In the quest for more efficient and stable solar energy solutions, researchers have been exploring the potential of wide bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells. A recent study published in the journal *Materials Futures* (translated to English as “Materials of the Future”) sheds light on the degradation mechanisms of these promising devices, offering valuable insights for the energy sector.
Led by Jonathan Parion of Hasselt University and affiliated with several prominent research institutions, the study focuses on the stability of perovskite solar cells under various stress conditions. The researchers fabricated perovskite solar cells with a wide bandgap of 1.68 eV and compared their performance with reference devices having a bandgap of 1.61 eV. The cells were processed using scalable deposition methods to ensure their relevance for industrial applications.
The study employed the International Summit on Organic Photovoltaic Stability (ISOS) protocols to evaluate the cells’ stability. The ISOS-L1 test, which involves prolonged exposure to light, revealed the excellent stability of the WBG composition, with minimal degradation after 60 hours. “The WBG perovskite cells showed remarkable resilience under light stress, which is a crucial factor for their commercial viability,” noted Parion.
However, the ISOS-D2 test, which subjects the cells to prolonged heat, led to more significant degradation. After 95 hours, the WBG cells retained only 80% of their efficiency. The researchers identified the formation of a charge transport barrier at the perovskite/electron transport layer interface as the primary cause of degradation, while the perovskite absorption properties remained unaffected.
The ISOS-L2 test, combining light and heat stress, resulted in even faster degradation, with the cells retaining only 80% efficiency after just 35 hours. In this scenario, the perovskite absorber itself was significantly degraded due to the combined action of light and heat.
The findings highlight the main degradation pathways in WBG perovskite cells and underscore the importance of diversified and combined stress tests in evaluating their stability. “Understanding these degradation mechanisms is crucial for developing strategies to enhance the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells,” Parion explained.
The study’s implications for the energy sector are substantial. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, the development of stable and efficient solar cells is paramount. The insights gained from this research can guide manufacturers in optimizing the performance and durability of perovskite solar cells, paving the way for their broader adoption in the commercial market.
The research published in *Materials Futures* not only advances our understanding of perovskite solar cell degradation but also provides a roadmap for future developments in the field. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the quest for stable and efficient solar energy solutions remains a top priority, and this study brings us one step closer to achieving that goal.