Characterization Techniques for Perovskite Solar Cell Materials: Characterization of Recently Emerged Perovskite Solar Cell Materials to Provide an Understanding of the Fundamental Physics on the Nano Scale and Optimize the Operation of the Device Towards Stable and Low-Cost Photovoltaic Technology explores the characterization of nanocrystals of the perovskite film, related interfaces, and the overall impacts of these properties on device efficiency. Included is a collection of both main and research techniques for perovskite solar cells. For the first time, readers will have a complete reference of different characterization techniques, all housed in a work written by highly experienced experts. Explores various characterization techniques for perovskite solar cells and discusses both their strengths and weaknesses Discusses material synthesis and device fabrication of perovskite solar cells Includes a comparison throughout the work on how to distinguish one perovskite solar cell from another

The book focuses on advanced characterization methods for thin-film solar cells that have proven their relevance both for academic and corporate photovoltaic research and development. After an introduction to thin-film photovoltaics, highly experienced experts report on device and materials characterization methods such as electroluminescence analysis, capacitance spectroscopy, and various microscopy methods. In the final part of the book simulation techniques are presented which are used for ab-initio calculations of relevant semiconductors and for device simulations in 1D, 2D and 3D. Building on a proven concept, this new edition also covers thermography, transient optoelectronic methods, and absorption and photocurrent spectroscopy.

Polycrystalline thin-film solar cells have reached a levelized cost of energy that is competitive with all other sources of electricity. The technology has significantly improved in recent years, with laboratory cell efficiencies for cadmium telluride (CdTe), perovskites, and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) each exceeding 22 percent. Both CdTe and CIGS solar panels are now produced at the gigawatt scale. However, there are ongoing challenges, including the continued need to improve performance and stability while reducing cost. Advancing polycrystalline solar cell technology demands an in-depth understanding of efficiency, scaling, and degradation mechanisms, which requires sophisticated characterization methods. These methods will enable researchers and manufacturers to improve future solar modules and systems.

Abstract: This thesis discusses studies performed by the author at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, ISE. The presented work focuses on the characterization of hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskite materials used for photovoltaic application. In an in situ study of the perovskite crystal formation, multiple stages are identified. Taking advantage of a graphite-based cell structure where both contacts are in place before the perovskite crystal formation occurs within the mesoporous scaffold, the photovoltaic performance along with optoelectronic properties are monitored in real time during the crystallization. As perovskite solar cells are prone to spatial heterogeneity, spatially resolved characterization techniques mainly based on photoluminescence spectroscopy, light beam-induced current and thermography are employed to analyze non-uniform optoelectronic properties and quantify local loss mechanisms. A novel characterization method is introduced by the author, allowing for the quantitative assessment of local loss mechanisms. The technique is demonstrated on blade coated perovskite solar cells, which represent a scalable deposition route, and it highlights the detrimental impact of layer non-uniformity on the overall solar cell performance. It presents a powerful tool for the targeted improvement of layer homogeneity and consequential benefit the enhancement of the cell efficiency. In high bandgap perovskite films made from a mixed cation and halide alloy, the local optoelectronic properties are analyzed with micrometer resolution. Non-uniform emission properties are revealed and related to the layer morphology. A subcell-selective analysis of monolithic two-terminal silicon perovskite tandem solar cells is presented, accessing the individual subcells by multi-wavelength photoluminescence spectroscopy. The mapping approach additionally yields spatial distribution of the photoluminescence emission, allowing for the identification of process influences on the two subcells. The results from this thesis generated insights about the perovskite crystal formation and spatial heterogeneities on different length scales. Overall, the findings support the targeted optimization of hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells.

The book summarizes the current state of the know-how in the field of perovskite materials: synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications. Most chapters include a review on the actual knowledge and cutting-edge research results. Thus, this book is an essential source of reference for scientists with research fields in energy, physics, chemistry and materials. It is also a suitable reading material for graduate students.

Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells A comprehensive exploration of printable perovskite solar cells and their potential for commercialization In Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells, a team of distinguished researchers delivers an accessible and incisive discussion of the principles, technologies, and fabrication processes associated with the manufacture and use of perovskite solar cells. The authors detail the properties, characterization methods, and technologies for halide perovskite materials and devices and explain printable processing technologies, mesoscopic anode and cathodes, and spacer layers for printable perovskite solar cells. In the book, you’ll find expansive discussions of the stability issues inherent in perovskite solar cells and explore the potential for scaling and commercializing the printing of perovskite solar cells, complete with real-world industry data. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to the background and fundamentals of perovskite solar cells Comprehensive explorations of the characterization methods and technologies used with halide perovskite materials and devices Practical discussions of printable processing technologies for perovskite solar cells Fulsome treatments of the stability issues associated with perovskite solar cells and potential solutions for them Perfect for materials scientists, solid state physicists and chemists, and electronics engineers, Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells will also benefit surface chemists and physicists.

Solar cells are semiconductor devices that convert light photons into electricity in photovoltaic energy conversion and can help to overcome the global energy crisis. Solar cells have many applications including remote area power systems, earth-orbiting satellites, wristwatches, water pumping, photodetectors and remote radiotelephones. Solar cell technology is economically feasible for commercial-scale power generation. While commercial solar cells exhibit good performance and stability, still researchers are looking at many ways to improve the performance and cost of solar cells via modulating the fundamental properties of semiconductors. Solar cell technology is the key to a clean energy future. Solar cells directly harvest energy from the sun’s light radiation into electricity are in an ever-growing demand for future global energy production. Solar cell-based energy harvesting has attracted worldwide attention for their notable features, such as cheap renewable technology, scalable, lightweight, flexibility, versatility, no greenhouse gas emission, environment, and economy friendly and operational costs are quite low compared to other forms of power generation. Thus, solar cell technology is at the forefront of renewable energy technologies which are used in telecommunications, power plants, small devices to satellites. Aiming at large-scale implementation can be manipulated by various types used in solar cell design and exploration of new materials towards improving performance and reducing cost. Therefore, in-depth knowledge about solar cell design is fundamental for those who wish to apply this knowledge and understanding in industries and academics. This book provides a comprehensive overview on solar cells and explores the history to evolution and present scenarios of solar cell design, classification, properties, various semiconductor materials, thin films, wafer-scale, transparent solar cells, and so on. It also includes solar cells’ characterization analytical tools, theoretical modeling, practices to enhance conversion efficiencies, applications and patents.