Scarcity of fossil fuel resources, rapid population growth, high energy prices and ever-worsening pollution demonstrate the dire need for clean, renewable energy sources. Solar energy is an appealing choice, and recent developments in perovskite solar cell technology has increased their power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 6.5% to > 16%. Combined with a low-cost fabrication process, the high efficiency of perovskite solar cells could position them as a strong candidate for the next generation of solar cells, but there is a significant hurdle to surmount: when a cell is operated repeatedly in humid air, the PCE of the cell decreases quickly and the device rapidly ages. Another glass piece is typically added to protect the vulnerable part of the solar cell, but this is both expensive and rigid, precluding applications in which a flexible solar cell is desirable. Addressing the problem of long-term stability is crucial to perovskite solar cells’ viability as a source of clean, renewable energy production.
Yoo, J. S., Han, G. S., Lee, S., Kim, M. C., Choi, M., Jung, H. S., & Lee, J.-K. (2017). Dual function of a high-contrast hydrophobic–hydrophilic coating for enhanced stability of perovskite solar cells in extremely humid environments. Nano Research, 10(11), 3885–3895. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-017-1603-6