Determining the Reverse Bias Breakdown Voltage of Perovskite Solar Cells

The degradation of perovskite solar cells due to reverse bias (RB) is one of the remaining challenges hindering the commercialization of the technology. To overcome this challenge, a thorough understanding of and control over the breakdown (BD) voltage are crucial. A prerequisite for this is that the community “speaks the same language,” that is, that the reported BD voltages are comparable. A review of literature data shows that the impact of measurement parameters is often unknown and seems to depend strongly on sample properties. It follows that standardization is the only way to reach comparability. Here, a set of measurement parameters to fill this gap is proposed. Additionally, various definitions of a “BD voltage” are used in parallel without any way of relating them to each other; this metric and its determination need to be considered as well. After a thorough discussion of the available definitions, the use of the point of maximum curvature is introduced. Its main advantage is the possible connection to an analytical description of the BD mechanism. In this way, a starting point for scientists new to the field of RB stability is provided, and the ground for a broader discussion in the community is prepared.