Efficient Photovoltaic Devices Research Articles

Direct Laser Interference Patterning of Fluorine‐Doped Tin Oxide as a Pathway to Higher Efficiency in Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractImproving light‐trapping capabilities through surface microstructuring of transparent conductive oxides is a promising approach to enhance solar cell efficiency. This study focuses on treating fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) thin films using four‐beam direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) to create dot‐like periodic surface microstructures. The surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy reveals the presence of a periodic square grid of microcraters with a spatial period of ≈700 nm and an average depth ranging between 4 and 18 nm. These structures enhance the dispersion of incoming light up to 1000% in the visible and NIR spectra. When integrated into metal halide perovskite solar cells, FTO films patterned using low fluence conditions lead to a notable increase in the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) compared to those made using untreated FTO. Importantly, preliminary stability tests on devices based on patterned FTO substrates show significantly improved stability compared to those fabricated using reference unpatterned substrates. These findings demonstrate that a DLIP treatment of FTO substrates is a promising technique that can substantially enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite photovoltaic devices.

First principle insight of CaBS[formula omitted] (B= Sn, Zr and Hf) chalcogenide perovskite as eco-friendly material for photovoltaics

Lead-free perovskite-type materials, renowned for their easy processing and tunable bandgaps, have emerged as a cost-effective alternative for fabricating high-efficiency tandem solar cells. Utilizing density functional theory (DFT) combined with the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method and the modified Becke-Johnson exchange potential (TB-mBJ), this study investigates the potential of CaBS3 (B = Zr, Hf, and Sn) compounds as promising absorbers for next-generation tandem applications. Our results demonstrate that CaBS3 compounds exhibit semiconducting properties with direct bandgaps. This study investigates the unique properties of CaBS3 perovskites, revealing their potential to enhance the efficiency of next-generation photovoltaic devices. Our findings demonstrate that CaZrS3 exhibits a remarkable Seebeck coefficient of up to 3200 μV/K, indicating superior p-type conduction and enhanced thermoelectric efficiency. Furthermore, the direct bandgaps and ambipolar conductive behavior of these materials position them as strong candidates for photovoltaic applications. Notably, a four-terminal tandem solar cell configuration comprising CaZrS3 and CaSnS3 achieves a peak conversion efficiency of 55.5% at an absorber thickness of 500 nm, surpassing the traditional Shockley-Queisser limit. These results underscore the promising capabilities of CaBS3 perovskites in advancing renewable energy technologies, paving the way for innovative designs in solar energy solutions.This investigation lends empirical credence to the optimization of tandem cell designs, thus catalyzing advancements in next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

Ellagic acid/Fe nanocomposite thin film with high power conversion efficiency for photovoltaic devices

This study synthesizes and characterizes an ellagic acid/Fe nanocomposite thin film ([Ellag-A/Fe.6H2O]NCTF) to enhance photovoltaic device efficiency, achieving a notable power conversion efficiency of 14.5%. Using FT-IR, TGA, XRD, SEM, and optical analyses, the nanocomposite's structural, thermal, and optical properties were investigated, revealing a polycrystalline structure with improved thermal stability over pure ellagic acid. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations show a large energy gap of 1.08 eV, indicating stability and high excitation energies. The combination of organic ellagic acid with iron nanoparticles makes ([Ellag-A/Fe.6H2O]NCTF a promising material for photovoltaic applications.

Medium bandgap A-DA’D-A type small molecule acceptors prepared by synergetic modification strategy for efficient indoor organic photovoltaic devices

Medium bandgap A-DA’D-A type small molecule acceptors prepared by synergetic modification strategy for efficient indoor organic photovoltaic devices

Unlocking high-efficiency solar energy: optimizing P3HT/Si hybrid solar cells through numerical simulation

This study numerically investigates the optimization of P3HT/Si hybrid solar cells for maximum efficiency via numerical simulation using SCAPS ID. The analysis identifies P3HT layer thickness and Si donor density as critical parameters, with optimal values of 20 nm and 1017 cm−3, respectively. Exceeding these values leads to decreased efficiency due to reduced hole mobility, increased recombination, and enhanced absorption loss. Furthermore, minimizing defect density in Si is crucial for achieving high efficiency. The optical properties of the P3HT/Si hybrid thin film were investigated using the transfer matrix method (TMM), yielding exceptional transmittance (94.5%), low reflectance (4.5%), and minimal absorption (1.0%) at a wavelength of 0.5876 μm. This highlights the material’s potential for efficient and transparent photovoltaic devices. By optimizing these parameters, a maximum efficiency of ∼24% was achieved, demonstrating the potential for high-performance hybrid solar cells. This work underscores the significance of numerical analysis in designing efficient hybrid solar cells, paving the way for the development of low-cost, high-performance devices via spin coating, a groundbreaking advancement in solar energy harvesting.

Enhanced Antireflection and Absorption in Thin Film GaAs Solar Cells Using Dielectric Composite Nanostructures

This study investigates the application of dielectric composite nanostructures (DCNs) to enhance both antireflection and absorption properties in thin film GaAs solar cells, which are crucial for reducing production costs and improving energy conversion efficiency in photovoltaic devices. Building upon previous experimental validations, this work systematically explores the underlying theoretical mechanisms using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method to analyze the light interaction with the proposed DCNs. The results show that the combination of Mie resonance, Fabry–Perot resonance, and guided resonance, induced by the surface structuring of the DCNs, significantly enhances light absorption in the active layer, particularly at longer wavelengths. For solar cells featuring a 500-nm-thick absorber layer, SARL-decorated solar cells demonstrated an average reflectivity of 12.18%, whereas those incorporating DCNs exhibited a significantly reduced average reflectivity of 4.52%. These findings indicate that DCNs structures are highly effective in enhancing the performance of thin and ultra-thin GaAs solar cells by minimizing surface reflection and increasing photon utilization, offering a promising solution for high efficiency, cost effective photovoltaic devices.

Advanced Numerical Modeling of BaZrS3 Chalcogenide Perovskite Cells: Titanium Alloying and Back Surface Field Effects

Chalcogenide perovskites are emerging as superior alternatives to hybrid halide perovskites for photovoltaic applications due to their non-carcinogenic composition and enhanced environmental resilience, including superior resistance to moisture. This study focuses on the computational modeling of BaZrS3 (Barium Zirconium Sulfide) based solar cells, featuring a native bandgap of ∼1.71 eV. Through precise bandgap engineering via Ti alloying at the Zr site, the study aims to optimize the bandgap to the ideal range for photovoltaic efficiency. The device architecture is further refined by adjusting parameters such as layer thickness, doping densities, trap densities and metal contacts. The optimum device efficiencies at this stage were found to be 22.45 % for BaZrS3; 23.91 % for Ba(Zr0.99Ti0.01)S3; 26.64 % for Ba(Zr0.98Ti0.02)S3; and 27.74 % for Ba(Zr0.97Ti0.03)S3. Additionally, the incorporation of various back surface fields (BSFs) (CdTe, CIGS, CZTSe, Cu2Te, FeSi2, GeSe, PbS, µc-Si, SnTe, SnS, Sn2S3, and WSe2) is investigated to enhance photo-absorption. The findings indicate that a Ti alloying concentration of 3 % at the Zr site, coupled with a Cu2Te BSF, achieves the highest efficiency, approximately 30 %. These optimized structures present a robust framework for developing efficient, stable, and non-toxic photovoltaic devices utilizing chalcogenide perovskites.

Unveiling the structural, optical, electrical, and ferromagnetic properties of Ca2+ doped mixed spinel ferrites for switching field high-frequency device applications

In this paper, the calcium-doped nickel-zinc nano-ferrites [Ni0.5Zn0.5CaxFe2-xO4; x = 0.00, 0.10, and 0.30] were prepared using the chemical co-precipitation synthesis route and studied for switching field high-frequency device applications. The structural analysis has been completed by analyzing X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The Rietveld refined XRD patterns confirmed the formation of cubic spinel structure of Ca2+ substituted nickel-zinc ferrites. The detection of metal-oxygen bonds present at A and B lattice sites has been unveiled by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The morphological studies obtained through FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy) analysis showed a reduction in the particle size from 70 nm to 53 nm when the concentration of Ca2+ ions in Ni-Zn ferrites was increased. Energy dispersive spectra (EDS) confirmed the presence of elements present in the prepared composition. The structure of a cubic spinel-shaped unit cell has been verified from three active prominent Raman modes (A1g, A2g, and T2g). Diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) exhibits the increment in the bandgap values (from 1.55 eV to 1.63 eV) which helps fabricate highly efficient photovoltaic devices. The ferroelectric measurements yielded a rise in polarization values from 1.461 μC/cm2 to 18.228 μC/cm2 for 10 % Ca2+ ion substitution. The tangent loss values declined from 24 to 3 in Ni-Zn ferrites upon substituting Ca2+ ions. The Vibrating sample Magnetometer (VSM) technique found the increment in the saturation magnetization (Ms) values from 34.724 emu/g to 54.662 emu/g on substituting up to 30 % Ca2+ ions in Ni-Zn ferrites. These obtained results support the material in switching field distribution for high-frequency applications. The results exhibited that the prepared samples can be applicable for switching devices, filters, and microwave absorption devices. The results revealed the maximum frequency between 12 and 18 GHz which is useful for Ku band absorption.

Enhancing the photovoltaic properties of phenothiazine-based chromophores via structural integration of selenophene analogues

A series of oligomer-type donor photovoltaic materials (MP2–MP9) were designed via the incorporation of selenophene unit (n = 1–8) in MP1 as π-spacer. In order to accomplish the electronic, photophysical, and photovoltaic (PV) behavior of MPR and MP1–MP9, quantum chemical calculations were performed through the density functional theory (DFT) approach. The M06/6-311G (d,p) level was selected for current investigation through a benchmark study between experimental and DFT values of λmax at various functionals of MPR compound. Descending in energy gap (3.058–2.476 eV) with wider absorption wavelength (652.998–513.392 nm) in dichloromethane along with greater charge transmission were probed with the addition of selenophene unit as compared to MPR. The studied chromophores were perceived to have Voc and FF ranging from 1.320–1.728 V and 0.903–0.923 %, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of oligomer-type donor materials with optimized electronic and photophysical properties, which could enhance the performance and efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices.

Optimizing Solar Cell Performance: Hybrid Planar‐Si/Organic Heterojunction Solar Cells Achieve 14.75% Efficiency Through Dibenzothiophene‐Spirobifluorene‐Dithienothiophene Insertion Layer Integration

Hybrid planar‐Si/organic heterojunction solar cells have garnered substantial interest due to their potential for producing cost‐effective, high‐efficiency devices. This study investigates the photophysical properties and application of dibenzothiophene‐spirobifluorene‐dithienothiophene (DBBT‐mCbz‐DBT) in enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic devices. Utilizing ultraviolet–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, DBBT‐mCbz‐DBT is analyzed in solutions and doped films, showing maximum absorption at 380 nm and emission at 440 nm. Notably, the photoluminescence intensity in 4,4′‐di(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)‐1,1′‐biphenyl films peaks at 40–50% DBBT‐mCbz‐DBT concentrations, which are selected for solar cell fabrication. Enhanced light absorption and charge transport are observed with a DBBT‐mCbz‐DBT layer on silicon, significantly improving device performance. The planar silicon/poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (Si/PEDOT:PSS) heterojunction solar cells with DBBT‐mCbz‐DBT exhibit a power conversion efficiency of 14.75%, demonstrating substantial gains over baseline structures. The DBBT‐mCbz‐DBT layer optimizes energy band alignment, reduces recombination losses, and enhances electron transport, improving overall device efficiency. This research underscores the potential of integrating DBBT‐mCbz‐DBT in solar cells to achieve higher performance through simple, scalable fabrication methods.

Halogenation Strategy: Simple Wide Band Gap Nonfullerene Acceptors with the BODIPY-Thiophene-Backboned Polymer Donor for Enhanced Outdoor and Indoor Photovoltaics.

Researchers have been motivated to develop photovoltaic systems that can efficiently convert artificial light into power with the growing use of indoor electrical devices for the Internet of Things. Understanding the impact of molecular design strategies involving morphological optimization through the terminal group of the non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) is crucial. This is critically important to enhancing the photovoltaic efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices under diverse irradiation conditions. Halogenation of terminal groups proves to be a standout approach for adjusting energy levels, refining light-harvesting capabilities, crystallinity, and bolstering the intermolecular stacking in NFAs. Herein, we have designed two simple NFAs, DICTF-4F and DICTF-4Cl, to explore the dihalogenation (F and Cl) effect on the terminal group on the optical and electrochemical properties. After combining with the BODIPY-thiophene-backboned donor polymer P(BdP-HT), the organic solar cells (OSCs) using an optimized active layer with P(BdP-HT):DICTF-4F and P(BdP-HT):DICTF-4Cl attained a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of about 8.03 and 14.16%, respectively, under 1 sun illumination. Moreover, the OSC-based P(BdP-HT):DICTF-4Cl active layer showed a PCE approaching 24% under 1000 lx indoor conditions.

Promoting photoelectric performance through extraction of hot electron from Cu-doped CdSe quantum dots

Efficient extraction of photogenerated hot carriers and insight into the involved dynamics are crucial to promoting the photoelectric efficiencies of photovoltaic and photocatalytic devices. Here, we synthesized Cu-doped CdSe quantum dots (Cu-CdSe QDs) as the donor and investigated the ultrafast dynamics of hot electron cooling and electron transfer from Cu-CdSe QDs to benzoquinone (BQ) as the acceptor. The doping of copper ion effectively suppresses the cooling rate of hot electrons in CdSe QDs and extends the lifetime of hot electrons from 0.2 ps to 3.6 ps. The results of steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy demonstrate that the overall electron transfer efficiency from Cu-CdSe QDs to BQ exceeds 70 %. Dynamical analysis confirms that two electron transfer pathways of hot and band-edge electrons exist in the Cu-CdSe-BQ composites. The hot electron transfer efficiency can reach ∼45 % with a rate constant of 3.90 × 1011 s−1. The band-edge electron transfer efficiency is about 50 %. These findings demonstrate an effective strategy for improving the photoelectric performance of Cu-CdSe-BQ composites by efficiently separating photogenerated carriers and extracting hot electrons.

(Invited) Forecasting Hybrid Perovskites’ Dynamic Response through Machine Learning

Machine learning (ML) can significantly accelerate the discovery of materials for clean energy. Hybrid perovskites (an emerging class of materials for photovoltaics and light-emitting diodes) encompass an enormous chemical composition space, resulting in a hyperparameter space that is nearly impossible to be interrogated via traditional trial-and-error methods. Thus, there has been a pressing need within the materials research community to identify ML models that can be implemented to inform the physical and chemical behavior of the perovskites. Here, we apply distinct ML models (mostly based on recurrent neural networks) to classify and forecast physical properties encompassing electrical conductivity, photoluminescence response, the power conversion efficiency of photovoltaic devices, etc. Specifically, we use automated, in situ optical measurements to predict the optical response of a series of perovskites for 50+ hours, upon materials’ exposure to moisture. We quantitatively compare linear regression, echo state network, and seasonal auto-regressive integrated moving average with eXogenous regressor algorithms and achieve accuracy of >90% for the latter. Demonstrating the ability of this model to capture non-linear features. Our high-throughput measurements and ML-assisted data analysis exemplifies the potential of ML to diagnose and forecast hybrid perovskites’ response with a variety of chemical compositions.

Increasing efficiency in perovskite solar cells through energy downconversion using nanoparticles

The generation of electricity through solar energy stands out as one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources worldwide. The global demand for energy, coupled with the rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, highlights the need to develop renewable sources of energy. The current challenge of utilizing photovoltaic cells for electricity production lies in the efficiency of the photovoltaic conversion process occurring within the device. To enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic devices, scientists have been investigating light conversion processes to improve radiation absorption and conversion. The study and application of the downconversion process with luminescent materials have been explored to prevent energy loss in solar devices. Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been employed for this purpose due to their favorable optical properties for downconversion applications. Organic–inorganic perovskites, such as methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3), have shown promising results for power conversion efficiency, and the present study aimed to assess the increased efficiency of perovskite devices with the addition of ZnO nanoparticles on top of the device. Such optical improvement in the device can occur because high-energy photons, which would be absorbed by layers such as glass and ITO, which are not semiconductors and do not generate charge carriers, will now be absorbed by the ZnO NPs and emitted at longer wavelengths. These longer wavelengths will be absorbed in the active layer of the device, thus generating charge carriers. The obtained results demonstrated that ZnO nanoparticles with approximately 45 nm diameter can successfully produce a downconversion process, leading to improved light absorption by the active layer of the cell and consequently improving photovoltaic efficiency of a perovskite device by 5.5 %.

Cyanoacetamide co-sensitizers DY-1 and DY-2: Unveiling a promising path to highly efficient photovoltaic devices

This paper presents a novel approach for enhancing the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) through the co-sensitization of cyanoacetamide-based dyes DY-1 and DY-2 with N3 dye. The synthesis and characterization of DY-1 and DY-2 co-sensitizers are described and their potential applications in photovoltaic devices are investigated. The absorption properties of DY-1 and DY-2 were analyzed, revealing their efficient light absorption in the visible range. The co-sensitization of DY-1-2 with N3 dye demonstrated a significant enhancement in photovoltaic efficiency, ranging from 7.40 % to 7.92 %. The reasons for this efficiency enhancement were thoroughly analyzed and attributed to several factors. First, the combination of DY-1-2 with the N3 dye led to a broader light absorption spectrum, enabling more efficient utilization of incident photons. Additionally, co-sensitization facilitates efficient charge separation and injection processes, contributing to improved photocurrent. The acid-base co-sensitization approach further enhances the overall efficiency by maximizing the charge transfer and coverage on the semiconductor surface. This study sheds light on the development of novel sensitizers to enhance the performance of DSSCs, and the findings contribute to the advancement of photovoltaic devices.

Cu(II) and Ni(II) Phthalocyanine‐Based Hole‐Transporting Materials for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiencies Reaching 20.0%

Herein, Cu(II)Pcs and Ni(II)Pcs peripherally tetra‐functionalized with 5‐hexylthiophene (HT), 5‐hexyl‐2,2′‐bithiophene (HBT), and tertbutyl groups (TB) are readily synthesized and employed as hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) in mixed‐ion perovskite ([FAPbI3]0.85[MAPbBr3]0.15) solar cells, achieving power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) up to 20.0%. Remarkably, both the peripheral functionalization and the central metal are found to play a role in the performance. Through a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques, it is found that the simplest HTM, TB‐CuPc, is the best‐performing HTM primarily due to its higher hole mobility and a more appropriate highest‐occupied molecular orbital, whose enables efficient hole extraction without open‐circuit voltage (Voc)losses. This derivative leads to PCEs of 19.96%, which are among the highest values for Pc‐based HTMs. Importantly, devices incorporating these HTMs present significantly higher stability compared to those based on spiro‐OMeTAD. The results here presented pave the way for more realistic, efficient, and inexpensive photovoltaic devices using phthalocyanine derivatives.

Investigation of the Temperature Coefficients of Perovskite Solar Cells for Application in High-Temperature Environments.

Perovskite solar cells are actively investigated for their potential as highly efficient and cost-effective photovoltaic devices. However, a significant challenge in their practical application is enhancing their durability. Particularly, these cells are expected to be subjected to heating by sunlight in real-world operating environments. Therefore, high-temperature durability and device operation under such conditions are critical. Our study aims to improve the durability of perovskite solar cells for practical applications by examining their temperature coefficients at elevated temperatures using MA-free compositions. We assessed these coefficients and investigated their correlation with the ideality factor, revealing that carrier recombination markedly affects the temperature behavior of these cells. Our methodology involves simple J-V measurements to evaluate device degradation at high temperatures, paving the way for further research to enhance device performance in such environments.

Nanoscale phase management of the 2D/3D heterostructure toward efficient perovskite solar cells

The stabilization of the formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) structure is pivotal for the development of efficient photovoltaic devices. Employing two-dimensional (2D) layers to passivate the three-dimensional (3D) perovskite is essential for maintaining the α-phase of FAPbI3 and enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the role of bulky ligands in the phase management of 2D perovskites, crucial for the stabilization of FAPbI3, has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we synthesized nanoscale 2D perovskite capping crusts with <n> = 1 and 2 Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) perovskite layers, respectively, which form a type-II 2D/3D heterostructure. This heterostructure stabilizes the α-phase of FAPbI3, and facilitates ultrafast carrier extraction from the 3D perovskite network to transport contact layer. We introduced tri-fluorinated ligands to mitigate defects caused by the halide vacancies and uncoordinated Pb2+ ions, thereby reducing nonradiative carrier recombination and extending carrier lifetime. The films produced were incorporated into PSCs that not only achieved a PCE of 25.39% but also maintained 95% of their initial efficiency after 2000 h of continuous light exposure without encapsulation. These findings underscore the effectiveness of a phase-pure 2D/3D heterostructure-terminated film in inhibiting phase transitions passivating the iodide anion vacancy defects, facilitating the charge carrier extraction, and boosting the performance of optoelectronic devices.

The role of the plasmon in interfacial charge transfer.

The lack of a detailed mechanistic understanding for plasmon-mediated charge transfer at metal-semiconductor interfaces severely limits the design of efficient photovoltaic and photocatalytic devices. A major remaining question is the relative contribution from indirect transfer of hot electrons generated by plasmon decay in the metal to the semiconductor compared to direct metal-to-semiconductor interfacial charge transfer. Here, we demonstrate an overall electron transfer efficiency of 44 ± 3% from gold nanorods to titanium oxide shells when excited on resonance. We prove that half of it originates from direct interfacial charge transfer mediated specifically by exciting the plasmon. We are able to distinguish between direct and indirect pathways through multimodal frequency-resolved approach measuring the homogeneous plasmon linewidth by single-particle scattering spectroscopy and time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy with variable pump wavelengths. Our results signify that the direct plasmon-induced charge transfer pathway is a promising way to improve hot carrier extraction efficiency by circumventing metal intrinsic decay that results mainly in nonspecific heating.

Spinel cobalt-based binary metal oxides as emerging materials for energy harvesting devices: synthesis, characterization and synchrotron radiation-enabled investigation.

The synthesis and characterization of spinel cobalt-based metal oxides (MCo2O4) with varying 3d-transition metal ions (Ni, Fe, Cu, and Zn) were explored using a hydrothermal process (140 °C for two hours) to be used as alternative counter electrodes for Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed distinct morphologies for each metal oxide, such as NiCo2O4 nanosheets, Cu Co2O4 nanoleaves, Fe Co2O4 diamond-like, and Zn Co2O4 hexagonal-like structures. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the cubic spinel structure for the prepared MCo2O4 films. The functional groups of MCo2O4 materials were recognized in metal oxides throughout Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The local structure analysis using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) at Fe and Co K-edge identified octahedral (Oh) Co3+ and tetrahedral (Td) Co2+ coordination, with Zn2+ and Cu2+ favoring Td sites, while Ni3+ and Fe3+ preferred Oh active sites. Further investigations utilizing the Fourier transformation (FT) analysis showed comparable coordination numbers and interatomic distances ranked as Co-Cu > Co-Fe > Zn-Co > Co-Ni. Furthermore, the utilization of MCo2O4 thin films as counter electrodes in DSSC fabrication showed promising results. Notably, solar cells based on CuCo2O4 and ZnCo2O4 counter electrodes showed 1.9% and 1.13% power conversion efficiency, respectively. These findings indicate the potential of employing these binary metal oxides for efficient and cost-effective photovoltaic device production.