What Would It Take to Manufacture Perovskite Solar Cells in Space?

McMillon‐Brown, Lyndsey; Luther, Joseph M.; Peshek, Timothy J.

doi:10.1021/acsenergylett.2c00276

Cited by 17 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 11 publications

(19 reference statements)

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“… 185 However, to the best of our knowledge, such devices have not been reported yet, so we encourage the research community to investigate further this aspect. Currently, although PSCs can provide a cheap strategy potentially exploitable for the in situ realization of solar arrays during long-term space exploration missions, 42 there is still significant room for finding the proper materials, architecture, and encapsulation strategies that can really lead to a break-through in the use of such devices for extra-terrestrial (and terrestrial) applications. Finally, prior to the widespread use in the space environment of perovskite technology, the rigorous AIAA-S111 space qualification testing, previously designed for Si and III–V semiconductors, needs to be reconsidered.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As an example, for perovskites it may be more appropriate to use lower-energy protons with respect to the current radiation standards, because PSCs have a lower thickness than MJSCs and Si-based devices; thus, high-energy radiation can potentially pass through PSCs without releasing too much energy within the device. 42 For the same reason, the selection of cell packaging, including the substrate, should be assessed by any ground-based testing and stability validation toward harsher radiation doses. With this in mind, we hope that this work will contribute to stimulate further research efforts regarding this highly interesting and exciting topic.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Finally, prior to the widespread use in the space environment of perovskite technology, the rigorous AIAA-S111 space qualification testing, previously designed for Si and III–V semiconductors, needs to be reconsidered. As an example, for perovskites it may be more appropriate to use lower-energy protons with respect to the current radiation standards, because PSCs have a lower thickness than MJSCs and Si-based devices; thus, high-energy radiation can potentially pass through PSCs without releasing too much energy within the device . For the same reason, the selection of cell packaging, including the substrate, should be assessed by any ground-based testing and stability validation toward harsher radiation doses.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, assessing the stability of PSCs while working in the space environment is fundamental to establishing their potential as a disruptive technology in the space sector. 42 − 44 …”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Conversely, MHPs/CIGS SCs have the potential for high efficiency, low weight (with a gravimetric power of 4 W g –1 ), and flexibility, which are fundamental for the realization of roll-out solar arrays. Thus, assessing the stability of PSCs while working in the space environment is fundamental to establishing their potential as a disruptive technology in the space sector. − …”

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confidence: 99%

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Advances in Perovskites for Photovoltaic Applications in Space

et al. 2022

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Perovskites have emerged as promising light harvesters in photovoltaics. The resulting solar cells (i) are thin and lightweight, (ii) can be produced through solution processes, (iii) mainly use low-cost raw materials, and (iv) can be flexible. These features make perovskite solar cells intriguing as space technologies; however, the extra-terrestrial environment can easily cause the premature failure of devices. In particular, the presence of high-energy radiation is the most dangerous factor that can damage space technologies. This Review discusses the status and perspectives of perovskite photovoltaics in space applications. The main factors used to describe the space environment are introduced, and the results concerning the radiation hardness of perovskites toward protons, electrons, neutrons, and γ-rays are presented. Emphasis is given to the physicochemical processes underlying radiation damage in such materials. Finally, the potential use of perovskite solar cells in extra-terrestrial conditions is discussed by considering the effects of the space environment on the choice of the architecture and components of the devices.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thus, assessing the stability of PSCs while working in the space environment is fundamental to establishing their potential as a disruptive technology in the space sector. 42 − 44 …”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Advances in Perovskites for Photovoltaic Applications in Space

et al. 2022

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Evaluation of Hybrid Perovskite Prototypes After 10‐Month Space Flight on the International Space Station

Delmas

Erickson

Arteaga

et al. 2023

Advanced Energy Materials

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are driven by human life support systems, scientific exploration and Earth observation equipment, telecommunications, and electric propulsion systems. There is great interest in highly efficient perovskite-structured thin-film solar cells for space applications. [1,2] These are promising candidates due to their excellent optoelectronic characteristics, low-cost, high performance, [2][3][4] and their facile manufacturability [5] potentially suitable for in-space manufacturing. [6] These traits coupled with their defect tolerance, [7,8] and radiation tolerance [9] have garnered interest for aerospace applications. Prior to the widespread implementation of metal halide perovskites (MHPs) into the space environment, solar cells must pass rigorous American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Standard 111 (AIAA-S111) space qualification testing. [10] Low earth orbit (LEO), 160-2000 km above the Earth's surface, is an ideal place to operate MHPs either on the International Space Station or on satellites. The harsh environment of LEO includes thermal cycling (±120 ⁰C), vacuum (10 −6 -10 −9 torr), ultra-violet radiation, exposure to atomic oxygen (flux 10 13 -10 15 AO/cm 2 with collision energy of 5 eV), plasma (10 6 cm −3 , ≤1 eV electron temperature), and ionizing radiation of electrons, protons, micrometeoroids (60 km s −1 ) and orbital debris (10 km s −1 ). [11] We must demonstrate MHP durability in relevant space environments to evidence feasibility. Implementing Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as a prominent new photovoltaic material combining a very competitive power conversion efficiency that rivals crystalline silicon with the added benefits of tunable properties for multijunction devices fabricated from solution which can yield high specific power. Perovskites have also demonstrated some of the lowest temperature coefficients and highest defect tolerance, which make them excellent candidates for aerospace applications. However, MHPs must demonstrate durability in space which presents different challenges than terrestrial operating environments. To decisively test the viability of perovskites being used in space, a perovskite thin film is positioned in low earth orbit for 10 months on the International Space Station, which was the first long-duration study of an MHP in space. Postflight high-resolution ultrafast spectroscopic characterization and comparison with control samples reveal that the flight sample exhibits superior photo-stability, no irreversible radiation damage, and a suppressed structural phase transition temperature by nearly 65 K, broadening the photovoltaic operational range. Further, significant photo-annealing of surface defects is shown following prolonged light-soaking postflight. These results emphasize that methylammonium lead iodide can be packaged adequately for space missions, affirming that space stressors can be managed as theorized.

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Thermal Performance of Perovskite‐Based Photovoltaics for Operation in Low Earth Orbit

et al. 2023

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Perovskite based photovoltaics are attractive for applications in space. The space environment is harsh with ionizing radiation, atomic oxygen, ultra‐violet radiation, extreme temperatures and thermal cycling. Here we analyze the thermal performance of perovskite active layer and perovskite photovoltaic devices in low earth orbit. We determine a 1 μm silicon oxide layer coupled with 500 nm zirconia thin film aid in cell thermal management. We model the residual stresses between various layers in a device and prove that thermally induced mechanical failure of the perovskite (time >460 years) is unlikely during operating lifetime of any mission. We also share target power conversion efficiencies to manage maximum operating temperature of a perovskite based device.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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What Would It Take to Manufacture Perovskite Solar Cells in Space?

Cited by 17 publications

References 11 publications

Advances in Perovskites for Photovoltaic Applications in Space

Advances in Perovskites for Photovoltaic Applications in Space

Evaluation of Hybrid Perovskite Prototypes After 10‐Month Space Flight on the International Space Station

Thermal Performance of Perovskite‐Based Photovoltaics for Operation in Low Earth Orbit

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