Inductive effects in molecular contacts enable wide-bandgap perovskite cells for efficient perovskite/TOPCon tandems

Luo Y., Tian Y., Zhao K., Mao W., Liu C., Shen J., ...More

Nature Communications, vol.16, no.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 16 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1038/s41467-025-59896-8
  • Journal Name: Nature Communications
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Geobase, INSPEC, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals, Nature Index
  • Marmara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Organic molecules that serve as hole-selective contacts, known as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), play a pivotal role in ensuring high-performance perovskite photovoltaics. Optimal energy alignment between the SAM and the perovskite is essential for desired photovoltaic performance. However, many SAMs are studied in optimal-bandgap perovskites, with limited energy level modification specifically catering to wide-bandgap perovskites. Herein, we demonstrate that the energy level of SAMs can be systematically tuned in a stepwise manner via inductive effects in the conjugated moieties, enabling rational design tailored for specific perovskite bandgaps. The resulting WBG perovskite device based on our tuned SAM achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.8%. Integration with crystalline silicon TOPCon subcells further enabled the construction of a perovskite/TOPCon tandem device with a PCE of 31.1% (certified 30.9%).