Strategic engineering of perovskite solar cells: revolutionary developments from interfacial stabilization to copper-based semiconductor innovations

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are revolutionizing the field of optoelectronics. However, these solar devices remain difficult to scale up and suffer from surface and interface instabilities. Therefore, this review critically analyzes and discusses innovative approaches such as self-assembly monolayers, surface nanostructuring, buried interface engineering, surface redox engineering, H₂O₂-modified homogeneous NiO₂, selective template growth, and innovative scalability strategies that can overcome the limitations of surface and interface chemistry and device engineering, thereby guiding future research toward environmentally friendly, efficient, and stable PSC technologies. Beyond these relevant developments, this review aims to introduce copper–lead halide perovskites as potential alternative materials. These emerging directions also present new horizons for future applications, offering promising opportunities. Finally, we believe that the strategic engineering of PSCs has strong potential to advance practical applications.