A new material from German scientists boosts solar cell performance

A tiny molecule with enormous promise

According to НВ — Техно: Researchers at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, led by Steve Albrecht, have developed a novel material called mCB-FMN, which is based on carborane. This innovation significantly improves the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Not only does it enhance performance, it also reduces energy losses at the layer interfaces, replacing the previously used and expensive material C60.

How well the new material performs

Now patented and commercially available, mCB-FMN enables individual perovskite cells to convert over 27% of sunlight into electricity. For tandem perovskite-silicon cells, that figure exceeds 35%. A key advantage is that a thin film of mCB-FMN can be applied from the vapor phase at lower temperatures than was possible with C60, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Swapping C60 for the new material boosted the efficiency of a single perovskite cell by 1.5 percentage points, while tandem perovskite-silicon cells saw an increase of 2.4 percentage points. These achievements earned recognition at the international TandemPV workshop in 2025. The research was conducted in collaboration with a team from Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania.

The development of the new mCB-FMN material opens up new horizons for the use of perovskite solar cells. - Steve Albrecht

Greater efficiency in perovskite cells and lower production costs could have a major impact on solar energy technology, making it more accessible for widespread use and supporting global efforts to combat climate change.

As advancements in solar technology continue, it's essential to explore how these innovations compare to existing benchmarks. Recently, German physicists established a new record for solar cell efficiency, highlighting the competitive landscape of solar energy solutions. Such breakthroughs not only propel the industry forward but also emphasize the importance of ongoing research and collaboration in this vital field.