Breakthrough in Perovskite Solar Cell Stability: Atomic Layer Deposition Enhances Longevity
Introduction
A recent study titled Mitigating the amorphization of perovskite solar cells by using atomic layer deposition alumina explores a major challenge in perovskite solar cells: long-term stability. The study, conducted by researchers from multiple institutions, investigates how atomic layer deposition (ALD) of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) can prevent perovskite degradation. This blog post provides an overview of the research, including its methods, key findings, and implications for solar energy technology.
Key Highlights
Perovskite solar cells are highly efficient but suffer from instability, particularly due to moisture and ion migration.
The study reveals that degradation of the hole-transport layer (HTL) contributes significantly to perovskite degradation.
Researchers applied an ultrathin (~0.75 nm) layer of ALD-Al₂O₃ as a diffusion barrier between the perovskite and HTL.
This protective layer prevents unwanted ion migration, stabilizing the perovskite structure and extending device lifespan.
Devices with ALD-Al₂O₃ retained 98% of their initial efficiency after 1500 hours of outdoor testing, compared to less than 10% for unprotected devices.
The ALD layer also enhances adhesion between the perovskite and HTL, reducing mechanical degradation.
This dual-purpose ALD layer could significantly improve commercialization prospects for perovskite solar cells.
A Source Measure Unit from infinityPV was used in the study to precisely measure the photovoltaic performance and stability of the devices under testing conditions.
A Source Measure Unit from infinityPV played a crucial role in evaluating the photovoltaic characteristics, ensuring accurate and reliable performance assessments.
Methods and Theoretical Approach
The research team employed atomic layer deposition (ALD) to create a conformal Al₂O₃ layer over a triple-cation perovskite solar cell. ALD was chosen due to its ability to produce uniform, nanoscale coatings. The team systematically investigated how the protective layer affected:
Halide ion migration – preventing the movement of perovskite ions to the HTL.
HTL degradation by-products – blocking harmful diffusion into the perovskite layer.
Mechanical adhesion – improving contact between layers to prevent delamination.
Photostability and moisture resistance – enhancing resilience to environmental stressors.
To analyze the protective effects, researchers conducted long-term stability tests under controlled conditions, including:
Shelf-aging in low humidity environments.
Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in real-world ambient conditions.
Outdoor field testing over 1500 hours.
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Perovskite solar cells are a type of thin-film photovoltaic technology known for their high efficiency and low-cost manufacturing potential. However, stability remains a key challenge for commercialization.
Results and Findings
The results demonstrated a significant improvement in stability and efficiency:
Efficiency Retention: Devices with ALD-Al₂O₃ retained 98% of their original power conversion efficiency, compared to less than 10% for uncoated devices.
Structural Integrity: X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the perovskite structure remained intact, while uncoated samples exhibited amorphization.
Barrier Effectiveness: Secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) confirmed that the Al₂O₃ layer effectively blocked ion migration from the HTL into the perovskite.
Improved Adhesion: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the ALD layer enhanced layer-to-layer adhesion, reducing void formation and cracks.
Environmental Durability: Outdoor MPPT tests demonstrated that ALD-protected devices remained stable even under fluctuating temperature and humidity conditions.
With Laser Beam Induced Current (LBIC), you can generate a high-resolution digital image of the solar cell, clearly distinguishing between well-functioning areas and defective regions.
Significance of the Study
The findings have critical implications for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. By addressing one of the key stability challenges, this research brings perovskite technology closer to large-scale deployment. The introduction of an ultrathin ALD barrier offers a practical, scalable solution to improve device longevity, making perovskites more viable for real-world applications.
Conclusion
This study represents a major step forward in the quest for durable, high-performance perovskite solar cells. By employing ALD to deposit a protective Al₂O₃ layer, researchers have successfully mitigated key degradation pathways, enhancing both stability and efficiency. The Source Measure Unit from infinityPV was instrumental in validating these findings, providing precise performance data essential for assessing long-term stability. As perovskite technology continues to advance, innovations like this will be crucial in driving the transition to sustainable energy solutions.
Authors
Mayank Kedia
Chittaranjan Das
Malgorzata Kot
Yenal Yalcinkaya
Weiwei Zuo
Kenedy Tabah Tanko
Peter Matvija
Mikel Ezque
Iñaki Cornago
Wolfram Hempel
Florian Kauffmann
Paul Plate
Monica Lira-Cantu
Stefan A.L. Weber
Michael Saliba
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