Researchers at the Institute of Semiconductors under the Chinese Academy of Sciences have reported a major technological breakthrough in perovskite solar cell development, bringing the next-generation photovoltaic technology significantly closer to commercial deployment. The advancement was reported by Science and Technology Daily and later disseminated by Xinhua News Agency, with the findings published in the peer-reviewed journal Science.

According to the report, the research team has developed a new perovskite solar cell prototype that achieves a certified photoconversion efficiency of 27.2 percent, while also demonstrating substantially improved operational stability—two critical parameters that have historically limited the commercial viability of perovskite-based photovoltaics.

High-quality perovskite film formation is essential for improving both efficiency and durability in solar cells. Conventional fabrication methods commonly use methylammonium chloride to assist in film growth. However, the researchers identified a key limitation in this approach. During the crystallization process, chloride ions tend to migrate and accumulate near the top surface of the perovskite layer, creating an uneven vertical distribution of chlorine. This inhomogeneity negatively impacts charge transport, device performance, and long-term stability.

To overcome this challenge, the research team introduced alkali metal oxalate into the film formation process. The oxalate releases potassium ions, which bind strongly with chloride ions, effectively suppressing their uncontrolled migration. This interaction ensures a more uniform distribution of chlorine throughout the perovskite film, significantly enhancing structural consistency and device reliability.

Solar cells fabricated using the optimized perovskite films demonstrated not only record-level efficiency but also exceptional stability performance. The devices retained 86.3 percent of their initial efficiency after 1,529 hours of continuous operation, and 82.8 percent after 1,000 hours under accelerated aging conditions at 85 degrees Celsius with continuous illumination. Such durability metrics represent a notable improvement over previous perovskite solar cell designs.

The researchers noted that the combination of high efficiency and enhanced thermal and operational stability addresses two of the most significant barriers to the commercial adoption of perovskite solar cells. Industry observers see the development as a meaningful step toward large-scale manufacturing and real-world deployment of perovskite-based photovoltaic technologies.

The study underscores China’s growing role in advancing cutting-edge solar technologies and highlights the potential of perovskite solar cells to complement or eventually rival conventional silicon-based photovoltaics in the global renewable energy market.