Next-generation solar cells harness atomically thin materials to boost performance

Next-generation solar cells harness atomically thin materials to boost performance
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Oct 25, 2025

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, focusing on breakthroughs in efficiency, stability, and flexibility.

The review details how materials like graphene, MoS2, MXenes and others allow precise bandgap tuning, fast charge transport, and robust chemical stability. These features help mitigate the energy losses that challenge classic solar cells. When implemented as electron or hole transport layers - or as passivation agents - 2D materials improve energy-level alignment and reduce recombination across perovskite, organic, and dye-sensitized solar cell platforms.

Scientists showcase the diverse set of 2D materials tailored for roles including transparent electrodes and catalytic counter electrodes. The study spans 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 pathways for scalable mass production.

The review synthesizes recent applications: perovskite cells see enhanced stability and defect passivation, aiding long lifespans beyond 1,000 hours and achieving conversion efficiencies over 26 percent. Organic cells profit from work-function adjustments in 2D layer interfaces for higher efficiency and mechanical durability through repeated bending cycles. Dye-sensitized devices benefit from platinum-free counter electrodes, such as WSe2:Zn and MoP/MXene composites, which exhibit superior electrocatalytic activity driving power conversion over 10 percent.

Despite notable progress, the team identifies persistent challenges including atomic-level thickness limiting light absorption, vulnerability to defects, and obstacles in scalable synthesis. They propose future research directions: integrating machine learning for rapid material screening, deploying multifunctional heterostructures, and rigorous lifetime testing aiming at 10,000-hour stability.

This work provides a roadmap towards commercializing photovoltaics that exceed 28 percent efficiency by 2030, urging interdisciplinary collaboration to realize terawatt-scale solar deployment.

Research Report:Emerging Role of 2D Materials in Photovoltaics: Efficiency Enhancement and Future Perspectives