Perovskite Solar Cells for Indoor Light Harvesting

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite absorber materials have revolutionised photovoltaics research worldwide with the steepest ever increase in the power conversion efficiency from 3.8% in 2009 to 22.1% in 2016 under AM1.5G 1Sun (1000 Wm-2) conditions. PSCs have the best of both worlds, low temperature solution processability (like organic solar cells) leading to low cost and extraordinary material properties (like inorganic solar cells) leading to high efficiencies. Indoor light harvesting has recently attracted great attention because of unprecedented development of Internet of Things (IoT) which promises a future where a wide variety of consumer electronics, household amenities, bio-medical appliances as well as robotics could be integrated with and controlled via wireless communication systems and hence demand off-grid power sources. However, research focusing on indoor applications of PSCs is still in its infancy. Almost all studies reported on PSCs are under AM1.5G 1Sun conditions for outdoor applications. In the light of these issues, the project proposed aims to develop highly efficient PSCs for indoor applications.
The present proposal thus aims to fabricate efficient perovskite solar cells which will work in a wide range of indoor lighting conditions.
The main aims and objectives of the project are:
1. Development, characterisation and optimisation of highly efficient perovskite solar cells which will work in a wide range of indoor lighting conditions [from low light conditions (50 lux) to dimly-lit living rooms (200lux) through to brightly-lit supermarkets (1000lux)].
2. Identifying and addressing the key engineering issues viz., device stability, encapsulation for longevity necessary for commercial success.
3. Identifying and Implementing the pathways for successful dissemination, impact and exploitation of the research findings and outputs from the project.