Proceedings of International Conference on Perovskite Thin Film Photovoltaics and Perovskite Photonics and Optoelectronics (NIPHO26)
Publication date: 22nd April 2026
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly emerged in the photovoltaic field, achieving remarkable increases in power conversion efficiency over the past decade [1]. These advancements have positioned PSCs at the forefront of next-generation solar energy research. However, despite their impressive performance, critical challenges remain for large-scale commercialization, particularly in terms of long-term operational stability and scalable, cost-effective manufacturing processes [2].
In this work, we explore the fabrication of inverted PSCs on unconventional and lightweight substrates as a pathway toward novel applications and improved material utilization [3]. Specifically, we demonstrate the successful integration of perovskite devices on paper substrates through parylene modification, achieving the highest efficiencies reported to date for this approach. This method highlights the potential for low-cost, widely accessible, and sustainable photovoltaic solutions. In addition, we fabricate PSCs on parylene substrates to realize ultralight, flexible, and bifacial solar cells. These devices combine mechanical robustness with high performance, enabling new possibilities for portable, wearable, and aerospace energy systems. Lastly, we employ parylene as an encapsulation material to extend the operational lifetime of perovskite solar cells.
Briefly, the fabrication steps are as follows: transparent electrodes are deposited using an RF sputtering system, while NiOx and self-assembled molecules are employed for hole extraction. The perovskite absorber layers and electron transport layers (ETLs) are deposited via spin-coating. Additionally, buffer layers are optimized depending on the device architecture. The surface morphology of the substrates, as well as the growth of the functional layers, is characterized in detail. The resulting perovskite films exhibit high quality and crystallinity, even when processed on paper substrates.
Our results underline the versatility of perovskite materials and provide further insight into substrate engineering as a viable strategy for advancing both the functionality and commercialization potential of perovskite solar technologies.
This work received funding from FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P.) under the projects LA/P/0037/2020, UIDP/50025/2020 and UIDB/50025/2020 of the Associate Laboratory Institute of Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication—i3N, as well as by the projects SpaceFlex (2022.01610.PTDC, DOI: 10.54499/2022.01610.PTDC), FLIGHTS (2024.14460.PEX). The authors also acknowledge funding from the European Union via the projects JUMP INTO SPACE (HORIZON-EIC-2023-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01, No. 101162377). Views and opinions expressed are however, those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. E. Coimbra also acknowledges funding by FCT I.P., respectively, through the grant 2024.02266.BD.
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