The effects of multiple stressors on the operational performance of (FA,MA,Cs)Pb(I,Br)3 solar cells

Here, a thorough study of the effects of multiple stressors on a series of FAMACsPb(IBr)3 solar cells was assessed to test the stability of such systems for space applications. Combinations of thermal cycling, constant illumination, and electric field during the temperature ramp were all investigated. In all cases, some degradation of the solar cells was apparent, which was nearly reversible in the case of protocol 1 (thermal) and protocol 2 (thermal with illumination). However, under protocols 3 and 4 (thermal, illumination, and variable electric field), the devices did not return to initial conditions, suggesting possible irreversible degradation. An evaluation of device parameters: short circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and open circuit voltage (Voc) shows that the Jsc is the least affected parameter [T = 450 K, remaining factors Jsc(T)/Jsc(300 K) ≥ 94%] regardless of protocol. For all protocols, the remaining factors at T = 450 K were 85%–90% and 78%–85% for FF and Voc, respectively. Under protocol 4 (practical solar cell operation), the FF and Voc behavior lags behind that of protocols 1 and 2 until T > 420 K. Overall, the results indicate that metal halide perovskite solar cells have potential for space power applications, as the device’s remaining factors were ≥90% for protocols 4, 2, and 1 for T ≤ 380, 400, and 420 K, respectively. With regard to CubeSat missions testing metal halide perovskites by applying a controlled voltage (V = 0.001 V) between measurements (protocol 2), particularly when the device is idle, degradation from combined stressors can be mitigated, reducing the risk of irreversible damage.