Hybrid Organic-inorganic Solar Cells Research Articles

Organic inorganic hybrid solar cell with photoactive hole transporting CuSbS2 nanoflakes

An easy-to-process, low-cost and environmentally benign organic inorganic hybrid solar cell (HSC) based on textured silicon (t-Si) is fabricated. The heterojunction solid state cell is composed of n-type t-Si having a micro-pyramidal surface with good anti-reflection properties, coated with a p-type layer of CuSbS2 nanoflakes dispersed in a polymer matrix of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The large hole density (2.7 × 1015 /cm3), high photoconductivity (5.37 mS cm−1), mono-dispersity of nanoflakes (50–80 nm), increased recombination resistance and a broad band absorption, with a band gap of ∼ 0.85 eV render CuSbS2 nanoflakes to be an ideal photo-absorber cum hole transport material for a highly scalable all solid-state HSC. Besides these attributes, the thermodynamically aligned energy levels of t-Si and CuSbS2 nanoflakes enable one-directional pathways for transfer and transport of electrons and holes to their respective contacts, yielding a high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.5 % under AM 1.5, 1 sun irradiance along with an average external quantum efficiency of 60 % superior by 39.2 % relative to its analogue devoid of CuSbS2. The effect of alkali texturization on the photovoltaic performance of the cells is also delineated by comparison with planar (pl)-Si based cells. The long-term stability of the In-Ga/t-Si/PEDOT:PSS + CuSbS2/Ag cell under intermittent illumination and storage over eight weeks confirmed from the nominal drop in PCE by ∼ 22 % demonstrates the efficacy of this affordable wet-chemistry approach for developing robust Si based HSC contrasting with the classical and expensive inorganic p-n junction crystalline Si solar cell.

Progress on Electron Transport Layers for Perovskite Solar Cells

The photovoltaic industry is very interested in designing and developing next-generation device architectures using organic-inorganic perovskite hybrid solar cell materials. In fact, perovskites represent one of the most promising materials for high efficiency, low-cost solar cells. This is most apparent in the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) going from 3.8 to 24.2 % in recent years. One of the primary challenges of developing PSC’s however is the realization of an appropriate electron transport layer. As such, this review focuses on recent developments in the electron transport layer (ETL) of perovskite solar cells. It examines and summarises designs, electron transport layers and perovskite active layers for efficient perovskite solar cells. The performance and stability issues with organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells are also discussed with some recommendations for additional research on the ETL and perovskite active layer were offered.

A TiO2-based hybrid solar cell device fabricated by employing interfacial modification and morphology control strategies

Heterojunction interface properties are important in organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells. To improve the cell performance, it was regulated by introducing two triphenylamine-based modifiers and adjusting the morphology of TiO2. It showed that these strategies are beneficial to improving the chemical compatibility between inorganic and organic materials, inhibiting charge recombination and accelerating excitons dissociation efficiency. The power conversion efficiency of the device was improved from 0.17 % to 2.10 %. It was further optimized to 4.90 % by adjusting the morphology of TiO2 nanorods. The interfacial charge transfer/recombination dynamic mechanisms and the intrinsic factors were analyzed in detail by diverse electrochemical measurements.

Effects of different interface on the stability of hybrid heterojunction solar cells

With the rapid increase in efficiency of organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells of Si-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), their poor stability has become an important factor limiting its further development. Here, we demonstrate that the moisture in the air is the main cause for the performance degradation of the hybrid heterojunction solar cells (HHSCs) and innovatively discovered the effect of the Ag electrodes on the degradation of HHSCs. When exposed to air, the growth of the thin oxide layer on the interface of n-Si/PEDOT:PSS and the formation of silver sulfide (Ag2S) on the Ag/PEDOT:PSS interface together caused the increase in the series resistance (Rs) of the HHSCs. The increase in Rs decreases the fill factor (FF) of the HHSCs and thus leads to the degradation of the cell performance.

Improving Photovoltaic Performance of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic MAGeI3 Perovskite Solar Cells via Numerical Optimization of Carrier Transport Materials (HTLs/ETLs).

In this study, a hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cell (PSC) based on methylammonium germanium triiodide (MAGeI3), which is composed of methylammonium (CH3NH3+) cations and germanium triiodide (GeI3-) anions, has been numerically studied using SCAPS-1d codes. An extensive investigation of various electron transport layers (ETLs) and hole transport layers (HTLs) was conducted to identify the most optimal device configuration. The FTO/ZnOS/MAGeI3/PEDOT-WO3 structure performed the highest efficiency of all combinations tested, with an impressive optimized efficiency of 15.84%. This configuration exhibited a Voc of 1.38 V, Jsc of 13.79 mA/cm2, and FF of 82.58%. J-V characteristics and external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements indicate that this device offers superior performance, as it has reduced current leakage, improved electron and hole extraction characteristics, and reduced trap-assisted interfacial recombination. Optimum device performance was achieved at active layer thickness of 560 nm. These findings may also serve as a basis for developing lightweight and ultra-thin solar cells, in addition to improving overall efficiency. Furthermore, a comprehensive correlation study was conducted to evaluate the optimum thickness and doping level for both ZnOS-ETL and PEDOT-WO3-HTL. The photovoltaic performance parameters of the FTO/ZnOS/MAGeI3/PEDOT-WO3 structure were analyzed over a wide temperature range (275 K to 450 K). The structure exhibited stable performance at elevated operating temperatures up to 385 K, with only minimal degradation in PCE of approximately 0.42%. Our study underscores the promise of utilizing cost-effective and long-term stability materials like ZnOS and PEDOT-WO3 alongside the toxic-free MAGeI3 perovskite. This combination exhibits significant potential for eco-friendly PSC, paving the way for the development of highly efficient ultra-thin PSC.

Recent Advances in III–V Compounds/Polymer Hybrid Solar Cells

The combination of III–V compound semiconductor materials and organic semiconductor materials to construct hybrid solar cells is a potential pathway to resolve the problems of conventional doped p–n junction solar cells, such as complexities in fabrication process and high costs. This review presents the recent progress of organic–inorganic hybrid solar cells based on polymers and III–V semiconductors, from materials to devices. The available growth process for planar/nanostructured III–V semiconductor materials, along with patterning and etching processes for nanostructured materials, are reviewed. As an emphasis of this review, advanced device structure designs are reviewed for facilitation of carrier collection and high efficiency, at planar structure level and nanowire structure level, respectively. Optimization pathways for efficiency enhancement are discussed with respect to polymer layers and surface/interface passivation, respectively. Finally, perspectives on the future development of such hybrid cells are presented.

Design of Lead Hybrid Halide Perovskite for Solar Cells

Hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskites solar cells have attracted extensive interest because of their outstanding properties, including an optimal band gap, high carrier mobility, and excellent optoelectronic merits. We study the electronic and crystal structural properties of hybrid organic-inorganic halide APbX3 (A = Cs, methylammonium (MA), formamidinium (FA), X = I, Br) perovskites using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. We find that halide atoms and A-site cations strongly affect their structural and electronic properties. The radius of a halide atom and the size of an organic molecule determine their lattice parameters and bond length. A relatively large halide atom can increase the value of the lattice parameters (a and b). Meanwhile, the electronic properties (band gap & carrier effective mass) of the Pb-based hybrid halide APbX3 can be effectively modified by adopting appropriate A- and X-site atoms or organic sections. We predict that HOIPs may have outstanding potential in solar light harvesting with promoted power conversion efficiency due to a tunable band gap and excellent electronic properties.

A simulation study of all inorganic lead-free CsSnBr3 tin halide perovskite solar cell

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved champion efficiency from 3.8% to 25.2% in a decade. The major issues associated with perovskite solar cells are stability and toxicity. These PSCs quickly degrade in the ambient environment. The use of toxic lead in the hybrid organic–inorganic solar cells makes them unsafe as future technology. Recently, tin-based perovskite solar cells have gained attention as an alternative for resolving the issues of stability and toxicity. Numerical simulations help in finding the possible alternatives and understanding the underlying mechanism to solve the toxicity and stability problem. The present work aims to simulate lead-free perovskite solar cells and optimise the width of each layer. SCAPS_1D simulation software is used here to conduct the study. CsSnBr3 is used as an absorber layer, while SnO2 is used as an electron transport layer, and CuI is used as a hole transport layer. The simulation is conducted at 300 K temperature and AM1.5G solar spectrum. The device achieves a remarkable photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 17.06%, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.19 V, a current density of 16.94 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 84.19%. Thus, tin-based halide perovskite paves the way for future environmentally friendly and stable perovskite solar cells.

An Aggregation-Suppressed Polymer Blending Strategy Enables High-Performance Organic and Quantum Dot Hybrid Solar Cells.

Solution-processing hybrid solar cells with organics and colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) have drawn substantial attention in the past decade. Nevertheless, hybrid solar cells based on the recently developed directly synthesized CQD inks are still unexplored. Herein, a facile polymer blending strategy is put forward to enable directly synthesized CQD/polymer hybrid solar cells with a champion efficiency of 13%, taking advantage of the conjugated polymer blends with finely optimized aggregation behaviors. The spectroscopic and electrical investigations on carrier transport and recombination indicate that polymer blends can endow fast carrier transport and less recombination over the single counterparts. Moreover, the blending strategy offers a "dilution effect" for top-notch photovoltaic polymers with excessively strong aggregation tendency, resulting in moderate feature domain size and surface roughness, which afford fast hole transport and therefore high photovoltaic performance. The effectiveness of this strategy is successfully validated using two pairs of photovoltaic polymers. Accordingly, the relationships between polymer morphology, carrier transport, and photovoltaic performance are established to advance the progress of CQD/polymer hybrid solar cells. Such progress stresses that the utilization of aggregation-suppressed polymer blends is a facile approach toward the fabrication of high-efficiency organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells.

Application of ultrathin TiO2 layers in solar energy conversion devices

AbstractA vital pursuit in solar energy research is to achieve high efficiency and long‐term stability in energy conversion devices. Coating or sandwiching an ultrathin layer of TiO2 onto active solar components has been demonstrated to be a remarkably effective and facile strategy to improve their stability. The TiO2 film acts as a protection layer and enhances solar energy conversion efficiency by passivating surface recombination sites or facilitating electron transport. To date, numerous efforts have been devoted to applying ultrathin TiO2 layers in various kinds of solar energy conversion devices. In this study, we review deposition techniques, characterization methods of the resulting ultrathin TiO2 layer, as well as its applications in dye‐sensitized solar cells, organic–inorganic hybrid solar cells, and photoelectrochemical cells.

Molecular Design and Cost-Effective Synthesis of Tetraphenylethene-Based Hole-Transporting Materials for Hybrid Solar Cell Application

The innovative choice of core and periphery groups for organic hole-transporting materials (HTMs) has gained more attention for modern development in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs). For large-scale application of PSCs, the replacement of 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-di-4-methoxyphenylamino)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD) has its demands such as low stability, high cost, and multistep synthesis. This has necessitated the introduction of novel cost-effective HTMs. Hence, at first, we obtained a theoretical design of tetraphenylethene (TPE)-based HTMs through the Gaussian method, which exhibits a substantial highest occupied molecular orbital energy level as compared with the perovskite. Further, the photophysical, electrochemical, and thermal properties were meticulously investigated with the aid of both experimental and computational methods. In order to enhance the solubility of HTMs in chlorobenzene, the methoxy-substituted phenyl group was replaced with the hexyloxy-substituted phenyl group, and also, the higher extent of solubility is recognized after the functional group exchanges. The power conversion efficiencies of TOHE and TOME are η = 13.96%, Jsc = 21.00 mA/cm2, and Voc = 0.93 (V) and η = 6.83%, Jsc = 13.45 mA/cm2, and Voc = 0.97 (V), respectively (under full sunlight AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm–2 irradiation). Moreover, the synthesis of highly stable TOHE involves a simple and cost-effective synthetic procedure, proving to be the most promising lead for designing efficient organic–inorganic hybrid solar cells.

Optical dispersion and photovoltaic performance of safranin thin films solar cells in hybrid organic-inorganic isotype heterojunction configuration

This paper introduces detailed evaluations of the structural and optical properties of thermally evaporated safranin O (SO) thin films to fabricate a hybrid organic-inorganic isotype heterojunction solar cell. The structural investigations revealed the polycrystalline nature of films with a smooth homogeneous nanorods-based surface. The measured transmittance, reflectance, and absorbance showed that the deposited film exhibits high absorption features with an energy gap of about 2.21 eV. Moreover, the analyzed dispersion behavior is interpreted in the light of the one-oscillator model, estimating all dispersion parameters and the electronic polarizability. The electrical properties of Ag/SO/p-Si/Al isotype heterojunction are investigated under dark and illumination. The ideality factor, rectification ratio, reverse saturation current, the barrier height of the engineered heterojunction are extracted. Furthermore, the photovoltaic characteristics are tested under different light intensities, and the current design achieved superior performance with Voc, Jsc, and PCE of about 0.803 volts, 8.898 mA/cm2 5.2 %, respectively.

Solar cells based on inkjet-printed layer polymer

In recent years, based on organic–inorganic hybrid solar cells the p-type conducting polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly styrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS) and n-type silicon (Si) have attracted a lot of attention. We describe an efficient hybrid solar cell based on PEDOT from this perspective: The simplest and most cost-effective method is to use PSS and a planar Si substrate (1 0 0) fabrication method effective techniques for experimentation Drop casting was used to construct PSS at temperatures, solar cells based on a heterojunction between crystalline silicon and the organic polymer PEDOT: below 100 degrees Celsius. The Si/PEDOT interface prevents electrons from migrating to the anode in n-type silicon and serves diffused p-n junctions as a low-temperature alternative The devices take the consequence of silicon’s absorption and transfer of light capabilities while combining them with organics’ ease of manufacture. PEDOT: PSS and PEDOT: PSS interface properties hermetic Psi were studied. The structural, optical and morphological properties in addition to electrical PSS is a property of PEDOT. were studied, the effectiveness of The flawlessly matching contact between the PEDOT: PSS film and the tight silicon can be attributed to conversion. Obtaining Silver pave efficiency is a glowing future approach in order to attain maximum efficiency, low-cost solar cells.

Recent Developments on Ferroelectric PZT-Photovoltaics

The silicon based solar cells are expensive, and also said to have limited power conversion efficiency. Though a lot of organic, inorganic and organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells were developed, they could not sustain in long run. This has open doors for the development the ferroelectric based solar cells/photovoltaics. Because the ferroelectric based photovoltaics show high open circuit voltage, short circuit current/current density, unlimited power conversion efficiency, tunable bandgap, high polarization properties, etc. The main reason to shift the focus from semiconductor solar cells is,the ferroelectrics are said to be stable under changing environmental conditions. In addition, such materials help to develop thinner solar cells devices with low cost. Hence, an attempt has been made to understand the photovoltaic response of ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT). In this paper, we report the review on the photovoltaic properties of PZT films. The literature was collected from various internet sources.

Solution-processed two-dimensional materials for next-generation photovoltaics.

In the ever-increasing energy demand scenario, the development of novel photovoltaic (PV) technologies is considered to be one of the key solutions to fulfil the energy request. In this context, graphene and related two-dimensional (2D) materials (GRMs), including nonlayered 2D materials and 2D perovskites, as well as their hybrid systems, are emerging as promising candidates to drive innovation in PV technologies. The mechanical, thermal, and optoelectronic properties of GRMs can be exploited in different active components of solar cells to design next-generation devices. These components include front (transparent) and back conductive electrodes, charge transporting layers, and interconnecting/recombination layers, as well as photoactive layers. The production and processing of GRMs in the liquid phase, coupled with the ability to “on-demand” tune their optoelectronic properties exploiting wet-chemical functionalization, enable their effective integration in advanced PV devices through scalable, reliable, and inexpensive printing/coating processes. Herein, we review the progresses in the use of solution-processed 2D materials in organic solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, perovskite solar cells, quantum dot solar cells, and organic–inorganic hybrid solar cells, as well as in tandem systems. We first provide a brief introduction on the properties of 2D materials and their production methods by solution-processing routes. Then, we discuss the functionality of 2D materials for electrodes, photoactive layer components/additives, charge transporting layers, and interconnecting layers through figures of merit, which allow the performance of solar cells to be determined and compared with the state-of-the-art values. We finally outline the roadmap for the further exploitation of solution-processed 2D materials to boost the performance of PV devices.

The Effects Of N-GaAs Substrate Orientations on The Electrical Performance of PANI/N-GaAs Hybrid Solar Cell Devices

This paper reports the fabrication and electrical characterization of hybrid organic-inorganic solar cell based on the deposition of polyaniline (PANI) on n-type GaAs substrate with three different crystal orientations namely Au/PANI/(100) n-GaAs/(Ni-Au), Au/PANI/(110) n-GaAs/(Ni-Au), and Au/PANI/(311)B n-GaAs/(Ni-Au) using spin coating technique. The effect of crystallographic orientation of n-GaAs on solar cell efficiency of the hybrid solar cell devices has been studied utilizing current density-voltage (J-V) measurements under illumination conditions. Additionally, the influence of planes of n-GaAs on the diode parameters of the same devices has been investigated by employing current-voltage (I-V) characteristics in the dark conditions at room temperature. The experimental observations showed that the best performance was obtained for solar cells fabricated with the structure of Au/PANI/(311)B n-GaAs/(Ni-Au). The open-circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current density (Jsc), and solar cell efficiency () of the same device were shown the values of 342 mV, 0.294 mAcm-2, 0.0196%, respectively under illuminated condition. All the solar cell characteristics were carried out under standard AM 1.5 at room temperature. Also, diode parameters of PANI/(311)B n-GaAs heterostructures were calculated from the dark I-V measurements revealed the lower reverse saturation current (Io) of 3.0×10-9A, higher barrier height () of 0.79 eV and lower ideality factor (n) of 3.16.

Enhancing effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) interfacial thin layer on silicon nanowires (SiNWs)/PEDOT: PSS hybrid solar cell

Throughout a red wire associated with organic–inorganic hybrid solar cells, the recombination mechanism at the interface is a major problem for better low-cost photovoltaic efficiency. The photovoltaic parameters of hybrid silicon nanowires (SiNWs)/poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxy-thiophene): poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) can be advanced to new stages by modifying the interface properties between SiNWs arrays and PEDOT: PSS. In this context, we have interposed a layer of silver nanoparticles AgNPs between SiNWs and PEDOT: PSS. The repercussions of the shape and size of AgNPs on the reflectance and efficiency of hybrid devices have been estimated experimentally. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) was reached a record of about 8.96%, following the insertion of two layers of AgNPs deposited by spin coating. The optimization of the thickness of AgNPs made it possible to obtain the best yield, multiplied by 2 ~ 3 of magnitude compared to a solar cell without intermediate layer. Results found stipulate that with the existence of AgNPs, the series resistance Rs decreases and increased therefore the short-circuit current density.

Organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells based on 1D ZnO/P3HT active layers and 0D Au as cathode

In this paper two different methodologies for the assembling of organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells in 1D are presented: conventional and inverted. The conventional solar cell has the configuration of ITO/P3HT/ZnO/Au, while the inverted of ITO/ZnO/P3HT/Au. The active layers are composed of ZnO nanorods and P3HT nanorods. P3HT was synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization and the nanorods were obtained by template assisted method. ZnO nanorods were synthesized by electrochemical method on ITO glass. The influence of the arrangement of the semiconductors was studied. The cathode of both solar cells was formed of gold nanoparticles (0D), synthesized by microwave method. The active layers were analyzed by UV–vis spectrophotometry, FTIR and SEM. Results of J-V curves indicate that the conventional solar cell has the highest current density due to the higher contact between the layers.

Effect of the Electron Transport Layer on the Photovoltaic Properties of Hybrid Organic Inorganic Perovskites Solar Cells: Cross-Section of Optics, Morphology, Composition and Quality

Ever since their dawn in 2009 1, hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite materials have been experiencing an ever increase in research investment to finally emerge as a strong alternative for high power conversion efficiency (PCE) photovoltaic devices at low costs. One of the main challenges that is currently impeding the upscaling of these solar cells is the phenomenon of hysteresis on their j–V response that has been correlated with slow ion migration which, in turn, affects their photovoltaic properties. Although hysteresis has been described to some extent of detail, the precise role of the external contacts remains under debate. Furthermore, there has been a great deal of focus on materials and interface design while less attention has been given to optical aspects of these cells. Our work highlights the role of electron transport layer (ETL) of different compositions and synthesized through various routes on the hysteresis response of these systems. We show that there’s a clear correlation between thickness, morphology and composition of the ETL on the photovoltaic response these systems. To better elucidate such a response, we have utilized photoluminescence, electroluminescence, absorption and kelvin probe force microscopy to get a substantial grasp of the optoelectronic phenomena occurring at the interfaces in perovskite solar cells.Acknowledgments: This research was supported by a Hydro-Quebec/NSERC CRD grant and the McGill Sustainability Systems Initiative (MSSI).1- Kojima, A., Teshima, K., Shirai, Y. and Miyasaka, T., 2009. Organometal halide perovskites as visible-light sensitizers for photovoltaic cells. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 131(17), pp.6050-6051.

A trilayered organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite material with low bandgap

A lead(II) organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite material [(TMA)2(MA)2Pb3I10] (1) has been synthesized by reactions of 2-thienylmethylamine (TMA) and methylamine (MA) with PbI2 in HI/H3PO2 aqueous solution. The crystallographic diffraction indicated the inorganic moiety in 1 is a trilayered perovskite structure constructed with [PbI6] octahedra, and the two organic amines are located between the inorganic layers, or embedded in the octahedral cavity of inorganic layers. The solid UV–vis absorption peak of compound 1 is located at 600 nm, and the bandgap calculated by DFT is 1.60 eV, both indicating it is a semiconductor and has potential application in organic-inorganic hybrid solar cell.