Ivan S. Zhidkov

Bio: Ivan S. Zhidkov is an academic researcher from Ural Federal University. The author has contributed to research in topics: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy & Perovskite (structure). The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 102 publications receiving 1081 citations. Previous affiliations of Ivan S. Zhidkov include Ural State University & Russian Academy of Sciences.

Probing the Intrinsic Thermal and Photochemical Stability of Hybrid and Inorganic Lead Halide Perovskites

Abstract: We report a careful and systematic study of thermal and photochemical degradation of a series of complex haloplumbates APbX3 (X = I, Br) with hybrid organic (A+ = CH3NH3) and inorganic (A+ = Cs+) cations under anoxic conditions (i.e., without exposure to oxygen and moisture by testing in an inert glovebox environment). We show that the most common hybrid materials (e.g., MAPbI3) are intrinsically unstable with respect to the heat- and light-induced stress and, therefore, can hardly sustain the real solar cell operation conditions. On the contrary, the cesium-based all-inorganic complex lead halides revealed far superior stability and, therefore, provide an impetus for creation of highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells that can potentially achieve pragmatic operational benchmarks.

Light or Heat: What Is Killing Lead Halide Perovskites under Solar Cell Operation Conditions?

Abstract: We report the first systematic assessment of intrinsic photothermal stability of a large panel of complex lead halides APbX3 incorporating different univalent cations (A = CH3NH3+, [NH2CHNH2]+, Cs+) and halogen anions (X = Br, I) using a series of analytical techniques such as UV-vis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, EDX analysis, atomic force and scanning electron microscopy, ESR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. We show that heat stress and light soaking induce a severe degradation of perovskite films even in the absence of oxygen and moisture. The stability of complex lead halides increases in the order MAPbBr3 < MAPbI3 < FAPbI3 < FAPbBr3 < CsPbI3 < CsPbBr3, thus featuring all-inorganic perovskites as the most promising absorbers for stable perovskite solar cells. An important correlation was found between the stability of the complex lead halides and the volatility of univalent cation halides incorporated in their structure. The established relationship provides useful guidelines for designing new complex metal halides with immensely improved stability.

Hexaazatriphenylene-based polymer cathode for fast and stable lithium-, sodium- and potassium-ion batteries

Abstract: Organic redox-active compounds represent a promising family of materials for metal-ion batteries. They can be produced from renewable resources and contain no toxic or expensive heavy metals. Moreover, they are much less specific to the nature of the mobile ion, such as Li+, Na+ or K+, which facilitates the development of cheaper alternatives to the currently dominating lithium-ion battery technology. Here we report stable and ultrafast lithium-, sodium- and potassium-ion batteries (LIBs, SIBs and PIBs) comprising a polymer cathode based on hexaazatriphenylene, which is synthesized from 3,3′-diaminobenzidine and triquinoyl. Using LIBs as a model system, it is shown that the application of dimethoxyethane (DME) as the electrolyte solvent is crucial for achieving a superior performance. Using a DME-based electrolyte, a specific capacity of 169 mA h g−1 is reached for PIBs at an impressive current density of 10 A g−1 (charging/discharging in ca. one minute) after 4600 cycles. At a lower current density of 50 mA g−1, the capacity of PIBs approaches 245 mA h g−1. The performance of the designed polymer cathode is among the best ever reported for K-ion battery materials in terms of specific capacity, energy and power density. The polymer-based devices demonstrated record cycling stability, outperforming all non-aqueous potassium-ion batteries reported to date.

High-Energy and High-Power-Density Potassium Ion Batteries Using Dihydrophenazine-Based Polymer as Active Cathode Material.

Abstract: Polymeric aromatic amines were shown to be very promising cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. Surprisingly, these materials are scarcely used for designing post-lithium batteries. In this Letter, we investigate the application of the high-voltage poly(N-phenyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine) (p-DPPZ) cathodes for K-ion batteries. The designed batteries demonstrate an impressive specific capacity of 162 mAh g-1 at the current density of 200 mA g-1, operate efficiently at high current densities of 2-10 A g-1, enabling charge and discharge within ∼1-4 min, and deliver the specific capacity of 125-145 mAh g-1 with a retention of 96 and 79% after 100 and 1000 charge-discharge cycles, respectively. Finally, these K-ion batteries with polymeric p-DPPZ cathodes showed rather outstanding specific power of >3 × 104 W kg-1, thus paving a way to the design of ultrafast and durable high-capacity metal-ion batteries matching the increasing demand for high power and high energy density electrochemical energy storage devices.

Consensus statement for stability assessment and reporting for perovskite photovoltaics based on ISOS procedures

Abstract: Improving the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells is critical to the deployment of this technology. Despite the great emphasis laid on stability-related investigations, publications lack consistency in experimental procedures and parameters reported. It is therefore challenging to reproduce and compare results and thereby develop a deep understanding of degradation mechanisms. Here, we report a consensus between researchers in the field on procedures for testing perovskite solar cell stability, which are based on the International Summit on Organic Photovoltaic Stability (ISOS) protocols. We propose additional procedures to account for properties specific to PSCs such as ion redistribution under electric fields, reversible degradation and to distinguish ambient-induced degradation from other stress factors. These protocols are not intended as a replacement of the existing qualification standards, but rather they aim to unify the stability assessment and to understand failure modes. Finally, we identify key procedural information which we suggest reporting in publications to improve reproducibility and enable large data set analysis. Reliability of stability data for perovskite solar cells is undermined by a lack of consistency in the test conditions and reporting. This Consensus Statement outlines practices for testing and reporting stability tailoring ISOS protocols for perovskite devices.

Systematic investigation of the impact of operation conditions on the degradation behaviour of perovskite solar cells

Abstract: Perovskite solar cells have achieved power-conversion efficiency values approaching those of established photovoltaic technologies, making the reliable assessment of their operational stability the next essential step towards commercialization. Although studies increasingly often involve a form of stability characterization, they are conducted in non-standardized ways, which yields data that are effectively incomparable. Furthermore, stability assessment of a novel material system with its own peculiarities might require an adjustment of common standards. Here, we investigate the effects of different environmental factors and electrical load on the ageing behaviour of perovskite solar cells. On this basis, we comment on our perceived relevance of the different ways these are currently aged. We also demonstrate how the results of the experiments can be distorted and how to avoid the common pitfalls. We hope this work will initiate discussion on how to age perovskite solar cells and facilitate the development of consensus stability measurement protocols.

A technoeconomic analysis of perovskite solar module manufacturing with low-cost materials and techniques

Abstract: After rapid progress in the past few years, emerging solar cells based on metal halide perovskites have become a potential candidate to rival and even outperform crystalline silicon photovoltaics (PV) in the marketplace. With high material utilization, easy manufacturing processes, and high power conversion efficiencies >20%, many experts anticipate that perovskite solar cells (PSCs) will be one of the cheapest PV technologies in the future. Here we evaluate the economic potential of PSCs by developing a bottom-up cost model for perovskite PV modules fabricated using feasible low-cost materials and processes. We calculate the direct manufacturing cost ($31.7 per m2) and the minimum sustainable price (MSP, $0.41 per Wp) for a standard perovskite module manufactured in the United States. Such modules, operating at 16% photoconversion efficiency in a 30-year, unsubsidized, utility-level power plant, would produce electricity at levelized cost of energy (LCOE) values ranging from 4.93 to 7.90 ¢ per kW per h. We discuss limitations in comparing calculated MSPs to actual market prices, determine the effect of module lifetime, examine the effects of alternative materials and constructions, and indicate avenues to further reduce the MSP and LCOE values. The analysis shows that PSCs can emerge as a cost leader in PV power generation if critical remaining issues can be resolved.