Researchers at Xi’an Jiaotong University have published groundbreaking findings in Science demonstrating a novel perovskite solar cell design that achieves 28.3% power conversion efficiency while maintaining 95% performance after 2,000 hours of continuous operation. The research, led by Professor Chen Wei’s materials science team, addresses the longstanding stability issues that have prevented commercial-scale perovskite deployment.

What Makes This Perovskite Design Different?

The Xi’an team introduced a dual-layer passivation strategy using phenethylammonium iodide combined with a fluorinated polymer coating. This approach reduces ion migration—the primary cause of perovskite degradation—by 73% compared to conventional designs. “We’ve essentially created a molecular barrier that prevents moisture and oxygen infiltration without compromising charge transport,” Professor Chen stated in the publication.

The cells were tested under AM 1.5G illumination at 85°C with 85% relative humidity, conditions that typically destroy unprotected perovskite materials within 200 hours. The study included accelerated aging protocols following IEC 61215 standards.

How Does This Impact Solar Energy Economics?

With production costs estimated at $0.18 per watt—40% lower than silicon—these stability improvements could enable perovskite modules to capture 15-20% of the photovoltaic market by 2030. The research team is now partnering with Longi Green Energy Technology for pilot manufacturing. The full study appears in Science (DOI: 10.1126/science.adj4321, published February 2026).