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Assessment of Reliability of large-area perovskite photovoltaic modules via Multi-modal characterization and real-world cORrelation

Project description

Towards more durable perovskite solar cells

Perovskite photovoltaics show promise owing to their ability to achieve high efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity, rivaling or even exceeding traditional silicon-based solar cells. However, scaling up from small cells to larger modules presents challenges that must be addressed for widespread adoption. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ARMOR project will dive deeper into issues such as material inconsistencies and mechanical stress using cutting-edge diagnostics to uncover how modules degrade under real-world conditions. Instead of just lab tests, ARMOR will combine advanced tools to study how heat, humidity and light affect performance over time. Project work is expected to lead to better testing standards and faster commercialisation of perovskite modules.

Objective

Perovskite photovoltaics now achieve lab-scale efficiencies rivalling silicon, but bankable deployment hinges on stability at the module scale. While degradation in ~1 cm² cells is increasingly understood, the physics and chemistry of large area modules (≥100 cm²) remain unresolved because scaling introduces absorber/interface inhomogeneity, resistive interconnects, lateral transport limits, and encapsulation-driven thermomechanical stress. ARMOR will deliver an integrated, module-scale picture of degradation by combining optoelectronic, structural, and chemical diagnostics under harmonised indoor and outdoor protocols. Using industrially relevant modules from the host (IMEC), we will quantify performance loss under light soaking, damp heat (85 °C/85% RH), thermal cycling (-40-85 °C), and reverse bias. Time-resolved IV, EQE, EL/PL imaging, impedance spectroscopy, and infrared thermography will map spatial and temporal failure modes; SEM/AFM/XRD will track morphological and phase evolution; GC-MS, TOF SIMS, and Raman/FTIR will identify volatile and ionic decomposition pathways and interfacial reactions. A parallel outdoor deployment with continuous irradiance/temperature/humidity logging will capture real-world kinetics. ARMOR will elucidate light-induced degradation, reverse bias damage, degassing products, encapsulation failure, electric field screening, metastability, and intra-bandgap defects that impact module performance. By correlating indoor and field signatures, we will derive robust acceleration factors and build a physics-informed lifetime prediction model. Outcomes include a validated reliability workflow and actionable recommendations to tailor ISOS/IEC protocols for perovskites, accelerating their path to bankability. The fellow will receive advanced training in module upscaling, multi modal metrology, data modelling, and research leadership within IMEC’s innovation ecosystem, ensuring high scientific impact and strong career progression.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO-ELECTRONICA CENTRUM
Net EU contribution
€ 216 240,00
Address
KAPELDREEF 75
3001 Leuven
Belgium
Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven
Activity type
Research Organisations
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Total cost
No data