Nanocrystal-tailored recombination for all-perovskite tandem solar modules

Researchers developed a novel approach for all-perovskite tandem solar modules, achieving a certified power conversion efficiency of 31.2% on June 15, 2026. This breakthrough, detailed in a study published in Nature, utilizes nanocrystal-tailored recombination layers to optimize charge transfer between the two perovskite subcells. The team engineered these recombination layers to precisely match the energy levels of the adjacent perovskite materials, minimizing energy losses that typically occur at the interface. This tailored approach addresses a key bottleneck in the performance of tandem solar cells, which stack multiple light-absorbing layers to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight. The new modules demonstrated enhanced stability under accelerated aging tests, maintaining over 90% of their initial efficiency after 1000 hours of operation at 85°C and 1000 hours of damp heat testing at 85% relative humidity. This level of stability is crucial for the commercial viability of perovskite solar technology. The study highlights the potential for all-perovskite tandem solar cells to surpass the efficiency limits of single-junction silicon solar cells, offering a pathway to more cost-effective and higher-performing solar energy generation. The researchers believe this method could be adapted for other perovskite-based optoelectronic devices.