Experimental Validation of Strong Proton Radiation Tolerance of Surface-Treated All-Inorganic CsPbI<sub>3</sub> Perovskite Solar Cells for Space Applications.

Shim, Hongjae; Kim, Ju Won; Song, Hyunsun; Richards, Tommy H; He, Mingrui; Jang, Suyoung; Lim, Jihoo; Lee, Minwoo et al. · Nano Lett · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The rapid expansion of space-based initiatives and the increasing deployment of satellites have intensified the demand for high-performance, radiation-tolerant photovoltaics (PV). This study investigates the radiation tolerance of all-inorganic CsPbI<sub>3</sub> perovskites for space PV applications. Combining simulations and experimental evaluations, we compare the properties of CsPbI<sub>3</sub> films depending on the surface treatments using long chain cations. Octylammonium iodide (OAI) treatment forms a quasi-2D perovskite structure, whereas phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) induces a molecular cation layer. Under harsh proton irradiation (2 × 10<sup>14</sup> protons/cm<sup>2</sup> at 0.05 MeV), OAI-treated devices exhibited only a 19% efficiency reduction, significantly lower than the performance degradation observed in organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite PVs. Moreover, OAI treatment does not have adverse effects after irradiation, while the PEAI layer results in a severe deviation in surface electrical potential following irradiation. These findings suggest new directions for using all-inorganic PSCs in high-radiation environments, prompting further investigation into next-generation space PV technologies.