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Contact-triggered molecular interactions enable structural refinement of perovskite layers in solar cells

Author

Listed:
  • Seungmin Lee

    (Korea University, School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering
    University of Toledo, Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization, Department of Physics and Astronomy)

  • Yeoun-Woo Jang

    (Seoul National University, Global Frontier Center for Multiscale Energy Systems
    Seoul National University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    Rice University, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering)

  • Hyeonah Cho

    (Korea University, School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering)

  • Jihoo Lim

    (University of New South Wales, Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics, School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering)

  • Jiahao Xie

    (University of Toledo, Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization, Department of Physics and Astronomy)

  • Hyojin Hong

    (Korea University, School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering)

  • Woocheol Han

    (Korea University, School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering)

  • Oui Jin Oh

    (Korea University, School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering)

  • Dong Hyun Kim

    (Korea University, School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering)

  • Dong Hun Kang

    (Korea University, School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering)

  • Wonjin Cho

    (Seoul National University, Global Frontier Center for Multiscale Energy Systems)

  • Hyun Jung Mun

    (Chonnam National University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering)

  • Tae Joo Shin

    (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Graduate School of Semiconductor Materials and Devices Engineering)

  • Jae Sung Yun

    (University of Surrey, School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Advanced Technology Institute
    Korea University, KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology)

  • Josh Davies-Jones

    (Cardiff University, Cardiff Catalysis Institute, School of Chemistry)

  • Philip R. Davies

    (Cardiff University, Cardiff Catalysis Institute, School of Chemistry)

  • Yanfa Yan

    (University of Toledo, Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization, Department of Physics and Astronomy)

  • Mansoo Choi

    (Seoul National University, Global Frontier Center for Multiscale Energy Systems
    Seoul National University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering)

  • Jun Hong Noh

    (Korea University, School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering
    Korea University, Department of Integrative Energy Engineering)

Abstract

Molecular interactions are crucial to improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells, yet current solution-based approaches relying on molecular incorporation or surface passivation show inherent limitations in separately controlling these interactions. Here we reveal an intrinsic interfacial interaction that arises from simple contact between individually crystallized two-dimensional and three-dimensional perovskites without mixing or permanent bonding. We define this contact-triggered cationic interaction (CCI), which reversibly constrains molecular degrees of freedom, suppresses phase transitions, enhances carrier lifetimes and induces a unique recrystallization of the three-dimensional framework. This CCI-driven recrystallization produces refined FAPbI3 with improved cation homogeneity, reduced lattice disorder and superior optoelectronic properties. Devices using CCI-driven FAPbI3 achieve 26.25% efficiency (25.61% certified) and retain a projected operational lifetime exceeding 20,000 h. Our findings provide the first quantitative evidence that intrinsic interfacial cationic interactions can directly influence perovskite material quality and device performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Seungmin Lee & Yeoun-Woo Jang & Hyeonah Cho & Jihoo Lim & Jiahao Xie & Hyojin Hong & Woocheol Han & Oui Jin Oh & Dong Hyun Kim & Dong Hun Kang & Wonjin Cho & Hyun Jung Mun & Tae Joo Shin & Jae Sung Yu, 2026. "Contact-triggered molecular interactions enable structural refinement of perovskite layers in solar cells," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 11(7), pages 972-984, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:11:y:2026:i:7:d:10.1038_s41560-026-02027-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41560-026-02027-4
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