New paper: How SAM terminal groups influence perovskite interfaces?

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new research article in ACS Materials Au, entitled “Terminal Group Effects on Molecular Organization and Charge Extraction in Self-Assembled Monolayers/Perovskite Interfaces”.

The study investigates how the chemical nature of terminal groups in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) influences their molecular organization and, consequently, the properties of the SAM/perovskite interface in inverted perovskite solar cells.

SAMs have emerged as key interfacial layers in inverted perovskite solar cells, where they facilitate hole extraction and influence the formation of the perovskite layer. Although different terminal functional groups have been widely investigated, the fundamental relationship between their electronic nature, molecular organization, and interfacial charge extraction has remained insufficiently understood.

The authors systematically investigate SAMs containing electron-withdrawing, neutral, and electron-donating terminal groups. The results demonstrate that the electronic nature of the terminal group plays a decisive role in determining the molecular organization of the SAM. This molecular organization directly affects the surface and interfacial properties, as well as the efficiency of hole extraction at the SAM/perovskite interface.

The study provides important insights into the relationship between molecular structure, surface properties, perovskite film growth, and charge extraction. These findings contribute to a more fundamental understanding of SAM/perovskite interfaces and provide valuable guidelines for the rational design of more efficient interfacial layers for next-generation perovskite solar cells.

Reference (Open Access): https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmaterialsau.6c00070

Machado, A. P.; Braga, F. C.; Stadtlober, C. H.; Marchezi, P. E.; Ribeiro, D. S.; Rodrigues, M. H. M.; Brandão, Z. C.; Neto, D. M. G.; Oliveira, C. C.; Nogueira, A. F. “Terminal Group Effects on Molecular Organization and Charge Extraction in Self-Assembled Monolayers/Perovskite Interfaces”. ACS Materials Au, 2026.