Ian Sellers1
University of Oklahoma1
In this presentation the potential of metal halide perovskite solar cells for space power applications will be presented. This discussion will focus on recent work at the University of Oklahoma, which includes the assessment of the systems in low-intensity-low-temperature (LILT) conditions for outer planetary missions, in addition to exposure to high temperatures and variable radiation conditions that directly and independently impact the absorber material and transporting layers of the solar cells. This presentation will discuss a number of perovskite systems including mixed Pb-Sn systems and the FAMACs family of metal halide perovskites. It will be shown that perovskites display remarkable tolerance to high radiation exposure and that while measurements <i>do</i> suggest high energy radiation negatively affects the transporting layers and interfaces in the devices: the perovskite absorber <i>is not affected</i> in any significant way. Moreover, these systems are observed to self-heal under ambient conditions in the dark demonstrating the unique behavior of perovskite solar cells and their potential for future space applications. This is further substantiated by high temperature measurements that indicate specific triple cation perovskites displays no appreciable or permanent degradation up to 500 K, supporting in particular their potential as candidate systems for future lunar missions.