Mixed organic–inorganic
halide perovskite solar cells have
reached unprecedentedly high efficiency in a short term. Two major
challenges in its large-scale deployment is the material instability
and hazardous lead waste. Several studies have identified that lead
replacement with its other alternatives does not show the similar
assurance. In this manuscript, we introduce the concept of recycling
of the degraded perovskite film (PbI
2
), gaining back
the initial optoelectronic properties as the best possible solution
to avoid lead waste. The simple recycling procedure allows the utilization
of some of the most expensive (fluorine-doped tin oxide), primary
energy-consuming (TiO
2
), and toxic (Pb) parts of the solar
cell, reducing the payback time even further. This addresses
the major issues of instability and expensive toxic lead disposal,
altogether. We have demonstrated the comparative study of feasibility
of recycling in degraded perovskite films deposited by three different
standard fabrication routes. Films fabricated via acetate route shows
efficient recycling compared to the other routes, i.e., chloride and
sequential deposition routes. Moreover, recycling in sequentially
deposited films needs further optimization.
Despite the remarkable efficiencies of perovskite solar cells, moisture instability has still been the major constraint in the technology deployment. Although, some research groups have discussed the possible mechanisms involved in the perovskite degradation, no broader understanding has been developed so far. Here, we demonstrate that the crystal orientation of perovskite film plays a major role in its degradation. We observed that the films fabricated via different routes led to different degradation behaviors and unraveled that diversity in the degradation rate arises due to the difference in crystallographic characteristics of the films. Using optical and electrical measurements, we show that the film prepared via a single-step (lead chloride precursor based) route undergoes a much faster degradation rate as compared with films prepared using single step (acetate precursor based) and two-step (or sequential deposition) routes. Although the resulting film is methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI 3 ) regardless of processing via different routes, their respective crystal orientation is different. In this manuscript, we correlate crystal orientation of MAPbI 3 with their degradation pattern. Our studies also suggest a possible way to make stable perovskite film.
Abstract:For any given technology to be successful, its ability to compete with the other existing technologies is the key. Over the last five years, perovskite solar cells have entered the research spectrum with tremendous market prospects. These cells provide easy and low cost processability and are an efficient alternative to the existing solar cell technologies in the market. In this review article, we first go over the innovation and the scientific findings that have been going on in the field of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and then present a short case study of perovskite solar cells based on their energy payback time. Our review aims to be comprehensive, considering the cost, the efficiency, and the stability of the PSCs. Later, we suggest areas for improvement in the field, and how the future might be shaped.
Fully inorganic CsPbI 3 perovskite has been widely explored as an alternative light-harvesting material owing to its superior thermal stability over the organic−inorganic halide perovskite and the suitable band gap. However, stabilization of the photoactive CsPbI 3 phase at room temperature (RT) remains the biggest challenge. The photoactive α-CsPbI 3 which requires high-temperature synthesis (above 320 °C) transforms into the photoactive γ-CsPbI 3 at RT and on exposure to ambient rapidly transforms into the non-photoactive δ-CsPbI 3 . Herein, we investigate the effect of incorporating Mg 2+ in the CsPbI 3 lattice. It has been found that the photoactive γ-phase of CsPbI 3 can be stabilized for more than 167 days at RT in a nitrogen atmosphere by incorporating Mg 2+ inside the lattice. Incorporating Mg 2+ inside the lattice of CsPbI 3 has led to enhanced optoelectronic properties along with enhanced phase and thermal stability.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.