Hole Transport Layer Material Research Articles

Comprehensive device simulation of perovskite solar cell with CuFeO2 as hole transport layer

Abstract Solid-state organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells have attracted increasing interest due to their potential as high-efficiency, low-cost photovoltaic devices. In this study, we comprehensively simulate CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite-based solar cells with CuFeO₂ as the hole transport material (HTM) layer, and compare them to cells using Spiro-OMETAD and Cu₂O as HTM layers, utilizing SCAPS-1D software. The effects of absorber thickness, back contact work function, CuFeO₂ thickness, acceptor concentration, and defect density at the CH₃NH₃PbI₃/CuFeO₂ interface are analyzed. The results indicate that delafossite CuFeO₂ is a promising HTM that could significantly enhance the performance of perovskite-based solar cells. TiO₂/CH₃NH₃PbI₃/CuFeO₂ solar cells demonstrate comparable photovoltaic performance to those using traditional Spiro-OMETAD when the back contact electrode work function exceeds 4.9 eV, and superior performance compared to those with Cu₂O and Spiro-OMETAD at work functions below 4.8 eV. A high acceptor concentration exceeding 10¹⁶ cm⁻³ in CuFeO₂ is recommended to achieve optimal photovoltaic performance. These simulation results highlight the significant potential of employing CuFeO₂ as an HTM layer in CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite-based solar cells as an alternative to the organic Spiro-OMETAD.

A Pyrrole Modified 3,4-Propylenedioxythiophene Conjugated Polymer as Hole Transport Layer for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

Despite the outstanding electric properties and cost-effectiveness of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and its derivatives, their performance as hole transport layer (HTL) materials in conventional perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has lagged behind that of widely used spirobifluorene-based molecules or poly(triaryl amine). This gap is mainly from their poor solubility and energy alignment mismatch. In this work, the design and synthesis of a pyrrole-modified HTL (PPr) based on 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) are presented for efficient and stable PSCs. As a result of the superior defects passivation ability, excellent contact with perovskite, enhanced hole extraction, and high hydrophobicity, the unencapsulated PPr-based PSCs showed the peak PCE of 21.49% and outstanding moisture stability (over 4000 h). This work highlights the potential application of ProDOT-based materials as HTL for PSCs and underscores the importance of the rational design of PEDOT and its derivatives.

High-Throughput Screening, Crystal Structure Prediction, and Carrier Mobility Calculations of Organic Molecular Semiconductors as Hole Transport Layer Materials in Perovskite Solar Cells

High-Throughput Screening, Crystal Structure Prediction, and Carrier Mobility Calculations of Organic Molecular Semiconductors as Hole Transport Layer Materials in Perovskite Solar Cells

Achieving High Doping Density in pH-neutral Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Toward Effective Hole-Transporting Materials for Organic Solar Cells.

The lack of effective and non-corrosive hole-transporting layer (HTL) materials has remained a long-standing issue that severely restricts the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Most pH-neutral conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) exhibit inferior performance to the acid-doped HTL materials due to their low doping density. In this study, a series of pH-neutral CPEs is designed and synthesized with high doping density as HTL materials. Through an elaborate synthetic route, two sulfonate-terminating alkoxyl side chains can be introduced into thiophene, by which the electron-rich, highly soluble, and chemically stable thiophene monomer is synthesized to enable the subsequent polymerization. The CPE PTT-F exhibit a remarkable self-doping property with an enhanced doping density from 2.01 × 1017 to 7.02 × 1018 cm-3. The high work function and the increased doping density of PTT-F-based HTL decrease the depletion region width from 38.4 to 8.1nm at the anode interface, which minimized the energy loss in hole transport. Consequently, a binary OSC modified by PTT-F-based HTL achieve a high PCE of 18.8%. To the best of the knowledge, this is the highest PCE for OSC employing CPE-based HTL. The results from this work demonstrate an encouraging achievement of realizing exceptional hole collection ability in pH-neutral CPEs.

Performance optimization of FASnI3 based perovskite solar cell through SCAPS-1D simulation

The article provides a detailed look at the fabrication of a high-performance structure for FASnI3-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The FTO/CeO2/FASnI3/CuI/Au structure is designed using the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator in One Dimension (SCAPS-1D) to investigate the fabricated PSC's performance. This investigation's main objective is to improve PSCs performance by using non-traditional Hole transport layer (HTL) and Electron transport layer (ETL) materials, such as CeO2 and CuI, which have both been the subject of limited research. Moreover, the investigation seeks to determine the impact of several perovskite layer characteristics, including bandgap (Eg), electron affinity (χ), acceptor density (NA), thickness (t), and defect density (Nt). Additionally, this study also investigates the effect of various back contact work functions. Significant improvements in solar cell parameters, such as power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 22.06% to 24.87% and current density (Jsc) from 26.0274 to 30.675 mA/cm2, were observed by optimizing the device's parameters. In contrast, the fill factor (FF) and open circuit voltage (Voc) decreased their values from 86.13% to 87.10% and 0.9843 to 0.9308 V, respectively. These findings show that our designed solar cell structure performs better than those with conventionally used HTLs and ETLs. Consequently, this study highlights the potential benefits of lead-free PSCs and presents fresh opportunities for their development and use in various solar applications.

Hierarchical Nanostructures CuBi2O4 Integrated with Polyaniline Nanofibrous for Boosting Hole Extraction in Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells.

Toward commercialization of carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs), it is crucial to innovatively design inorganic hole transport layer materials that excel in extracting and transporting charge carriers to promote their photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE). In this work, a novel and high-connectivity CuBi2O4-polyaniline nanofibrous (CuBi2O4-PN) reticular structure is created by integrating CuBi2O4 hierarchical microspheres (CuBi2O4 MS) with polyaniline nanofibrous. The introduction of CuBi2O4-PN as a hole transport layer (HTL) notably enhances the contact quality of the devices and substantially reduces the surface defects of C-PSCs. In a comparative analysis under identical experimental conditions, MAPbI3 devices incorporating CuBi2O4-PN HTL demonstrated a PCE of 14.79%, achieving a 44.3% increase over the reference device (10.25%). CuBi2O4-treated C-PSCs retained 89.9% of their original PCE after 45 days in storage, and they demonstrated improved stability over a longer time frame. This remarkable improvement in device performance can be attributed to the effective suppression of nonradiative recombination and the enhancement of the carrier transfer process in the device. Additionally, the unique interconnected reticular structure of CuBi2O4-PN provides efficient pathways for hole transfer, significantly contributing to the enhanced efficiency of the device.

Parametric optimization for the performance analysis of novel hybrid organo-perovskite solar cell via SCAPS-1D simulation

The perovskite and organic solar cells are becoming the most cognizant of the photovoltaic communities. The Spiro-OMeTAD organic hole transport layer (HTL) shows a significant impact on the CH3NH3SnI3 perovskite solar cell (PSC) with TiO2 as the electron transport layer (ETL). So, we optimized the physical and electrical parameters of the organic HTL. Electrical optimization shows that the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the cell can reach up to 18.10% for the electron affinity of the organic HTL material of about 2.5eV. Further, the interpretation of the practical scale of series and shunt resistance reveals the maximum PCE of the cell as 13.30% at 0.5Ωcm2 and 1×106Ωcm2 respectively. Also, the performance of the cell is analyzed for the hole mobility of the organic HTL material, which revealed the best PCE of the cell to 13.31%. Moreover, the physical parameters are also optimized for the cell performance with illumination intensities which pointed out that the performance of the novel organic HTL perovskite solar cell is optimum for illumination intensity around 0.5Sun (500Wm-2). Finally, the overall light harnessing efficiency or PCE of the proposed solar cell is declared to be 13.30%, and the other performance parameters as open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Jsc), and fill factor (FF) are 0.764V, 25.86mAcm−2 and 67.29%, respectively.

Design and numerical investigation of Cs2SnI6 vacancy-ordered double perovskite solar cell

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) represent an emerging technology in solar photovoltaics due to their outstanding optical and electrical characteristics. The urgency of lead-free solar materials has increased due to the environmental concerns. In light of these considerations, Cs2SnI6, a high-performance tin-based double perovskite, holds the potential to be a key absorber material in promoting the cell efficiency. In this paper, a device design of lead-free Cs2SnI6-based PSC is proposed based on an n-i-p planar structure. Through a comprehensive analysis by simulation using SCAPS-1D, the impacts of electron transport layer materials (SnO2, TiO2, CdS, GO, MZO) and hole transport layer materials (MoO3, Cu2O, CuI, Spiro-OMeTAD) with varying thicknesses as well as the donor density, acceptor density and the absorber thickness have been examined. Additionally, an examination is conducted on the performance metrics of PSCs, encompassing Voc, Jsc, FF, and PCE, while taking into consideration the influences of temperature, Rseries, and Rshunt. The results show that the optimized FTO/SnO2/Cs2SnI6/MoO3/Au device presents the highest PCE of 22.60 % at 300 K temperature, together with a visible quantum efficiency of 99.49 %. The appropriate thicknesses of the ETL, HTL, and absorber layer for achieving the optimal performances are 50 nm, 200 nm, and 450 nm, respectively. Also, the donor density and acceptor density for the best efficiency are both at 1018 cm−3. The values of Rseries, and Rshunt are 2 Ω cm2 and 6000 Ω cm2, respectively. This investigation demonstrates that the proposed vacancy-ordered double perovskite Cs2SnI6 solar cell is promising for photovoltaic devices due to the highlighted characteristics and optical parameters.

Novel dithieno[3,2-f:2’,3’-h]quinoxaline-based polymers as hole transport materials for perovskite solar cells

Two novel conjugated polymers comprised of 2,3-R2-di- thieno[3,2-f:2’,3’-h]quinoxaline, where R is 3’-(octyloxy)- phenyl (P1) or 2’-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-4’-yl (P2), and 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole have been synthesized using the Stille cross-coupling reaction. The synthesized polymers were investigated as hole transport layer (HTL) materials in perovskite solar cells. Polymer P2 as an HTL material provided improved short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage and, correspondingly, enhanced power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells compared to that of polymer P1.

Systematic anode engineering enabling universal efficiency improvements in organic solar cells

Anode modification and optimization is crucial towards improving performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). PEDOT:PSS is the most common choice as a hole transport layer (HTL) material, but suffers from issues including low conductivity. In this work, three alkyl amine derivatives - methylamine hydrochloride (MA), ethylamine hydrochloride (EA) and propylamine hydrochloride (PA) are doped into the commercially available Al 4083 PEDOT:PSS to form PEDOT:PSS-MA, PEDOT:PSS-EA and PEDOT:PSS-PA, as modified HTLs. All these modified HTLs exhibit improved chemical and electrical properties including work functions (WF), conductivities and charge carrier motilities. The alkyl amine doping shows compatibility in both Small Molecular Acceptors and All-Polymer OSCs. With PEDOT:PSS-MA demonstrates a highest PCE of 18.49 % compared to the 17.84 % of OSC devices prepared with pristine PEDOT:PSS with the PM6:L8-BO system, while PM6:PY-IT all-polymer OSCs improve PCE from 14.53 % to 15.22 %. AFM characterizations reveal that the introduction of the dopants have smoothened the surface morphology of spin-coated HTL films, which contributes towards more efficient charge extraction. In summary, this study not only presents a method of improving OSC efficiencies, but also provides insight and further possible directions towards anode optimization of OSCs.

Simulation and Optimization of Hole Transport Layer Performance of Lead‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractThis article employs a combined approach using SCAPS and MS software to screen the cell structure combinations of various cell materials such as MASnI3, FASnI3, TiO2, C60, spiro‐OMeTAD, PTAA, CuI, CuSCN, Cu2O, and NiO. The structure of lead‐free perovskite solar cells (PSCs): FTO/TiO2/MASnI3/Cu2O/Au is identified as having the best cell performance. Based on Molecular Dynamics theory, in combination with physical experimental preparation and characterization results, it is found that Cu2O thin films treated with annealing at 388 °C, as the hole transport layer material, can significantly enhance the performance of PSCs. This optimization led to power conversion efficiency (PCE) and fill factor (FF) performance indicators reaching 29.2% and 87.32%, achieving excellent cell performance.

Halogen-Functionalized Hole Transport Materials with Strong Passivation Effects for Stable and Highly Efficient Quasi-2D Perovskite Solar Cells.

The performance of quasi-two-dimensional (Q-2D) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) strongly depends on the interface characteristics between the hole transport material (HTM) and the perovskite layer. In this work, we designed and synthesized a series of HTMs with triphenylamine-carbazole as the core structure and modified end groups with chlorine and bromine atoms. These HTMs show deeper highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels than commercial HTMs. This reduced energy band mismatch between the HTM and perovskite layer facilitates efficient charge extraction at the interface. Moreover, these HTMs containing halogen atoms on the end groups could form halogen bonding with the Pb2+ ions at the buried interface of the perovskite layer, effectively passivating defects to suppress nonradiative recombination. Additionally, halogen bonding also contributes to the formation of vertically oriented perovskite crystals with a high quality. By incorporation of chlorohexane-substituted HTMs, the resultant Q-2D PSCs exhibited the highest power conversion efficiency of 21.07%. Furthermore, the devices show improved stability, retaining 97.2% of their initial efficiency after 1100 h of continuous illumination.

CuO nanoparticles for enhanced photoelectrochemical HER activity

Cupric oxide nanoparticles are a p-type semiconductor that can be used as a hole transport layer material in perovskite solar cells owing to their high electrical conductivity and stability. In the present work, CuO nanoparticles are synthesized using the hydrothermal technique, and their photoelectrochemical properties are studied through cyclic voltammetry. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the nanoparticles were analyzed for phase formation, revealing the monoclinic phase and further verified by the Rietveld Refinement. Thermogravimetric analysis shows a total weight loss of 13.47%. Transmission electron microscopy analysis suggests the formation of nanoparticles with an average size of 34 nm. The selected area electron diffraction analysis reveals the crystalline structure of the nanoparticles. The absorbance spectra of the nanoparticles were analyzed by UV–visible measurement, and Tauc's relation was used to estimate the optical bandgap. The XPS results align with the XRD results, indicating the formation of pure CuO nanoparticles. The developed catalyst's photoelectrochemical performance was investigated in the neutral solution for the hydrogen evolution reaction activity, and a high photocurrent density of −41.57 mA/cm2 was observed versus −0.6 V vs. RHE.

Optimization of a CH<sub>3</sub>NH<sub>3</sub>SnI<sub>3</sub> based lead-free organic perovskite solar cell using SCAPS-1D simulator

In this study, a CH3NH3SnI3-based perovskite PV cell with the structure (FTO/TiO2/CH3NH3SnI3/Cu2O) was made and optimized by changing the layer thickness, defect density, and doping profile using the solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) 1D simulator. To better understand how the device interface affects carrier dynamics, a synergic optimization of the device is done by altering the electron-transport layer (ETL) and hole-transport layer (HTL) materials. The light glows through the window layer of Sn2O: F, which serves as the transparent conducting oxide layer in our suggested cell construction and then travels over TiO2 as an n-type ETL. Due to its unique features, the p-type perovskite (CH3NH3SnI3) is chosen as the primary absorber layer. Lastly, Cu2O is added as an HTL before the back contact because it has a higher hole conductivity and the proper offsets for spreading the valance and conduction bands. Additionally, Cu2O-based devices outperform frequently utilized spiro-OMeTAD-based devices in terms of efficiency. According to the findings of these simulations, the optimized structure has a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 41%, an open-circuit voltage of 1.32 V, a short-circuit current density of 34.31 mA/cm2 and a fill factor (FF) of 90.5%. Additionally, the optimized structure has a short-circuit current density of 34.31 mA/cm2.

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.

Well-defined triphenylamine-containing polymers as hole-transporting layers in solution-processable organic light-emitting diodes via living anionic polymerization

In this study, we conducted anionic polymerization of N-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl-N-(4′-ethenyl[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluoren-2-amine (A) incorporating a triphenylamine group as a hole-transporting unit using sec-butyllithium and potassium naphthalenide as initiators in tetrahydrofuran at −30 ℃ for 10 min. The resultant poly(A)s exhibited controlled molecular weights (Mn = 20.9−126.3 kg/mol) and narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn ≤ 1.12). The living nature of the propagating chain end of poly(A) was confirmed by postpolymerization. Additionally, block copolymerization of A with styrene (St) and 2-vinylpyridine (2VP) was performed to assess its relative reactivity. Copolymerization resulted in the precise synthesis of well-defined block copolymers with poly(A) segments. Thermal properties of poly(A) were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Notably, the thermal annealing of poly(A) film at 230 ℃ for 10 min made it insoluble in toluene, indicating its solvent resistance. Thus, poly(A) was used as the hole-transporting layer (HTL) in solution-processable organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). A comparative analysis against a reference device containing poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) revealed an enhancement in the performance of the OLED comprising thermally annealed poly(A) as the HTL. These results strongly suggest that poly(A) is a promising HTL material for solution-processable OLEDs.

“Mutually Doped” Conjugated Polyelectrolyte‐Polyoxometalate Complex as Hole Transporting Material for Efficient Organic Solar Cells

Comprehensive SummaryCompared to electron transporting layer materials, the species and numbers of hole transporting layer (HTL) materials for organic solar cells (OSCs) are rare. The development of HTL materials with excellent hole collection ability and non‐corrosive nature is a long‐standing issue in the field of OSCs. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) with continuously varied energy levels toward HTL materials for efficient OSCs. Through a “mutual doping” treatment, we obtained a CPE composite PCT‐F:POM with a WF of 5.48 eV and a conductivity of 1.56 х 10–3 S/m, meaning that a good hole collection ability can be expected for PCT‐F:POM. The OSC modified by PCT‐F:POM showed a high PCE of 18.0%, which was superior to the reference device with PEDOT:PSS. Moreover, the PCT‐F:POM‐based OSC could maintain 91% of the initial PCE value after storage of 20 d, meaning that the long‐term stability of OSCs is improved by incorporating the PCT‐F:POM HTL. In addition, PCT‐F:POM possesses good compatibility with large‐area processing technique; i.e., a PCT‐F:POM HTL was processed by the blade‐coating method for fabricating 1 cm2 OSC, and a PCE of 15.1% could be achieved. The results suggest the promising perspective of PCT‐F:POM in practical applications.

Recent Advances in the Photonic Curing of the Hole Transport Layer, the Electron Transport Layer, and the Perovskite Layers to Improve the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted increasing research interest, but their performance depends on both the choice of materials and the process used. The materials can typically be treated in solution, which makes them well suited for roll-to-roll processing methods, but their deposition under ambient conditions requires overcoming some challenges to improve stability and efficiency. In this review, we highlight the latest advancements in photonic curing (PC) for perovskite materials, as well as for hole transport layer (HTL) and electron transport layer (ETL) materials. We present how PC parameters can be used to control the optical, electrical, morphological, and structural properties of perovskite HTL and ETL layers. Emphasizing the significance of these advancements for perovskite solar cells could further highlight the importance of this research and underline its essential role in creating more efficient and sustainable solar technology.

Design and optimization of Cs2SnI6 based inorganic perovskite solar cell model: numerical simulation

To overcome the drawbacks of high lead toxicity and poor corrosion resistance of lead-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and to compensate for the poor air stability of Sn2+ compound-based perovskite, Cs2SnI6 (Sn4+ compound) is selected as the absorber for the PSC in this study. Using FTO/ETL/Cs2SnI6/HTL/Au as the model, the high-performance non-toxic inorganic PSC structure is explored through theoretical simulation and calculation by SCAPS-1D. The conduction band offsets (CBO) and valence band offsets (VBO) of commonly used electron transport layer materials (ETMs), hole transport layer materials (HTMs), and Cs2SnI6 are calculated based on electron affinity potential (χ) and bandgap (E g ). Then, by analyzing the pn junction composed of ETL and HTL and the bandgap structure at the n-i, i-p interfaces, the most matching n-i-p planar heterojunction model, FTO/IGZO/Cs2SnI6/Cu2BaSnS4/Au, was selected. Finally, by analyzing and adjusting the material thickness, defect density of each layer, operation temperature, the optimal performance of PSC was determined to be 30.39% power conversion efficiency (PCE), 1.27 V open circuit voltage (V oc ), 28.46 mA cm−2 short circuit current (J sc ), and 84.02% fill factor (FF). A new and more efficient PSC is proposed in this study, providing some terrific clues for finding high-quality alternatives to lead-based PSCs.

A numerical simulation and analysis of chalcogenide BaZrS3-based perovskite solar cells utilizing different hole transport materials

Recently, barium zirconium sulfide (BaZrS3) chalcogenide perovskite (CP) material has attracted much attention in the photovoltaic community because of its excellent light harvesting ability, stability, and nontoxicity. BaZrS3 has shown great potential in becoming the best alternative to hybrid halide perovskites. Herein, we have numerically simulated and optimized the performance of a device with the general architecture FTO/WS2/BaZrS3/HTL/Au, using SCAPS-1D (version 3.3.07) software. In this general device, inorganic CuSCN, Cu2O and organic poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) were inserted, and performance was evaluated as hole transport layer (HTL) materials. Moreover, the influence of various parameters on the device, such as the effect of changing the absorber defect density, varying the operation temperature, and using different metal back contacts, were examined. The best HTL material was organic P3HT, and it exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.86 %, with a Fill factor (FF) of 11.97 %, open circuit voltage (Voc) of 6.58 V, and current density (Jsc) of 17.59 mA cm−2. The other tested inorganic CuSCN and Cu2O HTL showed a PCE of 13.83 and 13.70 %, respectively. For all the devices, the optimum density of defects was kept at 1.0 × 1015 cm−2. It was established that the P3HT-based device can operate and be stable between 240–––340 K temperature window, while devices with CuSCN and Cu2O can work between 280 – 400 K temperature range. Thus, the CuSCN- and Cu2O-based devices were more stable because they could form a more compact structure that can withstand relatively higher operation temperatures than organic-based devices with P3HT as HTL. Finally, it was established that relatively cheaper metals such as Pt, Ni, and Pd can be suitable alternatives to expensive gold metal back contact. It is expected that this work would shed additional light on the utilisation of BaZrS3 as a promising absorber material in the actual manufacturing of solar cells for clean energy production.