As traditional non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels are depleted, the need for efficient, renewable forms of energy is becoming more apparent. Perovskite solar cells are a promising form of renewable energy, touting high efficiency at relatively low production and maintenance costs. Researchers synthesized a series of cesium-lead-halide perovskites, specifically utilizing bromide, chloride, iodide, bromide chloride mix, and bromide iodide mix species. UV-vis and emission spectroscopy were used to characterize synthesized perovskites. It became apparent that different species reach peak excitation under specific wavelengths of visible light, leading to significant differences in energy emission and absorbance at certain wavelengths. In part adapted from Schatz et al. and Mikhail Shekhirev et al., we have found that cesium lead bromide perovskites had exceptionally easy synthesis and efficient fluorescence relative to the other species produced. A simple solar cell was designed to test the efficiency of the synthesized perovskites following the exposure to a white light spectrum, as per the procedure by Linda Fanis et al. The efficiency of the solar cells was evaluated by measuring the light-generated voltage and charge lifetime. Non-bromide perovskites and two blended halide perovskites were combined to create a solar cell covering the wide spectrum of light absorption. A second solar cell was created using solely cesium-lead-bromide perovskites. The choice of the sole perovskite was based on the strong absorption of the cesium-lead-bromide perovskite albeit in a narrower spectral range. Limited trials slightly favored the cesium-lead-bromide perovskite solar cell in terms of peak voltage and charge retention. Ease of access and synthesis of perovskite solar cells allows for the incorporation of these experimental methods in multiple disciplines of study, including chemistry, physics, and sustainability.

Perovskite quantum dots & photovoltaic cell efficiency

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.