Multivalent ligands regulate dimensional engineering for inverted perovskite solar modules.

Abstract

Multivalent, resonance-stabilized amidinium ligands enable stronger chemical coordination and reduced deprotonation compared with conventional monovalent ammonium ligands in low-dimensional perovskites. Here, we introduce a controllable one- to two-dimensional (1D-to-2D) structural transition strategy by systematically tuning ligand conformation, thereby modulating hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and basicity to elucidate the relationship between molecular structure, interfacial interactions, and resulting dimensionality. The 1D-amidinium perovskite structure, with its pronounced geometric anisotropy, impedes uniform surface coverage and defect passivation. In contrast, the 2D-amidinium perovskite forms a continuous, homogeneous interfacial layer, enabling more effective defect passivation and favorable energy-level alignment. With dimensionality control, inverted 3D/2D-amidinium perovskite solar cells deliver 25.4% power conversion efficiency (1.1 square centimeters, steady-state certified) and maintain >95% of their initial efficiency after 1100 hours of continuous 1-sun operation at 85°C.