Performance degradation in P3HT-based perovskite solar cells induced by proton irradiation at room temperature and 150 °C

Abstract

This study compares radiation effects in P3HT-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) induced by proton irradiations at room temperature and 150 °C. The PSCs exhibit superior radiation resistance, showing no degradation up to a fluence of 1 × 10¹³ p/cm². Further irradiation causes progressive degradation until complete failure at 3 × 10¹⁴ p/cm². Remarkable, no significant differences exist between the room-temperature and 150 °C irradiations, demonstrating robust thermal stability of the P3HT-based PSCs. Through replacing the P3HT hole-transport layer and Au electrode, the irradiation-induced deterioration of the P3HT layer is identified as the main degradation mechanism. Proton irradiation disrupts P3HT's π-conjugation degree and inter-chain order, reducing its conductivity and consequently the PSC performance. These results highlight the suitability of P3HT-based PSCs for space applications, where both radiation hardness and thermal stability are critical.