Quantum dots solar cells under mimic high altitude platform satellites environments

Abstract

Quantum dot solar cells are solution-processable, lightweight, and low-cost, and their long-term stability makes them attractive to explore for aerospace applications. In this work, we have studied lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal quantum dot solar cells (CQDSCs) using three different types of hole transport layer combinations, such as PbS-MPA/PbS-MPA (PbS-MPA), P3HT/PTAA (P3HT), and PBDB-T/MoO3(PBDB-T), under mimic working environmental conditions for high altitude platform satellites (HAPS). It includes ultraviolet rich solar irradiation (AM0), low temperature conditions (+10 to −20 °C), and low pressure. The thermal cycling (considering change in temperature at day–night) measurements were also conducted. The device performance under a broad range of temperatures from +80 to −100 °C was also included. The devices delivered power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.46 (8.41), 9.68 (7.86), and 11.77 (10.75)% for PbS-MPA, P3HT, and PBDB-T devices under AM1.5G(AM0), respectively. PbS-MPA devices maintain the PCE and slightly improve their performance under low temperatures (from 0 down to −100 °C). Meanwhile, the P3HT and PBDB-T-based CQDSCs devices started to decline in PCE significantly from −40 and +10 °C, respectively. Furthermore, PbS-MPA devices show excellent thermal cycling stability, making them attractive for further exploration for aerospace applications.