Efficient Solar Cell Devices Research Articles

Development of cost-effective diphenylamine substituted hole transporting materials for organic and perovskite solar cells

In recent years, material developments have continued to increase the performances of organic and perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Therefore, herein, we designed (HRN1-HRN11) and characterized eleven new hole transport materials (HTM) for PSCs. A systematic investigation has been conducted to investigate the optoelectrical characteristics of these HTMs. The optical characteristics and structure of these modeled HTMs have been analyzed using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent (TD-DFT). Ionization potential, electron density difference (EDD), electron and hole reorganizational energies, charge transfer analysis, transition density matrix, and molecular electrostatic potential analysis were performed to investigate the potential of these designed series (HRN1-HRN11) for PSCs. In comparison to the synthetic reference molecule (HRN), which has a band gap of 3.64 eV and a wavelength of 388.69 nm, the newly developed compounds (HRN1-HRN11) show promising optoelectronic qualities with much lower energy gaps (up to 2.01 eV) and absorbed maximum absorption wavelength (940.99 nm). Together with their excellent hole and electron transport capabilities, improved open-circuit voltage values of 1.06–1.34 eV are calculated. The acceptor and donor regions of HRN2, HRN7, and HRN1 exhibit great charge mobility and have the lowest electron reorganization energy. HRN9 has the greatest reorganization energy of hole (λh) value among all designed molecules. The work emphasizes designing suitable photovoltaic materials to produce highly efficient solar cell devices.

Designing and simulating of new highly efficient ultra-thin CIGS solar cell device structure: Plan to minimize cost per watt price

This research paper examines the execution of ultra-thin solar cells made from chalcopyrite copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). The study presents a new CIGS heterojunction solar cell structure, which includes a Cd-free tungsten disulfide (WS2) buffer layer and poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS) passivation layer. The performance of the solar cell is raised by a back surface field (BSF). A highly recombining rear surface is kept away from minority carriers by a field created by further strong doping at the back. The structure is Ni/PEDOT:PSS/CIGS/WS2/ZnO/Al and has been estimated numerically using the Opto-electrical stimulation of semiconductor layers simulator SCAPS-1D. A high efficiency with a Back surface passivated layer of 25.70 % with Voc of 0.81 V, Jsc of 39.33 mA/cm2, and FF of 79.89 % and without passivated layer efficiency of 17.58 % with Voc of 0.73 V, Jsc of 32.18 mA/cm2, and FF of 74.78 % is found for the intended CIGS-based solar cell with WS2 buffer. The interface between CIGS and WS2 forms a band structure that resembles spikes. This structure is crucial in enhancing the outputs by reducing carrier recombination. The optimal thicknesses for the buffer and CIGS absorber layers are 0.02 μm and 0.2 μm, respectively. These findings help reduce the cost per watt of the solar cell. Fabrication at a mass production scale, minimizing the thickness will have a significant impact on reducing cost.

A Review: Application of Doped Hydrogenated Nanocrystalline Silicon Oxide in High Efficiency Solar Cell Devices.

Due to the unique microstructure of hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon oxide (nc-SiOx:H), the optoelectronic properties of this material can be tuned over a wide range, which makes it adaptable to different solar cell applications. In this work, the authors review the material properties of nc-SiOx:H and the versatility of its applications in different types of solar cells. The review starts by introducing the growth principle of doped nc-SiOx:H layers, the effect of oxygen content on the material properties, and the relationship between optoelectronic properties and its microstructure. A theoretical analysis of charge carrier transport mechanisms in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells with wide band gap layers is then presented. Afterwards, the authors focus on the recent developments in the implementation of nc-SiOx:H and hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxide (a-SiOx:H) films for SHJ, passivating contacts, and perovskite/silicon tandem devices.

Trifluoromethylation Enables Compact 2D Linear Stacking and Improves the Efficiency and Stability of Q-PHJ Organic Solar Cells.

Compared to the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) devices, the quasiplanar heterojunction (Q-PHJ) exhibits a more stable morphology and superior charge transfer performance. To achieve both high efficiency and long-term stability, it is necessary to design new materials for Q-PHJ devices. In this study, QxIC-CF3 and QxIC-CH3 are designed and synthesized for the first time. The trifluoromethylation of the central core exerts a modulatory effect on the molecular stacking pattern, leveraging the strong electrostatic potential and intermolecular interactions. Compared with QxIC-CH3, the single crystal structure reveals that QxIC-CF3 exhibits a more compact 2D linear stacking behavior. These benefits, combined with the separated electron and hole transport channels in Q-PHJ device, lead to increased charge mobility and reduced energy loss. The devices based on D18/QxIC-CF3 exhibit an efficiency of 18.1%, which is the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) for Q-PHJ to date. Additionally, the thermodynamic stability of the active layer morphology enhances the lifespan of the aforementioned devices under illumination conditions. Specifically, the T80 is 420 h, which is nearly twice that of the renowned Y6-based BHJ device (T80 = 220h). By combining the advantages of the trifluoromethylation and Q-PHJ device, efficient and stable organic solar cell devices can be constructed.

Narrow Bandgap Metal Halide Perovskites for All-Perovskite Tandem Photovoltaics.

All-perovskite tandem solar cells are attracting considerable interest in photovoltaics research, owing to their potential to surpass the theoretical efficiency limit of single-junction cells, in a cost-effective sustainable manner. Thanks to the bandgap-bowing effect, mixed tin-lead (Sn-Pb) perovskites possess a close to ideal narrow bandgap for constructing tandem cells, matched with wide-bandgap neat lead-based counterparts. The performance of all-perovskite tandems, however, has yet to reach its efficiency potential. One of the main obstacles that need to be overcome is the─oftentimes─low quality of the mixed Sn-Pb perovskite films, largely caused by the facile oxidation of Sn(II) to Sn(IV), as well as the difficult-to-control film crystallization dynamics. Additional detrimental imperfections are introduced in the perovskite thin film, particularly at its vulnerable surfaces, including the top and bottom interfaces as well as the grain boundaries. Due to these issues, the resultant device performance is distinctly far lower than their theoretically achievable maximum efficiency. Robust modifications and improvements to the surfaces of mixed Sn-Pb perovskite films are therefore critical for the advancement of the field. This Review describes the origins of imperfections in thin films and covers efforts made so far toward reaching a better understanding of mixed Sn-Pb perovskites, in particular with respect to surface modifications that improved the efficiency and stability of the narrow bandgap solar cells. In addition, we also outline the important issues of integrating the narrow bandgap subcells for achieving reliable and efficient all-perovskite double- and multi-junction tandems. Future work should focus on the characterization and visualization of the specific surface defects, as well as tracking their evolution under different external stimuli, guiding in turn the processing for efficient and stable single-junction and tandem solar cell devices.

Enhancement in MAPbI3−xClx-based perovskite solar cell performance using numerical simulation

This work deals with the simulation of a perovskite solar cell with structure, ITO/SnO2/MAPbI[Formula: see text]Clx/Spiro-MeOTAD/Ag using SCAPS-1D software. The optimization of absorber thickness and carriers’ lifetime results in [Formula: see text]% ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mA/cm2 and [Formula: see text]%). The same structures are also analyzed without ETL and HTL for making cost-effective solar cell. The efficiencies for both ETL and HTL free structures are found to be 17.42% and 9.98%, respectively. Further, the optimization of gradient doping shows a significant increment in performance parameters i.e. [Formula: see text]% ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mA/cm2 and [Formula: see text]%). Moreover, the analysis of various factors like average doping concentration, number of absorber sublayers, recombination velocities and temperature on the cell performance are performed to examine device stability. Present observations suggest that by considering only two sublayers, one can achieve the highest cell performance by using the gradient doping method. We have also validated the cell performance by comparing it with the experimental results and found a good agreement in both. Our findings may provide an effective route to fabricate highly efficient solar cell devices.

An intrinsic electrical conductivity study of perovskite powders MAPbX3 (X = I, Br, Cl) to investigate its effect on their photovoltaic performance.

An investigation into the intrinsic electrical conductivity of perovskite powders MAPbX3, where X represents iodine (I), bromine (Br), or chlorine (Cl), was conducted to explore its impact on their photovoltaic performance. Results revealed that MAPbCl3 demonstrated light absorption ability in the ultraviolet and visible regions, while MAPbBr3 showed capacity for light absorption at longer wavelengths in the visible spectrum. On the other hand, MAPbI3 exhibited good absorption at longer wavelengths, indicating its ability to absorb light in the near-infrared region. The optical bandgap of each perovskite was determined to be 2.90 eV for MAPbCl3, 2.20 eV for MAPbBr3, and 1.47 eV for MAPbI3. The electrical conductivities of these powders were measured in-plane using the four-probe method and through-plane by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies revealed a significant change in the conductivity of the MAPbI3 perovskite at temperatures between 80 °C and 100 °C. This change could be attributed to structural modifications induced when the temperature exceeds these values. The through-plane conductivity changed from 3 × 10-8 S cm-1 at 60 °C to approximately 6 × 10-5 S cm-1 at 120 °C and around 2 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 200 °C. Meanwhile, the sheet conductivity (in-plane conductivity) measurements performed at ambient temperature reveal that sheet conductivities are 489 × 103 S m-1, 486 × 103 S m-1 and 510 × 103 S m-1 for MAPbBr3, MAPbCl3 and MAPbI3, respectively. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing the performance of perovskite solar cells. Understanding how dopants influence the electrical conductivity and photovoltaic properties of the perovskite material, this work will enable researchers to design and engineer more efficient and stable solar cell devices based on MAPbX3 perovskites.

Achieving above 25 % efficiency from FA0.85Cs0.15Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 perovskite solar cell through harnessing the potential of absorber and charge transport layers

In the present article, better stability and enhanced optical behavior have been reported by using mixed -cation lead mixed - halide perovskites, [FAxCs1−xPb(IxBr1−x)3]x=0.85 as the active layer while SnO2 as electron transport layer and Spiro-OMeTAD has been chosen as hole transport layer. The design of the cell configuration FTO/SnO2/[FAxCs1−xPb(IxBr1−x)3]x=0.85/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au has been developed with the help of SCAPS-1D software. In this work,15.86 % power conversion efficiency has been attained which is approximately equal to experimentally reported result. Further we have analyzed the comparative investigation of various HTL layers in place of Spiro-OMeTAD. Further MoO3 based device parameters like thickness, bandgap and defect density of absorber layer, effect of interface, shunt and series resistance and temperature were tuned and calculated to get their optimum values. Finally, PCE of 25.85 % was attained for the optimized device structure FTO/SnO2/[FAxCs1−xPb(IxBr1−x)3]x=0.85/MoO3/Au. These outcomes could provide an idea for highly efficient solar cell device fabrication.

An Approach Towards Low Energy Loss by End-capped Modification of A2–D–A1–D–A2-type Molecules for Tuning the Photovoltaic Properties of Organic Solar Cells

In this project, the study is focused on the substitution at determined sites of reference molecule (R) to enhance optoelectronic properties, which might affect the photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells. Herein, seven new molecules (M1 to M7) were designed by the modification of the terminal acceptors. The density functional theory was employed to explore optoelectronic properties. Majority of the molecules own exceptional optical properties than reference molecule, for instance, narrow bandgap, low excitation energy, lower binding energies, better oscillator strength and progressive light harvesting efficiency. The density of state, frontier molecular orbitals and transition density matrix diagrams indicated that the charge density transfer occurs from donor to acceptor. Moreover, charge transfer investigations of designed molecules with PTB7-Th complex were performed by analyzing the concentration of charge transfer over molecular orbitals, i.e., highest occupied to lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals. Thus, these computed molecules may be employed to develop efficient organic solar cell devices with promising photovoltaic prospects in the near future.

A Review of the Technological Advances in the Design of Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

The search for renewable and sustainable energy for energy security and better environmental protection against hazardous emissions from petro-based fuels has gained significant momentum in the last decade. Towards this end, energy from the sun has proven to be reliable and inexhaustible. Therefore, better light harvesting technologies have to be sought. Herein, the current trends in the development of perovskite solar cells with a focus on device engineering, band alignment, device fabrication with superior light harvesting properties, and numerical simulation of solar cell architectures are critically reviewed. This work will form the basis for future scientist to have a better scientific background on the design of highly efficient solar cell devices, which are cost-effective to fabricate, highly stable, and eco-friendly. This review presents thorough essential information on perovskite solar cell technology and tracks methodically their technological performance overtime. The photovoltaic (PV) technology can help to reduce pollution related to greenhouse gas emissions, criterion pollutant emissions, and emissions from heavy metals and radioactive species by nearly 90%. Following the introduction of highly efficient perovskite solar cell (PSC) technologies, the problems associated with stability, short life-time and lead-based perovskite solar cell configurations have significantly been minimized. The fabrication and simulation of perovskite solar cells has been made possible with advanced technologies and state-of-the-art computational codes. Furthermore, device simulation strategies have lately been used to understand, select appropriate materials, and gain insights into solar cell devices’ physical behavior in order to improve their performances. Numerical simulation softwares such as the 1-dimenional solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D), Silvaco ATLAS, and wx-analysis of microelectronic and photonic structures (wxAMPS) used to understand the device engineering of solar cells are critically discussed. Because of the need to produce charge collection selectivity, hole transport materials (HTMs) as well as electron transport materials (ETMs) constitute essential PSC components. In this work, the synthesis of inorganic HTMs, as well as their characteristics and uses in various PSCs comprising mesoporous and planar designs, are explored in detail. It is anticipated that the performance of inorganic HTLs on PSCs would encourage further research which will have a significant influence on the future designs and fabrication of highly efficient solar cells.

Elucidating modelling of C≡N-based carbazole-arylamine hole transporting materials for efficient organic and perovskite solar cells

Recently, the scientific community has shown great interest in hole transport materials (HTMs) to develop efficient and stable organic and perovskite solar cells. To boost the photovoltaic performance of these solar cell devices, scientists have been investigating the use of modified HTMs. In this study, we have developed a distinctive and proficient approach to building a better photovoltaic material by modifying the endcaps of the reference (MA). Specifically, we designed five new efficient HTMs (MA1-MA5) through molecular engineering on a terminal of reference molecule MA. Using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent-DFT methods, we theoretically characterized the key characteristics of these newly designed materials, including the orientation of frontier molecular orbitals (FMO), absorption maxima, the partial density of states (PDOS), binding energies, reorganization energy, transition density matrix, fill factor (FF), open-circuit voltages (Voc) and power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) for these materials. Our theoretical representations revealed that newly constructed materials (MA1-MA5) have a highly red-shifted absorption spectrum with lower binding energies and narrow energy gaps, making them ideal for charge shifting. Among these designed MA1-MA5 materials, the MA1 has the potential to produce as much as higher 23.24% PCE when it will be used in fabricating solar cell devices, whereas, the other designed materials MA2-MA4 has also very comparable and much higher PCE values than the refence molecule MA. These findings demonstrate our efficient designing approach to tune the photovoltaic and optoelectronic properties of the HTMs, and we recommend these engineered materials for the future developments of an efficient solar cell devices.

Designing spiro-bifluorene core-based promising molecules with enhanced optoelectronic attributes for high efficiency solar cell devices

Organic solar cells are green and cost-effective alternatives to fulfill the energy requirements of conventional energy sources. They have grabbed the attention of the research community owing to their good power conversion efficiency. The aim of present research work was to increase the efficiency of previously synthesised reference (R) molecule. For this, eight new X-shaped molecules were successfully designed by structural modifications of Spiro-OMeTAD. Structural modifications of R were made by using 9,9’-spirobifuorene as a core material with eight different end-capped acceptor moieties. Among different DFT-based functionals, MPW1PW91 functional with 6-31G (d,p) basis set was selected to determine the optoelectronic properties. Interestingly, all newly designed molecules had a smaller energy gap (Egap), lower excitation energy (Ex) and greater absorption maxima (λmax) which illustrated the superior potential of the designed molecules (X1 to X8) than R. Among different molecules, X4 showed the most appropriate frontier molecular orbitals with the highest λmax (592.74 nm), best fill factor (86.43%), greater power conversion efficiency (10.04), improved open circuit voltage (0.83 eV) and the least Ex (2.09 eV). All newly created molecules showed better results than R, elucidating the potential of these modified Spiro-OMeTAD-based hole transport materials as pioneering materials in the fabrication of efficient next-generation SCs devices.

Explainable machine learning for predicting the band gaps of ABX3 perovskites

In this study, we trained and compared explainable machine learning algorithms for predicting the band gaps of perovskite materials that have the formula ABX3 containing both zero and non-zero band gaps. Six supervised learning models: 5 ensemble learning methods and 1 neural network (CompoundNet) were employed to study the non-linear relationship that exists between the band gap and the characteristics of its constituent elements such as electronegativity, covalent radius, first ionization energy, and row in the periodic table. The machine learning (ML) models were trained on datasets obtained from density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results show that CatBoost and XGBoost models yielded the least predictive errors and the highest coefficient of determination of R2 ≥ 88% than other approaches in the testing phase. Furthermore, the Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) was used for explaining the model based on the elemental composition of each perovskite compound from the physics standpoint, and a novel holistic feature ranking of the explained models was proposed. One key insight gained from the SHAP analysis is that the Pauling electronegativity of the B site cation in the cubic perovskites which characteristically plays an important role in the electronic properties of this class of materials is the feature that contributes most to the prediction of the band gaps. These results reveal the potential of ML to predict materials properties quickly and accurately with datasets useful in the engineering of efficient solar cell devices.

Characterization of Sb2Te3 thin films prepared by electrochemical technique

A conductive and thermally stable material with a high work function is required to produce highly efficient CdTe-based thin film solar cell (TFSC) devices. In this study, we report the growth of layers of polycrystalline, stoichiometric, and compact antimony telluride (Sb2Te3) by using the wet-chemical aqueous electrochemical technique. A three-electrode geometry consisting of a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode was used to deposit the Sb2Te3 thin films at a low temperature (60 °C ± 2 °C). The growth potential was optimized through cyclic voltammetric measurements with reference to the Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The structural, morphological, compositional, and electrical properties of the films were studied and correlated. Their prominent Bragg reflections of (103), (016), and (110) verified the growth of the rhombohedral crystal structure of Sb2Te3. The Raman modes Eg and A1g, observed at 119.88 and 161.48 cm−1, respectively, confirmed the formation of the Sb2Te3 compound. Compact grain growth with a void-free and well-adherent layer was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The grain size, surface morphology, and thickness of the Sb2Te3 layers were significantly influenced by variations in the deposition potentials. An EDS analysis of the sample grown at −0.5 V revealed nearly stoichiometric growth (2:3, Sb:Te ratio). The elemental chemical states were studied through XPS analysis. The survey scan confirmed the presence of antimony, tellurium, oxygen, and carbon. The current–voltage characteristics reflected the nearly ohmic nature of the Sb2Te3 thin films. The ideality factor and carrier concentration obtained for the sample grown at −0.5 V exhibited nearly ohmic behaviors, with a high conductivity that was suitable for back-contact between the buffer layer and CdTe for the development of CdS/CdTe solar cells.

Study the effect of nickel and aluminium doped ZnO photoanode in DSSC

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) is one of the promising candidates which are efficient, low-cost, and clean hybrid molecular solar cell devices. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been widely used as the phoanode in DSSC due to its excellent charge conduction mechanism, yet still suffers from poor cell efficiency. In this study, aluminium doped ZnO (ZnO:Al) and Ni doped ZnO (ZnO:Ni) were studied as photoanode material in DSSC using solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS ) simulation, and the electrolyte liquid considered a single solid p-type layer as hole transporting materials. Both studied photoanodes have demonstrated better cell performance than pure ZnO photoanode due to the small amount of aluminium (Al) and nikel (Ni) impurities added have enhanced the physiochemical properties of ZnO films. A power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.96% was obtained at 3 mol% ZnO:Al photoanode with optimized key parameters. These simulation results proved an opportunity to improve the performance of the DSSCs via doping engineering into the ZnO photonaode.

Numerical investigation of a novel solar cell based on a modified perovskite with PPP polymer

In this paper, a new, highly efficient and eco-friendly solar cell device based on a modified perovskite material from CsMAFA, with a polymer as an absorber layer, is modelled and simulated by utilizing the SCAPS-1D. An encouraging conversion power efficiency of 23.5% is achieved by optimizing several core parameters in the absorber layer and the device structure. The obtained results show remarkable progress in the solar cell performance by increasing the absorber layer's thickness. Indeed, increasing the thickness to 1000 nm is desirable to promote the light absorption process and solar cell efficiency. High doping density in the absorber layer adversely impacted solar cell performance. Additionally, increasing the defect density above 1×1016 cm−3 yielded a sharp degradation in device performance. This is ascribed to a reduction in the lifetime and the diffusion length of the charge carriers and turned out toward the electron-hole recombination process. Adjusting the electron affinity of the absorber layer at 4.49 eV presented a valued step toward optimizing the device performance through having better band alignment between the layers. The simulations results demonstrated that the device performance starts to be impeded if a metal with a work function less than 5 eV is used as a back contact layer. Finally, the solar cell displayed a continuous degraded behavior with increasing the temperature. The device operates optimally at 300 K. It is believed that this study represents an added value in the field of simulation and fabrication high-efficiency perovskite solar cells and optoelectronic devices.

Lead free efficient perovskite solar cell device Optimization and defect study using Mg doped CuCrO2 as HTL and WO3 as ETL

An n-i-p architecture perovskite solar cell (PSC) has been suggested and modelled employing Pb free CH3NH3SnI3 absorber layer. A relative investigation for WO3 (ETL) and Mg-CuCrO2 (HTL) with different thickness, carrier concentration, interfacial layer (IL) defect tolerance factor, impact of temperature on device performance have been portrayed by SCAPS-1D simulator. A lower thickness of ETL and HTL is quite effective to produce better efficiency. The proposed FTO/WO3/CH3NH3SnI3/Mg-CuCrO2/Au device shows the maximum Voc, Jsc, FF and PCE of 1.02 V, 37.95 mA/cm2, 71.38 %, 27.53 %, respectively. The carrier concentrations NA and ND were optimized at 1x1014cm-3 and 1x1016cm-3. After those ideals, the projected PSC device’s photovoltaic presentation was considerably reduced. The interfacial layer 1 (IL1) and interfacial layer 2 (IL2) exhibited the defect tolerance level of 1x1011cm-2 and 1x1016cm-2, respectively. It was found that Au as a back-contact could produce the highest PCE among other back contact metals. The ambient temperature proved to be ideal one to generate the highest PCE since elevated temperatures lead to reduce Voc and PCE thereby. The suggested ETL and HTL have been proved to be alternative inorganic charge transporting materials which could regulate the device performance as well as stability into the environmental atmosphere.

Design and numerical simulation of highly efficient mixed‐organic cation mixed‐metal cation perovskite solar cells

Mixed cation perovskite type materials have recently shown considerable potential in high-efficiency single- and multi-junction solar cell devices. However, the operating principles of multiple cation-based perovskite solar cells are currently poorly understood. Furthermore, the photovoltaic performances of mixed cations-based perovskites solar cells are investigated using device simulator program. Inorganic TiO2 and Cu2O were used as electron transport layer and hole transport layer, respectively, because of their better performance. The impact of thickness, doping concentration and density of defect is examined using on the device performance. In addition, the effect of band offsets on performance was also investigated through altering the electron affinity of interface layers. Our calculated results reveal that a 700 nm absorber thickness is appropriate for a good solar cell device. Furthermore, impressive cell efficiency findings were obtained by adjusting defect density (1015-1016 cm−3) of the mixed perovskite active layer. The optimum conduction and valence band offsets, respectively, were determined to be 0.1 to 0.4 eV and 0.1 to 0.1 eV, allowing for a good performance of mixed perovskite devices. As an alternative to typical halide perovskite solar cells, our findings can be utilized to design and construct efficient mixed cations perovskite solar cell devices.

Recent Progress in Perovskite Materials Using Diammonium Organic Cations Toward Stable and Efficient Solar Cell Devices: Dion–Jacobson

Perovskite solar cells have been intensively studied recently due to their superb optoelectronic properties and rapidly increasing power conversion efficiency. However, perovskite solar cells with the AMX3 structure as the light‐absorbing layer have a big stability problem. Multiple alternatives have been developed to ensure their stability, such as dimensional engineering (2D and 2D/3D), which consists of the incorporation of large organic cations into the perovskite structure. Research in dimensional engineering has been prevalent in the Ruddlesden–Popper phases. The presence of this large cation slows the decomposition and improves the stability of perovskites. Thus, new 2D perovskites are being studied based on Dion–Jacobson (DJ) phases, consisting of the addition of diammonium cations and leading to the formation of 2D and 2D/3D perovskites with better stability due to their hydrogen bonding on both sides. Moreover, 2D DJ perovskites offer the advantage of decreasing the gap between layers with higher contacts, which improves not only their optoelectronic properties, but also their charge transport properties. This article begins with an overview of the crystal structure and optoelectronic characteristics of 2D perovskites. Then, the progress achieved currently in using DJ‐phase perovskites in photovoltaic is assessed. Finally, the possible research routes for producing low‐dimensional perovskites are highlighted.

Optical properties of new organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites (CH3)2NH2CdCl3 andCH3NH3CdCl3 for solar cell applications

Optical properties are essential in the detailed design of modern perovskite-based solar cells (SCs). In fact, metal halide perovskite semiconductors offer rapid and easy manufacturing of good absorbent layers at low costs with such good optical performances as tunable band gaps, high optical conductivity and also high optical absorption. This is why these semiconductors are ideal candidates for the application of SCs. The two new perovskites (CH3)2NH2CdCl3 and CH3NH3CdCl3 were successfully investigated. Moreover, their optical properties are discussed in the present work. This study would present a suitable way to realize good competitors in efficient solar cell devices thanks to their superior properties including high optical absorbance, small band gaps and high optical conductivity. These findings play a major role in the study of ACdCl3 (A is methylammonium (MA =CH3NH3) and dimethylammonium (DMA =(CH3)2NH2)), optical properties as well as the further fabrication of solar cell devices.