Survey of Polymer Self-Healing Mechanisms in Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a rising next-generational photovoltaic technology due to low fabrication costs through solution processing as compared to traditional silicon solar cells and high-power conversion efficiency. However, the poor long-term operational stability due to environmental and mechanical degradation remains a hindrance to commercialization. Herein, self-healing polymer additives are utilized by researchers to enhance the photovoltaic performance of PSCs by enabling self-restorative behavior from physical damage or chemical degradation. This review explores the design and application of self-healing polymers in both flexible and rigid PSCs, contrasting the two main reversible bonding mechanisms: physical bonds, such as hydrogen bonds, and chemical bonds, such as dynamic covalent disulfide bonds. Physical bonds provide passive healing at ambient conditions; meanwhile, chemical bonds offer a stronger restoration under external stimuli such as heat or light. These polymers are exceptionally effective at mitigating mechanical stress and cracks in flexible PSCs and combating moisture-induced degradation in rigid PSCs. The applications of self-healing polymers are categorized based on substrate type, healing mechanism, and perovskite composition, with the benefits and limitations of each approach highlighted. Additionally, the review explores the potential of multifunctional self-healing polymers to passivate defects at the grain boundaries and on surface of perovskite films, thereby enhancing the overall photovoltaic performance.