Self-healing screen-printed perovskite photovoltaics beyond Shockley–Queisser Limit

Due to environmental benefits, scalability, competitive cost and limited maintenance, photovoltaic (PV) systems are the fastest-growing renewable energy technology enabling large-scale carbon-free electricity production.

Within the family of PV systems, Metal Halide perovskite (MHPs) solar cells are the most performant at converting sunlight to electricity, due to their excellent optoelectronic properties and cheap fabrication process. MHP based on hybrid organic–inorganic lead halides are the most effective perovskite solar cells.

Yet, there are two major challenges to widespread adoption of lead based LHP PV: (i) Instability, especially against moisture and ii) High level of lead (Pb) and lead leakage which are toxic to humans and wildlife; according to EU’s “Restriction of Hazardous Substances” (RoHS) directive.

This proposal will develop for the first-time perovskite photovoltaics with self-healing capabilities while decreasing lead leakage to near zero, by transferring the microconcentrator PV concept to MHP. Such a configuration enables to save 90 to 99% raw materials compared to a planar device. More importantly, it increases the theorical efficiency and reduces the Pb content and leakage.

So, the main goal of this proposal is to boost the stability of lead halide perovskite PV systems by introducing microconentrator PV concept and concentrated light to MHP in addition to taking advantages of microconcentrator PV i.e., physical separation and embedding of each microcell, to enable the PV system to theoretically exceed the Shockley–Queisser limit and reduce toxic lead levels to below RoHS requirements.

SHERPA’s achievements will make advancements on cutting edge MHP solar cells that are pivotal to reach EU’s environmental targets for a reliable and green energy transition at low-cost.