MRS Bulletin Issue Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Materials Research Society

Honored to contribute to this issue, to be published in October 2023. Download the article for free here.

Abstract

Solar photovoltaics (PV) based on metal-halide perovskites (MHPs) have taken the renewable-energy world by storm. The excitement stems from the promise of a high-efficiency, low-cost, and low ‘carbon-footprint’ new PV technology. Here, a brief overview of the important topics pertaining to MHPs, perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and perovskite solar modules (PSMs) is presented. The topics include: (1) PSC architectures; (2) MHPs; (3) synthesis and processing of MHP thin films; (4) MHP thin-film microstructures; (5) PSC functional layers; (6) interfacial engineering in PSCs; (7) PSC performance; (8) PSC stability; (9) PSMs; (10) lead toxicity; and (11) mechanical behavior and reliability. The significant challenges in the path towards commercialization of this burgeoning PV technology are also highlighted. Chief among them are scalability, stability, reliability, and safety, while achieving high efficiency, low cost, and small 'carbon-footprint.' The promise of this new PV technology, and the fascinating underlying science, make it a worthwhile endeavor to address these challenges.