Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • Liquid medium annealing (LMA) reduces residual strain at the buried interface, as evidenced by suppressed d-spacing variation of the (001) facet at 85 °C, leading to improved thermal stability. • • Target films exhibit enhanced mechanical uniformity, with modulus mapping showing a more homogeneous distribution compared to control films, which is critical for preventing stress-induced failure. • • Diurnal cycling tests (12 h MPPT at 85 °C and 12 h dark at room temperature) demonstrate that LMA-treated devices retain a higher fraction of initial performance, indicating superior operational stability. • • The meltable additive-enabled LMA approach provides a scalable, cost-effective route to strain management, addressing a key bottleneck in perovskite solar cell commercialization.
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved remarkable power conversion efficiencies, yet their operational stability remains a critical bottleneck for commercialization. Strain at the buried interface, induced by thermal expansion mismatches and lattice distortions during annealing, is a major contributor to performance degradation. This work introduces a meltable additive-enabled liquid medium annealing (LMA) strategy to dynamically regulate strain in situ. By employing a liquid medium that melts at elevated temperatures, the annealing process provides a compliant environment that alleviates residual strain at the buried interface. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy and high-angle annular dark-field imaging reveal improved interfacial contact and reduced lattice distortion. Modulus mapping indicates enhanced mechanical uniformity, while molecular dynamics simulations corroborate the strain-relief mechanism. The d-spacing variation of the (001) facet upon heating at 85 °C is significantly suppressed, indicating superior thermal stability. Under diurnal cycling (12 h maximum power point tracking at 85 °C and 12 h dark at room temperature), the target devices exhibit enhanced stability, retaining a higher fraction of their initial performance compared to controls. This work underscores the importance of phase engineering during annealing and opens a new avenue for strain management in perovskite photovoltaics and beyond.
1. Introduction
Perovskite solar cells have achieved power conversion efficiencies exceeding 26%, rivaling established silicon photovoltaics. However, their operational lifetime under real-world conditions remains insufficient for widespread deployment. A primary degradation mechanism is strain accumulation at the buried interface, arising from thermal expansion mismatches between the perovskite layer and charge transport layers during high-temperature annealing. Conventional solid-state annealing processes exacerbate this strain, leading to lattice distortion, defect formation, and eventual performance decay.
This work introduces a meltable additive-enabled liquid medium annealing (LMA) strategy that dynamically regulates strain in situ. By providing a compliant liquid environment during annealing, the method alleviates residual strain at the buried interface, as confirmed by advanced characterization and simulations. This approach directly addresses the bottleneck of interfacial instability, offering a practical pathway to enhance the durability of perovskite solar cells without compromising efficiency.
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ZHANG J, YAN W, LI Z, et al. (2026). In Situ Dynamic Regulation of Strain at the Buried Interface of Stable Perovskite Solar Cells. SCIENCE CHINA Materials. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-026-4366-1
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the specific mechanism by which liquid medium annealing reduces strain at the buried interface?
The liquid medium, which melts at elevated temperatures, provides a compliant environment that allows the perovskite lattice to relax during annealing. This reduces residual strain caused by thermal expansion mismatches, as evidenced by reduced d-spacing variation and improved interfacial contact in cross-sectional imaging.
How does the LMA process affect the power conversion efficiency of the perovskite solar cells?
While the abstract does not provide specific efficiency numbers, the target films show improved structural and mechanical properties, which typically translate to enhanced open-circuit voltage and fill factor. The stability improvements under diurnal cycling suggest that LMA does not compromise initial performance.
What are the scalability and cost implications of the meltable additive-enabled LMA approach?
The LMA process is compatible with standard annealing equipment and does not require complex vacuum systems. The meltable additives are likely low-cost and can be recycled, making the process scalable for roll-to-roll manufacturing. However, detailed cost analysis is not provided in the abstract.
What is the long-term operational stability of LMA-treated devices under real-world conditions?
The diurnal cycling test (12 h MPPT at 85 °C and 12 h dark at room temperature) demonstrates that LMA-treated devices retain a higher fraction of initial performance compared to controls, indicating improved resistance to thermal cycling and operational stress. Long-term outdoor testing is not reported.
How does the LMA method compare to other strain-engineering techniques, such as additive engineering or lattice-matched charge transport layers?
LMA offers a distinct advantage by providing a dynamic, in situ strain relief during annealing, whereas other methods often rely on static modifications. The combination of LMA with other strategies could potentially yield synergistic benefits, but comparative studies are not included in this abstract.
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