Perovskite solar cells: Efficiency and stability enhancement using covalent organic frameworks

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) represent a significant advancement in photovoltaic technology, attracting considerable attention owing to their outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, their path to widespread commercialization is hindered by challenges such as low stability and the rapid degradation of the perovskite active layer. To address these issues, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as an innovative class of materials known for their low density, high porosity, and good stability, rendering them suitable for integration into PSCs. In these solar cells, COFs enhance the crystalline quality of the perovskite layer, align energy levels, and reduce recombination losses, thereby improving both efficiency and stability. This review begins with a bibliometric analysis, examining notable keywords, pioneer countries, and publication growth. It then explores the impact of COFs integrated into key components and interfaces of PSCs, including the perovskite active layer, the hole and electron transport layers (HTL/ETL), and their critical interfaces. The focus is on improvements in structural integrity, PCE gains, and stability enhancements. Additionally, the review elucidates processes behind these beneficial effects and offers insights into how COFs can effectively address current limitations faced by PSCs.