Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Energy transfer is systematically reviewed as a guiding principle for current materials and optimization strategies in perovskite solar cells. • Characteristic mechanisms are identified to classify energy-level optimization strategies into two categories. • Performance-enhancement strategies for perovskite solar cells are analyzed from a quantum-level perspective. • The review provides theoretical insights for reducing energy dissipation and guiding experimental design in PSCs.
Abstract
Metal halide perovskites, owing to their remarkable optoelectronic properties and broad application prospects, have emerged as a research hotspot in materials science and photovoltaics. In addressing challenges related to energy loss, photoelectric conversion efficiency, and operational stability in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), various strategies have been proposed, such as improving perovskite crystallization, developing tandem architectures, and advancing interfacial engineering. However, the specific impact of these approaches on internal energy transfer and conversion mechanisms within PSCs remains insufficiently understood. This review systematically examines the relationship between energy and perovskite materials throughout the photon absorption to charge carrier transport process, with particular focus on key strategies for minimizing energy losses and their underlying influence on energy-level alignment-especially in the electron transport layer and hole transport layer. It summarizes optimal absorption conditions and contributing factors during energy transfer, alongside representative case studies of high-performing systems. By elucidating these mechanisms, this work offers valuable theoretical insights for optimizing energy-level alignment, reducing energy dissipation, and guiding experimental design in PSCs research.
1. Introduction
Perovskite materials, characterized by their ABX3-type crystal structure, have become a focus of active research due to their low cost, high efficiency, long lifespan, high flexibility, and versatility across various application scenarios [1]. Perovskites exhibit exceptional optical and electrical properties, such as excellent light absorption, high charge carrier mobility, long carrier diffusion length, ambipolar conductivity, and a direct bandgap, making perovskite solar cells (PSCs) a promising contender for next-generation photovoltaic technologies. Currently, PSCs have achieved a certified laboratory efficiency of 26.95%, which is comparable to leading photovoltaic materials, such as crystalline silicon cells and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) cells [2].
The mechanism of solar cells involves the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy through photovoltaic materials, where achieving higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) is crucial for reducing photovoltaic costs. However, energy losses occur during the conversion process, primarily including thermalization losses, below bandgap losses, optical losses, recombination losses, and spatial relaxation losses [3]. The ability of a material to absorb solar energy largely depends on its energy-level structure. The bandgap width determines the maximum wavelength for spectral absorption, while the number of electronic states in the valence and conduction bands influences the quantity and mobility of charge carriers.
To achieve optimal efficiency in solar cells, minimizing energy losses during the conversion and transport processes in perovskite devices is essential. Experimental studies have demonstrated that factors such as film morphology, device configuration, interface losses, and crystal quality are critical in determining PCE. Understanding the photophysical mechanisms of PSCs, as well as the pathways and losses involved in energy transfer between different materials, is key to improving the performance of PSCs. As shown in Fig. 1, this paper reviews the mechanisms of energy flow and loss during the photovoltaic conversion process, focusing on strategies to minimize energy losses in PSCs, and offers theoretical insights into the selection and optimization of organic–inorganic hybrid PSC materials.
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Xiaorong Shi, Kui Xu, Yiyue He, Zhaogang Peng, Xiangrui Meng, Fayi Wan, Yu Zhang, Qingxun Guo, Yonghua Chen (2025). Strategies for Enhancing Energy-Level Matching in Perovskite Solar Cells: An Energy Flow Perspective. Nano-Micro Letters. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01815-z
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of this review on perovskite solar cells?
The review focuses on strategies for enhancing energy-level matching in perovskite solar cells from an energy flow perspective, systematically examining energy transfer and loss mechanisms to minimize energy dissipation and improve device performance.
What are the key strategies discussed for reducing energy losses in PSCs?
Key strategies include improving perovskite crystallization, developing tandem architectures, and advancing interfacial engineering, with emphasis on their impact on energy-level alignment in electron and hole transport layers.
How does the review classify energy-level optimization strategies?
The review identifies characteristic mechanisms to classify energy-level optimization strategies into two categories, providing a systematic framework for understanding and applying these strategies.
What is the significance of the energy flow perspective in this review?
The energy flow perspective offers a quantum-level analysis of performance-enhancement strategies, providing theoretical insights into energy transfer and conversion mechanisms that guide experimental design in PSC research.
What are the potential applications of the findings from this review?
The findings can guide the selection and optimization of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials, contributing to the development of more efficient and stable perovskite solar cells for next-generation photovoltaics.
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