Modeling the Proton Irradiation Resilience of Perovskite Solar Cells

This study introduces a semiclassical modeling for the impact of proton irradiation on two perovskite solar cell structures: FA_0.7Cs_0.3Pb(I_0.9Br_0.1)₃/C₆₀ and Cs_0.01MA_0.01FA_0.98PbI₃/P3HT using coupled current-continuity and rate equations linked to irradiation-induced defect-generation rate. Results reveal a strong dependence of radiation response on perovskite composition. Proton irradiation can induce both ionizing and displacement damage in perovskite solar cells leading to vacancy and defect generation. The result is increased recombination and degradation of performance parameters (reduced fill factor and efficiency) or, otherwise, annihilation of defects in perovskite layer and an increase in the current density. The Br-alloyed cell exhibits superior radiation tolerance, maintaining rather stable open-circuit voltage and retaining ~ 56% of its initial power conversion efficiency at a fluence of 10¹³ p cm⁻², whereas the pure-iodine device shows pronounced voltage degradation despite partial current recovery. Simulated recombination rates, current–voltage characteristics, and internal quantum efficiency spectra show excellent agreement with experimental data. However, Br-alloyed perovskites show more resistance to proton irradiation and are more suitable for space and orbit photovoltaic applications with radiation-rich environment.