Chinese researchers have recently achieved a pivotal breakthrough in perovskite solar cell technology, offering an innovative solution to the longstanding stability challenges that have plagued this emerging photovoltaic approach. According to Chinese media, a team from East China University of Science and Technology has significantly prolonged cell lifespans by incorporating a graphene composite protective layer, thereby paving the way for commercial applications.
Perovskite solar cells are lauded for their high theoretical power conversion efficiencies, low material costs, and inherent flexibility, positioning them as the next-generation technology that could upend traditional crystalline silicon cells. However, their susceptibility to photothermal instability has meant that operational lifespans under real-world conditions fall short of requirements—a key impediment to industrialization. Under illumination, the material can experience over a 1% volumetric expansion; repeated deformation ultimately fractures its internal structure, much like a sheet of paper that finally tears after repeated folding.
A paper published in Science by the Clean Energy Materials and Devices team at East China University of Science and Technology reveals that the core mechanism behind perovskite degradation is an overlooked photomechanically induced decomposition effect—where dynamic, localized stress from light exposure accelerates material breakdown. Departing from conventional compositional modifications, the researchers instead employed a physical reinforcement strategy by coupling monolayer graphene with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to form a protective layer whose thickness is approximately 1/10,000th that of a human hair.
Experimental data indicate that perovskite cells equipped with this protective layer maintained 97.3% of their initial efficiency after 3,670 continuous hours (roughly 153 days) under high-intensity, high-temperature conditions simulating real environments. Media reports note that this record—the longest stable operational duration achieved by similar technologies—marks a critical step toward scaling the laboratory results to engineering applications.
The research team explained to China Science Daily that graphene’s ultra-high modulus effectively suppresses lattice expansion in perovskite, while the PMMA polymer not only serves as an adhesive but also fills microscopic surface defects. This “bulletproof vest” design doubles the film’s mechanical strength, reduces expansion from 0.31% to 0.08%, and concurrently blocks ion diffusion channels.
Despite this significant technological breakthrough, industrialization still faces manufacturing challenges. Team leader Hou Yu told China Science Daily that collaborations with industry are underway to develop large-area graphene film transfer techniques, though process optimization “will require a long time.” Experts cited by CCTV Finance suggest that if mass production costs can be contained, this innovation could drive breakthroughs in integrated building photovoltaics, flexible wearable devices, and even lead to novel products such as “power-generating glass” or phone-charging films.
In an interview with China Science Daily, the research team stressed that their work not only offers a concrete solution but also, by unveiling the role of photomechanical effects, charts a new course for enhancing stability through physical engineering. As China advances its twin carbon strategy, this breakthrough may pave a fresh technological pathway for the global clean energy transition—although its practical application will ultimately depend on further process refinements and supply chain integration.