Toward all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells: Materials, performance, and stability

Abstract

Organic-inorganic perovskites have proven to be outstanding solar cell light-absorbing materials due to their spectacular properties such as high tolerance to defects, bandgap tunability, high carrier mobility, long diffusion length, and high absorption coefficient. However, the associated stability issues in harsh conditions hinder their commercial prospects. In addition to the instability of the absorbing perovskite layer, the usage of organic transport layers and its vulnerable interface with the absorbing layer also contributes to the overall instability of the device. Taking a cue from inorganic solar cell counterparts, researchers have now turned their attention to the development of inorganic perovskites to improve the stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Work in this direction has led to power conversion efficiency (PCE) beyond 19% with improved stability. Here, we review the progress made toward the development of all-inorganic perovskite materials and their integration into PSCs as stable absorbers. We have discussed in extensive detail the work done so far for different inorganic perovskite materials, their associated device performance, and stability. Besides this, we have also discussed the integration of inorganic transport layers in PSCs replacing the organic counterparts used traditionally and their effect on the stability of the device. The stability of all-inorganic PSCs under different harsh environmental conditions has also been discussed in detail. Finally, we have presented a summary and outlook on the realization of all-inorganic efficient and stable PSCs toward their commercial adaptability.