Tommy Richards

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising candidates for space applications due to their high efficiency, radiation tolerance, and high power-to-mass ratio. However, the harsh space environment introduces stressors such as thermal shock (TS) from rapid temperature transitions in orbit, a degradation mode that remains underexplored. This study investigated the real operating temperature profiles experienced by solar cells orbiting in low Earth orbit, revealing rapid and extreme temperature transitions. Based on these findings, we developed an accelerated TS testing protocol, cycling PSC devices between −80 °C and +80 °C at a rapid ramp rate of 16 °C min−1 for 100 cycles, designed to replicate and amplify the stresses induced by actual orbital thermal cycles. Using FAPbI3 as a model system, we explored the impact of varying concentrations of MAPbBr3 (0–7%) on the perovskite film's structural stability under this accelerated TS. Our results indicate that an intermediate MAPbBr3 incorporation level (specifically 5%) most effectively suppresses microstrain and the formation of the detrimental δ-phase after TS exposure. To validate our laboratory findings under near-space conditions, we conducted a comparative high-altitude balloon test at 35 km. These findings establish TS as a critical testing framework for evaluating PSC stability in space applications and highlight the necessity of refining material compositions for space applications.

The rapid expansion of space-based initiatives and the increasing deployment of satellites have intensified the demand for high-performance, radiation-tolerant photovoltaics (PV). This study investigates the radiation tolerance of all-inorganic CsPbI3 perovskites for space PV applications. Combining simulations and experimental evaluations, we compare the properties of CsPbI3 films depending on the surface treatments using long chain cations. Octylammonium iodide (OAI) treatment forms a quasi-2D perovskite structure, whereas phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) induces a molecular cation layer. Under harsh proton irradiation (2 × 1014 protons/cm2 at 0.05 MeV), OAI-treated devices exhibited only a 19% efficiency reduction, significantly lower than the performance degradation observed in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite PVs. Moreover, OAI treatment does not have adverse effects after irradiation, while the PEAI layer results in a severe deviation in surface electrical potential following irradiation. These findings suggest new directions for using all-inorganic PSCs in high-radiation environments, prompting further investigation into next-generation space PV technologies.