A matrix-confined molecular layer for perovskite photovoltaic modules
Summary
The paper reports a “SAM-in-matrix” strategy that confines partial self-assembled molecules (SAMs) inside a stable tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane matrix to stop SAM aggregation and hydrophobic clustering. Combined 2D lattice Monte Carlo simulations and experiments show this approach forms efficient charge-transport channels and reduces buried nanovoids in hole-transport layers (HTLs).
Devices using the SAM-in-matrix HTL show universally improved performance across multiple SAM chemistries, with compact surface coverage and decent conductivity. Importantly, the method scales: applying the SAM-in-matrix HTL on FTO/NiO_x helps produce large-area perovskite films with good crystallinity and enhanced NiO_x conductivity. The team demonstrate a 1 m × 2 m perovskite module with a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.05%.
Key Points
- Introduces a SAM-in-matrix approach using tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane to disrupt SAM stacking and aggregation.
- 2D lattice Monte Carlo simulations plus experiments indicate formation of continuous charge-transport channels.
- SAM-in-matrix HTLs reduce buried nanovoids and improve surface coverage and conductivity compared with conventional SAM layers.
- The strategy is compatible with various SAM molecules, giving consistently higher device efficiencies.
- Scalable to large-area modules: demonstrated a 1 m × 2 m perovskite module with a certified PCE of 20.05%.
- Potentially important step toward industrialisation of perovskite photovoltaics by addressing scalability and interfacial quality.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you’re into making perovskite solar tech actually work at scale, this paper’s neat trick could matter. They fix a recurring HTL headache (SAM aggregation) with a clever matrix hack and show it works not just on small lab cells but on a full 1×2 m module with a certified ~20% PCE. Quick read if you want the takeaway; dive in for the how-to and validation.
Author style
Punchy and practical — the authors do more than propose a concept: they back it with simulation, detailed experiments and a large-area demonstration. Because this is highly relevant to commercialising perovskites, the technical detail is worth a look if you work in PV materials, device engineering or scale-up.
Context and relevance
Perovskite research is closing in on silicon-level cell efficiencies, but industrial adoption hinges on scalable, reliable interfaces and reproducible large-area processing. This work tackles a specific interface problem (SAM aggregation and buried nanovoids) that reduces yield and performance in inverted PSCs. By improving HTL uniformity and conductivity and demonstrating module-scale performance, the study aligns with current industry efforts to bridge lab-scale efficiency and manufacturable modules.
Who should care: PV manufacturers, materials scientists working on interfacial chemistry, and scale-up engineers tracking routes to commercial perovskite modules.
Article metadata
Published: 27 October 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09785-3
Selected authors: Yugang Liang, Guodong Chen, Yao Wang, Yu Zou et al.