Metal Backing Research Articles

Porous Metal Backing for High-Temperature Ultrasonic Transducers

Improving the performance of high-temperature ultrasonic transducers is a goal of major importance in many industrial applications. To this aim, we propose to use porous metals that support high temperatures as backings. Thus, the acoustic properties of stainless steel and porous stainless steel with porosity of 25% and 35% are determined at ambient temperature and up to 400 °C. Over the temperature range, the longitudinal wave velocity variation is comprised between 5% and 6% in the porous metals. We find that temperature does not significantly affect the attenuation in the material. The pulse-echo response and frequency response of a LiNbO3-based transducer with a porous backing are simulated using a one dimensional electroacoustic model. These simulations, compared to those of a reference transducer, show that the axial resolution with such a design allows these transducers to be used for imaging and/or Non-Destructive Testing and evaluation at high temperature.

Exploring Sb2S3 as a hole transport layer for GeSe based solar cell: a numerical simulation

Abstract Germanium selenide (GeSe) and antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) both are technological intriguing semiconductor material for green and economical photovoltaic devices. In this study, GeSe and Sb2S3 have been utilized as the absorber layer and hole transport layer, respectively, to constructed a heterojunction thin film solar cell consisting of FTO/TiO2/GeSe/Sb2S3/Metal. The GeSe and Sb2S3 are binary compounds and can adopt the same film deposition method, for instance, thermal evaporation, which is expected to improve process compatibility and to reduce production costs. The TiO2 (electron transport layer) and Sb2S3 can form small spike-like conduction band offset and valence band offset with the GeSe, respectively, which possesses potential to suppress carrier recombination at the heterointerfaces. Subsequently, the effects of main functional layer material parameters, heterointerface characteristics and back contact metal work function on the performance parameters of the proposed solar cell were simulated and analyzed using wxAMPS software. After numerical simulation and optimization, the proposed solar cell can reach an open circuit voltage of 0.872 V, a short circuit current of 40.72 mA·cm−2, a filling factor of 84.16%, and a conversion efficiency of 28.35%. According to the simulation results, it is anticipated that the Sb2S3 can serve as a hole transport layer for GeSe based solar cell and enable device to achieve high efficiency. Simulation analysis also provides some meaningful references for the design and preparation of heterojunction thin film solar cells.

Investigations on interfacial complex dynamic processes of Er-BiFeO3 based perovskite solar cell heterostructures

In the present investigations, we critically examine the response of thickness variation of the photoactive layer on I-V characteristics of the final optimized Er-doped BiFeO3 (Er-BF) designed devices (Er: 0 %, 4 %, 8 %, and 12 %). The recombination rate, energy band diagrams obtained at a final simulated thickness of the absorber and at the back contact metal work function were investigated for the purpose of barrier formation analysis. To establish the presence of deep defects in the perovskite based heterostructure devices, the measurements of respective designed devices related to capacitance–voltage (C-V), Mott-Schottky (MS) (1/C2-V), and conductance-voltage (G-V) characteristics were thoroughly performed and examined. The change in capacitance (or dielectric constant) induced thermally in the respective designed devices was investigated with the temperature-dependent capacitance-frequency (C-f) characteristics performed under the illumination and dark conditions, respectively. Further, the voltage dependent Nyquist plots were studied. Overall, this work provides critical insights into the impedance response of doped BiFeO3 absorber-based designed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with cell structure FTO/ZnO/Er-BF/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au. It further facilitates the understanding of various complex electrical processes taking place at the different interfaces during the device operations which are significant for the better optimization and play crucial role in enhancing the overall photovoltaic performance of PSCs.

Chalcogenides in Perovskite Solar Cells with a Carbon Electrode: State of the Art and Future Prospects.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been on the forefront of advanced research for over a decade, achieving constantly increasing power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), while their route towards commercialization is currently under intensive progress. Towards this target, there has been a turn to PSCs that employ a carbon electrode (C-PSCs) for the elimination of metal back contacts, which increase the cost of corresponding devices while at the same time have a severe impact on their stability. Chalcogenides are chemical compounds that contain at least one chalcogen element, typically sulfur (S), selenium (Se), or tellurium (Te), combined with one metallic element. They possess semiconducting properties and have been proven to have beneficial effects when incorporated in a variety of solar cell types, including dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), and Organic Solar Cells (OSCs), either as interlayers or added in the active layers. Currently, an increasing number of studies have highlighted their potential for achieving high-performing and stable PSCs. In this review, the most promising results of the latest studies regarding the implementation of chalcogenides in PSCs with a carbon electrode are presented and discussed, merging two research trends that are currently on the spotlight of solar cell technology.

Band offset optimization in MAGeI3 based perovskite solar cells

The study focuses on a complete modelling of perovskite solar cell (PSC) employing methyl ammonium germanium iodide (MAGeI3) as light absorbing material via optimizing device’s conduction band offset (CBO) and valence band offset (VBO), which helps in identifying the suitable transport materials that can be employed for extracting the best photovoltaic parameters for solar cell. The device architecture FTO/TiO2/MAGeI3/CuO/Pd has been considered for the study, which after the input parameter optimization provides a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.33 %. An optimization of the CBO of the device configuration results in a PCE of 13.57 %, indicating that the chosen ETL, TiO2 is suitable for the device configuration. An alternate ETL, IGZO with the required electron affinity of 4.18 eV, when tested for the device shows a PCE of 12.39 %. The VBO optimization of the device configuration FTO/TiO2/MAGeI3/CuO/Pd suggests the inclusion of CZTS as the HTL and further input parameter optimization of the device provides PCE of 16.59 %. The VBO optimization of FTO/IGZO/MAGeI3/CuO/Pd suggests for the inclusion of CZTS as the HTL, and provides an excellent PCE of 14.57 %. Hence, the CBO and VBO optimized device configuration, FTO/IGZO/MAGeI3/CZTS/Pd is again optimized by changing the parameters of perovskite and transport layers and a PCE of 20.54 % is achieved. It is further analysed considering diverse back contact metal and optimum PCE of 20.57 % is attained, with Se as the back metal contact. An estimation of the QE of FTO/IGZO/MAGeI3/CZTS/Se configuration indicates efficient charge generation and collection in visible and NIR wavelength regimes.

Mid-term outcomes of medial metal backed and all-polyethylene unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in obese patients: a retrospective propensity-matched analysis

BackgroundThis retrospective study compares the outcomes of unicompartmental medial fixed-bearing knee arthroplasty (mUKA), involving a cemented metal-backed (MB) or an all-polyethylene (AP) tibial component, performed in obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 30 with a follow-up of at least 5 years.MethodsThe institutional database was mined for primary mUKAs involving an MB or an AP tibial component (MB-UKA and AP-UKA groups, respectively) performed from January 2015 to August 2019. Patient demographics and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were compared and a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis (1:1) using multiple variables was conducted.ResultsPSM analysis yielded 37 pairs of obese MB-UKA and AP-UKA patients. At 5 years, the Knee Society Function Score (KSFS) was 75.1 ± 10.6 in MB-UKA and 79.4 ± 9.1 in AP-UKA patients (p = 0.029), and the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was 38.1 ± 4.4 in MB-UKA and 40.6 ± 5.7 in AP-UKA patients (p = 0.011).ConclusionAt five-year follow-up, in a matched group of obese MB-UKA and AP-UKA patients, the AP-UKA group achieved better KSFSs and OKSs. Both the AP and the MB tibial components were able to bring about a significant improvement of the most widely used PROMs.

High-Q all-dielectric metasurface perfect absorber powered by quasi-bound states in the continuum

All-dielectric perfect absorbers powered by quasi-bound states in the continuum (-BIC) are of great importance for developing high-performance optoelectronic devices because they provide high Q-factor absorption. However, these structures usually require the addition of metal back reflectors or degenerate critical coupling to achieve high absorption, which often introduces problems such as Joule heat output and sensitivity to geometrical parameters. In this work, we present an all-dielectric high Q-factor metasurface perfect absorber (MPA) with a cell structure consisting of split Si elliptical disks. By adjusting the tilt angle of the gap, the metasurface can excite a single quasi-BIC resonance in a highly reflective background, corresponding to the electric quadrupole (EQ) mode. Due to the asymmetric coupling of the EQ mode, the proposed metasurface easily breaks the 50% absorption limit. At the wavelength of 894.645 nm, the metasurface achieves a perfect absorption of more than 99% and has a Q-factor of up to 1955. In addition, the structure shows excellent tolerance to geometrical parameters while ensuring high absorption performance. By adjusting the polarization angle, we have also achieved an arbitrary tuning of the absorption efficiency without frequency shift. This work provides a viable scheme for the design of tunable, large-tolerance, and high-Q all-dielectric MPAs, which have a broad potential application in the fields of optical filtering, optical switching, and polarization detection.

Stable RbCsFAPbI3 perovskite solar cell: numerical modelling and optimisation using SCAPS-1D

The studies concerning solar cell technology has consistently been captivating and inspiring, largely because of its environmentally friendly and sustainable characteristics. The outstanding electronic, optical, mechanical, and electrical characteristics of perovskite materials make them crucial for the development of the photovoltaic industry. In order to model the mixed cation Rb0.05Cs0.1FA0.85PbI3 perovskite solar cells, the SCAPS-1D tool was used. The main feature of RbCsFAPbI3 perovskite is its remarkable stability, and wide bandgap. Rubidium (Rb) and cesium (Cs) cations improve the optoelectronic characteristics of the material, resulting in less non-radiative recombination and improved charge transfer. In this work, the effects of different hole transport layers (CuSCN, CuSbS2,Cu2O) and back metal contacts (Ag, Fe, C-Cu, Au, Ni, Pt) on solar cell performance were investigated. The maximum efficiency of the solar cell has been achieved by studying various parameters like temperature, series resistance, shunt resistance, defect density, and absorber layer thickness. With FF = 84.12%, Jsc = 24.52 mA cm−2, Voc = 1.19 V, and the configuration of FTO/TiO2/RbCsFAPbI3/Cu2O/Au, the optimised device obtains a PCE of 24.64%. The impressive enhancements in performance parameters observed in the structure of the device make it highly suitable for applications in solar energy harvesting systems.

Optical Simulations of Nanotextured All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells

AbstractThis numerical study investigates, how textures at various locations of all‐perovskite tandem solar cells affect their optical performance. For this, hexagonal sinusoidal textures with 750 nm period and aspect ratios (height‐to‐period) of 27% (moderate) and 54% (pronounced) are considered. The optical simulations are performed with the finite element method and an algorithm to correct for the thick glass superstrate. The complex refractive index data of the wide‐bandgap (WBG) and narrow‐bandgap (NBG) perovskites with spectroscopic ellipsometry is determined. Texturing between the glass superstrate and the WBG perovskite top cell has an antireflective effect across the whole wavelength region. In contrast, texturing between the WBG perovskite top cell and the NBG perovskite bottom cell has no additional effect for a moderate texture but leads to light trapping in the NBG perovskite for a pronounced texture. Moderate texturing between the NBG perovskite absorber and the metal back contact leads to light trapping in the NBG perovskite but also excites surface plasmons in the copper back contact. Dielectric interlayers between the NBG perovskite and the metal back contact can reduce the plasmonic absorption losses. Texturing potentially allows to increase the current‐matched short‐circuit current density beyond 17 mA .

Analysis of broadband linear polarization-converting meta-materials and their sensing and detection functions

In this paper, we present a broadband perfect-reflective linear polarization-converting metamaterial, which achieves perfect-reflective linear polarization conversion over a broadband frequency range of 28.15 GHz–60.80 GHz, and the narrow-band perfect-polarization-converting peaks appearing at the high frequency of 67.121 GHz can be used for microwave solution concentration detection. The design consists of a surface metal resonator structure, a Roggers 5880 dielectric layer and a copper metal backing. The surface metal resonator is a combination of a circular open ring, a square open ring, and a centrally located cross-metal cross ring nested in a modified, highly anisotropic structure. The perfect polarization transition peak at the high frequency band can be used for the solution detection function, which can detect the concentration of salt solution, glucose solution, and alcohol solution. When the refractive index of the solution sample to be tested changes gradually from 1.0 to 1.4, the polarization conversion peak shows obvious frequency shift, and the peak polarization conversion rate is always kept above 99%. The polarization principle was analyzed using surface electromagnetic field distribution and related theories, and the sample structure was processed and tested. The designed super-surface polarization conversion structure has potential applications in the field of microwave detection and microwave communication.

A combined DFT and finite difference simulation study on hybrid halide perovskite-based solar cells

This work reports the modelling and numerical estimation of the photovoltaic parameters of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) containing formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) and formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3) in the form of light active materials using SCAPS 1D software. The analysis is done by introducing diverse hole and electron transport materials and back metal contacts to identify the most appropriate device configuration that can deliver optimum photovoltaic output. The optoelectronic properties and the absorption spectra of the two compounds are estimated by DFT calculation using WIEN2k, which incorporates density functional theory (DFT) principles and are provided as input to SCAPS 1D to improve the accuracy of modelling study. For FAPbI3 as absorber material, the configuration FTO/IGZO/FAPbI3/NiO/Au shows the highest photovoltaic parameter exhibiting a power conversion efficiency (PCE) and fill factor (FF) of 19.75 % and 74.29 % respectively. With FASnI3 as the absorber material, FTO/PCBM/FASnI3/P3HT/Au gives a PCE and FF of 21.6 % and 67.74 % respectively. The work also includes the analysis of influence of defect density at the interface layers and series and shunt resistance on performance of above-mentioned device architectures to identify their limitations under real experimental conditions. The influence of various attributes of perovskite on the performance of the device is examined to determine their optimum values.

Performance analysis and optimization of SnSe thin-film solar cell with Cu2O HTL through a combination of SCAPS-1D and machine learning approaches

Tin selenide (SnSe) is an auspicious light-harvesting material in photovoltaic (PV) technology due to its larger absorption coefficients and earth-abundance nature. However, because of the potential difficulty of defect-free fabrication, and non-optimized electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer (HTL) alignment, it could no longer achieve its realistic objectives. Therefore, designing a suitable SnSe-based PV device with an appropriate ETL and HTL is crucial to achieving optimum performance. In this research, we proposed a novel heterojunction thin-film solar cell (TFSC) configuration of Ni/Cu2O/SnSe/WS2/FTO/Al and simulated its PV performance metrics using SCAPS-1D solar cell simulation software. This research additionally provided a comparative performance analysis of the SnSe TFSC with numerous ETLs and HTLs. It is evident that the suggested TFSC with WS2 ETL and Cu2O HTL creates appropriate band alignment with the SnSe light harvesting layer, which reduces charge recombination at both the ETL/absorber and absorber/HTL interfaces. Here, the impact of absorber layer thickness, doping concentration, bulk defect density, and defect density at the ETL/absorber and absorber/HTL interfaces is investigated. Besides, the impact of radiative recombination, back contact metal work function, and working temperature are carefully examined. After optimization of all the material properties, a maximum efficiency of 29.31 % with open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.89 V, short circuit current density (Jsc) of 38.23 mA/cm2, and fill-factor (FF) of 86.30 % were attained for the SnSe-based proposed structure. Furthermore, a supervised linear regression machine learning algorithm is employed to investigate how the behavior of the material attributes affects the solar cell's designed PV performance. Overall, our findings can be helpful to experimentalists to fabricate inexpensive, highly efficient, and Cd-free SnSe-based heterostructure solar cells in the near future.

Simulation study of cadmium-free CIGS solar cell for efficiency enhancement by minimizing recombination losses through back surface field mechanism

Thin-film photovoltaic cells provide benefits over conventional first-generation technology, including lighter weight, greater flexibility, and lower power generation costs. Chalcogenide solar cells offer good efficiency and technological maturity among thin-film technology. In this work, a solar cell device structure, Al/FTO/SnS2/CIGS/CuO/Ni, is examined using SCAPS-1D. Further, by incorporating the back surface field (BSF) layer, the conversion efficiency increased from 18.93 % to 29.88 %, followed by VOC of 0.96 V, JSC of 37.07 mA cm−2, and FF of 83.71 %. This increment in device performance is owing to the lowering back surface recombination velocity and the additional hole tunnelling activity offered by the BSF layer by forming a quasi-ohmic contact, i.e. metal-semiconductor contact with negligible junction resistance relative to the total resistance of the device. Throughout this research work, the authors studied several factors such as surface recombination velocity, temperature impact, front and back contact metal work functions, parasitic resistance impact, gallium proportion, and doping density impact on CIGS solar cells. The work also included a calibration with experimental data from published sources to validate the simulation results.This paper presents a new approach for producing high-efficiency, eco-friendly CIGS solar cells with CuO back surface field mechanism.

Durable hybrid metamaterial with hierarchically porous structure for efficient passive daytime radiative cooling

Passive daytime radiative cooling, which strongly emits heat while minimally absorbing sunlight, constitutes a promising strategy to address the energy density mismatch between solar irradiance and the low infrared radiation flux from material surfaces. However, nanoscale-precision manufacturing and the need for additional metal backing often result in low efficiency and limited applicability. Here, we present a durable hybrid metamaterial (DHM) comprising a randomly distributed inorganic dielectric particle–polymer composite with a hierarchically porous structure created via a simple phase separation method. Despite the absence of a metal backing, the DHM exhibits a broadband, high mid-infrared emissivity of 98.2 % and a high solar reflectivity of 98.0 %, enabling it to strongly radiate heat and scatter sunlight. Outdoor testing demonstrates that the DHM achieves an average cooling temperature of 9.0 °C under an average solar irradiance of 853.4 W·m−2, comparable to recently reported radiative coolers. The high electronegativity of C–F bonds in polyvinylidene fluoride–hexafluoropropylene (PVDF–HFP) and the high thermal and chemical stability of zirconium dioxide microparticles (ZrO2 MPs) endow the DHM with excellent environment durability. Moreover, the DHM provides effective and passive protection for ice and snow under sunlight exposure. Considering its outstanding cooling performance, environmental stability, and scalability, the DHM holds great promise for widespread applications in building and vehicle cooling, as well as glacier preservation efforts.

Theoretical design and performance evaluation of a lead-free fully inorganic CIGS solar cell with CuSbS2 as HTL

The widespread use of lead (Pb)-based materials in solar cells poses serious environmental and health risks, particularly through lead contamination. These hazards make the development of Pb-free alternatives a critical priority for safer and more sustainable photovoltaic technologies. This study addresses this pressing need by exploring innovative, non-toxic materials for high-efficiency solar cells. In response, this study introduces a novel, fully inorganic solar cell structure, FTO/ZnO/CIGS/CuSbS2/Au, which leverages copper indium gallium (di) selenide (CIGS) as the absorber layer and copper antimony sulfide (CuSbS2) as the hole transport layer (HTL). Our approach is distinguished by the strategic integration of zinc oxide (ZnO) as the electron transport layer (ETL), which, in conjunction with CuSbS2, enhances charge transport efficiency and overall device performance. This research innovates by conducting a comprehensive numerical analysis to fine-tune critical parameters such as absorber layer thickness, doping levels, defect densities, and radiative recombination rates. By optimizing these parameters, we significantly improve the photoconversion efficiency of the solar cell. Additionally, we systematically investigate the influence of interface defects, metal back contacts, and temperature variations on device performance, providing new insights into the stability and efficiency of inorganic solar cells. A key mechanism explored in this study is the role of series and shunt resistances in determining the electrical behavior of the solar cell, analyzed through capacitance-voltage (C–V) and capacitance-frequency (C–F) measurements. These analyses reveal the intricate balance between charge carrier dynamics and external resistive factors, further elucidating the operational mechanisms within the cell. Our fully inorganic FTO/ZnO/CIGS/CuSbS2/Au solar cell achieves a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 32.25 % at room temperature, with a short-circuit current density (JSC) of 34.77 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.10 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 84.33 %. By comparing these results with both experimental and theoretical benchmarks in the field of CIGS solar cells, we demonstrate the competitive edge and profound significance of our lead-free design.

Performance evaluation of inorganic Cs3Bi2I9-based perovskite solar cells with BaSnO3 charge transport layer

This research embedded with a novel idea of integration of perovskite material as charge transport layer corresponding to the perovskite absorber layer. The study explores the effectiveness of BaSnO3 perovskite material as an electron transport layer (ETL) in Cs3Bi2I9-based perovskite solar cells, using SCAPS-1D simulations. The research meticulously examines how structural and optical variations in each layer affect the device’s performance indicators, finding the thickness of the Cs3Bi2I9 layer and its defect concentration pivotal for optimal functionality. The highest photovoltaic efficiency, 20.62%, was achieved with an absorber layer thickness of 0.8 micrometers and acceptor and donor concentrations between 1E17 /cm3 and 1E18 /cm3, respectively. The absorber’s bulk defect density optimally ranged from 1E14 /cm3 to 1E15 /cm3. Interface defects between BaSnO3 and Cs3Bi2I9 layers significantly influenced performance, more so than those at the HTL (Cu2O) interface. The study also assesses thermal effects and series and shunt resistances, aiming to mitigate potential induced degradation (PID), a key concern for solar cell longevity and reliability. Nickel (Ni) was chosen as the back contact metal, balancing cost and efficiency. This research intends to clarify PID conditions to enhance the durability and consistent performance of photovoltaic systems.

All-Polyethylene Tibial Component in Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Offers Excellent Survivorship and Clinical Outcomes at Short-Term Follow-Up: A Multicenter Retrospective Clinical Study.

Background and Objectives: The ten-year survivorship of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is up to 96%, varying from implants and hospitals; however, most of registry studies do not distinguish between metal-back (MB) tibial implants and all-polyethylene (AP) tibial implants. The aim of the present retrospective clinical study was to analyze the clinical outcomes and survivorship of medial and lateral UKA with a newly designed all-polyethylene tibial plateau at short-term follow-up. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected consecutive patients who underwent medial or lateral UKA with AP tibial plateau was conducted, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Primary outcomes were clinical score (VAS, OKS, and KOOS) variations from baseline up to the latest follow-up. Secondary outcomes were Likert scale variations from baseline to the follow-up, evaluation of the influence of demographic factors (age and BMI) at the time of surgery on the clinical outcomes, and evaluation of revision rate up to the last follow-up. Results: The final study population included 99 knees. The mean VAS score for the medial group significantly decreased from 7.61 ± 1.65 (pre-intervention) to 2.74 ± 2.26 (post-intervention). Similar improvements were registered for the OKS as well, for both the medial group (from 22.5 ± 12.6 to 36.6 ± 10.6, with a delta of 14.11 (10.05 to 18.17)) and the lateral group (from 22.6 ± 12.6 to 36.9 ± 11.8, with a delta of 14.24 (8.65 to 19.83)). Moreover, all the KOOS subscales reported an amelioration, both in medial UKA and lateral UKA. Furthermore, a logistic regression of delta VAS was performed in relation to the other clinical questionnaires and the demographic factors. For both medial and lateral UKAs, no statistically significant correlation was found between the VAS scale regression and the demographic factors. The survival rate free from any revision of the cohort at the latest follow-up was 96.32%. Conclusions: All-polyethylene tibial component in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty demonstrates significant improvements in clinical scores and a low failure rate at short-term follow-up.

Target development using the method of High-Intensity Vibrational Powder Plating (HIVIPP) at the Center for Accelerator Target Science (CATS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)

One of the primary goals of the Center for Accelerator Target Science (CATS) is to provide targets and foils in support of the ATLAS User Facility and the Low-Energy community at large. While a wide array of target production techniques are available at CATS, new methods that must be explored invariably arise. One such technique, the High-Intensity Vibrational Powder Plating (HIVIPP), was first reported in 1997 by Isao Sugai. It was developed to produce targets and stripper foils that were difficult to make by standard methods. At Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), we have successfully constructed and tested a simple system for this purpose. We have produced targets of carbon and titanium on various metal backings using the HIVIPP method. We are currently in the exciting phase of exploring the production of other elements, including isotopically enriched and radioactive material. This work is in progress and will be further detailed with specific examples.

Assessment of photovoltaic efficacy in antimony-based cesium halide perovskite utilizing transition metal chalcogenide

Antimony-based perovskites have been recognized for their distinctive optoelectronic attributes, standard fabrication methodologies, reduced toxicity, and enhanced stability. The objective of this study is to systematically investigate and enhance the performance of all-inorganic solar cell architectures by integrating Cs3Sb2I9, a perovskite-analogous material, with WS2—a promising transition metal dichalcogenide—used as the electron transport layer (ETL), and Cu2O serving as the hole transport layer (HTL). This comprehensive assessment extends beyond the mere characterization of material attributes such as layer thickness, doping levels, and defect densities, to include a thorough investigation of interfacial defect effects within the structure. Optimal efficiency was observed when the Cs3Sb2I9 absorber layer thickness was maintained within the 600-700 nm range. The defect tolerance for the absorber layer was identified at 1×1015/cm3, with the ETL and HTL layers exhibiting significant defect tolerance at 1×1016/cm3 and 1×1017/cm3, respectively. Furthermore, this study calculated the minority carrier lifetime and diffusion length, establishing a strong correlation with defect density; a minority carrier lifetime of approximately 1 µs was noted for a defect density of1×1014/cm3 in the absorber layer. A noteworthy finding pertains to the balance between the high work function of the back contact and the incorporation of p-type back surface field layers, revealing that interposing a highly doped p+ layer between the Cu2O and the metal back contact can elevate the efficiency to 21.60%. This approach also provides the freedom to select metals with lower work functions, offering a cost-effective advantage for commercial-scale applications.

Optimization of a novel lead-free MASiI3 based perovskite solar cell: A comprehensive study on device performance enhancement

Methylammonium Silicon Iodide (MASiI3), a novel perovskite material, has recently garnered significant attention for its potential to enhance the stability of solar cells. However, MASiI3-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have yet to achieve high performance. In this study, we utilized SCAPS-1D device modeling to investigate and optimize the performance of MASiI3-based PSCs, focusing on several key parameters. Our optimization efforts included the electron and hole transport layers (ETL and HTL), their respective thicknesses, doping densities (ND and NA), the TiO2/MASiI3 and MASiI3/Cu2O interface layers, series and shunt resistances, the metal back contact, and the influence of temperature. Through comparative analysis of various prospective materials, we identified TiO2 as the optimal ETL and Cu2O as the optimal HTL due to their superior band alignment. Our findings also highlighted the critical role of ambient temperature in maximizing power conversion efficiency (PCE). The proposed ETL and HTL materials demonstrated effective charge transport properties, contribute to enhanced device performance. Our optimized device achieved a Voc of 0.896 V, a Jsc of 42.47 mA/cm2, an FF of 76.94 %, and a remarkable PCE of 29.29 %. These results underscore the potential of MASiI3-based PSCs when utilizing TiO2 and Cu2O as charge-carrying materials and pave the way for further advancements in perovskite solar cell technology.