Advances in Perovskites for Photovoltaic Applications in Space

Abstract

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.

Exploring the Limits: Degradation Behavior of Lead Halide Perovskite Films under Exposure to Ultrahigh Doses of γ Rays of Up to 10 MGy

“…The discovery and rapid development of lead halide perovskites have had a strong impact on different fields of science and technology. , In addition to the impressive progress of perovskite solar cells, which deliver now efficiencies of >25.7%, perovskite semiconductors based on complex lead halides have provided tremendous opportunities to improve chemical sensors, photodetectors, and detectors of ionizing radiation, in particular X-rays and γ rays. − The latter applications as well as the featured implementation of perovskite solar cells in space , require very high radiation hardness from these materials. Indeed, perovskite absorber films and solar cells could successfully tolerate high electron, proton, and neutron fluences as well as γ rays and X-rays. , Among different types of ionizing radiation, γ rays have very high penetration ability and hence could hardly be mitigated by simple shielding used to suppress the damage caused by proton and electron fluences .…”

“…1,2 In addition to the impressive progress of perovskite solar cells, which deliver now efficiencies of >25.7%, 3 perovskite semiconductors based on complex lead halides have provided tremendous opportunities to improve chemical sensors, 4 photodetectors, 5 and detectors of ionizing radiation, in particular X-rays and γ rays. 5−8 The latter applications as well as the featured implementation of perovskite solar cells in space 9,10 require very high radiation hardness from these materials. Indeed, perovskite absorber films and solar cells could successfully tolerate high electron, proton, and neutron fluences as well as γ rays and X-rays.…”

Low-intensity low-temperature analysis of perovskite solar cells for deep space applications

“…Since perovskites were first identified as a viable photovoltaic material, considerable research efforts have been made regarding perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for space applications. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Preliminary studies suggest that emerging ultrathin, flexible, and lightweight perovskite solar cells are naturally radiation hardened, [11][12][13][14][15][16][17] potentially enabling high specific power 18 solar arrays to be designed for power generation in high radiation and deep space environments. Additionally, the low cost of required materials means that PSCs are cost-effective.…”

Highly Efficient 2D Materials Engineered Perovskite/Si Tandem Bifacial Cells Beyond 29%

“…[1] The exceptional physical properties such as long charge diffusion length (up to 1 µm), broad absorption spectrum in the visible range and bipolar charge transport make perovskite-based photovoltaics (PVs) promising for industrial exploitations [2], [3] as well as for space applications. [4] Moreover, efficient and stable devices can be produced by employing scalable and low-cost printing techniques, easily embedded in roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet production lines. [5] Indeed, the impressive potentiality of perovskite technology has been already demonstrated to compete on equal footing with traditional inorganic PV or to work in synergy with established silicon technology in tandem cell configuration.…”