Next-generation solar cells use atomically thin materials to improve performance
An international research team led by Professor Ghulam Dastgeer of Sejong University and Professor Zhiming Wang of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China has released a comprehensive review exploring how two-dimensional (2D) materials are transforming solar energy harvesting. Their work addresses the shortcomings of silicon-based photovoltaic technologies, emphasizing breakthroughs in efficiency, stability and flexibility.
The review details how materials such as graphene, MoS2, MXenes and others enable precise bandgap tuning, fast charge transport and robust chemical stability. These properties help limit the energy losses that challenge traditional solar cells. When implemented as electron or hole transport layers – or as passivation agents – 2D materials improve energy level alignment and reduce recombination between perovskite, organic and dye-sensitized solar cell platforms.
Scientists present the diverse range of 2D materials tailor-made for rolling, including transparent electrodes and catalytic counter electrodes. The study includes planar, bulk heterojunction, and nanocomposite architectures to optimize light absorption, exciton dissociation, and charge collection. Advances in methods such as chemical vapor deposition, liquid phase exfoliation, and roll-to-roll processing are discussed as routes to scalable mass production.
The review synthesizes recent applications: Perovskite cells see improved stability and passivation of defects, promoting long lifespans of more than 1,000 hours and achieving conversion efficiency of more than 26 percent. Organic cells benefit from work function adjustments in 2D layer interfaces for higher efficiency and mechanical durability through repeated bending cycles. Dye-sensitive devices benefit from platinum-free counter electrodes, such as WSe2:Zn and MoP/MXene composites, which exhibit superior electrocatalytic activity and drive power conversion greater than 10 percent.
Despite remarkable progress, the team identifies persistent challenges, including atomic-level thickness that limits light absorption, vulnerability to defects, and obstacles to scalable synthesis. They propose future research directions: integrating machine learning for rapid material screening, deploying multifunctional heterostructures, and rigorous lifetime testing targeting 10,000 hours of stability.
This work provides a roadmap for commercializing solar photovoltaics with greater than 28 percent efficiency by 2030, urging interdisciplinary collaboration to realize terawatt-scale solar deployment.
Research report:Emerging role of 2D materials in solar photovoltaics: efficiency improvement and future prospects
