Lead-adsorbing ionogel-based encapsulation for impact-resistant, stable, and lead-safe perovskite modules

Despite the high-efficiency and low-cost prospect for perovskite solar cells, great concerns of lead toxicity and instability remain for this technology. Here, we report an encapsulation strategy for perovskite modules based on lead-adsorbing ionogel, which prevents lead leakage and withstand long-term stability tests. The ionogel layers integrated on both sides of modules enhance impact resistance. The self-healable ionogel can prevent water permeation into the perovskite layer and adsorb lead that might leak. The encapsulated devices pass the damp heat and thermal cycling accelerated stability tests according to International Electrotechnical Commission 61215 standard. The ionogel encapsulation reduces lead leakage to undetectable level after the hail-damaged module is soaked in water for 24 hours. Even being rolled over by a car followed by water soaking for 45 days, the ionogel encapsulation reduces lead leakage by three orders of magnitude. This work provides a strategy to simultaneously address lead leakage and stability for perovskite modules.

Automated summary

This study presents an encapsulation strategy using lead-adsorbing ionogel to prevent lead leakage and improve stability for perovskite modules. The ionogel layers enhance impact resistance and pass accelerated stability tests. The encapsulation significantly reduces lead leakage even under extreme conditions, providing a promising solution for addressing lead toxicity and instability in perovskite solar cells.