Homogenizing Self‐Assembled Monolayers via Covalent Organic Frameworks for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

J Jiaxin Ma (Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China) S Shuai Yang C Cong Shao (Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 China) Z Zongxiu Nie (School of Chemical Sciences University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China) W Weifeng Zhang S Shu Wang G Gui Yu J Jizheng Wang

Abstract

Abstract Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) have emerged as promising hole transport layers (HTLs) in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to their unique capability to modulate energy level alignment and interfacial quality. However, the widely used SAM molecule [4‐(3,6‐dimethoxy‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (MeO‐4PACz) suffers from molecular aggregation, poor wettability with perovskite precursors, and limited electrical conductivity, which together hinder the formation of high‐quality perovskite films and efficient charge extraction. Herein, we propose a rational SAM homogenization strategy by introducing two tailor‐designed covalent organic frameworks (COFs)—PT‐COF and Zn‐PT‐COF—into MeO‐4PACz SAMs via co‐assembly. These COFs are designed with rigid porphyrin cores to enhance charge transport and flexible hydrophilic side chains to improve substrate wettability. The incorporation of COFs effectively disrupts MeO‐4PACz aggregation through π‐π interaction and hydrogen bonding, resulting in uniform, conductive, and well‐anchored SAMs. Consequently, the modified SAMs promote perovskite crystallization, reduce buried interface defects, and improve charge extraction. Devices employing Zn‐PT‐COF‐modified SAMs exhibit a champion power conversion efficiency of 26.39% (certified as 26.12%) with negligible hysteresis and outstanding operational stability, retaining 95% of initial efficiency after 1000 h continuous operation. This study offers a comprehensive molecular‐level strategy to overcome intrinsic limitations of MeO‐4PACz, providing a pathway for highly efficient and stable PSCs.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 65, Issue 1
Published January 02, 2026
ISSN 1433-7851
Publisher Wiley

Journal Info

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Wiley

ISSN: 1433-7851 Physical Sciences

Authors (8)

J

Jiaxin Ma

Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China

S

Shuai Yang

C

Cong Shao

Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 China

Z

Zongxiu Nie

School of Chemical Sciences University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China

W

Weifeng Zhang

S

Shu Wang

G

Gui Yu

J

Jizheng Wang