Stereoscopic Polymer Network for Developing Mechanically Robust Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells with an Efficiency...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Flexible perovskite solar cells (pero-SCs) offer a promising alternative to silicon photovoltaics.
• Their practical application is hindered by mechanical instability and unclear degradation mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the degradation behavior of flexible pero-SCs under mechanical stress.
• To develop strategies to suppress structural failure and enhance the mechanical stability of flexible pero-SCs.

Main Methods:

• Systematic analysis of flexible pero-SCs under mechanical stress.
• Incorporation of pentaerythritol triacrylate to form a 3D polymer network in perovskite films and interfaces.
• Evaluation of mechanical properties (Young's modulus, interfacial toughness) and device performance.

Main Results:

• Structural failure initiates in the perovskite film and propagates to interfaces under mechanical stress.
• The 3D polymer network effectively reduced Young's modulus and enhanced interfacial toughness.
• Flexible pero-SCs retained 92% of their initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) after 20,000 bending cycles.
• A record PCE of 24.9% (certified 24.48%) was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D polymer network significantly suppresses cracks and delamination in flexible pero-SCs.
• This approach enhances the mechanical robustness and long-term stability of flexible solar devices.
• The study presents a viable pathway for the commercialization of high-performance flexible perovskite solar cells.