Toward Eco-friendly and Stable Perovskite Materials for Photovoltaics

Abstract

The discovery and development of new Pb-free perovskite light-absorber materials that are eco-friendly and stable has become an active research area in the field of photovoltaics (PVs). These perovskites are being considered for possibly replacing the Pb-based organic-inorganic halide perovskites in state-of-the-art perovskite solar cells. While the recent effort in this area has led to certain progress, some scientific and technological issues still remain unresolved. Here we provide perspectives on the comprehensive understanding of perovskite toxicity/instability, followed by design strategies for new nontoxic, stable perovskites. We also envision unprecedented challenges in the processing of the promising candidate perovskites that bridges materials design and actual devices. Future research in these directions will open up new possibilities in realizing eco-friendly and stable perovskite PVs for real-world applications.

Tin Halide Perovskites: Progress and Challenges

“…Empirically, the Goldchmidt's tolerance factor ( t ) is the most commonly used descriptor to roughly estimate perovskite phase stability. Particularly, cubic structures can be formed at the range of 0.9 ≤ t ≤ 1, orthorhombic or rhombohedral structures can be formed at the range of 0.71 ≤ t ≤ 0.9 and other structures such as hexagonal and A 4 BX 3 ‐type, can be formed when t ≤ 0.71 or t ≥ 1 . The crystal system may influence the photophysical properties.…”

Rapid Discovery of Ferroelectric Photovoltaic Perovskites and Material Descriptors via Machine Learning

“…Recently, all‐inorganic perovskites, as one kind of promising photovoltaic materials for next‐generation solar cells, have redrawn considerable attention because of their outstanding stability, tunable optoelectronic properties, and improved quantum efficiency . Nevertheless, the wide bandgap and associated poor visible light absorption in inorganic perovskites greatly limit the power conversion efficiency (PCE) for their photovoltaic applications.…”

Fabrication of Sulfur‐Incorporated Bismuth‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells via a Vapor‐Assisted Solution Process

“…Over the past decade, organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved remarkable progress with the power conversion efficiency (PCE) improved from 3.8% to 24.2% . Nevertheless, the toxic element lead and the long‐term instability of PSCs caused by heat/photo/moisture are still the primary drawbacks for their application . Therefore, the nontoxic and stable alternatives are of urgent significance for the future commercialization of the PSCs.…”