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Perovskite Solar Cell Stability in Humid Air: Partially Reversible Phase Transitions in the PbI 2 ‐CH 3 NH 3 I‐H 2 O System
Author(s) -
Song Zhaoning,
Abate Antonio,
Watthage Suneth C.,
Liyanage Geethika K.,
Phillips Adam B.,
Steiner Ullrich,
Graetzel Michael,
Heben Michael J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.201600846
Subject(s) - perovskite (structure) , materials science , perovskite solar cell , degradation (telecommunications) , photovoltaic system , solar cell , energy conversion efficiency , phase (matter) , decomposition , chemical engineering , chemical physics , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , chemistry , organic chemistry , telecommunications , ecology , computer science , engineering , biology
After rapid progress over the past five years, organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) currently exhibit photoconversion efficiencies comparable to the best commercially available photovoltaic technologies. However, instabilities in the materials and devices, primarily due to reactions with water, have kept PSCs from entering the marketplace. Here, laser beam induced current imaging is used to investigate the spatial and temporal evolution of the quantum efficiency of perovskite solar cells under controlled humidity conditions. Several interesting mechanistic aspects are revealed as the degradation proceeds along a four‐stage process. Three of the four stages can be reversed, while the fourth stage leads to irreversible decomposition of the photoactive perovskite material. A series of reactions in the PbI 2 ‐CH 3 NH 3 I‐H 2 O system explains the interplay between the interactions with water and the overall stability. Understanding of the degradation mechanisms of PSCs on a microscopic level gives insight into improving the long‐term stability.