Harnessing metal-organic frameworks to boost efficiency, stability, and safety in perovskite photovoltaics

Lead-halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly achieved certified efficiencies >27%, rivaling silicon photovoltaics. However, their commercialization is hindered by intrinsic material challenges: poor operational stability under moisture, heat, and light; toxic lead leakage from degraded films. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their unique framework structure, large specific surface area, high heavy metal capturing capacity, and tunable conductivity, offer promising solutions to these issues. Recent studies have integrated MOFs into PSCs architectures to enhance performance and durability. This comprehensive review begins with an in-depth discussion of the structure, optical properties, electrical characteristics, and stability of MOFs, as well as their theoretical compatibility with perovskites. Subsequently, it provides a detailed analysis of how MOFs enhance charge carrier transport, promote perovskite crystallinity, improve device stability, and suppress lead leakage in PSCs. In summary, this review examines the research progress and potential of integrating MOFs with perovskites to address the critical PSCs challenges of efficiency, instability, and toxicity.