Multi-component engineering to enable long-term operational stability of perovskite solar cells

With a record efficiency above 25%, the main hurdle for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is their long-term operational stability. Although different strategies have been applied, the stability of PSCs is still far below the 25 year requirement demonstrated by commercial photovoltaic technologies. To advance in the former, a lab-scale stability analysis should resemble real testing conditions, and this is only possible through the interaction of several stress factors. Here, we briefly introduce the reader to the general degradation mechanisms observed on PSCs and the state-of-the-art strategies applied to realize long-term stable devices. Finally, we highlight the imperative need to engineer multiple components of the PSCs simultaneously and propose a rational design of PSC's constituents to obtain long-term operational solar cells. This perspective article will benefit the progression of PSCs as a reliable photovoltaic technology.