Conversion Efficiency Research Articles

Broadband infrared imaging governed by guided-mode resonance in dielectric metasurfaces

Nonlinear metasurfaces have experienced rapid growth recently due to their potential in various applications, including infrared imaging and spectroscopy. However, due to the low conversion efficiencies of metasurfaces, several strategies have been adopted to enhance their performances, including employing resonances at signal or nonlinear emission wavelengths. This strategy results in a narrow operational band of the nonlinear metasurfaces, which has bottlenecked many applications, including nonlinear holography, image encoding, and nonlinear metalenses. Here, we overcome this issue by introducing a new nonlinear imaging platform utilizing a pump beam to enhance signal conversion through four-wave mixing (FWM), whereby the metasurface is resonant at the pump wavelength rather than the signal or nonlinear emissions. As a result, we demonstrate broadband nonlinear imaging for arbitrary objects using metasurfaces. A silicon disk-on-slab metasurface is introduced with an excitable guided-mode resonance at the pump wavelength. This enabled direct conversion of a broad IR image ranging from >1000 to 4000 nm into visible. Importantly, adopting FWM substantially reduces the dependence on high-power signal inputs or resonant features at the signal beam of nonlinear imaging by utilizing the quadratic relationship between the pump beam intensity and the signal conversion efficiency. Our results, therefore, unlock the potential for broadband infrared imaging capabilities with metasurfaces, making a promising advancement for next-generation all-optical infrared imaging techniques with chip-scale photonic devices.

Simultaneous Defect Passivation and Co‐Catalyst Engineering Leads to Superior Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution on Metal Halide Perovskites

AbstractMetal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as attractive candidates for producing green hydrogen via photocatalytic pathway. However, the presence of abundant defects and absence of efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) active sites on MHPs seriously limit the solar‐to‐chemical (STC) conversion efficiency. Herein, to address this issue, we present a bi‐functionalization strategy through decorating MHPs with a molecular molybdenum‐sulfur‐containing co‐catalyst precursor. By virtue of the strong chemical interaction between lead and sulfur and the good dispersion of the molecular co‐catalyst precursor in the deposition solution, a uniform and intimate decoration of the MHPs surface with lead sulfide (PbS) and amorphous molybdenum sulfide (MoSx) co‐catalysts is obtained simultaneously. We show that the PbS co‐catalyst can effectively passivate the Pb‐related defects on the MHPs surface, thus retarding the charge recombination and promoting the charge transfer efficiency significantly. The amorphous MoSx co‐catalyst further promotes the extraction of photogenerated electrons from MHPs and facilitates the HER catalysis. Consequently, drastically enhanced photocatalytic HER activities are obtained on representative MHPs through the synergistic functionalization of PbS and MoSx co‐catalysts. A solar‐to‐chemical (STC) conversion efficiency of ca. 4.63 % is achieved on the bi‐functionalized FAPbBr3‐xIx (FA=CH(NH2)2), which is among the highest values reported for MHPs.

Preferentially coordinating tin ions to suppress composition segregation for high-performance tin-lead mixed perovskite solar cells

Tin-lead mixed perovskites (TLPs) with a tunable and ideal bandgap exhibit great potential in approaching the Shockley–Queisser limit of power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, two critical issues are necessary to be addressed, including the oxidation of Sn2+ and negligible composition and phase segregation. The latter derives from the unbalanced crystallization rate between Sn- and Pb-based perovskites. Here, we report a strategy to address the above critical issues by introducing 3,4-Dihydroxybenzylamine hydrobromide (DHBABr) in the TLP precursor solution. DHBABr was revealed to promote the crystallization of FAPbI3 perovskite by suppressing the formation of crystalline DMSO-FA-Pb-I intermediates and retard the crystallization rate of FASnI3 by preferentially forming a steady amorphous DHBA-FA-Sn-I intermediate. This, therefore, balances the crystallization rate between Sn- and Pb-based perovskites. As a result, the spatial distribution of Sn/Pb ratio is much more uniform across the whole TLP film, which benefits the upscaling of the manufacturing process. Relying on this doping strategy accompanied by the surface passivation with DHBABr, which reduces the defect density of TLP, inhibits the oxidation of Sn2+, and optimizes the band alignment of the device, we have achieved a PCE of 22.44 % with Voc of 0.853 V and FF of 80.0 %, along with an enhanced long-term stability of T80 = 476 h under continuously light illumination in the champion device.

Interface passivation treatment enables GaAs/CNT heterojunction solar cells over 19 % efficiency

Without interface passivation, few technologies have realized carbon material-based GaAs heterojunction solar cells (HJSCs) with high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability. Here, inorganic hole transport materials, such as CuSCN and CuI, were first created to address the issue of interface photo-generated carrier recombination in GaAs/carbon nanotube (CNT) HJSCs. The application of CuSCN and CuI passivation layer enables the PCE of GaAs/CNT HJSCs to be improved from 8.53 % to 17.22 % and 12.48 %, respectively. Furthermore, by employing the multifunctional WO3 film, which can serve simultaneously as a hole-blocking layer and an anti-reflection coating, to construct a collaborative optimization system, the cell performance can be further enhanced to 19.06 % and 15.53 %, respectively. Additionally, their stability has been significantly enhanced to 98.11 % and 111.5 %, respectively, which are much higher than that of the pristine HJSC (8.53 %). Especially, the high quality of Cu+-based passivation layer affords a fill factor (FF) of 80.21 %, which is a record for GaAs-based HJSCs. This work is a breakthrough as it presents a pioneering cross-generational concept for addressing the poor stability performance of carbon materials-based HJSCs.

Aggregation-Induced Emission-Active Organic Nanoagent with High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for Near-Infrared Imaging-Guided Tumor Photothermal Therapy.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) provides a great prospect for noninvasive cancer therapy. However, it is still highly challenging to construct photothermal agents (PTAs) with the desired performances for imaging-guided PTT applications. Herein, a D-A-D-type naphthalene diamine (NDI)-based photothermal nano-PTAs NDS-BPN NP with near-infrared region (NIR) emission at 822 nm, aggregation-induced emission (AIE), high photothermal conversion efficiency (55.05%), and excellent photothermal stability is successfully designed and prepared through a simple two-step engineering method by using a new AIE molecule NDS-BPN and DSPE-PEG2000 as precursors. The prepared PTT nanoagents NDS-BPN NPs have been further applied for efficient photothermal ablation of cancer cells in vitro and also achieved the NIR fluorescent image-guided PTT tumor therapy in vivo with satisfactory results. We believe that this work provides an attractive NIR AIE NDI-based nano-PTA for the phototherapy of tumors as well as develops the construction strategy of NDI molecular-based photothermal nanoagents with desired performances for imaging-guided PTT.

Device Simulation of 25.9% Efficient ZnOxNy${\rm ZnO}_x{\rm N}_y$/Si Tandem Solar Cell

AbstractThe novel, high electron mobility material has been investigated theoretically as an absorber in a two‐terminal tandem solar cell. In addition to its high mobility, can attain sufficiently low carrier concentration to enable ‐junctions, and has a tunable bandgap around the 1.7 eV range. It is therefore suitable for pairing with a Si‐based bottom cell. In addition to the layer, the tandem cell consists of a emitter and a Si heterojunction bottom cell. A buffer layer is introduced between the emitter and absorber in the top cell to mediate a large valence band offset that resulted in a poor fill factor, . A buffer layer bandgap of 1.5 eV gave the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE). The objective is to estimate the optimal performance of in a tandem solar cell. The dependence of current–voltage (–) characteristics on thickness, mobility and carrier concentration in the layer is evaluated, and found to yield maximum performance with 0.35 , 250 Vs–1 and , respectively. Using these conditions, the – parameters of the device under AM1.5 illumination are short circuit current density, mA , open circuit voltage, V, and . With this, it is reported on, to the best of the knowledge, the first device simulation based on .

Effect of bromine on the formation of δ-CsPbI3 in Cs0.22FA0.78Pb(I1-xBrx)3 perovskite solar cells

Applying CsxFA1-xPbI3 perovskite is a useful strategy for synthesizing high-efficiency organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells because it improves the stability of the perovskite structure. High concentration of cesium (Cs) in CsFAPbI3 synthesized under ambient conditions typically lead to phase separation due to δ-CsPbI3 formation and moisture, thereby reducing light absorption and increasing non-radiative recombination. To counter this, we fabricated the mixed halide Cs0.22FA0.78Pb(I1-xBrx)3 perovskite films. Introducing bromine (Br) content effectively reduced the δ-CsPbI3 formation and grain boundaries, thus suppressing the non-radiative recombination between perovskite and charge transport layers. Employing this approach, our perovskite solar cells with a 10 % Br concentration achieved a power conversion efficiency of 15.81 %. This demonstrates the potential of Br incorporation in enhancing the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells.

A coupling method for rapid, continuous and extremely wide-temperature measurement of total hemispherical emissivity and conversion efficiency of the kinetic energy of an electron beam to the thermal energy of a material based on a scanning electron beam

Precise measurements of a material's total hemispherical emissivity and conversion efficiency of the Kinetic energy of an Electron beam to the Thermal energy of a Material (KETM) are crucial for the advancement of new materials and electron beam applications. We propose a coupling method for the rapid and continuous measurements of the above parameters across an extremely broad temperature range, the basic idea of which is that a thin plate sample is uniformly heated to a high-temperature state by a scanning electron beam and naturally cooled, and equations of the transient heat transfer process in the cooling section and the heating section are solved separately based on the assumption of the lumped heat capacity, and the above parameters varying with temperature are obtained in turn. The characterization experiments of the wire-drawn and polished 304 stainless steel are carried out. The emissivities of two surface states increase monotonically in the ranges of [0.17(400K), 0.26(954K)] and [0.12(400K), 0.20(983K)], respectively, aligning well with trends and values reported in the literature. Oxidation on both surfaces worsens as the preset temperature rises, resulting in a corresponding increase in the emissivity. Considering the impact of oxidation on emissivity, KETM is calculated in various regions within the considered temperature ranges. The results indicate a slight variation around 0.819 in KETMs of wire-drawn and polished 304 stainless steel within the temperature range of 400∼1000 K, aligning well with the value reported in the literature. This efficient measurement method can provide potential support for the application of the above two parameters.

Photo-Thermal Conversion and Raman Sensing Properties of Three-Dimensional Gold Nanostructure

Three-dimensional plasma nanostructures with high light–thermal conversion efficiency show the prospect of industrialization in various fields and have become a research hotspot in areas of light–heat utilization, solar energy capture, and so on. In this paper, a simple chemical synthesis method is proposed to prepare gold nanoparticles, and the electrophoretic deposition method is used to assemble large-area three-dimensional gold nanostructures (3D-GNSs). The light–thermal water evaporation monitoring and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements of 3D-GNSs were performed via theoretical simulation and experiments. We reveal the physical processes of local electric field optical enhancement and the light–thermal conversion of 3D-GNSs. The results show that with the help of the efficient optical trapping and super-hydrophilic surface properties of 3D-GNSs, they have a significant effect in accelerating water evaporation, which was increased by nearly eight times. At the same time, the three-dimensional SERS substrates based on gold nanosphere particles (GNSPs) and gold nanostar particles (GNSTs) had limited sensitivities of 10−10 M and 10−12 M to R6G molecules, respectively. Therefore, 3D-GNSs show strong competitiveness in the fields of solar-energy-induced water purification and the Raman trace detection of organic molecules.

Achieving stable organic solar cells with 19.2 % efficiency via fine interpenetrating network with fused-ring aromatic lactone donor

The ternary strategy has enhanced the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells. However, long-term stability remains a challenge due to heat-induced molecular interactions and excessive self-aggregation. The fused-ring aromatic lactone (FAL) unit, with its extended molecular plane and electron-withdrawing ability, acts as an ideal building block in our newly designed donor P35. By introducing P35 into PM6:L8-BO systems, it optimizes film morphology and enhances π-π stacking, facilitating phase separation and balancing charge transport channels. The electron-withdrawing capability of P35 lowers the HOMO levels, thereby decreasing non-radiative recombination. Additionally, the extended molecular plane of P35 provides structural support to prevent the collapse of fiber-like PM6 and crosslinks with PM6 to form a thermodynamically stable interpenetrating network. This effectively limits the formation of isolated SMA islands, thereby minimizing the degeneration of the active layer. Consequently, an optimized PCE of 19.2 % (certified 18.55 %) is achieved in the PM6:P35:L8-BO devices, which still retains 80 % initial PCE under 600 h of AM 1.5 G illumination and 90 % PCE after 950 h storage in darkness. This research emphasizes the importance of electron-withdrawing capabilities and extended molecular planes in achieving long-term stability and high efficiency.

Efficient conversion of corn stover to glucose using alkaline DBU synergized glycerol-based deep eutectic solvent under mild conditions

Efficient pretreatment is crucial for the high-value and effective conversion of lignocellulose. However, the current glycerol-based deep eutectic solvent (DES-Gly) pretreatment method requires high reaction temperatures, considerable solvent usage, and yields low conversion efficiency. In this study, we investigated the pretreatment of corn stover with 1,8-diazobicyclic [5.4.0] undeca-7-ene (DBU) synergized with DES-Gly, which significantly enhances the glucose yield from corn stover. The strong synergistic effect of DBU and DES-Gly effectively removes lignin and substantially increases glucose yield. Under optimal conditions, 95.27 % glucose conversion could be achieved, even with the addition of only 2 FPU/mL of cellulase. The physicochemical properties of the DES-Gly solution and pretreated corn stover were analyzed using FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, and 1 H NMR characterization techniques. In addition, DES-Gly and DBU synergy mechanisms are further explored. Our work provides a mild, efficient and low-cost DES-Gly-based pretreatment method, introducing a new way for the catalytic conversion of lignocellulose to sugar production.

Unraveling the Microstructure‐Property Relationship of Fe Single‐Atoms via Introducing Asymmetric P‐Coordination for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

AbstractThe local atomic environments of single‐atom photocatalysts play a decisive role in determining the solar‐to‐hydrogen energy conversion efficiency. However, controllably modulating the microstructure of single‐atom sites to enhance catalytic activity and deeply understanding the structure‐property relationship remain great challenges. Herein, electron‐rich P atoms are introduced to accurately regulate the local coordination environment and electronic configuration of Fe single atoms and construct a unique asymmetrical FeN3P2 motif into carbon nitride (FeN3P2‐CN) for significantly improving the photocatalytic H2 evolution activity and stability. Specifically, in the absence of noble metal cocatalyst and photosensitizer, the FeN3P2‐CN achieves a remarkable H2 evolution rate of 2668.5 µmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm), more than 105 times higher than that of unregulated FeN4 sample. Systematic characterizations and theoretical calculations unveil that the FeN3P2 single‐atom sites not only significantly broaden the photoabsorption region and facilitate the charge separation and interfacial transfer, but also efficiently promote adsorption and activation of H2O. This work paves a promising pathway to design novel single‐atom photocatalysts at the atomic level for achieving highly efficient water‐splitting performance.

Highly efficient spectrum-splitting solar energy utilization based on near- and far-field thermophotovoltaics

Improving the efficiency of solar energy utilization systems is of great importance in solar energy utilization. Near-field thermophotovoltaic cells can achieve a high power density and, therefore, efficiently utilize radiative heat transfer. An efficient spectrum-splitting solar energy utilization system based on near- and far-field thermophotovoltaics was proposed. The input solar energy was divided by the splitter, and the two parts of the energy were utilized differently. The concentration ratio can determine the energy input of the system, which can affect the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the system. Further, the vacuum distance can modulate the near-field radiative heat transfer, thus significantly impacting system performance. Based on the fluctuation dissipation theorem and Maxwell's equations, a system model was constructed and calculated using the optimal design method, and the effects of these parameters were investigated. Moreover, the optimal efficiency was obtained under different operating conditions. The optimal cascade system efficiency reached 39.93 % at a concentration ratio of 3000, which was 15.59 % higher than that of a single photovoltaic system. Thus, this study proposes a method for the efficient utilization of solar energy. In addition, it provides guidance for the subsequent design and construction of spectrum-splitting cascade systems based on near- and far-field thermophotovoltaics.

Heterovalent Samarium Cation‐Doped SnO2 Electron Transport Layer for High‐Efficiency Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Tin oxide (SnO2) has demonstrated significant potential as an electron transport layer (ETL) owing to its low‐temperature processing in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the poor energy‐level alignment and the presence of interface defects between the SnO2 and perovskite layer aggravate the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs. Herein, heterovalent samarium cation (Sm3+) is deliberately doped into SnO2, optimizing the energy‐level alignment between SnO2 and the perovskite layer, and effectively passivating the oxygen vacancy defects on the surface of SnO2. Experimental and theoretical conclusions reveal that Sm‐doping successfully passivates the defects in the ETL and improves the perovskite crystal quality, thereby reducing interface charge recombination, and enhancing electron extraction from perovskite to the SnO2 layer. Consequently, the optimized Sm‐doped SnO2‐based PSCs achieve a PCE of 24.10% with a VOC of 1.174 V, negligible hysteresis, and improved durability under ambient conditions.

To Maximize Luminescence for an Efficient Organic Solar Cell†

Comprehensive SummaryWith the continuous development of photovoltaic materials, organic solar cells (OSCs) have made remarkable advancements, surpassing a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20%. However, the PCEs of OSCs remain lower than that of inorganic solar cells due to significant energy losses, mainly stemming from the relatively large non‐radiative recombination losses (usually be expressed as ∆E3), resulting in low open‐circuit voltages. This can be achieved by reducing non‐radiative recombination, and hereby increasing the electroluminescence quantum efficiency (EQEEL) of the photo‐active layer. This review analyzes the significance of luminescence efficiency in achieving high‐performance OSCs by examining the reciprocal relationship between ∆E3 and EQEEL. High‐efficiency organic solar cells can also be used as effective organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). The discussion provides insights into the influencing factors of EQEEL and the mechanisms for adjusting various parameters, which include enhancements in photoluminescence quantum yield and the proportion of radiative excitons. The objective is to offer insights into the crucial role of luminescence performance in OSC development, guiding researchers toward developing novel photovoltaic materials or optimization strategies to enhance the luminescence performance of the active layer in OSCs, fostering the simultaneous advancement of OSCs and OLEDs. Key Scientists

Combining High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Chemiluminescence Analysis to Characterize the Composition and Fate of Total N-Nitrosamines in Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Monitoring the prevalence and persistence of N-nitrosamines and their precursors in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and effluent-receiving aquatic compartments is a priority for utilities practicing wastewater recycling or exploiting wastewater-impacted source waters. In this work, we developed an analytical framework that combines liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) with acidic triiodide-chemiluminescence analysis to characterize the composition and fate of total N-nitrosamines (TONO) and their precursors along the treatment trains of eight WWTPs in New York. Through the parallel application of LC-HRMS and chemiluminescence methods, the TONO scores for 41 N-nitrosamines containing structurally diverse substituents on their amine nitrogen were derived based on their solid-phase extraction recoveries and conversion efficiencies to nitric oxide. Correcting the compositional analysis of TONO using the TONO scores of target N-nitrosamines refined the assessment of the reduction or accumulation of TONO and their precursors across treatment steps in WWTPs. Nontargeted analysis prioritized seven additional N-nitrosamines for confirmation by reference standards, including three previously uncharacterized species: N-nitroso-tert-butylphenylamine, N-nitroso-2-pyrrolidinmethanol, and N-nitrosodesloratadine, although they only served as minor components of TONO. Overall, our study establishes an adaptable methodological framework for advancing the quantitative and qualitative analysis of specific and unknown components of TONO across water treatment and reuse scenarios.

Effect of CO2 deficiency on the performance of membrane electrode CO2 electrolyzer

To mitigate greenhouse effects, carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) has been used as an efficient means of carbon reduction. In CO2 electrolyzer, CO2 deficiency can happen and degrade the reaction efficiency. Herein, an efficient and long-lived formic acid three-cell electrolyzer is used to study the effect of CO2 deficiency, by operating the electrolyzer from full CO2 supply to CO2 deficiency. In addition, the effects of various CO2 fluxes and concentrations on the electrolyzer current, acid concentration and lifetime are investigated. This study quantitatively reveals the impact of CO2 deficiency on current density, product selectivity, and electrolyzer lifetime. The findings indicate that current density decreases by 12.74 %, while CO2 conversion efficiency drops by 92.5 %, demonstrating a significant reduction in the reactivity of CO2 conversion to formate ions. Conversely, the hydrogen evolution reaction is enhanced. Prolonged CO2 deficiency (below 13 ml/min) can also lead to catalyst degradation, including separation and dissolution within the cathode catalyst layer, ultimately diminishing overall performance. Compared with the CO2 flux, the CO2 concentration exerts a more pronounced influence. To ensure the electrolysis efficiency, the carbon dioxide concentration should not be less than 80 %.

Enhancing PV receiver efficiency in laser wireless power transmission through square elliptic hyperboloid concentrator

AbstractLaser wireless energy transmission is a widely utilized method, yet its efficiency is constrained by a variety of factors. In order to improve the conversion efficiency of the receivers of the laser wireless power transmission (LWPT) system, the square elliptic hyperboloid (SEH) concentrating module designed for LWPT system receivers is developed. By analysing the I–V characteristic curves from the results of the experiments and employing non‐linear parameter regression, a corrected battery characteristic curve was derived within a specific laser irradiation range. On this basis, an optical–thermal–electric multi‐field coupling characteristic model was developed. The finite element method is used to simulate the multi‐field coupling characteristics and conversion efficiency of the receiving end under diverse working conditions (including different rotation angles and different divergence angles) of the concentrating photovoltaic module. Research shows: First, the larger the divergence half‐angle β of the laser beam, the more obvious the improvement of the effective optical efficiency of the system by the SEH concentrator. Second, the short‐circuit current and the maximum output power of the PV cell at the receiving end are significantly improved by the SEH concentrator, and the improvement effect is more obvious with the increase of the divergence angle and the rotation angle. Third, SEH concentrators did not significantly affect the fill factor of PV cells.

Colloidal Stabilizer‐Mediated Crystal Growth Regulation and Defect Healing for High‐Quality Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractHigh‐quality perovskite (PVK) films is essential for the fabrication of efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, unstable colloidal particles in PVK suspensions often hinder the formation of crystalline films with low defect densities. Herein, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a colloidal stabilizer into lead iodide (PbI2) is introduced colloidal solutions. EDTA forms chelated complexes with Pb2+, enhancing the electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance between colloidal particles. This stabilizes the particles and inhibits disordered motion (Brownian motion) and excessive aggregation. As a result, PbI2 films with a uniform hole distribution are formed, providing ample pathways for subsequent PVK film growth and sufficient space. During the film formation process, the replacement of molecules by formamidinium iodide (FAI) and EDTA slows down crystallization, ultimately leading to PVK films with large grain sizes and low defect density. By using this approach, champion power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 24.05% for FA0.97Cs0.03PbI3 PSC, 11.08% for CsPbBr3 PSC, and 25.19% for FA0.945MA0.025Cs0.03Pb(I0.975Br0.025)3 PSC are achieved. Moreover, the EDTA‐based FA0.97Cs0.03PbI3 device retains over 90% of its initial PCE after 1000 h at the maximum power point (MPP) under continuous illumination.

Fabrication, photovoltaic analysis, and electrical characterization of Au/ZnTPyP/p-Si/Ag heterojunction under gamma radiation effect for solar cell applications

The main objective of the current study is to investigate the impact of gamma rays on the characteristics and behavior of a fabricated heterojunction device based on tetra pyridyl-porphine zinc (ZnTPyP). The importance of this study includes determining critical parameters such as conversion efficiency (η). A cobalt-60 gamma source has been employed to investigate the effects of gamma exposure dosages ranging from 0 to 5 kGy on the morphological and optical features of the studied material. An atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to examine the morphological characteristics of the ZnTPyP film that formed on the glass substrate. The thin film’s optical characteristics were investigated on quartz for both as-deposited and irradiated films at various gamma doses (1 kGy and 3 kGy). Additionally, ZnTPyP is evaporated on p-type silicon substrates to create ZnTPyP/p-Si heterojunction. The current–voltage (I–V) curves at various doses of gamma radiation at 0, 1, 3, and 5 kGy for Au/ ZnTPyP /p-Si/Ag heterojunction device are experimentally measured. The predominant conduction processes are the thermionic emission and single-trap space-charge-limited current (SCLC). Furthermore, the values of the barrier height φB\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\left( {\\varphi_{B} } \\right)$$\\end{document} are estimated using two different methods, including I–V method and Norde’s equations at different doses, and their values are comparable. Under illumination at 0 kGy, we found the values of short-circuit current (Isc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and photoconversion efficiency (η) to be 0.92 mA, 0.41 V, and 4.28%, respectively. On the hand, some important optical parameters are determined for both as-deposited and irradiated ZnTPyP films, such as skin depth (δ), and found that δ values reduce with increasing gamma doses, reflecting the efficiency and performance of photovoltaic cells. Finally, the study indicated the alteration in the studied optical parameters and slightly enhanced the Au/ZnTPyP/p-Si/Ag heterojunction efficiency when subjected to gamma radiation.