Solution‐Processable Perovskite Solar Cells toward Commercialization: Progress and Challenges

Abstract

In the last few years, organometal halide perovskites (OHPs) have emerged as a promising candidate for photovoltaic (PV) applications. A certified efficiency as high as 23.7% has been achieved, which is comparable with most of the well-established PV technologies. Their good solubility due to the ionic nature enables versatile low-temperature solution processes, including blade coating, slot-die coating, etc., most of which are scalable and compatible with roll-to-roll large-scale manufacturing processes. The low cost, high efficiency, and facile processable features make perovskite solar cells (PSCs) a very competitive PV technology. Despite the great progress, long-term durability concerns, toxicity issues of both materials and manufacturing process, and lack of robust high-throughput production technology for fabricating efficient large-area modules are major obstacles toward commercialization. In this review, the recent progress of commercially available process of PSCs is surveyed, the underlying determinants for upscaling high-quality PSCs from hydrodynamic characteristics and crystallization thermodynamic mechanism are identified, the influence of external stress factors on stability of PSCs and intrinsic instability mechanism in OHPs themselves is revealed, and the environmental impact and sustainable development of PSC technology are analyzed. Strategies and opportunities for large-scale production of PSCs are suggested to promote the development of PSCs toward commercialization.blade coating, slot-die coating, screen printing, inkjet printing, etc.), most of which are scalable and compatible with roll-toroll (R2R) large-scale manufacturing processes. We can even image to produce solar cells as simple as printing newspapers or painting the walls. The low cost, high efficiency, and facile processing features make PSCs a potentially transformative PV technology. Despite the incredible progress in PSCs, there are still several obstacles on their way toward commercialization, including scaling up for fabricating efficient large-area modules, long-term durability concerns, and toxicity issues of both materials and manufacturing process.In this review, we survey recent developments in the field of fabricating commercially available PSCs from three critical issues: first, the progress related to fabrication of large-area PSCs will be summarized, and a detailed discussion regarding the hydrodynamic characteristics and crystallization thermodynamic mechanism for growth of high-quality large-area perovskites will be provided; second, stability issues of perovskites will be discussed, and strategies to improve the stability of perovskites will be summarized; third, environmental impacts of both materials and manufacturing process for PSCs will be discussed, and strategies with respect to fabricating PSCs with greener materials and fabrication routes will be proposed.

Enhanced Crystallinity of Triple-Cation Perovskite Film via Doping NH4SCN

“…The bandgap of conventional OIMHP films is at the range of 1.5-1.6 eV, and the corresponding theoretical Shockley-Queisser limit efficiency (TS-QLE) is higher than 30% [2][3][4]. However, the reported highest PCE is much lower than the TS-QLE due to the trap-assisted non-radiative recombination in the perovskite film [5][6][7][8].…”

Beyond Artificial Photosynthesis: Prospects on Photobiorefinery

“…In fact, the record solar water splitting device up‐to‐date is still achieved by an integrated PV‐electrolyzer device . Recent advances in thin‐film solar cells especially the solution‐processable perovskite solar cell will likely bring down the cost of solar energy, which will increase the competitiveness of H 2 production from the PV‐electrolysis technology to eventually breakeven with the fossil‐based H 2 . No room would likely be left for the widespread of AP technology.…”

Emerging 2D Layered Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells

“…Therefore, excellent efforts have been made to develop efficient photovoltaic (PV) technologies, introducing various types of solar cells. Among a broad range of PV devices, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are currently sitting in the spotlight due to their simple, low‐cost fabrication procedure and high power conversion efficiency (PCE) …”