EFFECTS OF OXIDIZED SUCROSE CROSS-LINKED CASSAVA STARCH FILM ON THE PHOTOVOLTAIC PROPERTIES OF PEROVSKITE SOLAR CELLS

Abstract

Despite rapid progress in the perovskite solar cell efficiency, there have been concerns about issues which could affect the measurement accuracy and/or practical applications of these devices, amongst which are stability, scaling up (large area devices), and possible environmental effects related to the use of lead-based active material. Based on the findings from previous studies, an optimized biodegradable oxidized sucrose cross-linked cassava starch film layer with zirconium oxide is introduced as a desiccant and buffer against damp heat and thermal recycling. This modified photovoltaic device is capable of resisting ingress of moisture at elevated temperatures, withstanding temperature cycling without delamination, and as such, enables efficient and stable operation. The layers in the PSC were modified by replacing the conventional metallic counter electrode with a low-cost carbon counter electrode. The PSC device with the control architecture underwent a more rapid degradation, particularly within the first 288 hours though with a higher PCE than the modified device. However, in contrast, the PSC device with the buffer layer only degraded a small amount. The best device maintained 95% of its initial efficiency after exposure for 550 hours.