Perovskite solar cells retain 90% output after 1,500 hours at 90°C

Researchers from Purdue and Emory Universities have developed a novel method to significantly enhance the durability of perovskite solar cells, a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based cells. Perovskites are known for their excellent light absorption and high efficiency but have suffered from rapid degradation, limiting their commercial viability. The team addressed this by introducing custom-engineered ionic liquids, specifically methoxyethoxymethyl-1-methylimidazole chloride (MEM-MIM-Cl), which act as a molecular stabilizer. This ionic liquid binds to lead ions, fills ion vacancies, and protects the often-overlooked buried interfaces within the solar cell, promoting the growth of larger, higher-quality crystals with fewer defects. In rigorous testing under continuous intense sunlight at 90°C for over 1,500 hours, the enhanced perovskite solar cells retained 90% of their initial power conversion efficiency, achieving 25.9%. This performance surpasses previous benchmarks, demonstrating remarkable thermal and operational stability under harsh conditions.