Abstract
Bismuth-based compounds have recently gained interest as solar absorbers with the potential to have low toxicity, be efficient in devices, and be processable using facile methods. We review recent theoretical and experimental investigations into bismuth-based compounds, which shape our understanding of their photovoltaic potential, with particular focus on their defect-tolerance. We also review the processing methods that have been used to control the structural and optoelectronic properties of single crystals and thin films. Additionally, we discuss the key factors limiting their device performance, as well as the future steps needed to ultimately realize these new materials for commercial applications.
Highlights
The effort to find new materials for low-cost thin film solar cells has recently been reinvigorated with the advent of lead-halide perovskites
Photovoltaic devices require the bismuth-based compounds to be synthesized as pinhole-free thin films, new materials are often initially investigated as single crystals
Calculations have shown that another method for reducing the bandgap of Cs2AgBiBr6 is through disorder between Ag+ and Bi3+ cations, which have similar ionic radii, there is a reduction in band dispersion, and disordering may lead to reduced mobilities.[71]
Summary
The effort to find new materials for low-cost thin film solar cells has recently been reinvigorated with the advent of lead-halide perovskites. To the formation of anti-bonding orbitals across the bandgap [Fig. 1(a)] With this electronic structure, intrinsic defects (e.g., I vacancies) are likely to form close to the band edge or to be resonant within the valence band.[17,18,19] The energetic distance of defects from the band edge is further reduced by spin-orbit coupling due to the heavy Pb2+ cation, which results in greater band-dispersion. Bi3+, similar to Pb2+, is a large polarizable cation and has a high Born effective charge, leading to high dielectric constants that are important for increased screening of charged defects.[18] Bismuth has the additional important advantage of demonstrating very little evidence of toxicity.[21] In this Research Update, we review recent work exploring bismuth-based compounds for photovoltaics (Fig. 2). We conclude with a discussion of the outstanding challenges that need to be addressed as the exploration into bismuth-based photovoltaics matures
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
