Researchers Develop Strategy to Enhance Perovskite Solar Cell Stability

A collaborative research effort has led to a significant advancement in the field of renewable energy, particularly in the development of more efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Prof. Wu Shengfan, an Assistant Professor at Lingnan University, played a pivotal role in this breakthrough alongside teams from the City University of Hong Kong, the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, and Jilin University. Their findings were published in the esteemed journal Nature on September 17, 2025.

The researchers introduced a “self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) stabilization strategy” aimed at enhancing the operational stability of PSCs, particularly under high-temperature conditions. Current PSC technology, while promising due to its high efficiency and low production costs, struggles with stability, which hampers its commercial viability. This new strategy addresses these challenges, potentially accelerating the adoption of perovskite-based photovoltaics in the market.

To implement this strategy, the team designed a crosslinkable SAM molecule known as JJ24, which works in conjunction with a hole-selective SAM molecule called CbzNaph. By subjecting these molecules to annealing at 160°C, the researchers created stable covalent bonds between them. This process yields three significant advantages: it enhances the conformational stability of the SAM molecules, suppresses perovskite degradation, and improves charge extraction while reducing energy losses.

The results of these innovations are compelling. The inverted PSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.98 percent, with third-party verification confirming an efficiency of 26.82 percent. In rigorous testing conducted under the standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the cells sustained their efficiency after 1,000 hours of continuous operation and retained over 98 percent of their initial efficiency following 700 thermal cycling tests ranging from -40°C to 85°C.

“The breakthrough lies in simultaneously achieving nearly 27 percent energy conversion efficiency and long-term continuous operation without efficiency degradation under 85°C high-temperature conditions,” explained Prof. Wu. He emphasized that this strategy demonstrates versatility, as it can be applied to various mainstream SAM molecules, showcasing excellent scalability for larger solar cell areas.

The implications of this research extend beyond laboratory results. Prof. Wu anticipates that the advancements could lead to practical deployment of large-area perovskite solar modules within the next 3-5 years. This represents a crucial step toward realizing more sustainable energy solutions and supports the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions.

The publication of this research not only signifies a milestone for the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Lingnan University but also underscores the institution’s commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies. As the world seeks innovative solutions to combat climate change, findings like these provide a solid foundation for the industrialization and large-scale application of next-generation photovoltaic technologies.