Simulating Proton Radiation Tolerance of Perovskite Solar Cells for Space Applications

Abstract

Perovskite solar cell technology offers a promising power option for space applications due to its potential properties of high power-to-weight ratios and space-radiation tolerance. Herein, a new simulation-based method is introduced to predict the degradation of perovskite solar cells under proton radiation. The approach uses ion scattering simulations to generate depth-dependent defect profiles as a function of proton energy and fluence, which are then incorporated into optoelectronic simulations to predict the degradation. The method to study the impact of perovskite compositions on radiation tolerance is applied and an inorganic perovskite CsPbI2Br and an organic–inorganic perovskite FAMAPbI3 is compared. The simulations predict that CsPbI2Br and FAMAPbI3 cells retain 62% and 65% of their initial efficiencies after a 100 keV fluence of 1e14 cm−2, respectively. For comparison, unshielded III–V solar cells display similar degradation for proton fluences 3–4 orders of magnitude lower. It is also shown that the radiation direction must be considered when interpreting and predicting radiation tolerance, as the spatial overlap between photogenerated carriers and radiation-induced defects has a significant impact on cell performance. Finally, a method to predict mission end-of-life performance of perovskite cells is demonstrated, taking into account the full proton radiation energy spectrum and fluence and the incident direction.