Incorporation of rubidium cations into perovskite solar cells improves photovoltaic performance

• DOI: 10.1126/science.aah5557
• Publication Date: 2016-09-30T02:49:25Z
• Authors: Michael Saliba; Taisuke Matsui; Konrad Domanski; Ji-Youn Seo; Amita Ummadisingu; Shaik M. Zakeeruddin; Juan-Pablo Correa...; Wolfgang R. Tress; Antonio Abate; Anders Hagfeldt; Michael Grätzel
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 01 natural sciences; 7. Clean energy; 0104 chemical sciences

Improving the stability of perovskite solar cells

Inorganic-organic perovskite solar cells have poor long-term stability because ultraviolet light and humidity degrade these materials. Bella et al. show that coating the cells with a water-proof fluorinated polymer that contains pigments to absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it in the visible range can boost cell efficiency and limit photodegradation. The performance and stability of inorganic-organic perovskite solar cells are also limited by the size of the cations required for forming a correct lattice. Saliba et al. show that the rubidium cation, which is too small to form a perovskite by itself, can form a lattice with cesium and organic cations. Solar cells based on these materials have efficiencies exceeding 20% for over 500 hours if given environmental protection by a polymer coating.

Science , this issue pp. 203 and 206