Properties Of Solar Cells Research Articles

PEROVSKITE SOLAR CELLS AND THEIR TYPES

Perovskite photovoltaic compartments have garnered momentous consideration in photovoltaics owing to their easy manufacturing process and high efficiency. The optoelectronic properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), made from halide and diverse-halide materials, are exceptional. Perovskite structures exhibit remarkable stability despite a wide band gap and minimal charge transfer. Some advantages of perovskite solar cells are; high efficiency, low cost, rapid manufacturing, flexibility, energy payback time, sustainability, etc. To address these challenges, multidimensional perovskite materials are utilized to achieve long-term stability and good performance. Recent advancements in low-temperature synthesis methods and improved contact and electrode components have resulted in PSCs surpassing an efficiency of 25%. Perovskites' characteristics can also be enhanced by altering their elemental makeup. The light-harvesting perovskite material, the electron-transporting layer (ETL), the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film, the hole-transporting layer (HTL), and the metal contact material. The most fantastic and popular perovskite material for sunny collecting at the moment is MAPbI3. Compared to the conventional MAPbI3 perovskite, additional perovskite substances, for example, assorted halide-assorted cation, hybrid cation, and hybrid halide, are drawing more interest. This paper mainly discussed metal-based PSCs, non-metal-based PSCs, and polymer-based PSCs. Moreover, there has been a significant focus on the constancy and production concerns that boundary the commercialization and modularization of perovskite solar cubicles.

The influence of the position and quantity of thiophene or acetylene groups on the photoelectric properties of dye-sensitized solar cells

The influence of the position and quantity of thiophene or acetylene groups on the photoelectric properties of dye-sensitized solar cells

INFLUENCE OF SPIRO-OMETAD FILM THICKNESS ON THE STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF PEROVSKITE SOLAR CELLS

This work investigates the effect of the hole transport layer (HTL) thickness of Spiro-OMeTAD on the electrical transport properties in perovskite solar cells (PSCs).Spiro-OMeTAD films were obtained by the spin-coating method at centrifuge rotation speedsfrom 2000 to 7000 rpm. The thickness and morphology of the Spiro-OMeTAD films were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). From the obtained AFM image data, an increase in the surface root mean square (rms) value is observed with decreasing film thickness. A decrease in film thickness leads to an increase in Energy gap (Eg)from 2.97 eV to 3.01 eV. We observe that at a layer thickness of 260 nm, the efficiency of the cells reaches its maximum value; further increasing the layer thickness reduces the efficiency. Analysis of the impedance spectra of PSCs showed that the optimal layer thickness reduces the HTL resistance and increases the recombination resistance at the perovskite/HTL interface, which increases the effective lifetime of charge carriers. Images of the surface and current distribution of Spiro-OMeTAD on the surface of the perovskite layer were studied.A non-uniform current distribution on the surface of the samples was revealed, the observed spots with high conductivity are interpreted as perovskite quantum dots, which have better photovoltaic characteristics.Keywords: Perovskite solar cells, hole transport layer,Spiro-OMeTAD, conductive-AFM, current-voltage characteristics, impedance measurements.1. Introduction In recent years, organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells have attracted much attention from the global scientific community. The unprecedented development of PSCs is driven by their high optical absorption coefficient, tunable bandgap, low cost, ease of fabrication, and great potential to achieve higher efficiency compared to c-Si solar cells [1–3].To increase the efficiency and stability of PSCs, work is being done to search and optimize the composition of all parts of the solar cell, not only the perovskite itself, but also theso-called transport layers. The hole-conducting transport layer plays an important role in the efficiency of charge transfer and extraction of photoexcited perovskite, HTL is important for power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability in PSCs. Transportlayers typically consist of small organic molecules, polymers, or inorganic materials such as oxides. The energy level of the HTL material must coincide with the maximum

Potential of Tebalan Shells from Tuban Beach as Active Material in Perovskite Solar Cells

One source of environmentally friendly renewable energy that has begun to be widely developed is PSC (Perovskite Solar Cell) made from natural ingredients. PSC is a new breakthrough strategic mineral processing technology as an alternative to silicon in the industry of solar power safety and stability. PSCs are easier to manufacture compared to silicon-based solar cells. The PSC material in this research is perovskite CaTiO3 which is made from the reaction between calcium carbonate (CaCO3) which is obtained from the Tebalan shell powder of Tuban beach and titanium dioxide (TiO2). The method used in this research is substrate preparation, synthesis of Perovskite CaTiO3, making TiO2 paste2, electrolyte solution preparation, counter electrode preparation, fabrication perovskite solar cell (PSC), as well as testing, characterization and data analysis. The tests and characterization that will be carried out are: Crystal structure of powdered materials used in making perovskite solar cells using XRD (X-ray Diffractometer) type X-Pert3 Powder, testing electric current with a potentiometer, and measuring light with a lux meter. The results of XRD testing on the calcined powder showed that the structure of calcium titanate perovskite (CaTiO3) was as much as 68.2%. Meanwhile, the characteristic values ​​of the electrical properties of Tebalan clam shell perovskite solar cells from the lamp light source data obtained show that Vm and Im Daylight lamps have a greater value than warm white lamps and the efficiency value of the solar light source is highest when shown Air Mass 1.5, which is 0.000127%.

Iron-irradiated methylammonium lead iodide bromide (MAPbI2Br) thin films with enhanced optical and electrical properties for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells

In the pursuit of enhancing the optoelectronic properties of perovskite thin films for photovoltaic applications, this study investigates the effects of Fe ion irradiation on methylammonium lead iodide bromide (MAPbI₂Br) thin films. Thin films of methylammonium lead iodide bromide, (CH3NH3PbI2Br, or MAPbI2Br) have been deposited by sol–gel dip coating technique. These films were irradiated with 300 keV Fe ions with flouncy of 2 × 1014 ions/cm2. The prepared films all show the cubic crystal structure. However, the film irradiated with Fe ions has a larger grain size, according to XRD. The optical characteristics, such as refractive index, band gap energy, and extinction coefficients, are examined by UV–Vis analysis. Although both the films showed a direct bandgap, the film irradiated with Fe ions showed a lower value for the bandgap energy (1.76 eV) and high refractive index. The device structure used was FTO/TiO2/MAPbI2Br/spiro-OMeTAD/Au. The devices made with 300 keV Fe ions irradiated film has high current density of 10.86 mA cm−2, fill factor of 0.80, an open circuit voltage of 1.06 V, and an efficiency of 9.93%. The findings emphasize the potential of Fe ion irradiation as a novel technique to improve grain structure and optoelectronic properties, advancing perovskite-based device technology for higher efficiency solar cells.

Structural Modification of BODIPY Molecules with Outstanding Photovoltaic Properties for Organic Solar Cells

Structural Modification of BODIPY Molecules with Outstanding Photovoltaic Properties for Organic Solar Cells

Nonlinear guided waves in improved silicon solar cells using mathematical modeling and a bio-inspired artificial intelligence algorithm

Solar cells are crucial in aerospace industries as they provide a reliable and sustainable power source for spacecraft and satellites, enabling long-duration missions without relying on conventional fuel. This study investigates the propagation of nonlinear guided waves in improved silicon solar cells reinforced by graphene platelet (GPL) nanocomposites. The microplate model of the solar cells is developed using the modified couple stress theory (MCST) to capture size-dependent effects, and the sinusoidal shear deformation theory (SSDT) is applied to account for realistic shear deformation behavior. Nonlinear governing equations describing the dynamic response of the system are derived using Hamilton's principle. The equations are then solved numerically using the Runge–Kutta method to analyze the phase velocity and wave characteristics under varying parameters. The effects of GPL weight fraction, length scale parameter, and wavenumber on wave propagation are thoroughly examined. In this investigation, an intelligent model based on deep neural networks as an artificial intelligent algorithm combined with a genetic algorithm (DNN-GA) as a bio-inspired optimization approach, is employed to predict nonlinear phenomena in guided waves within the solar cell, using datasets generated from mathematical simulations. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of GPL nanocomposites enhances the mechanical properties of the silicon solar cells, leading to higher phase velocities and improved wave propagation efficiency. Additionally, the influence of the length scale parameter on phase velocity is found to be significant, particularly for low wavenumbers. This study provides valuable insights into the optimization of advanced nanocomposite-reinforced silicon solar cells for applications requiring efficient guided wave propagation. The findings offer a promising approach for the design and enhancement of next-generation solar cells.

Fabrication of thin film for triple-cation perovskite via hot-bar-coating method without post-annealing process

The triple-cation perovskite Cs0.05(MA0.17FA0.83)0.95Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 was deposited using the hot-bar-coating method. The effects of the substrate temperature and coating bar sweep speed on the film quality were investigated. Coating the precursor solution at a substrate temperature of 150 °C, reduced fabrication time by eliminating the post-annealing process, which is essential to conventional film fabrication methods, i.e., the antisolvent method. We further investigated the dependence of thin film thickness and quality on the coating bar sweep speed, finding that the optimal film quality was achieved at a speed of 4 mm/s. Importantly, decomposition into PbI2 was not observed during film fabrication for the triple-cation perovskite. The results of solar cell property measurements, indicating that the fabricated devices maintained high performance for 500 h in ambient air, suggest that the hot-bar-coating method is a promising approach for producing perovskite solar cells with high atmospheric stability and potentially low cost.

Study of Natural Herbal Dyes Photodegradation Effect to Optical Properties for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The stability of natural dyes for use in dye-sensitive solar cells is known from their photodegradation characteristics. Photodegradation effects using artificial light radiation on natural herbal dyes were investigated. Three natural herbal dyes, namely Fagraea acuminatissima, sappanwood, and kulit setong were used in this study. The stability of the natural herbal dyes under artificial light radiation was studied. The optical properties of the natural herbal dyes as indicators of their stability were characterized using FTIR and UV-VIS absorption. Stability testing of natural herbal dyes was conducted in a room with artificial lighting for 5 weeks. Observations of changes in their optical properties were performed weekly. It can be seen that all three natural herbal dyes contained anthocyanin. In addition to anthocyanin, Fagraea acuminatissima and sappanwood also contain chlorophyll. In contrast, the kulit setong contains beta-carotene in addition to anthocyanin. The degradation percentage showed that sappanwood degrade to all of its pigments. While an increase occurred in the chlorophyll peak of Fagraea acuminatissima and the beta-carotene peak of kulit setong. This clearly shows that Fagraea acuminatissima has the highest stability, and potentially increases the efficiency of solar cells.

High-performance CIGS solar cells using a double active layers approach – SCAPS 1D optoelectronic modeling approach

One of the properties of the CIGS solar cell is that it can have an adjustable band gap energy. The band gap varies in the range from 1.01 to 1.7 eV as a function of materials content. Enhancing the bandgap profile of the active layer, which is where the majority of charge carrier photo-generation occurs, should significantly improve cell performance. Superimposing absorber layers with different electrical characteristics is one way of refining the bandgap profile and achieving these results. It is possible to analyze the optoelectronic output properties and simulate this active multilayer approach using a reference cell thanks to the SCAPS numerical modeling tool. Considering this, we have successfully simulated the following structure: CIGS2/CIGS1/SDL/ZnS/ZnO. The SDL which stands for Surface Defect Layer, has been considered for the property discontinuity interface, mainly characterized by the formation of defect states. That enabled to achieve realistic-like device with an improvement of power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 11.98 %, i.e. 29.22 % and a fill factor (FF) of 82 % employing a total thickness of active layer of 800 nm. All simulations were performed considering experimental environment parameters, an external temperature of 300 K, light illumination of AM1.5G and defects states were assumed in both the bulk and at interfaces.

Enhanced Structural, Optical, and photovoltaic properties of Sm-Doped MAPbI2Br perovskite solar cells

Samarium-enhanced methylammonium lead iodide bromide (Sm-MAPbI2Br) thin films were applied onto FTO-glass substrates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed an enlargement in grain size to 29.09 nm, a decrease in dislocation line density to 4.32 x 1015 m−2, an expansion in d-spacing to 5.18 Å, a reduction in lattice constant to 1.59 Å, and a diminished volume in the cubic crystal lattice of MAPbI2Br. The incorporation of Sm2+ ions resulted in a narrowed band gap energy (1.95 eV), an augmented refractive index (2.65), and a decreased extinction coefficient (2.24). The solar cell constructed with a 5 % Sm2+ doping level demonstrated an enhanced open-circuit voltage of 1.05 V, a notable increase in short-circuit current density to 9.87 mA/cm2, a fill factor of 0.80, and an elevated efficiency reaching 9.32 %. Comparative analyses suggest that the cell with 5 % Sm2+ doping experiences a lower rate of recombination compared to undoped MAPbI2Br-based cells. EIS is used to investigate enhanced charge transport in hybrid MAPbI2Br devices, emphasizing the impact of a Sm-doped thin layer on carrier dynamics. The robustness of the open-circuit voltage highlights the potential of layering MAPbI2Br in the development of highly efficient solar cells.

Effect of annealing on MoOx and interface properties for carrier-selective contact solar cells with different passivation layers

The structural, electrical and optical properties of molybdenum oxide (MoOx) thin films prepared by magnetron sputtering are studied with annealing temperature. The interface properties of silicon with the intrinsic amorphous silicon (a-Si:H(i)) and alumina (AlOx) passivation layers are investigated by the minority carrier lifetime and implied-Voc (iVoc). The AlOx shows the better passivation properties and thermal stability for the carrier-selective contact solar cells. The Ce-doped In2O3(ICO) is deposited on the surface of MoOx thin films. It is found that the optimized annealing temperature is 125 °C for the carrier selective contact solar cells with the a-Si:H(i) passivation layer. It could increase to 175 °C for the AlOx passivation layer.

Enhanced antireflection and absorption in thin film GaAs solar cells using dielectric composite nanostructures

This study investigates the application of dielectric composite nanostructures (DCNs) to enhance both antireflection and absorption properties in thin film GaAs solar cells, which are crucial for reducing production costs and improving energy conversion efficiency in photovoltaic devices. Building upon previous experimental validations, this work systematically explores the underlying theoretical mechanisms using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method to analyze the light interaction with the proposed DCNs. The results show that the combination of Mie resonance, Fabry–Perot resonance, and guided resonance, induced by the surface structuring of the DCNs, significantly enhances light absorption in the active layer, particularly at longer wavelengths. For solar cells featuring a 500-nm-thick absorber layer, SARL-decorated solar cells demonstrated an average reflectivity of 12.18 %, whereas those incorporating DCNs exhibited a significantly reduced average reflectivity of 4.52 %. These findings indicate that DCNs structures are highly effective in enhancing the performance of thin and ultra-thin GaAs solar cells by minimizing surface reflection and increasing photon utilization, offering a promising solution for high efficiency, cost effective photovoltaic devices.

Star-Shaped Molecules with a Triazine Core: (TD)DFT Investigation of Charge Transfer and Photovoltaic Properties of Organic Solar Cells

Star-Shaped Molecules with a Triazine Core: (TD)DFT Investigation of Charge Transfer and Photovoltaic Properties of Organic Solar Cells

Improving the properties of Pt-free dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by PEDOT:PSS/SnSe-rGO-based counter electrode: Exploring the electrocatalytic activity

In this study, we synthesized SnSe-rGO/PEDOT nanostructures and evaluated their potential as counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Developing cost-effective counter electrodes for DSSCs is a critical challenge, as traditional designs often rely on platinum, an expensive material. Therefore, identifying alternative materials that are both effective and durable is of significant interest. We characterized the structural and morphological properties of the synthesized nanostructures using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and FESEM. Additionally, we investigated their electrochemical and electrocatalytic performance through EIS, CV, and Tafel measurements. The solar cells fabricated with SnSe-rGO/PEDOT:PSS counter electrodes achieved an efficiency of 8.78 %, a notable improvement over the 8.13 % efficiency observed in cells with Pt counter electrodes. These findings suggest that SnSe-rGO/PEDOT nanostructures hold great promise as a more affordable and efficient alternative to platinum in DSSCs.

Structural and solar cell properties of Cr doped ZnO: CdO/Si thin films prepared by laser induced plasma

Structural and solar cell properties of Cr doped ZnO: CdO/Si thin films prepared by laser induced plasma

Exploring the impact of end-capped benzothiazine-based acceptors to lead the photovoltaic properties of solar cells: A DFT/TD-DFT approach

To improve the solar cells performance, usually end-capped acceptors are used in designing of new molecules. Therefore, in this study, the side-chain and end-capped moieties were modified in reference compound (BTZR) and proposed new compounds (BTZD1-BTZD6) to augment their photovoltaic and optoelectronic properties. The density functional method was employed at the M06/6-311G(d,p) level to optimize and interpret their frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), density of states (DOS), transition density matrix (TDM), exciton binding energy (Eb), light absorption and open circuit voltage (Voc) characteristics. Their global reactivity parameters (GRPs) were calculated via the HOMO-LUMO energy band gap. Further, it was observed that all the investigated compounds showed lower band gaps (2.975–3.160 eV) and bathochromic shifts in the visible region (482.501–504.223 nm). Various plots such as the DOS, TDM and hole-electron further confirmed the efficiency of designed chromophores. Additionally, an interface of model donor–acceptor was constructed by considering the donor polymer (PBDB-T) and designed NFAs. Significant results were obtained for Voc (1.538–1.772 V). Among the selected candidates, BTZD3 and BTZD5 were obtained as high-performance non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs). They exhibited least band gaps (2.988 and 2.975 eV) and highest λmax (504.223 and 498.606, respectively). These compounds also demonstrated the least exciton binding energy values as 0.529 and 0.488 eV, respectively. Besides this, comparative study with the standard hole transport material (HTM) spiro-OMeTAD showed a reasonable agreement, suggesting that the entitled compounds could serve as effective HTMs. Overall, the findings suggested the crucial role of end-capped modification in elevating the charge mobility and photovoltaic characteristics of BTZD1-BTZD6. This study provides a valuable insight in the development of good photovoltaic materials.

Modulating Aggregation Behavior by Ternary Strategies for Efficient and Stable Thick-Film Organic Solar Cells.

Functional third components targeted to improve a specific property of organic solar cells is an effective strategy. However, introducing a third component to simultaneously improve efficiency and stability and achieve good performance in thick-film devices has rarely been reported. Herein, low diffusion third components IDCN and ID2CN are reported to achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE)of 18.08% and a high short-circuit current (J SC)of 27.82mAcm-2, one of the highest values based on PM6:Y6. They increase light harvesting in the range of 400-500nm while enhancing energy transfer via Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). A tightly ordered molecular arrangement is achieved by modulating the preaggregation and film formation kinetics of Y6, which enhance exciton dissociation and charge transport. Moreover, the low-diffusion third component can effectively restrict the diffusion of Y6 to improve the morphology stability, and the T90 lifetime is increased from 689 to 1545h. In 300nm thick-film devices, PM6:ID2CN:Y6 achieves a PCE of 15.01%, much higher than PM6:Y6's 12.83%, demonstrating the great potential of ID2CN in thick-film devices.

Enhancing perovskite solar cells performance through tailored design: pyridine-functionalized phenothiazine derivatives with modified end-capped acceptor moieties

Abstract Future energy resources are being developed using clean and renewable energies since these sources offer environmentally friendly and sustainable choices to traditional sources like fossil fuels. Among various renewable energy sources, solar energy is becoming increasingly efficient with advancements in organic photovoltaic systems. Organic semiconductor materials, which require high electron affinity and possess desirable optical and electronic properties, are crucial for these systems. Researchers are constantly trying to increase the role of photovoltaic materials in optoelectronic applications. With current energy demands, there is a shift from traditional solar cells to perovskite photovoltaic materials due to their significant contributions to renewable energy. Therefore, we have designed a new stream of donor- π -acceptor (D- π -A) type pyridine functionalized phenothiazine derivates-based donor materials, resulting in nine fabricated HTMs (PT1-PT9), by substituting the terminals with thiophene and acceptors moieties respectively to enhance the photovoltaic properties of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). All newly proposed materials were computationally examined to estimate their optoelectronics, geometrical, and photovoltaic properties using quantum chemical approach, and then compared to the reference. For organic hole-transporting materials, a heterocyclic phenothiazine core (PTZ) has been proven effective as it has feasible structure modifications, excellent electron-donating properties, and straightforward synthesis. The study of electronic parameters (density of state, frontier molecular orbitals, and electrostatic potential ESP), optical properties (light harvesting efficiency, absorption maxima, dipole moment, and first excitation energies) and charge transfer characteristics (electron–hole overlap, transition density matrix) of designed materials revealed that there is an increase in absorption range under the influence of terminal acceptor groups, with lowering the bandgap values compared to the reference. A density of state (DOS) graph and HOMO–LUMO schema are evidence of the electron-withdrawing effect of acceptor moieties. Transition density matrix (TDM) analysis proves reliable charger transfer in designed molecules. Reorganization energy values for designed molecules are lower than the reference making charge transfer carriers more efficient. Additionally, solvation-free energy values (−17.28 to −33.19 Kcalmol−1) and higher dipole moments suggest better surface-wetting and solubility properties. In general, the fabricated materials have exceptional charge mobilities with higher absorption and reduced band gap values that make them suitable and stable candidates for photovoltaic devices.

Enhanced Carrier Selectivity and Superior Passivation in Cost‐Effective Heterogeneous Hybrid Transport Layers for Next Generation Silicon Solar Cells

AbstractHybrid hole transport layers (HHTLs) consisting of‐a low‐cost, low‐temperature, dopant‐free, organic, hole‐selective poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulphonate (PEDOT:PSS) and an inorganic homogenous tunnel oxides (HoTOs), such as SiOx, TiOx, and AlOx have allowed significant improvements in carrier selectivity as well as in power and cost efficiency. These key parameters can be further improved by introducing heterogeneous tunnel oxides (HeTOs), formed of two different inorganic oxides. This work examines the potential of heterogeneous HHTLs and their impact on passivation as well as on the interfacial properties in silicon solar cells. HeTOs of SiOx/TiOx and SiOx/AlOx with negative fixed charge are studied and optimized. A heterogeneous HHTL with AlOx (>1.5 nm) resulted in a high lifetime (1.2 ms), low surface recombination velocity, and improved surface band bending at the interface due to the presence of higher negative fixed charge (1012 cm−2) within these layers. The passivation properties further improved on light soaking and annealing due to oxidation of PSS and AlOx/SiOx. Overall, these HHTLs demonstrated a hole selectivity (S10) of 12.5 and very high efficiencies up to of 26.1%, surpassing homogenous‐SiOx/PEDOT:PSS by 1.4%.