The Hydrogen Atom Model as a Conceptual Bridge: Photon–Electron Interaction in Perovskite Solar Cells and Its Implications for Physics Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29303/goescienceed.v7i4.1578Keywords:
Energy transition, Hydrogen atom model, Perovskite, Photon–electron interaction, PhysicsAbstract
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exemplify the application of quantum principles in renewable energy technologies, with their operation rooted in photon–electron interactions analogous to the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom. To date, no systematic critical review has explicitly mapped this conceptual continuity for pedagogical purposes. This systematic review (n=14) employs qualitative thematic synthesis to (1) describe how the hydrogen atom model informs electron excitation in perovskites, (2) synthesize recent literature on energy transitions, and (3) analyze its relevance to physics education. Findings demonstrate that the quantized energy transition principle extends from atomic systems to solid-state band structures, establishing a novel conceptual bridge that simplifies complex quantum phenomena for secondary learners. Despite differences in scale and exciton binding energy, the conceptual continuity provides a powerful analogy for teaching quantum mechanics. Integrating PSCs into STEM or project-based learning offers an authentic context to enhance quantum literacy, linking foundational theory with real-world innovation. This approach aligns with modern curricula such as Indonesia’s Merdeka Curriculum, particularly in themes of Critical Reasoning and Global Diversity.
References
Adjogri, S. J., & Meyer, E. L. (2020). A Review on Lead-Free Hybrid Halide Perovskites as Light Absorbers for Photovoltaic Applications Based on Their Structural, Optical, and Morphological Properties. In Molecules. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25215039
Al-Kamzari, F., & Alias, M. (2025). The effectiveness of project-based learning in enhancing students’ 21st-century skills in physics education: A systematic review. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04579-4
Csernovszky, Z., & Horváth, A. (2018). Organic solar cells and physics education. European Journal of Physics. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404/aab5d1
Farkhan, M., et al. (2025). Project-based learning in physics education: A bibliometric analysis of research trends and effectiveness. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 14(1), 45–56.
Griffiths, D. J., & Schroeter, D. F. (2018). Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. In Introduction to Quantum Mechanics. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316995433
Kharintsev, S. S., Battalova, E. I., Matchenya, I. A., Nasibulin, A. G., Marunchenko, A. A., & Pushkarev, A. P. (2025). Extreme Electron-Photon Interaction in Disordered Perovskites. Advanced Science, 12(5), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202405709
Kirchartz, T. (2019). Photon Management in Perovskite Solar Cells. In Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b02053
Miah, M. H., Rahman, M. B., Nur-E-Alam, M., Islam, M. A., Shahinuzzaman, M., Rahman, M. R., Ullah, M. H., & Khandaker, M. U. (2025). Key degradation mechanisms of perovskite solar cells and strategies for enhanced stability: issues and prospects. RSC Advances, 15(1), 628–654. https://doi.org/10.1039/d4ra07942f
Nanni, L. (2015). The Hydrogen Atom: a Review on the Birth of Modern Quantum Mechanics. January, 1–63. http://arxiv.org/abs/1501.05894
Olszewski, S. (2019). Time Intervals of the Electron Transitions between the Energy States in the Hydrogen Atom Calculated in a Non-Probabilistic Way. Journal of Modern Physics. https://doi.org/10.4236/jmp.2019.1013101
Rusli, R., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of STEM-integrated project-based learning in physics education: A systematic literature review. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2193(1), 012045. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2193/1/012045
Saliba, M., Unger, E., Etgar, L., Luo, J., & Jacobsson, T. J. (2023). A systematic discrepancy between the short circuit current and the integrated quantum efficiency in perovskite solar cells. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41263-0
Suwasono, S., et al. (2024). A systematic review of project-based learning in physics education: Impacts on higher-order thinking skills. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Indonesia, 12(2), 210–222.
Usman, U., et al. (2024). Development of project-based learning tools to improve students’ critical thinking skills in physics. Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika, 12(1), 34–42.
Wang, J., Bi, L., Fu, Q., & Jen, A. K. Y. (2024). Methods for Passivating Defects of Perovskite for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules. Advanced Energy Materials, 14(35), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202401414
Wang, S., Wang, A., & Hao, F. (2022). Toward stable lead halide perovskite solar cells: A knob on the A/X sites components. In iScience. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2021.103599
Wang, T., Chen, J., Wu, G., & Li, M. (2016). Optimal design of efficient hole transporting layer free planar perovskite solar cell. Science China Materials. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-016-5108-4
Xia, J., Luo, J., Yang, H., Zhao, F., Wan, Z., Malik, H. A., Shi, Y., Han, K., Yao, X., & Jia, C. (2020). Vertical Phase Separated Cesium Fluoride Doping Organic Electron Transport Layer: A Facile and Efficient “Bridge” Linked Heterojunction for Perovskite Solar Cells. Advanced Functional Materials. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202001418
Yamada, Y., & Kanemitsu, Y. (2022). Electron-phonon interactions in halide perovskites. In NPG Asia Materials. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41427-022-00394-4
Zakirman. (2022). The effect of project-based learning on students’ understanding in basic physics. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 8(2), 123–130.
