Latest Nature Chemistry by Academicians Jingjing Xue and Deren Yang of Zhejiang University: Molecular Contact with an Orthogonal π Framework Can Induce Amorphization to Enhance the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells represent a highly promising class of photovoltaic devices that have achieved outstanding performance in a remarkably short time. Such high efficiencies typically rely on the use of molecular-based selective contacts, which facilitate the formation of highly ordered molecular assemblies. Although this high degree of order generally enhances charge-carrier transport, it can be compromised under external stress through structural deformation and phase transitions, thereby limiting the long-term operational stability of perovskite solar cells. In light of this, on February 6, 2025, Tianqi Deng, Jingjing Xue, Academician Deren Yang from Zhejiang University, and Rui Wang from Westlake University published in Nature Chemistry a study demonstrating that molecular contacts with an orthogonal π-framework can induce amorphization to enhance the performance of perovskite solar cells. The study presents a novel molecular contact featuring an orthogonal π-framework that exhibits superior resilience to external stimuli compared with conventional conjugated cores. This molecular design gives rise to a disordered, amorphous structure that is not only highly stable but also displays exceptional charge selectivity and transport properties. Perovskite solar cells fabricated using this orthogonal π-framework molecule demonstrate enhanced long-term durability in accelerated aging tests. This orthogonal π-framework functionality opens up new avenues for the application of molecular design in organic electronics.