perovskitsolarceller

Perovskitsolarceller, more commonly referred to as perovskite solar cells (PSCs), are photovoltaic devices that use a perovskite-structured light-absorbing layer to convert sunlight into electricity. Their defining features include strong light absorption, a tunable bandgap, and the potential for low-cost, low-temperature fabrication.

The active layer in PSCs is typically a mixed-cation lead halide perovskite with the general formula ABX3, where A is an organic cation such as formamidinium (FA+) or methylammonium (MA+), sometimes combined with inorganic cesium (Cs+); B is lead (Pb2+), and X is a halide (I− and/or Br−). This perovskite film is integrated with electron-transport and hole-transport layers (for example TiO2 or SnO2 as electron transport, and Spiro-OMeTAD or PTAA as hole transport) to form a complete device. Two common architectures are mesoporous and planar, with various interfacial engineering strategies to reduce recombination and improve stability.

Since their development in the early 2010s, PSCs have rapidly progressed from laboratory efficiencies in the single digits to well over 20% in research devices, with ongoing work aiming for certified benchmarks near or above 25% for single-junction configurations. They are also explored in tandem with silicon to exceed the efficiency limits of single-junction cells. Manufacturing considerations emphasize solution processing, including spin coating and scalable methods like blade coating or slot-die coating, enabling potential low-cost production on large areas.

Stability remains a central challenge. PSCs are sensitive to moisture, heat, and light-induced degradation, and lead content raises environmental and safety concerns. Advances focus on compositional engineering with mixed cations, improved encapsulation, and development of lead-free alternatives, alongside strategies to enhance long-term durability for commercial viability.