Direct Integration of Perovskite Solar Cells with Carbon Fiber Substrates

Integrating photovoltaic devices onto the surface of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer substrates should create materials with high mechanical strength that are also able to generate electrical power. Such devices are anticipated to find ready applications as structural, energy-harvesting systems in both the automotive and aeronautical sectors. Here, the fabrication of triple-cation perovskite n-i-p solar cells onto the surface of planarized carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer substrates is demonstrated, with devices utilizing a transparent top ITO contact. These devices also contain a wrinkled SiO2 interlayer placed between the device and substrate that alleviates thermally induced cracking of the bottom ITO layer. Devices are found to have a maximum stabilized power conversion efficiency of 14.5% and a specific power (power per weight) of 21.4 W g(-1) (without encapsulation), making them highly suitable for mobile power applications.

Automated summary

Integrating photovoltaic devices onto carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer substrates can create strong materials that also generate electrical power. The fabrication of triple-cation perovskite n-i-p solar cells onto planarized carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer substrates is demonstrated, with devices having a transparent top ITO contact and a wrinkled SiO2 interlayer to prevent cracking. These devices have a maximum power conversion efficiency of 14.5% and a specific power of 21.4 W g(-1), making them suitable for mobile power applications.