A comprehensive review on the advancements and challenges in perovskite solar cell technology

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as revolutionary technology in the field of photovoltaics, offering a promising avenue for efficient and cost-effective solar energy conversion. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progress and developments in PSCs, beginning with an introduction to their fundamental properties and significance. Herein, we discuss the various types of PSCs, including lead-based, tin-based, mixed Sn-Pb, germanium-based, and polymer-based PSCs, highlighting their unique attributes and performance metrics. Special emphasis is given to halide double PSCs and their potential in enhancing the stability of PSCs. Charge transport layers and their significance in influencing the overall efficiency of solar cells are discussed in detail. The review also explores the role of tandem solar cells as a solution to overcome the limitations of single-junction solar cells, offering an integrated approach to harness a broader spectrum of sunlight. This review concludes with challenges associated with PSCs and perspective on the future potential of PSCs, emphasizing their role in shaping a sustainable energy landscape. Through this review readers will gain a comprehensive insight into the current state-of-the-art in PSC technology and the avenues for future research and development.

Fig. 1. Progress in the PCE of PSCs in the last decade.

Fig. 2. ABX₃ crustal of perovskite materials.

Fig. 3. Elements used in perovskite ABX₃.

Fig. 4. Energy levels with charge transfer processes inside a PSC.

Fig. 5. Architecture of c-TiO₂-based PSCs.

Fig. 6. Effect of different CTLs on the performance of PSCs.

Fig. 7. Schematic of the device architecture of an SnO₂-based PSC.

Fig. 8. Progress in tin-based PSCs.

Fig. 9. (a) Variation in the bandgap of Sn–Pb perovskite with changes in the Pb and Sn ratio in the B site. (b) Schematic illustrating how the bandgap is formed in Pb–Sn alloy perovskite. (c) Substituting Pb with Sn in perovskite leads to the formation of defect sites, causing nonradiative voltage loss. (d) Time-resolved photoluminescence spectra are obtained for FA_0.75Cs_0.25Sn_xPb_1−xI₃ perovskite layers with varying Sn amounts. (b) Ref. . (c) Ref. . (d) Ref. .

Fig. 10. (a) PCE of MA_1−xFA_xSn_0.5Pb_0.5I₃ PSCs. UE in relation to the changing perovskite composition for (b) MA_1−xFA_xPb_0.4Sn_0.6I₃ and (c) (FASnI₃)_x(MAPbI₃)_1−x. (d–f) Thermal and air stability test conducted on the device at 85 °C with 10% Cs addition. Stability and efficiency increase with the inclusion of Cs in Sn_xPb_1−x PSCs. (b and c) Ref. . (d–f) Ref. .

Fig. 11. Recent device performance of tin–lead mixed PSCs.

Fig. 12. (a) Absorption characteristics of MAGeI₃, CsGeI₃ and FAGeI₃ in comparison with CsSnI₃. (b) Schematic energy level diagram of CsGeI₃, FAGeI₃ and MAGeI₃. (c) J–V curves of photovoltaic devices fabricated with different Ge halide perovskites. Time-resolved UV-vis measurements to investigate the ambient stability of the germanium perovskite samples of (d) MAGeI₃ and (e) MAGeI_2.7Br_0.3 and (f) absorption intensity at 510 nm versus time. (a–c) Ref. . (d–f) Ref. .

Fig. 13. (a) Schematic depiction of perovskite morphology regulation by PAMAM dendrimers. (b) Device structure of unmodified and PAMAM-modified perovskite photovoltaic devices.

Fig. 14. Structure of the PSC based on NPB.

Fig. 15. Device architecture and photovoltaic parameters of HDP-based solar cells.

Fig. 16. (a) Maximum efficiency limits for a 2-T tandem solar cell and (b) panel. (c) Configuration of a 2-T PTSC. (d) Efficiency of narrow bandgap (NBG) Sn–Pb PSCs with a bandgap range of 1.17–1.3 eV. (e) Efficiency and V_OC graph of large bandgap (WBG) Pb-based PSCs with a bandgap range of 1.7–1.8 eV. (f) PCE for 2-T and 4-T PTSCs over time. (a and b) Ref. .

Fig. 17. Recent progress in perovskite-based tandem PV cells.

Fig. 18. Energy levels of different materials used in PSCs.

Muhammad Noman

Zeeshan Khan

Shayan Tariq Jan