Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Solar Cells
1.1 Overview of Photovoltaic Devices and Solar Energy
1.1.1 A Brief History of Solar Energy
1.1.2 Current Technology
1.2 An Introduction to Perovskite Materials and Their Properties
1.3 Classification of Perovskites
1.4 A Brief History of Perovskite Solar Cell Development
1.4.1 The Early Development of Perovskite Solar Cells
1.5 Advancements in Perovskite Solar Cell Technology
1.5.1 The Optimization of Perovskite Materials
1.6 Improved Device Architectures
1.7 The Development of New Electron and Hole-Transporting Materials
1.8 Challenges and Future Directions
1.8.1 Scalability
1.8.2 Cost
1.8.3 Efficiency
1.8.4 Toxicity and Environmental Impact
2. Materials Science of Perovskite Solar Cells
2.1 The Synthesis and Characterization of Perovskite Thin Films
2.1.1 One-Step Method
2.1.2 Two-Step Method
2.1.3 Principles of VASM
2.1.4 Thermal Vapor Deposition (TVD)
2.1.5 Templating Methods
2.2 The Characterization of Perovskite Thin Films
2.2.1 Film Thickness and Surface Morphology
2.2.2 Crystal Structure and Phase Purity
2.2.3 Electronic Properties
2.2.4 Current-Voltage (I-V) Electronic Properties of Perovskite Thin Films
2.2.5 Optical Properties of Perovskite Thin Films
3. Device Engineering of Perovskite Solar Cells
3.1 Device Architecture and Operation Principles
3.1.1 The Active Layer
3.1.2 Charge Transport Layers
3.1.3 Electrodes
3.1.4 Other Components
3.1.5 The Optimization of Perovskite Solar Cell Performance
3.1.6 The Stability and Durability of Perovskite Solar Cells
3.1.7 The Commercialization and Market Outlook for Perovskite Solar Cells
4. Advanced Concepts in Perovskite Solar Cell Research
4.1 Tandem Solar Cells and Hybrid Devices
4.2 Emerging Technologies and Future Directions in Perovskite Solar Cell Research
5. Conclusion
5.0.1 Building-Integrated Photovoltaics
5.0.2 Portable Power Devices
5.0.3 Large-Scale Power Plants
5.0.4 The Potential Impact on the Renewable Energy Landscape
Author’s ORCID iD
Thembinkosi D. Malevu– 0000-0003-0266-011X