Improved solvent systems for commercially viable perovskite photovoltaic modules.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Commercialization of perovskite photovoltaics faces challenges including toxic solvents, large-area film quality control, and operational reliability.
• Existing manufacturing methods often rely on hazardous chemicals, limiting environmental sustainability and scalability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop environmentally friendly manufacturing processes for perovskite solar cells.
• To address critical barriers hindering the commercialization of perovskite photovoltaic technology.

Main Methods:

• Development of a green solvent-based ink (γ-valerolactone/2-methyl tetrahydrofuran/dimethylsulfoxide).
• Implementation of a solvent-confinement edge-protection strategy for large-area film deposition.
• Manufacturing of perovskite photovoltaic modules under ambient-air conditions.

Main Results:

• Achieved large-scale manufacturing of defect-minimized perovskite films.
• Produced 7200-square-centimeter perovskite photovoltaic modules with 17.2% total-area steady-state efficiency.
• Modules passed IEC 61215 reliability standards and demonstrated operational stability.

Conclusions:

• The developed methods offer an environmentally responsible pathway for commercial perovskite photovoltaic manufacturing.
• This approach overcomes key limitations in toxicity, film quality, and reliability.
• Demonstrated the potential for scalable, efficient, and durable perovskite solar cell production.