Influence of Device Architecture and Bifacial Design on Radiation-Induced Degradation in Perovskite Solar Cells

Hryhorii Parkhomenko^a, Yerassyl Yerlanuly^b^,^c, Maxim Zdorovets^d, Marcin Ziółek^a, Askhat Jumabekov^e

^aFaculty of Physics and Astronomy, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań 61-614, Poland

^bKazakh-British Technical University, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan

^cInstitute of Applied Sciences and Information Technologies, 050038, Almaty, Kazakhstan

^dThe Institute of Nuclear Physics, Almaty 050032, Kazakhstan

^eDepartment of Physics, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

Proceedings of MATSUS Fall 2026 Conference (MATSUSFall26)

D2 Functional Materials for Emerging Photovoltaics: from Everyday Integration to Extreme Environments

Palma, Spain, 2026 October 26th - 30th

Organizers: Jessica Barichello, Stefania Cacovich and Fabio Matteocci

Oral, Hryhorii Parkhomenko, presentation 108
Publication date: 22nd July 2026

Metal-halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising candidates for lightweight, high-specific-power photovoltaic systems intended for operation in radiation-rich environments.[1,2] While numerous studies have demonstrated a degree of radiation tolerance in PSCs [3-5], the influence of device architecture and electrode configuration on radiation-induced degradation remains insufficiently understood. Identifying design strategies that enhance radiation hardness is therefore critical for the development of perovskite photovoltaics for aerospace applications.

In this work, we investigate the impact of device architecture and bifacial design on the radiation response of PSCs subjected to heavy-ion irradiation. PSCs employing both n-i-p and p-i-n configurations were exposed to krypton ions (Kr-ion energy: 1.75 MeV; Fluence: 10¹⁰-10¹¹ nucleons/cm²). In addition, conventional monofacial cells with opaque metallic rear electrodes are compared with bifacial devices incorporating transparent rear contacts. We conducted a complex material characterization of the perovskite active layer and device physics analysis of the perovskite solar cells before and after irradiation. Significant variations in radiation tolerance were identified between n-i-p and p-i-n architectures, highlighting the critical role of interfaces and charge-transport layers in determining device stability. The comparison between monofacial and bifacial designs further reveals the influence of rear-contact engineering on radiation-induced performance losses and degradation pathways. The results provide new insight into the relationship between device design and radiation hardness in perovskite photovoltaics and establish guidelines for the development of radiation-tolerant monofacial and bifacial PSCs for future space-energy applications.

References:

[1] Erickson, S. S., Arteaga, J., VanSant, K. T., Kirmani, A. R., Harvey, S. P., Luther, J. M., Peshek, T. J., McMillon-Brown, L., & Ghosh, S., Full Device Evaluation of Metal Halide Perovskite Solar Cells in Low Earth Orbit Aboard the International Space Station. 2025, Small, 21, e08232.

[2] Kirmani, A. R., & Sellers, I. R., Are Metal-Halide Perovskite Solar Cells Really Radiation Tolerant? 2025, Joule, 9, 101852.

[3] Lang, F., Nickel, N. H., Bundesmann, J., Seidel, S., Denker, A., Albrecht, S., Brus, V. V., Rappich, J., Rech, B., Landi, G., & Neitzert, H. C., Radiation Hardness and Self-Healing of Perovskite Solar Cells. 2016, Advanced Materials, 28, 8726.

[4] De Rossi, F., Taheri, B., Bonomo, M., Gupta, V., Renno, G., Yaghoobi Nia, N., Rech, P., Frost, C., Cazzaniga, C., Quagliotto, P., Di Carlo, A., Barolo, C., Ottavi, M., & Brunetti, F., Neutron Irradiated Perovskite Films and Solar Cells on PET Substrates. 2022, Nano Energy, 93, 106879.

[5] Li, P., Dong, H., Lan, J., Bai, Y., He, C., Ma, L., Li, Y., & Liu, J., Tolerance of Perovskite Solar Cells under Proton and Electron Irradiation. 2022, Materials, 15, 1393.

Acknowledgements:

H.P. gratefully acknowledges support from the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange through the Ulam NAWA Program (grant number BNI/ULM/2024/1/00019).

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