Publication date: 17th February 2025
Halide perovskites have rapidly become the focal point of research in the development of innovative materials for cost-effective and highly efficient photovoltaic technologies. The journey began with the groundbreaking demonstration by Prof. Miyasaka and his team in 2007, which sparked a surge of exploration into perovskite-based solar cells. Since then, numerous advancements have been made, with researchers achieving certified power conversion efficiencies that are continuously approaching the theoretical maximum. Recent studies have shown that these perovskites not only rival but often exceed the performance of traditional photovoltaic materials, positioning themselves as game-changers in the solar energy landscape.
However, the most durable and efficient perovskite materials currently known contain lead, a substance recognized as one of the most toxic elements on the planet. In response to environmental concerns, researchers have shifted focus towards lead-free alternatives, particularly tin-based perovskites. Progress in enhancing the power conversion efficiency of these tin-based options has been promising. Nevertheless, a critical aspect that requires further investigation is the long-term stability of tin-based perovskite solar cells, which remains largely unexplored. In this presentation, we will delve into the factors affecting the stability of these innovative lead-free perovskite solar cells and assess their potential for widespread application in the future.