Funding Opportunity: SuNLaMP
SunShot Subprogram: Photovoltaics
Location: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO
SunShot Award Amount: $125,000

This project is focused on novel approaches to remove risk related to the development of hybrid perovskite solar cells (HPSCs). Researchers will synthesize a new and chemically stable hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite that eliminates decomposition of the absorber layer upon exposure to water vapor, which is a chief obstacle to widespread use of HPSC technology. They will also demonstrate a unique and industrially-scalable chemical vapor deposition method without halides or iodine, which are the main contributors to perovskite degradation.

APPROACH

Researchers will show success on two main experimental fronts. The first involves demonstration of perovskite formation by a novel, all-vapor phase industrially scalable growth method. The second involves synthesis by this method of a chemically stable perovskite based on non-protic organic cations such as quaternary ammonium salts and tertiary sulfonium salts. The optical bandgap of the new materials would be suitable for a photovoltaic absorber in a single or multi-junction cell.

INNOVATION

Researchers will synthesize a perovskite that is chemically stable towards hydrolysis and develop an entirely new vapor-phase growth method. A chemically stable perovskite would remove the current high level of risk that any manufacturer of perovskite-based modules would face. Having an all-vapor-phase alternative to common solution growth methods would enable industrial scale production of perovskites, which would also lead to better understanding and control of perovskite interfaces.