Advancements in Self-Assembled Monolayers for Perovskite Solar Cells

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are well known as a promising strategy for enhancing the efficiency, stability, and interfacial properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). These molecular layers, typically formed through surface binding between electrode surfaces, enable fine-tuning of surface energetics, promote uniform film formation, and suppress interfacial recombination. Lead (Pb)-halide perovskite systems are renowned for their remarkable power conversion efficiencies, with SAMs playing a crucial role in optimizing charge extraction and mitigating degradation pathways. This review explores recent advancements in SAM-functionalized interfaces, particularly focusing on their chemical structure, anchoring groups, electronic alignment, and compatibility with perovskite and charge transport layers. We also highlight the comparative performance of SAM-modified PSCs, discuss current challenges, and suggest future directions for material innovation and device engineering.