Using Metal Halide Perovskites to Design Materials Resilient to Radiation

Student’s name: Zoe Bell Home Institution: Arizona State University NNCI Site: NCI-SW @ Arizona State University REU Principal Investigator: Nick Rolston REU Mentor: Vineeth Penukula Abstract: Photovoltaic technology is applied globally, but photovoltaic technology is active only in the sunlight. There is a need to develop power sources that operate continuously. Halide perovskite solar cells are thin, lightweight ionic conductors that convert sunlight into electricity. This study investigates which additives and concentrations create a thick, crystallized lead halide perovskite capable of absorbing ionizing radiation. Cesium lead bromide mixed with different amounts of polyethylene glycol and starch were prepared inside a glove box and then applied to a glass slide using blade coating. The characterization process analyzed the substrates' crystallization, bandgap, and thickness. Cesium lead bromide with a 50% concentration of polyethylene glycol created a bandgap of 2.3 electron volts and a thickness of 2.3 micrometers. Cesium lead bromide with a 30% concentration of starch created a bandgap of 2.3 electron volts and a thickness of 2.3 micrometers. These findings suggest that cesium lead bromide with a 50% concentration of polyethylene glycol has a high tolerance to ionizing radiation.