Photovoltaics: Looking at the instabilities that affect hybrid perovskites

Hybrid perovskite photovoltaic cells can deliver yields of more than 20%. However, they do not age well. Researchers from Irig and INES joined forces to investigate the mechanisms that underpin the formation of the best-known hybrid perovskite, MAPbI₃*, which is synthesized in thin layers.

The research revealed two things that explain the behavior of cells made from these thin-layer materials: First, the intrinsic instability of MAPbI_3, which breaks down under mechanical strain (here, it is linked to the spontaneous appearance of MAPbCl₃, a chlorinated perovskite phase); and, second, the substantial variability in the material’s lattice structure.

New and more complex materials derived from MAPbI₃ but with the promise of greater stability will benefit from this novel approach.

Contact: stephanie.pouget@cea.fr

*methylammonium lead iodide

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