Abstract
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a transformative photovoltaic technology, offering high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and the potential for cost-effective manufacturing. However, stability and large-scale manufacturing remain critical challenges that must be addressed for widespread adoption. This review provides a roadmap from single-junction perovskite solar cells to tandem deployment in space. First, material-level innovations are discussed, including mixed-cation and low-dimensional perovskites, transport materials, and additives that improve thermal and structural stability while enhancing efficiency. Then, we examine both established industrial standards and emerging scientific protocols aimed at stabilizing PSCs under operational conditions, including tandem cell integration strategies and encapsulation techniques to mitigate performance degradation. Manufacturing scalability is a focal point, where deposition methods and green solvents are explored to improve large-area film uniformity and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, the increasing viability of PSCs in extraterrestrial environments is assessed, with emphasis on their performance in space applications, radiation resistance, and flexible lamination methods for deployment in extreme conditions. Progress across materials innovation, device architectures, stability testing protocols, and both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications collectively drives perovskite photovoltaics toward higher efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e01343 |
| Journal | Advanced Sustainable Systems |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2026 |
Funding
This work was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) under the Visiting Faculty Program (VFP) program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. This research was supported in part by the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), which is a US Department of Energy, Office of Science User Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. We acknowledge the funding support of the 2024 Penn State Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE) Seed Grant Program, and the 2024 Penn State Behrend Research and Creative Activities Seed Grants.
Keywords
- flexible PSCs
- green solvent
- protocols
- space application
- stability