Published Paper: Can chelatogenic molecules enhance the stability of air-processed MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells? A case study of salophen

New publication explores chelating molecules to enhance perovskite stability

Perovskite solar cells have gained significant attention in recent years due to their high efficiency and low fabrication cost. However, their long-term stability remains a major challenge, as the perovskite layer is highly sensitive to moisture, oxygen, temperature, and UV radiation.

In a recent study, researchers investigated the incorporation of N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-o-phenylenediamine (salophen) — a Schiff base with chelating properties — into MAPbI₃ (methylammonium lead iodide) thin films. The goal was to evaluate how this surface modification could improve the structural stability and performance of the devices.

The films were prepared under ambient conditions and treated with different concentrations of salophen during the antisolvent step. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the presence of salophen molecules promoted better crystallization of the perovskite α-phase, eliminating residual PbI₂ and forming a more hydrophobic surface.

Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements showed that salophen passivation facilitated charge-carrier extraction and reduced surface defects, without significantly altering the optical properties of the material. As a result, the perovskite solar cells achieved efficiencies above 18% and demonstrated enhanced stability.https://lnes.iqm.unicamp.br/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Captura-de-tela-2025-10-08-102546.png

This study highlights the potential of chelating molecules as an effective strategy to improve the durability and performance of perovskite-based solar cells, bringing this technology closer to practical applications.

Click here for more information.