A synopsis of progressive transition in precursor inks development for metal halide perovskites-based photovoltaic technology

Abstract Perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology has received considerable attention due to the rapid escalation of their solar-to-electrical energy conversion, which has recently surpassed 25% for lab-sized solar cells. Other benefits such as their fabrication through solution processing enable new opportunities for scaling up and rapid production. These features may play a key role in realizing quick installations worldwide, helping to meet the global energy production and consumption demand with a realistic energy pay-back time. This report provides an overview of the progress in developing liquid precursor inks for producing a variety of organic–inorganic halide perovskite-based light absorbing layers. In recent years, a variety of configurations for PSC technology have been reported, where intelligent inks of perovskite precursors have been formulated to facilitate novel designs with impressive solar-to-electrical energy conversions and promising stability. This report highlights the evolution of these novel perovskite precursor ink formulations, and discusses the emerging trends in developing efficient, scalable, and robust PSC technology. Moreover, the classification, advantages, and limitations of various types of perovskite precursor ink are addressed. Specifically, single- and multi-cation-based ink formulations are discussed in relation to their impact on producing efficient solar cells, which provides an overview of the recent progress in the development of this emerging and low-cost solar cell technology. Overall, this synopsis provides the current state of the art in designing novel perovskite precursor inks to be used in producing high performance, efficient, scalable, and stable configurations of perovskite solar cell technology

Performance evaluation of carbon-based printed perovskite solar cells under low-light intensity conditions

Abstract The use of photovoltaics (PVs) to harvest energy inside modern building environments has great potential for energizing a wide range of futuristic self-powered electronic devices, Internet of Things (IoT), and sensors using available ambient light. Among the various PV technologies, hole-conductor-free carbon-based printable perovskite solar cells (CPSCs) have attracted significant interest, owing to their impressive PV performance under standard full sunlight conditions, robust stability, and printable fabrication methods. Nevertheless, their ability to harvest indoor light has been rarely explored. Here we report PV performance characterization of these printable CPSCs, and a systematic comparison of their PV performance under commonly available fluorescent (FL) and light-emitting diode (LED)-based lamps at various low lux light intensities that replicate standard indoor environmental conditions. To consolidate the proven stability of these CPSCs, the results of one stability test standardized as ISOS-D-1, which supports the motivation of their possible deployment under mild indoor lighting conditions are presented. The effective functioning of these CPSCs is also demonstrated for energizing an electrical node as evidence of their potential to be used as an alternative light-harvesting solution for the targeted futuristic IoT-based ecosystem. These results greatly support the goal of developing all printed and sustainable IoT devices with robust performance stability

New approaches in component design for dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract The present perspective presents a number of issues related to the current direction of DSSC research, with emphasis on the transition from iodide-containing electrolyte to charge-transport media (CTMs), electrolytes or solid-state conductors based on inorganic coordination complexes, aiming to attain a better light-to-electricity conversion efficiency, associated with larger photovoltage, and long-term stability. Such a change necessitates the concomitant introduction of novel dyes and counter electrodes. The first part of the perspective introduces an overview of the DSSC field and a number of considerations related to the transition from the triiodide/iodide-based CTM to CTMs based on alternative systems. Subsequently, the recent developments of CTM based on Cu coordination complexes are discussed, from the inorganic physical chemistry point of view, including some highlights about novel dyes associated to these CTMs. Finally, several preparation methods and applications of different types of novel carbonaceous counter electrode substrates, related to the application of the aforementioned novel CTMs, are presented

Recent developments in perovskite-based precursor inks for scalable architectures of perovskite solar cell technology

Abstract The progressive enhancements in solar-to-electrical conversion within the past decade have allowed organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite-based solar cell (PSC) technology to become a competitive candidate for creating affordable and sustainable electricity. This review highlights the developments in fabricating advanced precursor inks of organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite-based light harvesters for large-area perovskite solar cell technology. One of the key characteristics of this promising photovoltaic technology includes solution processing, which offers possibilities to scale up lab-sized solar cell devices into large-area perovskite solar modules comprising unique device architectures. These have been realized in recent years for their deployment in various applications such as building-integrated photovoltaics or internet of things (IoT) devices. In this regard, the presented overview highlights the recent trends that have emerged in the research and development of novel perovskite precursor ink formulations, and it also discusses their contribution toward demonstrating efficient, scalable, and durable PSC technology to create electricity and energize futuristic applications. Various reports were included aiming to showcase the robust photovoltaic performance of large-area perovskite solar modules in a variety of device configurations, hence providing a brief overview of the role of state-of-the-art scalable precursor ink development in transforming unstable lab-sized solar cells into robust, low-cost perovskite solar cell technology that can be scaled up to cover much larger areas

Advanced research trends in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an efficient photovoltaic technology for powering electronic applications such as wireless sensors with indoor light. Their low cost and abundant materials, as well as their capability to be manufactured as thin and light-weight flexible solar modules highlight their potential for economic indoor photovoltaics. However, their fabrication methods must be scaled to industrial manufacturing with high photovoltaic efficiency and performance stability under typical indoor conditions. This paper reviews the recent progress in DSSC research towards this goal through the development of new device structures, alternative redox shuttles, solid-state hole conductors, TiO2 photoelectrodes, catalyst materials, and sealing techniques. We discuss how each functional component of a DSSC has been improved with these new materials and fabrication techniques. In addition, we propose a scalable cell fabrication process that integrates these developments to a new monolithic cell design based on several features including inkjet and screen printing of the dye, a solid state hole conductor, PEDOT contact, compact TiO2, mesoporous TiO2, carbon nanotubes counter electrode, epoxy encapsulation layers and silver conductors. Finally, we discuss the need to design new stability testing protocols to assess the probable deployment of DSSCs in portable electronics and internet-of-things devices