Revolutionary SAMs: transforming inverted perovskite solar cells

Abstract

A material has the potential to reshape the trajectory of a field. Currently, in the realm of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with distinctive structures are at the forefront of this revolution. The team led by Steve Albrecht has developed a unique type of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) incorporating phosphonic acid and carbazole groups, applied as the p-type functional layer in inverted perovskite solar cells. Materials of this kind, along with their derivatives, have remarkably propelled the efficiency of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and perovskite/silicon tandems to the pinnacle. We are delighted to designate them as Revolutionary SAMs (R-SAMs). In this perspective, a brief overview of the developmental history, synthesis processes, and utilization methods of R-SAMs is provided. Most notably, we present our perspective on the advantages of R-SAMs in inverted PSCs, emphasizing molecular configurations and the interaction of electron clouds. Simultaneously, we address some opportunities and challenges for future R-SAMs design.