Recent progress in perovskite solar cells: material science

Perovskite solar cells represent a promising third-generation photovoltaic technology with low fabrication cost and high power conversion efficiency. In light of the rapid development of perovskite materials and devices, a systematic survey on the latest advancements covering a broad range of related work is urgently needed. This review summarizes the recent major advances in the research of perovskite solar cells from a material science perspective. The discussed topics include the devices based on different type of perovskites (organic-inorganic hybrid, all-inorganic, and lead-free perovskite and perovskite quantum dots), the properties of perovskite defects, different type of charge transport materials (organic, polymeric, and inorganic hole transport materials and inorganic and organic electron transport materials), counter electrodes, and interfacial materials used to improve the efficiency and stability of devices. Most discussions focus on the key progresses reported within the recent five years. Meanwhile, the major issues limiting the production of perovskite solar cells and the prospects for the future development of related materials are discussed.