New perovskite solar cells retain 95% performance after 1,100 hours

Researchers at the University of Manchester, led by Professor Thomas Anthopoulos, have developed a new type of perovskite solar cell that combines high efficiency with remarkable stability under heat. By introducing small-molecule amidinium ligands acting as a "molecular glue," the team was able to smooth the perovskite surface and eliminate microscopic defects that previously caused energy loss and rapid material degradation. This innovation led to solar cells achieving a power conversion efficiency of 25.4% and retaining over 95% of their performance after 1,100 hours of continuous use at 85°C, a temperature that typically causes earlier versions to fail. This breakthrough addresses the longstanding challenge of perovskite solar cells' instability, which had hindered their commercial viability despite their advantages over traditional silicon panels, such as being lightweight, flexible, and cheaper to produce. The protective molecular coating fosters the growth of stable, low-dimensional perovskite layers that act as a structural shield, ensuring efficient energy