Inverted perovskite solar cells based on self-assembled monolayers have shown high efficiency and low cost, but their stability remains a major challenge. Exposure to heat, humidity, and ultraviolet light can degrade the device interface, leading to performance loss and limiting practical applications.

In a study published in Advanced Materials, a team led by CHEN Chong from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a new synergistic strategy based on glutathione (GSH) additives, which combines "dynamic regulation" and "static protection" to improve both the efficiency and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells.

Researchers introduced GSH as a multifunctional additive to regulate interfacial properties and to improve film quality. This approach enhanced charge transport, reduced energy loss, and suppressed defect-related recombination, while strengthening structural stability.

In addition, the incorporation of chemical protection and redox self-healing mechanisms helped mitigate environmental degradation and prolong device lifetime.

The optimized devices demonstrated competitive performance. They achieved a power conversion efficiency of 26.17%, with improved charge carrier extraction and reduced non-radiative recombination losses. Mini-modules reached an efficiency of 23.14%. The devices also exhibited enhanced operational stability, maintaining strong performance under conditions such as high temperature, humidity, continuous illumination, and ultraviolet exposure.

This work provides an effective strategy to balance the efficiency and stability in perovskite solar cells, offering new opportunities for their practical and large-scale application.

Schematic diagram of the power conversion efficiency of small-area solar cells and mini-modules, as well as the redox-driven self-healing mechanism. (Image by JIN Mengqi)