Periodic Reporting for period 3 - PeroCUBE (High-Performance Large Area Organic Perovskite devices for lighting, energy and Pervasive Communications)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2023-04-01 do 2024-03-31
PeroCUBE had the objective to advance technologies based on organometal halide perovskite semiconductors, a class of low-cost yet high-quality materials which have the potential to advance the field of organic large area electronics (OLAE) beyond the state-of-the-art. These perovskite materials can be deposited at low temperature on a variety of substrates, including flexible ones, while at the same time retaining excellent optoelectronic properties similar to monocrystalline III-V and Si semiconductors. This peculiar combination of properties opens new perspectives for lightweight optoelectronic technologies, including for photovoltaic (PV) and light-emitting diode (LED) devices. PeroCUBE activities enabled (i) gaining new knowledge on the properties of these materials through atomic-scale simulations, (ii) developing innovative characterization methods for perovskites based on a new type of dual-cavity laser, (iii) validating the performance of layer stacks in small-scale devices, (iv) developing scalable manufacturing processes (notably roll-to-roll printing), and (v) demonstrating various prototypes to showcase the potential of perovskite materials for lighting, energy harvesting and visible light communication. These developments have the potential to have a positive societal impact as highlighted by quantitative life cycle analyses and human health risk assessments: perovskite materials have the potential to provide electricity at a lower environmental cost than alternative technologies.
PeroCUBE evaluated the potential of metal halide perovskite semiconductors for photovoltaics (PV), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and light-fidelity (LiFi)/visible light communication (VLC). To this end, atomic-scale simulations and perovskite ink engineering experiments were conducted to identify the most promising perovskite materials, including 2D/3D heterostructures. The performance of these materials was validated by processing small-area PV and LED devices using laboratory-scale deposition methods. Small-area solar cells achieved an efficiency greater than 23%, while small red, green and blue LEDs achieved external quantum efficiencies greater than 20%, 20% and 10%, respectively. The most promising layers for PV and LED devices were then scaled up to larger dimensions, initially to 1 cm² and subsequently to greater than 50 cm². For this purpose, we used sheet-to-sheet (S2S) processes for rigid substrates and roll-to-roll (R2R) methods for flexible substrates. Devices were then encapsulated using optimized packaging stacks to ensure long-term stability, particularly under damp heat conditions. Small and large-area PV and LEDs (red, green, blue) devices, whether rigid or flexible, were characterized to understand structure-property relationships. To this end, PeroCUBE developed a nanoscale characterization method featuring a novel type of dual-cavity laser made specifically for PeroCUBE, combining an interband cascade laser and a quantum cascade laser. PePV devices were evaluated as photodetectors for VLC applications before being implemented in wearable devices with indoor positioning capabilities, using lamps transmitting a unique identifier. Additionally, devices featuring small perovskite photodetectors for VLC and a larger perovskite PV module on the same substrate were demonstrated for energy-autonomous VLC systems with indoor positioning capabilities. Perovskite LEDs were also included in a multifunctional demonstrator capable of emitting light, harvesting energy from light, and sensing for LiFi, touch screens, and photoplethysmography. While perovskite LED devices showed high performance in small areas, large-area devices (50 cm²) exhibited insufficient operational lifetimes due to extrinsic defects causing rapid device shunting. To address this issue, the consortium adopted an alternative approach: the light emitted by blue organic LEDs (OLEDs) was down-converted to red or green using perovskite phosphors. This method significantly improved operational stability and enabled the demonstration of a LiFi optical link with a perovskite LED sending coded information to a perovskite photodetector. Life cycle and human health risk assessments were performed, with results indicating a similar impact of PeroCUBE technologies compared to existing ones, and even a relative advantage for flexible perovskite PV. Overall, the project met its objectives of advancing metal halide perovskite semiconductors for photovoltaics, LEDs, and VLC by demonstrating: (i) perovskite compositions leading to high PV and LED performance, (ii) encapsulation methods for both rigid and flexible devices, with rigid encapsulation passing five times the IEC 61215 damp heat requirements, and (iii) perovskite prototypes for indoor positioning using visible light communication protocols. A number of trade secrets could be generated during the project and one patent has been filed. Concerning dissemination, more than 40 manuscripts were published in scientific journals and more than 60 presentations were given at conferences, workshops and fairs.
PeroCUBE generated significant expertise in perovskite PV and LED technologies, encompassing (i) a comprehensive understanding of the properties of materials and their interfaces, (ii) the development of scalable fabrication processes compatible with high-throughput industrial processing, (iii) the demonstration of novel metrology tools applicable to perovskites and other material systems, and (iv) the detailed assessment of the environmental and human health impact of these innovative perovskite technologies. Specifically, the theoretical studies conducted within the project provided new insights into the interfacial properties between 3D and (quasi) 2D perovskite materials and their impact on optoelectronic properties. At the device level, the development of perovskite inks, contact, and electrode materials led to high-efficiency solar cells and LEDs (red, green, and blue) and improved operational stability. Metrology advances were achieved through the development of a dual-cavity laser tailored for atomic force microscopy coupled with infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, sheet-to-sheet and roll-to-roll processing methods were developed, enabling the production of rigid and flexible devices with state-of-the-art efficiencies. Encapsulation methods developed in the project demonstrated excellent protection against extrinsic degradation factors, achieving over 5000 hours of damp heat stability (at 85 °C in 85% relative humidity), which is likely a record for the field of perovskite PV. Furthermore, various methods to assess the environmental and human health impact of new technologies, particularly perovskite-based ones, were developed and are freely accessible online to the broader community.
In the long term, the new materials, up-scalable fabrication processes, and device architectures developed within PeroCUBE are expected to bring perovskite technologies closer to market entry, initially as PV products, then as downconverters for display applications, and then possibly for visible light communication. While several challenges remain before commercialization can be realized, particularly regarding long-term stability, the work performed within PeroCUBE has advanced perovskite materials towards industrialization.
In the long term, the new materials, up-scalable fabrication processes, and device architectures developed within PeroCUBE are expected to bring perovskite technologies closer to market entry, initially as PV products, then as downconverters for display applications, and then possibly for visible light communication. While several challenges remain before commercialization can be realized, particularly regarding long-term stability, the work performed within PeroCUBE has advanced perovskite materials towards industrialization.