Electrospray Deposition of Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite-sensitized solar cells have demonstrated high conversion efficiencies however the stability of device is limited compared to common PV technologies. Moisture, UV irradiation, and high temperature triggered degradation limit their commercial viability; therefore, improved cell durability is necessary for perovskite solar cell market entry. In addition, the scale-up and optimization of the fabrication processes for perovskite solar cells need further development to afford the reproducibility necessary for mass production. A combination of formulation engineering that targets the crystal structure of the perovskite and single crystal fabrication and exfoliation is leveraged as a means of extending the environmental durability of solar cells sensitized with this high performance material. Multiplexed electrospray techniques that minimize cost, complexity, and materials waste are being developed for continuous roll-to-roll fabrication. Technical Objective 1: Demonstrate the increased environmental stability of solar cells utilizing engineered ABX3 perovskite compositions. Technical Objective 2: Demonstrate intercalation and exfoliation strategies to realize low-temperature processed organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite suspensions starting from single crystal precursors. Technical Objective 3: Demonstrate electrospray deposition as a commercially viable process for the large-volume fabrication of perovskite solar cells using materials developed during this proposed research program. Technical Objective 4: Demonstrate transparent conductive electrodes fabricated from 1D metallic nanowires using electrospray deposition methods and their deployment in complete solar cells. Technical Objective 5: Build on our “proof of concept” fabricator by adding multiplexed nozzles and continuous roll-to-roll fabrication through multiple layer fabrication stations.Flexible, low cost and highly efficient perovskite solar cells would have direct application in a variety of commercial products and systems such as fabric-based tents, backpacks and vehicles. Low cost, high efficiency photovoltaic materials would also have application as alternative power sources in remote locations and support of communication and networking electronics.