A research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a new material that makes solar cells more efficient, durable, and stable than ever before.
The breakthrough could help bring perovskite solar cells—a promising next-generation solar technology—closer to large-scale use.
Led by Professor Ge Ziyi from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, in collaboration with Professor Qu Bo from Peking University, the team created a special coating, or passivator, that improves how perovskite solar cells convert sunlight into electricity.
Their new solar cell reached a record efficiency of 26.07%, one of the highest ever achieved for this type of material. The findings were published in the journal Advanced Materials.
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become one of the most exciting areas of solar research because they can be made cheaply and efficiently compared to traditional silicon-based panels. However, one major challenge has been maintaining performance and stability.
Tiny defects in the perovskite layer can cause energy loss, while the chemicals used to fix these defects often damage the surface or shorten the cell’s lifespan.
To solve this problem, the researchers developed a new molecule called DCTP, a bisphosphate-based passivator.
What makes DCTP unique is that it can dissolve in low-polarity solvents—such as toluene, chlorobenzene, and chloroform—that are gentle on perovskite materials. Most existing passivators require harsh, high-polarity solvents, which can harm the delicate structure of the solar cell during processing.
When applied as a thin intermediate layer, DCTP acts like a protective barrier that seals surface defects and improves how electrical charges move within the cell. It also helps align the energy levels between layers, allowing electricity to flow more smoothly.
Importantly, the new coating prevents harmful chemical ions—like lithium or iodide—from spreading between layers under heat, which has been a key cause of performance loss in traditional designs.
The DCTP-treated solar cell not only achieved an impressive efficiency of 26.07%, but it also proved to be remarkably stable. Even after 900 hours at 65°C, the device maintained over 90% of its original performance.
This achievement sets a new record for perovskite solar cells processed with non-polar solvents. More broadly, the study opens the door to scalable, long-lasting solar technologies that are easier to manufacture.
As Professor Ge’s team notes, the new passivator design represents “a major step forward” toward reliable, high-performance solar energy for the future.
