Mechanically interlocked polymer scaffolds enable high-efficiency printed flexible perovskite photovoltaics

Flexible perovskite solar cells achieve efficient bendable energy conversion, enabling next-generation wearable devices. However, the transition from laboratory-scale prototypes to industrial-scale modules is impeded by the non-uniform deposition of perovskite colloidal particles during printing, resulting in diminished power conversion efficiency. Inspired by biological interlocking mechanisms, we synthesized mechanically interlocked networks embedded in perovskite precursor inks, to construct a three-dimensional network that immobilizes perovskite colloidal particles, suppressing aggregation during printing. The dynamic network enables uniform co-deposition of perovskite colloidal particles under shear-induced flow, yielding high-quality crystalline films with enhanced optoelectronic properties. Flexible perovskite solar cells fabricated using mechanically interlocked network-doped precursor ink exhibit superior performance, achieving record power conversion efficiencies of 26.22% for small devices (0.10 cm²) and 19.44% for larger modules (100 cm²), alongside substantial improvements in long-term operational stability and mechanical robustness. (Figure presented.)