Numerical Investigation of Power Conversion Efficiency of Sustainable Perovskite Solar Cells

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells have been researched for high efficiency only in the last few years. These cells could offer an efficiency increase of about 3% to more than 15%. However, lead-based perovskite materials are very harmful to the environment. So, it is imperative to find lead-free materials and use them in designing solar cells. This research investigates the potential for using a lead-free double-perovskite material, La2NiMnO6, as an absorbing layer in perovskite solar cells to enhance power conversion efficiency (PCE). Given the urgent need for environmentally friendly energy sources, the study addresses the problem of developing alternative materials to replace lead-based perovskite materials. Compared to single-perovskite materials, double perovskites offer several advantages, such as improved stability, higher efficiency, and broader absorption spectra. In this research work, we have simulated and analyzed a double-perovskite La2NiMnO6 as an absorbing material in a variety of electron transport layers (ETLs) and hole transport layers (HTLs) to maximize the capacity for high-efficiency power conversion (PCE). It has been observed that for a perovskite solar cells with La2NiMnO6 absorbing layer, C60 and Cu2O provide good ETLs and HTLs, respectively. Therefore, the achieved power conversion efficiency (PCE) is improved. The study demonstrates that La2NiMnO6, as a lead-free double-perovskite material can serve as an effective absorbing layer in perovskite solar cells. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of research on developing high-efficiency, eco-friendly perovskite solar cell technologies and have important implications for the advancement of renewable energy production.