Project Name: Multi-Messenger in situ Tolerance Optimization of Mixed Perovskite Photovoltaics
Funding Opportunity: Solar Energy Technologies Office Fiscal Year 2018 Funding Program (SETO FY2018)
SETO Research Area: Photovoltaics
Location: Golden, CO
SETO Award Amount: $200,000
Awardee Cost Share: $50,000
Principal Investigator: Xerxes Steirer
-- Award and cost share amounts are subject to change pending negotiations --
Understanding the photovoltaic (PV) cell properties that lead to lower performance can help extend their operational lifetime. Conducting tests under shorter, more extreme conditions can determine performance failures and assist in understanding how to design PV cells using materials with improved properties for better performance. In this project, researchers are conducting accelerated tests with metal hybrid perovskite (MHP) PV materials to determine the best experimental approach to study their properties.
APPROACH
The research team is developing a new testing procedure that uses environmental X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (EXPS) to study MHP PV materials. EXPS is an analysis tool that will help researchers examine material response under stress by generating data about MHP PV material properties and potential instability. Researchers will study the impact of heat, water, and light stressors on several different material formulations. Then, they will evaluate the materials’ properties when exposed to x-rays under high-vacuum environments. The screening of samples using EXPS will aid in developing the best experimental technique for studying MHP material properties.
INNOVATION
The results of this work will help researchers determine the appropriate EXPS testing conditions needed to study the failure modes of various formulations of MHP PV materials. By investigating the necessary EXPS testing conditions and reproducing the results with multiple samples, the team will instill confidence that this tool can be used to further study MHP PV material property tolerances in various water, heat and light environments. The impact of this study will guide the development efforts of the PV community and lead to more reliable, durable MHP PVs.