Defect Density Research Articles

Improving CZTS/ZTO solar cell efficiency with inorganic BSF layers

Copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) thin-film solar cells have garnered significant attention in the solar energy sector. This study aims to enhance the performance of CZTS solar cells by replacing the conventional, toxic CdS buffer layer with Zn1−xSnxO (ZTO) for x = 0.2. Utilizing the one-dimensional solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D) and informed by experimental data on the physical properties of the solar cell layers, we investigated the effects of thickness, doping density, and defect density of the CZTS absorber layer on the cell’s performance. Initially, an efficiency of 14.76% was achieved. To improve this efficiency, an inorganic back surface field (BSF) layer was incorporated to mitigate charge carrier recombination at the absorber/back contact metal interface. Various materials, including CuO, Cu2O , Mo S2 and Mo Se2 , were evaluated as potential BSF layers. Comparative analysis indicated that the inclusion of the BSF layer significantly enhances the solar cell efficiency, achieving up to 27% with Cu2O as the BSF material. Furthermore, the study included an analysis of temperature effects and parasitic resistances to comprehensively assess the solar cell’s performance.

Glutathione-Coated Gold Nanoparticles Enabling Bifunctional Therapy at the Buried Interface for Efficient and UV-Resistant Perovskite Solar Cells.

Very recently, the poor contact between the perovskite and carrier selective layer has been regarded as a critical issue for improving the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, the buried interface of regularly structured PSCs has been targeted. Glutathione-coated gold nanoparticles (GSH-AuNPs) are used as double-sided passivating agents to improve the quality of the perovskite films. It has been demonstrated that the GSH-AuNPs interact strongly with the SnO2 underlayer and the upper perovskite layer, significantly reducing the defect densities of this interface. Thus, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs can be increased from 20.46% (control, 19.38%, IPCE corrected) to 22.22% (GSH-AuNPs modified, 21.10%, IPCE corrected) with notable enhancement in Voc and FF. Moreover, the strong interaction between the C═O groups of GSH-AuNPs and the undercoordinated Pb2+ species of the perovskite films inhibits the formation of metallic Pb0. As a result, the unencapsulated GSH-AuNPs-modified devices retained 80% of their initial PCEs after 1000 h at ambient conditions, with a relative humidity (RH) of 60 ± 5%. UV-resistant PSCs have also been demonstrated after introducing GSH-AuNPs. Therefore, our findings demonstrate the bidirectional therapy strategy as a feasible approach for achieving efficient and UV-resistant PSCs.

Large Orientation Angle Buried Substrate Enables Efficient Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules.

Flexible perovskite solar cells (f-PSCs) have emerged as potential candidates for specific mechanical applications owing to their high foldability, efficiency, and portability. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of f-PSC remains limited by the inferior contact between perovskite and flexible buried substrate. Here, an asymmetric π-extended self-assembled monolayer (SAM) (4-(9H-dibenzo[a,c]carbazol-9-yl)butyl)phosphonic acid (A-4PADCB) is reported as a buried substrate for efficient inverted f-PSCs. Employing this design strategy, A-4PADCB exhibits a significant orientation angle away from the surface normal, homogenizing the distribution of contact potentials. This enhancement improves the SAM/perovskite interface quality, controlling the growth of favorable perovskite films with low defect density and slight tensile stress. Integration of A-4PADCB into small-area f-PSCs and large-area flexible perovskite solar modules with an aperture area of 20.84cm2 achieves impressive PCEs of up to 25.05% and 20.64% (certified 19.51%), respectively. Moreover, these optimized A-4PADCB-based f-PSCs possess enhanced light, thermal, and mechanical stability. This research paves a promising avenue toward the design of SAM-buried substrates with a large orientation angle, regulating perovskite growth, and promoting the commercialization of large-area flexible perovskite photovoltaics.

Study and Optimization of a New Perovskite Solar Cell Structure Based on the Two Absorber Materials Cs2TiBr6 and MASnBr3 Using SCAPS 1D

The main objective of this study is to optimize the photovoltaic parameters of a new perovskite solar cell structure (PSC) suggested, using the simulator solar cell capacitance simulator-one dimension (SCAPS-1D) which aims to improve its performance by adjusting different key variables. This new suggested cell which consists of six materials represents the major innovation point of our research, it is distinguished by a double active layer, composed of the two-cesium titanium hexabromide (Cs2TiBr6) and methylammonium tin tribromide (MASnBr3) perovskites. Using the SCAPS 1D software, the simulation allows to determine the optimal values of the various parameters to maximize the efficiency of the PSC. First, the effect of the thickness and defect densities of both Cs2TiBr6 and MASnBr3 materials on the output parameters was studied as well as the defect density in the interfaces. Subsequently, the doping density in Cs2TiBr6 and MASnBr3 was also optimized. Finally, the impact of temperature, series resistance and shunt resistance were evidenced. The results indicate that precise adjustments of these parameters can lead to significant improvements in photovoltaic performance, such as open circuit voltage of 1.105 V, short-circuit current density of 33.90 mA cm−2, fill factor of 88.01% and power conversion efficiency (PCE) 32.96%. These performances were obtained for a thickness of 700 nm for Cs2TiBr6 and 900 nm for MASnBr3, a defect density of 1014 cm−3 for each absorber layer, a defect density of 1014 cm−2 for each interface and a doping density of the order of 1018 cm−3 for each absorbent layer.

The kinetics of pitting corrosion in a defect-contained Hastelloy X alloy fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

The kinetics of pitting corrosion for Hastelloy X alloys fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) were investigated in chloride-containing solutions and critical pitting temperature (CPT) was clarified via electrochemical tests and long-term quasi-in-situ monitoring. A decrease in CPT was verified for LPBF Hastelloy X alloys with an increased defect density in 1 M NaCl solution. Lack of fusion (LOF) defects were more susceptible to metastable pitting nucleation than gas pores, and the corrosion pits nucleated at the LOF defects grow in both pit volume and surface area, leading to a rapid corrosion propagation channel formed along the LOF structure.

Engineering the active layer of lead-free perovskite (CH3NH3SnI3) solar cells using numerical simulation

We conduct a thorough numerical simulation to examine the impact of the thickness, defect density, and doping density of the active layer on the photovoltaic performance of the lead-free CH3NH3SnI3 perovskite solar cell (PSC). We observe that increasing the thickness of the active layer initially from 100 nm to 400 nm improved the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 10.4% to 11.6%. However, further increasing the thickness to 800 nm resulted in a slight decline in PCE to 11.1%. This unexpected trend can be attributed to the high carrier mobility of charges in the CH3NH3SnI3 perovskite, which enables fast extraction of charge carriers, offsetting losses due to charge recombination. Increasing active layer trap density substantially declines the PCE from 11.5% at 1014 cm−3 to 7.5% at 1018 cm−3, as a result of the noticeable drop in open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) with a growing defect density due to the enhancement in trap-assisted recombination. This is backed by a striking reduction in the shunt resistance upon increasing the defect density. Raising the active layer doping firstly enhances the PCE, reaching a peak value of 12.5% at the active layer doping density of 1017 cm−3, after which the PCE decreases as the doping density continues to increase. We explain these observations by energy level diagrams deduced at various doping levels.

Components and defect density optimization of FAxMA1-xPbI3 based on simulation for high performance perovskite solar cells

Choosing FA+/MA+ mixed-ion perovskite material as the active layer of the perovskite solar cells hold out the prospect of high efficiency and high stability. In this paper, the FA+/MA + ratio is modified to optimize the performance of FAxMA1-xPbI3-based perovskite solar cells utilizing SCAPS-1D. The results indicate that the PCE of the devices reached a minimum of 21 % when x is greater than or equal to 0.6 in FAxMA1-xPbI3(FTO/NiOx/FAxMA1-xPbI3/C60/BCP/Al). When x = 0.6, the impact of the bottom interface defects on the solar cell performance is dominant and the thickness of the active layer should be controlled within a range of 0.4 μm–0.8 μm, while the defect density of the layer is expected to be between 1013 1/cm3 and 1014 1/cm3. By optimizing the perovskite layer thickness, defect density and changing the type of back electrode material, the efficiency is reaching 25.74 % based on the device(FTO/NiOx/FA6MA4PbI3/C60/BCP/Au). This study provides theoretical guidance for experimental research on interface modification, defect passivation and manufacturing of high-efficiency FAxMA1-xPbI3-based perovskite solar cells.

Mapping Fault Distribution Using Lineation and Fault Fracture Density Methods in the Palu Basin and Surrounding Areas

Introduction: Research has been carried out with the title "Mapping Fault Distribution Using Lineation and Fault Fracture Density Methods in the Palu Valley and Surrounding Areas" with the aim of determining the direction of fault distribution and analyzing fault density based on lineation data. Methods: This research uses the lineation method with a total of 40 grids. Data processing uses Global Mapper 18, rockwork 17, PCI Geomatica 2014, and Arcgis 10.8 software. Result and Discussion: The results obtained show that the lineation data from the dominant rose diagram has a relatively east-west direction. Areas that have high fault density are in Lindu District, Palolo District, Nokilalaki District, Gumbasa District, Dolo District, Sigi Biromaru District, and Mantikulore District with fault density values of 5,945 - 18,950/km2. Conclusion: The direction of lineation obtained tectonically is influenced by the Palu-Koro fault which tends relatively north-south, the Graben Palolo A and Graben Palolo B faults which trend relatively southeast-northwest, and the Lore Lindu fault zone. Areas with high density are weak zones that are vulnerable to natural disasters and potential ground movements.

Positive impact of surface defects on Maxwell's displacement current-driven nano-LEDs: The application of TENG technology

As the core component of a nanopixel light-emitting display, the GaN-based nanoscale light-emitting diode (nLED) faces the problem of low electroluminescence efficiency resulting from the introduction of surface defects when its lateral size is reduced to the nanometer scale. Thus, reducing the surface defect density is an important direction in nLED-related research. This study, with the triboelectric nanogenerator-driven LED as its inspiration, reveals that surface defects have a positive impact on the performance of nLEDs driven by Maxwell’s displacement current, and we call the related driving mode the noncarrier injection mode. Through finite element simulations, we studied the dynamic variations of the carrier concentration, the energy band, and the light emission rate to analyze the impact of the behavior of surface defect excitation on device performance. We found that surface defects can act as electron pumps under the combined effect of the reverse electric field and the built-in electric field and can generate carriers through surface defect excitation to increase the intensity of noncarrier injection luminescence, which is completely different from the traditional understanding of surface defects. In addition, we propose a tapered structure to further increase the light emission rate by regulating the behaviors of radiation recombination and surface defect excitation. The results of this work open a new perspective on the impacts of surface defects on nLEDs and provide significant information for additional applications of Maxwell's displacement current.

Free open source communities sustainability: Does it make a difference in software quality?

ContextFree and Open Source Software (FOSS) communities’ ability to stay viable and productive over time is pivotal for society as they maintain the building blocks that digital infrastructure, products, and services depend on. Sustainability may, however, be characterized from multiple aspects, and less is known how these aspects interplay and impact community outputs, and software quality specifically.ObjectiveThis study, therefore, aims to empirically explore how the different aspects of FOSS sustainability impact software quality.Method16 sustainability metrics across four categories were sampled and applied to a set of 217 OSS projects sourced from the Apache Software Foundation Incubator program. The impact of a decline in the sustainability metrics was analyzed against eight software quality metrics using Bayesian data analysis, which incorporates probability distributions to represent the regression coefficients and intercepts.ResultsFindings suggest that selected sustainability metrics do not significantly affect defect density or code coverage. However, a positive impact of community age was observed on specific code quality metrics, such as risk complexity, number of very large files, and code duplication percentage. Interestingly, findings show that even when communities are experiencing sustainability, certain code quality metrics are negatively impacted.ConclusionFindings imply that code quality practices are not consistently linked to sustainability, and defect management and prevention may be prioritized over the former. Results suggest that growth, resulting in a more complex and large codebase, combined with a probable lack of understanding of code quality standards, may explain the degradation in certain aspects of code quality.

Study of defect density of copper vacancies in chalcogenide CuSbS2, CuSbSe2, CuBiS2, and CuBiSe2 heterojunction thin-film solar cells.

In the past decade, a new family of ternary chalcogenide absorber (TCA) materials MIMIIX2 (where MI = Cu, Ag, Pb; MII = Sb, Bi, In; and X = S, Se, Te) have been studied. The copper family of ternary chalcogenide CuSbS2 CuSbSe2 CuBiS2, and CuBiSe2 is an amazing absorber material for thin-film solar cells because of their suitable band gap, high absorption coefficient and inexpensive, nontoxic, environment friendly and sustainable nature. In the presented work, first time simulated defect density of copper vacancies in CuSbS2 (CAS), CuSbSe2 (CASe), CuBiS2 (CBS) and CuBiSe2 (CBSe) has based heterojunction thin-film solar cells (HJTFSCs) with buffer CdS, intrinsic i-ZnO, window ZnO: Al and back contact Mo and set the cell scheming ZnO: Al/i-ZnO/n-CdS/p-TCA/Mo using SCAPS 1D. Major focus of this paper is on the influence of copper vacancies defect density that impact on the performance of ternary chalcogenide with various parameters of solar cells, i.e. short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), form factor (FF) and efficiency (η). The cell parameter set at constant temperature 300K, thickness 2.5μm, carrier density 5 × 1016cm-3, front internal transmission coefficient 1 and illumination intensity 100 mW/cm2 with AM1.5 sun light. This study clarifies the potential benefits to utilizing of ternary chalcogenide compounds as absorber material for solar cell fabrication.

Improving the efficiency above 35 % of MoS2-based solar cells by through optimization of various wide-bandgap S-chalcogenides ETL

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)-based photovoltaic cells are increasingly attracting researchers’ due to their outstanding semiconducting properties. Single junction MoS2 based solar cell have been investigated with three distinct electron transport layer (ETL) layers made of SnS2, In2S3 and ZnSe in detail with and without back surface field (BSF). A thorough numerical analysis has been conducted of the effects of band alignment, defect density, absorber layer thickness, buffer layer thickness, interface defect density, electron and hole concentration, generation and recombination, open circuit voltage (VOC), short circuit current (JSC), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) via SCAPS-1D simulation software. The MoS2 based solar cell produced the photo conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.77 % with VOC of 0.913 V, JSC of 31.274 mA/cm2, and FF of 86.77 % without BSF. On the other hand, after in depth analysis, according to simulation results, SnS2 ETL produced the highest PCE of 35.60 % than ZnSe(33.56 %) and In2S3(34.94 %) ETL with VOC of 1.07 V, JSC of 37.55 mA/cm2, and FF of 88.80 % with inserting only 30 nm V2O5 BSF layer. The suggested research might provide information and a workable strategy for producing a MoS2-based thin-film solar cell that is affordable.

Exploring potential of lead-free KSn0.5Ge0.5I3 based perovskite solar cell: A combined first-principle DFT and SCAPS-1D study

Perovskite solar cells present a promising alternative to conventional silicon or lead-based solar cells, offering a synergistic blend of cost-effectiveness and potential for elevated power conversion efficiency. We investigated the potential of an innovative KSn0.5Ge0.5I3-based perovskite solar cell (PSC) using density functional theory (DFT) and SCAPS-1D simulation studies. Computational analysis via DFT probed the crystal structure, elastic, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of KSn0.5Ge0.5I3. Tolerance factor computation (0.94) and negative formation energy (-3.16 eV) affirmed the thermodynamic stability of the orthorhombic phase in KSn0.5Ge0.5I3. Optical variables including refractive index, absorption coefficient, dielectric function, optical loss, and reflectivity, were computed to explore KSn0.5Ge0.5I3 viability in PV applications. Band structure analysis, density of states (DOS), and projected density of states (PDOS) have been used to determine the band gap (∼1.87 eV), effective masses, and mobility of e-/h+. We have conducted SCAPS-1D simulation for diverse PSCs configurations using various holes transport layers (HTLs) and electron transport layers (ETLs), identified IGZO (Eg = 3.05 eV) as a proficient ETL while CuSbS2 (Eg = 1.58 eV) as an effective HTL. A comprehensive investigation of parameters such as absorber layer thickness, shunt and series resistance, donor and acceptor density, absorber defect density, back contact metal, temperature, and interface characteristics was undertaken, and the impact on PV device performances was assessed through current-voltage (IV) and quantum efficiency (Q.E) characteristics curves. These findings underscore the potential of KSn0.5Ge0.5I3 as a promising material for PSCs, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly avenue for future renewable energy.

Tri-Step Water-Assisted Strategy for Suppressing Cs4PbBr6 Phase in Printable Carbon-Based CsPbBr3 Solar Cells to Achieve High Stability.

Often deemed the "natural nemesis" of perovskites, water molecules have been largely circumvented by the majority of researchers in the field of perovskite solar cells. This has resulted in significant hurdles in investigating the beneficial impacts of water molecules on perovskite crystallization. Herein, it is found that by utilizing ethanol with minimal water content and subjecting all-inorganic perovskite to three distinct annealing temperatures within the same solvent, the residual CsBr can be effectively removed, and the formation of the Cs4PbBr6 phase can be curtailed. By selecting an optimal water content, substantial improvements are observed in the crystalline quality of CsPbBr3, the perovskite/carbon interface, and the mesoporous filling effect. The Urbach energy (Eu) is reduced from 38.96 to 35.59meV, and the defect density decreased from 4.16×1014 to 3.39×1014cm-3. As a result, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) improved from 7.55% in the control group to 9.37%. Under severe environmental conditions with a temperature (T) of 85°C and a relative humidity (RH) of 40%, tracking tests over 1200h retained 89.3% of the initial PCE. This research signifies a breakthrough in the fabrication of highly stable and efficient all-inorganic printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells.

Interlinking the Fe doping concentration, optoelectronic properties, and photocatalytic performance of ZnO nanostructures

Doping is one of the effective strategies to modulate the optoelectronic properties and photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts. In this study, the effect of Fe doping (0–10 %) on morphology, optical and electronic properties, and photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanostructures is studied. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows that >5 % Fe doping, ZnFe2O4 is segregated as a secondary phase. The crystalline size decreases from 50.8 nm to 21.4 nm and the micro-strain increases with increasing the Fe concentration. The Fe doping-induced electronic restructuring facilitates visible light absorption through the O 2p → Fe 3d transition and the suppression of charge recombination by efficiently trapping conduction band electrons. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to unravel the underlying electronic changes induced by Fe doping in ZnO. The formation of shallow donor levels below the conduction band originates from the Fe 3d state. Photoluminescence spectra of pristine and Fe-doped ZnO nanostructures show characteristic emission peaks at approximately 384 nm and 570 nm, indicating the recombination of free excitons and oxygen interstitial defects, respectively. The results of the photocatalytic activity tests confirm that the 1 % Fe-doped ZnO nanostructures can exhibit the highest efficiency compared to the heavily doped ZnO nanostructures. The high efficiency in photocatalytic activity of 1 % Fe-doped ZnO nanostructures is ascribed to the modulated electronic structure and defect density. The adsorption affinity of methylene blue and water molecules to the surfaces of pristine and Fe-doped ZnO is simulated using the Monte-Carlo method. This study emphasizes the importance of controlling the dopant concentration to enhance the photocatalytic activity of various photocatalysts.

Inorganic charge transport layer for efficient Pb-free KSnI3 based perovskite solar cells: a theoretical study

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of lead (Pb)-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is remarkably high; however, the toxicity of Pb poses a significant barrier to their commercial viability. In the current study, the effect of different charge transport layer (CTL) materials on the performance of the Pb free Sn-based (KSnI3) PSCs has been studied by using SCAPS simulations. Tin oxide (SnO2), zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide as electron transport materials, whereas spiro-OMeTAD, copper oxide (Cu2O), and nickel oxide as hole transport layer materials were iterated to achieve the optimum photovoltaic parameters. The photovoltaic parameters were optimized in terms of the active layer and CTL thicknesses, as well as the doping concentration, defect density, and interfacial defect density. Moreover, the impact of series and shunt resistance on the performance of PSCs is also investigated. The most efficient PSC with PCE of 21.75% was achieved with the device structure of FTO/SnO2/KSnI3/Cu2O. This efficiency is higher than previously reported KSnI3 based-PSCs. The SnO2 (ETL) and Cu2O were proven to be most efficient choices for the CTL materials. It was also observed that the carbon, nickel, and selenium can be a cost-effective alternative to gold for the rear contact. This study showcases how KSnI3 with inorganic charge transport layers stands as a prospective stable PSC with the potential to deliver clean, and green renewable energy solutions.

Synergistic Crystallization Modulation and Defects Passivation in Kesterite via Anion-Coordinate Precursor Engineering for Efficient Solar Cells.

It has been validated that enhancing crystallinity and passivating the deep-level defect are critical for improving the device performance of kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells. Coordination chemistry interactions within the Cu-Zn-Sn-S precursor solution play a crucial role in the management of structural defects and the crystallization kinetics of CZTSSe thin films. Therefore, regulating the coordination environment of anion and cation in the precursor solution to control the formation process of precursor films is a major challenge at present. Herein, a synergetic crystallization modulation and defect passivation method is developed using P2S5 as an additive in the CZTS precursor solution to optimize the coordination structure and improve the crystallization process. The alignment of theoretical assessments with experimental observations confirms the ability of the P2S5 molecule to coordinate with the metal cation sites of CZTS precursor films, especially more liable to the Zn2+, effectively passivating the Zn-related defects, thereby significantly reducing the defect density in CZTSSe absorbers. As a result, the device with a power conversion efficiency of 14.36% has been achieved. This work provides an unprecedented strategy for fabricating high-quality thin films by anion-coordinate regulation and a novel route for realizing efficient CZTSSe solar cells.

Influence of the Electron Transport Layer on the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells under Low Illuminance Conditions.

Owing to the tunable band gap of metal-halide perovskite compounds, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising energy-harvesting devices for indoor applications. Since the electron transport layer (ETL) plays a critical role in the performance of PSCs, selecting a suitable ETL is important for improving the performance of PSCs. Here, we compared the characteristics of PSCs employing TiO2 and SnO2, which are widely used as ETLs in PSCs, under low illuminance conditions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that PSCs employing SnO2 as the ETL exhibited lower charge transfer resistance than those employing TiO2 in low light intensity environments. Consequently, SnO2-based PSCs showed a higher power conversion efficiency of 27.7% than that of TiO2-based PSCs (22.5%) under 1000 lx white LED illumination. Space-charge-limited current measurements have shown that the defect density of ETLs strongly affects the performance of PSCs, especially under low illuminance conditions. We believe that this report provides an effective strategy for selecting appropriate ETLs for indoor applications of PSCs.

Novel dual absorber configuration for eco-friendly perovskite solar cells: design, numerical investigations and performance of ITO-C60-MASnI3-RbGeI3-Cu2O-Au

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are increasingly being used as the foundation of the worldwide photovoltaic (PV) industry because of their cost-effective production and durable stability. Perovskite materials, both organic and inorganic, possess distinct optical, mechanical, and electrical properties, such as a high absorption coefficient, a customizable band gap, and a synthesis method based on solutions. This study employed numerical investigations to devise and propose innovative solar cell configurations utilizing the SCAPS-1D simulator. This research presents a Perovskite solar cell design comprising an ITO-C60-MASnI3-RbGeI3-Cu2O-Au solar cell configuration. The unique arrangement of this setup incorporates the use of Indium Tin-oxide (ITO) as the upper contact layer, which is directly exposed to light. The electron transport layer (ETL) is composed of a 0.030 μm thick layer of C60, while the light-harvesting/absorber layers are made up of MASnI3 and RbGeI3, each with a thickness of 0.4 µm. A layer of Cu2O with a thickness of 0.12 μm is employed as the hole transport layer (HTL), whereas the back-contact layer consists of Au. A comparison research was conducted to examine the optimal device configuration. Comprehensive studies are performed to assess the effects of different variables on optimized device performance and power conversion efficiency (PCE). These factors include interface defect densities, thicknesses of different structural layers, band gaps, series and shunt resistance, and operational temperature. The current density (Jsc) is calculated as 32.7 mA/cm2 at an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.914 V. Additionally, we observed a power conservation efficiency (PCE) of 20.19 % and an improved fill factor (FF) value of 65.49 %. The ongoing investigations are likely to be valuable for the development and production of cost-effective and high-performance PSCs.

Temporal Evolution of Defects and Related Electric Properties in He-Irradiated YBa2Cu3O7-δ Thin Films.

Thin films of the superconductor YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO) were modified by low-energy light-ion irradiation employing collimated or focused He+ beams, and the long-term stability of irradiation-induced defects was investigated. For films irradiated with collimated beams, the resistance was measured in situ during and after irradiation and analyzed using a phenomenological model. The formation and stability of irradiation-induced defects are highly influenced by temperature. Thermal annealing experiments conducted in an Ar atmosphere at various temperatures demonstrated a decrease in resistivity and allowed us to determine diffusion coefficients and the activation energy ΔE=(0.31±0.03) eV for diffusive oxygen rearrangement within the YBCO unit cell basal plane. Additionally, thin YBCO films, nanostructured by focused He+-beam irradiation into vortex pinning arrays, displayed significant commensurability effects in magnetic fields. Despite the strong modulation of defect densities in these pinning arrays, oxygen diffusion during room-temperature annealing over almost six years did not compromise the signatures of vortex matching, which remained precisely at their magnetic fields predicted by the pattern geometry. Moreover, the critical current increased substantially within the entire magnetic field range after long-term storage in dry air. These findings underscore the potential of ion irradiation in tailoring the superconducting properties of thin YBCO films.