FURI | Fall 2025

Encapsulation Design to Enable Durable and Long-lasting Photovoltaic Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising alternatives to traditional silicon-based photovoltaics with their ability to harvest light even with structural imperfections and chemical impurities. The photoelectronic properties of PSCs are highly tunable based on the material composition, optimizing their photoluminescence across varying water depths, ideal for underwater applications. However, their instability in water-rich environments limits their stability. Encapsulation is therefore necessary to preserve structural and functional integrity. This study investigates the performance of polymer-based, UV-curable resin and rubber encapsulants on PSCs, using a pressure cooker to simulate underwater conditions and using optoelectronic tools to evaluate their stability.