Technical University of Munich Engineers Develop Molecular Anchors to Shield Perovskite Solar Cells From Thermal Weathering

Engineers at TUM use molecular anchors to stabilize perovskite solar cells, preventing a 60% performance loss caused by extreme temperature fluctuations.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 6:48 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Overcoming the Thermal Vulnerability of Perovskite

The transition toward affordable and high-efficiency solar energy has faced a significant hurdle in the physical fragility of perovskite materials when exposed to real-world environments. While these cells have achieved record-breaking conversion rates in controlled laboratory settings, they often suffer from rapid degradation when subjected to the natural thermal cycling of outdoor use. Engineers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), working alongside international partners, have now pinpointed the mechanical stresses that occur as solar panels fluctuate between freezing nights and intense daytime heat. This research marks a pivotal step in transforming perovskite from a promising experimental material into a viable long-term energy solution.

Deciphering the Initial Burn-In Phase

A critical discovery made by the TUM team involves the "burn-in" phase, a period of massive initial degradation where cells can lose more than half of their relative performance. By utilizing high-resolution X-ray measurements at the DESY facility, lead author Dr. Kun Sun observed the material "breathing" in real-time. The lattice structure of the high-efficiency wide-bandgap cells was seen to periodically expand and contract in response to temperature shifts. This microscopic expansion creates internal tensions that permanently alter the material’s structure, leading to a swift and significant drop in power output that has previously limited the lifespan of these advanced photovoltaics.

Stabilizing the Lattice with Molecular Scaffolding

To counteract this structural breakdown, the researchers developed a design strategy centered on stabilizing the sensitive crystal material using organic molecules as spacers. These molecules function as a microscopic scaffold, holding the perovskite structure together during the mechanical stress of heating and cooling. By comparing various chemical spacers, the team identified a bulky organic molecule known as PDMA as a superior "anchor." Unlike common spacers that allow for structural collapse, PDMA provides the necessary rigidity to maintain the integrity of the solar cell’s top layer, even under extreme environmental pressure.