Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Fullerenes are essential electron-transport materials in perovskite solar cells, contributing to record efficiencies but limited interfacial stability. • Innovative fullerene derivatives, such as Nd@C82, integrated into polymer matrices, enhance electron extraction and provide in-situ encapsulation for long-term stability. • The Nd@C82–polymer coupling layer induces interface polarization, promoting efficient charge separation and extraction. • This approach addresses stability challenges by blocking moisture ingress and suppressing ion migration, advancing PSC commercialization.
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a highly promising photovoltaic technology, achieving power conversion efficiencies exceeding 25%. However, stability remains a critical challenge due to degradation under heat, moisture, and operational stress. Fullerenes, such as C60 and PCBM, have been widely used as electron-transport materials in PSCs, but they offer limited interfacial stabilization. Recent research focuses on innovative fullerene-based materials that enhance electron conduction and protect the perovskite interface. A cutting-edge approach involves magnetic endohedral metallofullerenes, such as Nd@C82, integrated into a polymer matrix to form a robust interface layer. This composite interlayer facilitates ultrafast electron transport, provides in-situ encapsulation, and induces interface polarization for efficient charge separation, thereby improving both efficiency and stability.
1. Introduction
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which utilize a hybrid organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite as the light-absorbing semiconductor, have emerged as a highly promising photovoltaic technology over the past decade. They have rapidly achieved power conversion efficiencies exceeding 25%, positioning them as strong competitors to traditional silicon solar cells in terms of performance. However, stability remains a critical challenge in this field, as the performance of perovskite materials tends to degrade under prolonged exposure to heat, moisture, and operational stress.
Fullerenes—molecular carbon cages exemplified by buckminsterfullerene (C60)—were first discovered in 1985 and earned a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their unique structure and properties. Owing to their excellent electron affinity and mobility, these molecules have been widely adopted in organic electronics. In particular, fullerene derivatives like C60 and its soluble variant [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) have played a key role in PSC design as electron-transport materials from the earliest generations of these cells. These fullerene-based layers facilitate electron extraction from the perovskite absorber and have contributed to record-breaking efficiencies, but they offer only limited interfacial stabilization.
It is noteworthy that weak van der Waals interactions at the interface between the perovskite and conventional fullerene layers can lead to the formation of interfacial defects and mechanical degradation over time. To overcome these limitations, recent research has focused on designing innovative fullerene-based materials that not only facilitate electron conduction but also actively enhance and protect the perovskite interface for long-term stability.
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Tianhua Liu, Xiangyue Meng, Chunru Wang (2025). Innovative applications of fullerenes in perovskite solar cells. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1088/1674-4926/25050007
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are fullerenes and why are they used in perovskite solar cells?
Fullerenes are carbon molecules like C60 and PCBM that have excellent electron affinity and mobility. They are used as electron-transport materials in perovskite solar cells to facilitate electron extraction from the perovskite layer, contributing to high power conversion efficiencies.
What is the main challenge in perovskite solar cells that fullerenes help address?
The main challenge is stability; perovskite materials degrade under heat, moisture, and operational stress. Fullerenes help improve stability by providing interfacial layers that protect the perovskite and enhance electron transport, though conventional fullerenes offer limited stabilization.
What is the innovative approach involving Nd@C82 in perovskite solar cells?
Researchers have developed a composite interlayer using Nd@C82, a magnetic endohedral metallofullerene, incorporated into a polymer matrix (PMMA). This layer enhances electron extraction, provides in-situ encapsulation, and induces interface polarization, improving both efficiency and long-term stability.
How does the Nd@C82–polymer layer improve stability?
The polymer matrix blocks moisture ingress and suppresses ion migration, while the Nd@C82 component induces interface polarization that promotes efficient charge separation. This combination protects the perovskite from environmental factors and mechanical degradation.
What are the potential benefits of using fullerenes in perovskite solar cells?
Fullerenes can lead to higher power conversion efficiencies and improved stability, making perovskite solar cells more competitive with traditional silicon solar cells and advancing their commercialization.
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