electrons, resulting in localized metallic filaments and thus device breakdown. A reinforced barrier with combined lithium fluoride, tin oxide and indium tin oxide at the cathode side reduces device dark current and avoids the corrosion of Cu0. It dramatically increases breakdown voltage to above -20 V and improved the T90 lifetime of PSCs to ~1,000 h under -1.6 V. The modified minimodule also maintained over 90% of its initial performance after 720 h of shadow tests.

degradation mechanisms↗
DOE OSTI2022

Carbazole-Based Hole Transport Polymer for Methylammonium-Free Tin-Lead Perovskite Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency and Stability

As the most commonly used hole transport material (HTM) in tin-lead (Sn-Pb) perovskite solar cells (PSCs), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) limits the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of the PSCs due to its acidic characteristics. Herein, an easily synthesized polymer HTM poly[(phenyl)imino[9-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole]-2,7-diyl] (CzAn) with a shallow highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level of -4.95 eV is used in a p-i-n structure, methylammonium-free, Sn-Pb PSC to replace PEDOT:PSS. Upon optimization using doping and surface engineering, high quality Sn-Pb PSCs could be successfully fabricated, boosting the PCE to 22.6% (stabilized PCE of 21.3%) compared with 21.2% for PEDOT:PSS. The perovskite films prepared on the modified CzAn HTM possess improved crystallinity, reduced trap-state density, and larger carrier mobility resulting in PSCs with greatly improved stability.

carrier mobility↗
DOE OSTI2023

IPL-Annealed Mixed-Cation Perovskites with Robust Coating Window toward Scalable Manufacturing of Commercial Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a promising alternative solar technology, but the technical challenges of (1) stability/durability, (2) efficiency at scale, and (3) manufacturability must be overcome to achieve widespread PSC commercialization. The challenge of balancing solution ink formulation and scalable manufacturing is often overlooked in the literature, where focus is on adopting inks from processes that will not scale. In this study, we apply a classical roll-to-roll manufacturing perspective, utilizing both compositional engineering and intense pulsed light (IPL) annealing, to develop a mixed-cation perovskite ink with a robust coating window that simultaneously solve issues of stability and manufacturability for PSCs. Our method resulted in blade-coated, flexible, mixed-cation PSCs on ITO-PET substrates with a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) efficiency of 16.7% using IPL annealing of the absorber layer and, to our knowledge, is one of the fastest processing methods for the perovskite layer. This overall reduction in processing time with a stable ink represents an advance toward the scaled production of perovskite solar cells on flexible substrates.

flexible perovskite solar cells↗
DOE OSTI2023

Incorporating Potassium Citrate to Improve the Performance of Tin‐Lead Perovskite Solar Cells

Abstract Easy‐to‐form tin vacancies at the buried interface of tin‐lead perovskites hinder the performance of low‐bandgap perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, a synergistic strategy by incorporating potassium citrate (PC) into the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole‐transport layer to passivate the buried interface of Sn‐Pb PSCs is reported. PC neutralizes the acidity of PEDOT:PSS and stabilizes the perovskite front surface, enhancing device stability. Citrate moieties coordinate with Sn 2+ on the buried perovskite surface, preventing Sn 2+ oxidation and suppressing defect formation. Additionally, potassium cations incorporate into Sn‐Pb perovskites, enhancing crystallinity and passivating halide defects. The combined benefits enable efficient low‐bandgap Sn‐Pb PSCs with a power conversion efficiency of 22.7% and a high open‐circuit voltage of 0.894 V. Using this method, 26.1% efficiency for all‐perovskite tandem solar cells is demonstrated. These results emphasize the significance of buried interface passivation in developing efficient and stable Sn‐Pb PSCs and all‐perovskite tandem solar cells.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Solution Processed Ternary Tin (II) Alloy as Hole–Transport Layer of Sn–Pb Perovskite Solar Cells for Enhanced Efficiency and Stability

Tin-lead (Sn-Pb) narrow bandgap (NBG) perovskites show great potential in both single-junction and all-perovskite tandem solar cells. Sn-Pb perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are still limited by low charge collection efficiency and poor stability. Here, we report a ternary Sn (II) alloy of SnOCl as the hole-transport material (HTM) with a work function of 4.95 eV for Sn-Pb PSCs. The solution processed SnOCl layer has a texture structure which not only reduces the optical loss of the devices but also changes grain growth of Sn-Pb perovskites and boosts the carrier diffusion length to 3.63 μm. The formation of small perovskite grains at the HTM/perovskite interface is suppressed. These result in an almost constant internal quantum efficiency of 96 ± 2% across the absorption spectrum of Sn-Pb perovskites. The SnOCl HTM significantly enhances the stability of Sn-Pb PSCs with 87% of its initial efficiency retained after 1-sun illumination for 1,200 h, and keep 85% efficiency under 85°C thermal stress for 1,500 h. Furthermore, the hybrid HTM further improve the stabilized efficiencies of single-function Sn-Pb PSCs and all-perovskite tandem solar cells to 23.2% and 25.9%, respectively. This discovery opens an avenue to the multi-component metal alloys as HTM in PSCs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Compositional texture engineering for highly stable wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells

The development of highly stable and efficient wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on bromine-iodine (Br–I) mixed-halide perovskite (with Br greater than 20%) is critical to create tandem solar cells. However, issues with Br–I phase segregation under solar cell operational conditions (such as light and heat) limit the device voltage and operational stability. This challenge is often exacerbated by the ready defect formation associated with the rapid crystallization of Br-rich perovskite chemistry with antisolvent processes. We combined the rapid Br crystallization with a gentle gas-quench method to prepare highly textured columnar 1.75–electron volt Br–I mixed WBG perovskite films with reduced defect density. Here, with this approach, we obtained 1.75–electron volt WBG PSCs with greater than 20% power conversion efficiency, approximately 1.33-volt open-circuit voltage (V oc ), and excellent operational stability (less than 5% degradation over 1100 hours of operation under 1.2 sun at 65°C). When further integrated with 1.25–electron volt narrow-bandgap PSC, we obtained a 27.1% efficient, all-perovskite, two-terminal tandem device with a high V oc of 2.2 volts.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Electrochemical quantification of phosphonic acid passivated surface sites of NiO x for perovskite solar cells

Nickel oxide (NiO x ) is among the few p-type metal oxide semiconductors considered a strong candidate for hole transport layers in halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, its reactivity with perovskite ions poses significant challenges to achieving high efficiency and long-term stability. Here, we investigate passivation of detrimental reactive surface sites on NiO x by carbazole phosphonic acids. We leverage electrochemical cyclic voltammetry (CV) of NiO x electrodes as a proxy measure for the redox activity that afflicts PSCs. From the CVs, we derive a metric, N (units cm −2 ), that relates to the number of redox active sites on NiO x surfaces. We observe a statistically significant negative correlation between PSC efficiency and N-value that indicates PSCs are more efficient on NiO x with lower electrochemical reactivity. The new mechanistic insight into NiO x passivation demonstrates it requires a reducing agent and Brønsted acid combination, providing a broadly applicable approach for evaluating and enhancing the stability and performance of NiO x -based interfaces in photovoltaics.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Carbon nanomaterials–polymer composites for perovskite solar cells: preparation, properties and applications

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a rising star in the photovoltaic industry, which achieved an enormous breakthrough in terms of efficiency from an initial 3.8% in 2009 to 25.7% in 2021. Here, the major challenge to bring perovskite solar cells commercially available is the poor long-term device stability. The defects in perovskite and energy loss originating from charge recombination limit the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Carbon–polymer composites, which feature superb electrical conductivity, outstanding carrier mobility, remarkable flexibility and superior heat and moisture stability, have attracted considerable attention to tackle these issues. With their multifunctional properties, carbon–polymer composites can play various roles in almost every component in the perovskite solar cell architecture. In this review article, recent progress concerning the utilization of carbon–polymer composites in different components in PSCs (i.e., perovskite additives, electrodes, encapsulation layers and charge transport layers) is comprehensively overviewed. Then, future research directions and opportunities toward high-performance perovskite solar cells utilizing carbon–polymer composites are presented.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Stability-limiting heterointerfaces of perovskite photovoltaics

Optoelectronic devices consist of heterointerfaces formed between dissimilar semiconducting materials. The relative energy level alignment between contacting semiconductors determinately affects the heterointerface charge injection and extraction dynamics. For perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the heterointerface between the top perovskite surface and a charge-transporting material (CTM) is often treated for defect passivation to improve PSC stability and performance. However, such surface treatments could also affect the heterointerface energetics. Here we show that surface treatments may induce a negative work function shift (i.e. more n-type), which activates halide migration to aggravate PSC instability. Therefore, despite the beneficial effects of surface passivation, this detrimental side effect limits the maximum stability improvement attainable for PSCs treated in these ways. Furthermore, this trade-off between the beneficial and detrimental effects should guide further work on improving PSC stability via surface treatments.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Engineering Perovskite Precursor Inks for Scalable Production of High‐Efficiency Perovskite Photovoltaic Modules

Abstract Blade coating of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and modules has progressed considerably toward the industrial production of perovskite photovoltaics. Developing stable perovskite precursors is critical for achieving uniform coating over large areas. Here, the engineering of a perovskite precursor solution consisting of 2‐methoxyethanol (2‐Me) and 1,3‐dimethyl‐imidazolidinone (DMI) with superior intermediate phase stability that enables scalable production of efficient perovskite solar modules is reported. With this perovskite precursor solution, uniform and pinhole‐less perovskite film is deposited over a large area of > 100 cm 2 and higher‐efficiency PSCs and modules are obtained. The best‐performing unit cell and module with n‐i‐p configuration reach power conversion efficiencies of 23.4% and 20.1%, respectively. Additionally, a series of non‐destructive metrology methods, such as spectroscopic ellipsometry, hyperspectral photoluminescence, electroluminescence, and laser beam‐induced current mapping, are employed to assess and guide the development the blade‐coated perovskite modules. This results show that rational engineering of precursor inks for blade coating is promising for the scalable production of efficient perovskite solar modules.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

How Optical and Electrical Properties of ITO Coated Willow Glass Affect Photonic Curing Outcome for Upscaling Perovskite Solar Cell Manufacturing

Indium tin oxide (ITO) coated Willow® glass is an excellent substrate for roll-to-roll manufacturing of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) but can have large variability in its optical and electrical properties. Photonic curing uses intense light pulses instead of heat to process materials and can facilitate faster processing speeds in roll-to-roll manufacturing to upscale the production of PSCs. Since the entire film stack can absorb light and contributes to the photonic curing outcome, the substrate materials’ properties play an integral role. Furthermore, we present the effect of ITO transmittance on the photonic curing of nickel nitrate sol-gel precursors into nickel oxide and consequently the performance of PSCs fabricated with only photonic curing and no thermal annealing. Unexpectedly, ITO samples processed by photonic curing show improved optical and electrical properties.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗