Nanjing University: 33.3% efficient tandem cell ambient process

September 26, 2026

PV Magazine China

Overview

Researchers at Nanjing University in China developed a novel polymeric hole transport layer (HTL) for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, achieving 33.3% efficiency and enabling ambient air processing. The device recorded an independently certified efficiency of 33.0%, with the PNCC copolymer exhibiting excellent wettability and high film uniformity that facilitates homogeneous perovskite deposition. This breakthrough paves the way for large-scale, low-cost manufacturing of high-efficiency solar cells.

In Depth

Key Findings

A research team from Nanjing University in China has announced the development of an innovative polymeric hole transport layer (HTL) that enables the processing of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells in ambient air, achieving a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 33.3%. This device has been independently certified with an efficiency of 33.0%, marking a groundbreaking achievement that combines high efficiency with practical manufacturing conditions.

Technical / Clinical Details

The developed HTL is based on a novel polymer called PNCC (poly[N,N’-bis(4-butylphenyl)-N,N’-bis(phenyl)benzidine-co-p-phenylenevinylene] copolymer). This PNCC copolymer possesses two crucial properties: excellent wettability towards perovskite precursor solutions and exceptionally high film uniformity. These characteristics overcome the challenges of uniform perovskite deposition in ambient air, a difficulty with conventional HTLs, significantly enhancing the device’s reproducibility and reliability. In the tandem structure, this HTL optimizes the interface between the perovskite layer and the silicon sub-cell, improving charge transport efficiency and contributing to the overall high efficiency of the system. Ambient air processing dramatically reduces manufacturing costs and lowers barriers to large-scale production.

Background & Context

Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells are at the forefront of global research as leading candidates to surpass the theoretical efficiency limits of conventional silicon single-junction solar cells. However, perovskite layers are susceptible to humidity and oxygen, typically requiring manufacturing processes under strict inert gas environments, which contributes to higher production costs. This research addresses one of the biggest challenges to the commercialization of perovskite tandem solar cells by enabling high-efficiency device manufacturing in ambient air. This breakthrough also facilitates easier integration with existing solar cell manufacturing infrastructure, potentially transforming the industry’s cost structure.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The realization of high-efficiency tandem solar cells manufacturable in ambient air will dramatically accelerate the widespread adoption of perovskite technology. If this PNCC copolymer HTL can be produced at commercial scale, it will significantly reduce the manufacturing costs of perovskite-silicon tandem modules, thereby boosting their market competitiveness. This advancement will improve the cost-performance of solar power generation, making clean energy accessible in more countries and regions, and is expected to contribute substantially to global climate change efforts. This technology holds the potential to become a new standard in next-generation solar cell manufacturing.

Source: https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/09/21/chinese-scientists-build-33-3-efficient-perovskite-silicon-tandem-solar-cell-processed-in-ambient-air/

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