Investigation of degradation mechanisms of perovskite-based photovoltaic devices using laser beam induced current mapping

Solution processed thin film photovoltaic devices incorporating organohalide perovskites have progressed rapidly in recent years and achieved energy conversion efficiencies greater than 20%. However, an important issue limiting their commercialization is that device efficiencies often drop within the first few hundred hours of operation. To explore the origin of the device degradation and failure in perovskite solar cells, we investigated the spatial uniformity of current collection at different stages of aging using two-dimensional laser beam induced current (LBIC) mapping. We validated that the local decomposition of the perovskite material is likely due to interactions with moisture in the air by comparing photocurrent collection in perovskite devices that were maintained in different controlled environments. We show that the addition of a poly(methyl methacrylate)/single-wall carbon nanotube (PMMA/SWCNT) encapsulation layer prevents degradation of the device in moist air. This suggests a route toward perovskite solar cells with improved operational stability and moisture resistance.