Fabrication of thin film solar cell based on CoO-CoS/P2-Amino-1-mercaptobenzene/polypyrrole with additional promising sensitivities to photons in a broad optical region

Abstract

The production of a thin-film solar cell device, employing CoO-CoS/P2-Amino-1-mercaptobenzene/polypyrrole (CoO-CoS-P2AMB/Ppy), showcases enhanced sensitivity across a broad optical spectrum. This achievement is realized through a one-pot polymerization process involving 2-Amino-1-mercaptobenzene, Co(NO3)2, and K2S2O8. Notably, the polymerization reaction incorporates the inclusion of a Ppy seeding layer into the solution. To comprehensively characterize the synthesized materials, an array of analytical tools is employed. Subsequently, the CoO-CoS-P2AMB/Ppy device undergoes rigorous testing under diverse light conditions, including darkness, white light, and monochromatic light. These conditions aim to assess the device’s responsiveness to photons of varying energies, where the resulting current density (Jph) serves as an indicator of generated hot electrons and the overall efficiency of the fabricated device. At a potential of 2.0 V, the measured values for Jph and dark current (Jo) stand at 0.11 and 0.04 mA.cm−2, respectively. The solar cell characteristics are further evaluated through measured values for JSC (−0.01 μA.cm−2) and VOC (0.038 V), reflecting the device’s performance under solar testing conditions. In addition to its solar cell attributes, the device exhibits light-sensing behavior, quantified through calculated photoresponsivity (R) and detectivity (D) values. These values, obtained under various monochromatic lights, amount to 0.49 mA.W−1 and 1.1 × 108 Jones, respectively. The exceptional performance of the CoO-CoS-P2AMB/Ppy thin-film solar cell device, coupled with its light-sensing capabilities, positions the device as a promising candidate for commercial applications. Its potential extends to the fabrication of cost-effective thin-film sensing devices, presenting opportunities for widespread utilization in various industries.