A research team led by Yang Shengchun and Liang Chao from Xi'an Jiaotong University published a research paper titled "A Nd@C82-polymer interface for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells" in the journal Nature. Doctoral students Lin Yuexin, Shui Yuan, and Zhu Wenjing from the School of Physics, along with master's student Lü Shili from the School of Chemistry, and Dr. Lin Zhichao from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, serve as co-first authors. Researchers Liang Chao, Professor Yang Shengchun, and Researcher Yang Tao from the School of Physics, Researcher Cai Wenting from the School of Chemistry (Professor Ding Shujiang's team), Professor Xing Guichuan from the University of Macau, and Professor Li Meng from Henan University serve as co-corresponding authors.
Key Highlights: Through molecular interface engineering, this paper pioneered a coupling structure of an embedded metallofullerene molecule Nd@C82 and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of the prepared inverted perovskite photovoltaic solar cells was 26.78% (0.08 cm2) (certified value is 26.29%) and 23.08% (16 cm2, module), respectively. After 1000 hours under damp heat test conditions (ISOS-D-3 standard), the efficiency remained above 99%.
01 Research Background
In recent years, perovskite solar cells, an emerging technology in the photovoltaic field, have been considered a strategic leader in next-generation photovoltaics due to their excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency and low-temperature solution processing capabilities. However, maintaining high conversion efficiency while ensuring long-term cell stability has been a major challenge hindering the commercialization of perovskite solar cells.
02 Research Content
To address this issue, Researcher Liang Chao (part of a team led by Professors Yang Shengchun and Yang Zhimao) from the School of Physics at Xi'an Jiaotong University, through molecular interface engineering, pioneered a coupling structure combining an endohedral metallofullerene molecule, Nd@C82, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This structure enables in-situ encapsulation of the perovskite layer, effectively improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. The inverted perovskite photovoltaic solar cells fabricated achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 26.78% (0.08 cm²) (certified value: 26.29%) and 23.08% (16 cm², module). Even after 1000 hours of exposure to damp heat (ISOS-D-3 standard), the efficiency remained above 99%.
This innovative discovery reveals a novel mechanism for regulating molecular interface polarization and will provide a new path for the design and development of high-performance perovskite solar cells.
03 Core Innovation
The core innovation of this research lies in utilizing the embedded metallofullerene molecule Nd@C82 as an electromagnetically coupled transmission medium. This enhances electron extraction capacity and efficiency through interfacial polarization. Furthermore, coupling with the polymer PMMA allows the interface to combine excellent structural protection with ultrafast electron selective transmission properties, ensuring homogeneous and ultrafast electron extraction within the cell. This balances the advantages of ultrafast electron extraction and in-situ encapsulation, promoting uniform electron extraction and inhibiting ion interdiffusion. Ultimately, this significantly improves the PCE and operating life of perovskite solar cells in complex environments such as high temperature and high humidity, expanding their potential for outdoor and practical applications.
