Vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) processed perovskite solar cells for in space assembly

This project entitled, “Vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) processed perovskite solar cells for in-space assembly” aims to develop a simple solar panel manufacturing process suitable for space, particularly the lunar surface. Direct in-space assembly of solar panels - especially on the lunar surface - could be critical for future NASA space missions. As a part of NASA’s Artemis program launched in 2017, NASA plans to send human’s back to Moon by the mid-2020s and develop a base-camp on the Moon for supporting longer expeditions on the lunar surface. Therefore, the planned base camp will require a robust source of power. If we could fabricate solar panels directly on the lunar surface, it would be greatly beneficial to establishing sustainable long-term exploration of the Moon. Metal halide perovskites have stimulated considerable interest recently due to their rapid increase in power conversion efficiency (> 25%), which is now at levels in excess of state-of-the-art crystalline silicon solar cells. While for terrestrial applications, the vulnerability of halide perovskite solar cells to oxygen and moisture is a major drawback this issue is largely irrelevant in space since there is no oxygen or moisture in this environment. As such, the environmental conditions limiting the implementation of perovskites terrestrially are less problematic in space. This coupled with their lightweight, the potential for low specific power and packing volume, and the potential for deployable implementation; along with the ease of processing, outstanding performance, and their remarkable radiation tolerance all suggest perovskite thin film solar cells are excellent candidates for space applications. In this proposed research, we would like to explore fully vacuum processed thermally evaporated (VTE) halide perovskite solar cells using only solid precursors to develop a simple solar panel manufacturing process suitable for space, particularly the lunar surface. Typical solution-based perovskite solar cell fabrication that could enable cost-effective printing and manufacturing is very attractive for commercial applications terrestrially. However, the proposed solid-based VTE-processed perovskite solar cell fabrication has more advantages for direct in-space manufacturing because it offers the potential for high power generation at lower payloads. Unlike the typical solution-based perovskite solar cell process, which requires large amounts of solvents that would create additional weight and require larger volumes in spacecraft, VTE-based solar cell fabrication is inherently solvent-free using only solid precursors that would occupy minimum weight and less volume during transit. To achieve the goals of this project, a multi-disciplinary team of researchers from Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science, comprising faculty from the three large research universities in Oklahoma (Oklahoma - OU and Tulsa - TU, and Oklahoma State University - OSU) has been assembled. Dr. Do Young Kim, who has the expertise in fabrication and characterization of halide perovskite solar cells using VTE-deposited halide perovskites, will lead the proposed NASA EPSCoR research as the Science-I. While this proposal is of strong interest to several NASA Directorates; including the SMD, the STMD, and the HEOD, it is the STMD that is charged with developing novel innovative solar cell technologies that enable current and future missions. The Photovoltaics and Electrochemical Systems Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center already shows a strong interest in this proposed research for the implementation of perovskite solar cells for future lunar missions.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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