Anti-perovskites for photovoltaics: materials development and challenges

Abstract

For the next-generation solar cells with excellent device efficiency and stability, designing advanced light absorber materials with exceptional optoelectronic properties is extremely crucial. Perovskites have attracted great attention due to their high-power conversion efficiency, and low fabrication cost. Eventhough perovskites achieved the highest efficiency of 25.7% within a decade, lead (Pb) toxicity is one of the main issues that needs to be addressed. Also, they are susceptible to degradation under ambient conditions. On the other hand, anti-perovskites, which are electronically inverted perovskites, possess structural flexibility, environmentally benign chemical composition, appropriate band gap and hence, have the capability to replace perovskites as the absorber layer for next-generation solar cells. Thus, a thorough assessment is urgently required to spark widespread concern in this family of compounds. Based on the current research progress, the potential of anti-perovskites in solar cell research is compiled in this study. The structural variety, optoelectronic characteristics, and uncharted territory of these compounds are covered in great detail. Finally, we have discussed the future research directions for the development of anti-perovskite materials for the next generation efficient and stable solar cells.