Repairable Halide Perovskites for Sustainable Next Generation Photovoltaics

With their power conversion efficiency now surpassing 25% and rivalling those based on conventional silicon, perovskite solar cells

(PSCs) offer maximum potential in decarbonising the future energy supply. Nevertheless, the commercialisation of PSCs has generally

been hindered by their limited stability, often associated with the degradation of constituents triggered by various environmental,

mechanical and device-related stressors (e.g. humidity, oxygen, light and flexing), resulting in a device lifespan significantly inferior to

conventional PV technologies (e.g. 20-years guaranteed for commercial silicon PV panels). In addition, the decommissioning and

disposal of aged perovskites PV modules can be both costly and environment unfriendly. To overcome these remaining barriers, Rep-

PPV aims to develop more sustainable halide perovskite materials and devices capable of regenerating themselves after degradation.

These are not only capable of extending their current device lifespan, but also can substantially alleviate the disposal requirements. This will be achieved through a comprehensive understanding and control of the reversible processes responsible for the

degradation of halide perovskite materials (through rational materials engineering) such that the aged products can be turned into

fresh devices again, without the need for resource- and energy-intensive decommissioning and replacement. To deliver Rep-PPV, the

researcher's existing expertise will be advanced by receiving trainings on; personal development, supervision and mentoring,

materials and device simulation, operation and maintenance of specific research facilities particularly for in-situ study as well as health

and safety. Rep-PPV will establish a new generation of sustainable perovskite PV technologies with built-in recyclability, thereby paving the way for their large-scale and sustainable deployment across a range of application areas.