Perovskite Solar Cell: what is happening!!!!!

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are currently leading the thin-film photovoltaic (PV) industry. In 2009, Kojima and his research team were the first to use a perovskite solar absorber in a dye-sensitized solar cell, achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.8%. As of 2024, the research team from USTC in China has reported the highest certified PCE of 26.7%.

The increase in PCE over these 15 years highlights why the research community is transitioning to PSCs. Perovskite materials have distinctive properties, such as high carrier diffusion length, extended carrier lifetime, adjustable bandgap, low-temperature solution processing, and flexibility in structure. They exhibit defect tolerance levels that allow them to adapt to any stable crystal structure. The primary crystal structure of perovskite is cubic (ABX3), where A is a larger cation, B is a smaller cation, and X is a halide ion. Lead (Pb) is a popular choice for B-site cations due to its optimal energy bandgap and superior photovoltaic performance.

Nevertheless, scientists are seeking a substitute for lead (Pb) due to its toxicity, health risks, environmental dangers, and particularly its hygroscopic nature, which rapidly diminishes solar cell efficiency within hours. Consequently, despite the higher PCE of lead-based PSCs, stability and safety remain significant concerns as global leaders advocate for non-hazardous PV technology.

Reference

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), https://www.nrel.gov/pv/cell-efficiency.html