High Remaining Factors in the Photovoltaic Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells after High-Fluence Electron Beam Irradiations

Abstract

Metal halide perovskite solar cells have progressed rapidly over the past decade, providing an exceptional opportunity for space photovoltaic (PV) power applications. However, the solar cells to be used for space power have to demonstrate a stable operation under extreme conditions, particularly concerning harsh radiations. In contrast to previously reported superior stability of low PV performance perovskite solar cells against high-energy radiation, we investigate the effects of high-energy electron beam irradiation on the degradation of perovskite solar cells with a high-power conversion efficiency exceeding 20%. We find very high remaining factors of >87.7% in the open-circuit voltage (VOC) and >93.5% in the fill factor (FF) and a significantly decreased short-circuit current density (JSC) after the exposure to high-fluence electron irradiations of 1015 e/cm2. The pronounced loss of JSC is due to the decreasing transmittance of the soda-lime glass substrate and the partial decomposition of the perovskite absorber layers. The irradiated cells retained superior remaining factors in both VOC and FF, demonstrating a superior tolerance of perovskite solar cells after the exposure to the electron irradiation. These results show that perovskite solar cells hold great potential for space PV power applications if stable perovskite compositions and space-suitable substrates are employed.