In a groundbreaking development, scientists at the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have unveiled a novel material that could revolutionize solar energy.
The research team has successfully developed a radical self-assembled molecular material that overcomes long-standing challenges in perovskite solar cells. This innovation addresses both the inadequate performance and the difficulties in fabricating uniform, large-area hole-transport layers—key components in solar cells that facilitate the flow of electric charge.
“Our new ‘double-radical self-assembled molecule’ significantly enhances the efficiency of perovskite solar cells,” said team leader Qin Chuanjiang. “This breakthrough could pave the way for industrial-scale applications and bring us closer to a sustainable energy future.”
Perovskite solar cells have garnered global attention for their low cost, high efficiency, and ease of production. They hold promise for a wide range of applications, from large-scale photovoltaic installations to integration into vehicles and buildings. However, their widespread adoption has been hindered by performance bottlenecks and manufacturing challenges associated with the hole-transport layer.
After three years of dedicated research, Qin’s team, along with researchers like Wang Lixiang, overcame these obstacles by independently creating the new molecular material. Tests conducted by Zhou Min’s team revealed that this material more than doubles carrier-transport rates under simulated operating conditions. Impressively, devices incorporating the material showed virtually no performance degradation after thousands of hours of continuous operation.
“The durability and efficiency of these devices are game-changers,” explained Zhou. “This could significantly reduce costs and increase the viability of solar energy worldwide.”
The technology has been efficiency-certified by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory and was published in the prestigious journal Science on June 27, 2025.
Over the past decade, perovskite compounds have become the material of choice for many companies developing next-generation solar cells. This breakthrough stands to accelerate that trend, bringing more efficient and affordable renewable energy solutions to the global market.
“Our next step is to collaborate with industry partners to scale up production,” Qin stated. “We aim to continue advancing this technology to make clean energy accessible to all.”
