Advanced Characterization Techniques for Overcoming Challenges of Perovskite Solar Cell Materials

• Published in: Advanced energy materials 2021-04, Vol.11 (15), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Kim, Min‐cheol, Ham, So‐Yeon, Cheng, Diyi, Wynn, Thomas A., Jung, Hyun Suk, Meng, Ying Shirley
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: characterization; Commercialization; cryogenic electron microscopy; Cryogenic temperature; Degradation; Evaluation; In situ measurement; in situ measurements; Ion migration; Material properties; multidimensional mapping; perovskite solar cells; Perovskites; Phase transitions; Photovoltaic cells; Solar cells
• ISSN: 1614-6832; 1614-6840
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202001753

In the last 10 years, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells have achieved unprecedented advances, to the point where they now exhibit extremely high efficiency. However, long‐term stability and areal scalability limitations impede the commercial application of perovskite materials, and appropriate diagnosistic tools have become necessary to evaluate perovskite materials. Characterization of perovskite materials is regularly misinterpretated, due to unique intrinsic and extrinsic factors: degradation from the measurement source, ion migration, phase transition, and separation. Herein, studies on perovskites are reviewed that have used advanced characterization tools to overcome characterization challenges. Cryogenic temperature assisted measurements mitigate degradation or phase transitions induced by the measurement source. In situ measurements can track the variation of perovskite materials depending on external stimuli. Spatial material properties are able to be evaluated by the use of multidimensional mapping techniques. An overview of these advanced characterization tools that can overcome the challenges associated with established tools provides the opportunity for further understanding perovskite materials and solving the remaining challenges on the road to commercialization. Rapid degradation of ion migration, measurement source‐induced damage, phase transition, and separation of perovskite materials hinder accurate evaluation by conventional characterization tools. Recent advanced characterization tools, such as cryogenic temperature assisted measurement, in situ observation, and multidimensional imaging/mapping are presented here that enable the correct diagnose perovskite properties.