Breakthrough heat-resistant solar cells retain 96% performance even after 1,200 hours

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a heat-resistant molecular contact layer that significantly enhances the durability of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. These tandem cells, which combine perovskite and silicon materials to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, have achieved efficiencies above 34%, including a certified 33.6% from an independent testing center. However, their commercial deployment has been hindered by instability under heat, with rapid degradation occurring in the ultra-thin self-assembled monolayer (SAM) contact layer that facilitates electrical charge flow between the perovskite and silicon layers. The NUS team discovered that conventional SAMs lose their structural integrity at elevated temperatures, causing molecular "fibers" to curl and create gaps that block electricity flow. To overcome this, they engineered a modified SAM that forms a cross-linked network, creating a tightly bound layer resistant to heat-induced damage. This innovation allowed the solar cells to retain over 96% of