Chalcogenide Perovskite, An Emerging Photovoltaic Material: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Chalcogenide perovskite materials came into the picture of photovoltaic technology since 2015. Their admirable structural, electronic and optical properties make them highly promising for solar energy conversion. They have immense potential to solve the stability and toxicity issues of conventional perovskite solar cells. The maximum theoretical power conversion efficiency reported for them is about 30 % which is similar to CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite material. However their application in photovoltaics is limited by several challenges. In this review, we tried to provide an overview of the structural features of the chalcogenide perovskite materials and critically highlighted computational and synthetic accomplishments in this area. Various techniques developed for synthesizing these materials so far, have also been summarized. Along with that, the challenges associated in designing these materials for improved optoelectronic properties are also addressed. Serious research efforts are urgently needed for the realization of the dream of chalcogenide perovskite material based solar cells in terms of optimization of optoelectronic properties, synthetic cost, processing of thin films and application in tandem solar cell devices. This review may facilitate further progress in chalcogenide perovskite material based thin film solar cell in the future.

Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Electronic Structures of Quaternary Group IV-Selenide Semiconductors

“…Chalcogenide-based semiconductors have received a surging number of investigations into their promising properties for solar energy conversion, such as their low effective masses, strong band edge absorption (α > 10 5 ), stability in air and water, and band gaps that extend deep into the visible-light wavelengths (∼1.2 to 2.4 eV). − While most prior studies have focused on perovskite-type chalcogenides, it is yet unclear what impact alternative structures have on their potential optoelectronic properties. This is especially important considering the diversity of possible impacts that changes in polyhedral connectivity and chalcogenide catenation in these systems can have on their properties.…”

“…For example, the syntheses of Zr- and Hf-containing chalcogenides with the perovskite structure type and composition have been intensely pursued for their optoelectronic properties for solar energy conversion. However, relatively few are yet known, including SrHf Q 3 (Q = S or Se) and BaHfS 3 in distorted perovskite-type structures. − As recently reviewed, − the predicted range of properties in these metal-chalcogenide systems has been identified as highly promising because of their small band gaps extending into the visible-light energy range of ∼1.5 to 2.0 eV, small effective masses of 0.3 to 0.5 m e *, as well as large optical absorption coefficients of greater than 10 5 cm –1 . − Limiting current progress has been the observation that the targeted metal chalcogenides in these systems typically exhibit low or no thermodynamic stability. Further, their preparation in high purity shows a sensitive dependence with the reaction conditions .…”