Determining Fracture Properties and Robustness of Perovskite Thin Film Energy Devices

Perovskite films are the future of solar cell technology as they are not only low cost to produce and lightweight but also have a 26% conversion efficiency. This is extremely close to the standard silicon solar cell. The key challenge limiting the commercialization potential of these films is their fragility and durability to outdoors conditions. This project investigates the mechanical and material properties of these perovskite materials in order to understand their future manufacturing capabilities. Through the use of a spin coater, blade coater, and a double cantilever beam testing set up, the fracture energy (or toughness), Gc, of Perovskite films is determined. Understanding the properties of these films can help manufacturers determine how to best make durable films that can be used in everyday energy generation. Furthermore, this study offers strategies to improve the fracture energy of these films by adding polymers and food-additive starches to the recipe. The findings collected in this project present a technique to study the mechanical properties of perovskite-based solar technology and films and further aid the technology to become commercially viable.