SCAPS-1D Software Research Articles

Photovoltaic performance enhancement of Al/ZnO:Al/i-ZnO/CdS /CIGS/Pt solar cell using SCAPS-1D software

The high-performance Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber layer is simulated by the SCAPS-1D software. A CIGS absorber layer, a cadmium sulfide (CdS) buffer layer, intrinsic zinc oxide (i:ZnO), and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (Al:ZnO), also known as transparent conductive oxide (TCO), are all included in the cell structure. These layers are connected to upper/top and back contacts made of aluminum (Al) and platinum (Pt). All optimizations employed in cell structure have a thin layer of Al/ZnO:Al/i-ZnO/CdS/CIGS/Pt. The open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and efficiency (η) were all investigated in this study, along with the effects of back contact, absorber and buffer layer thickness, the absorber layer's acceptor density, the buffer layer's donor density, the absorber and buffer layer's defect densities, performance of interface defect density, series and shunt resistance, and temperature. To achieve optimal performance, it is recommended to set the acceptor and donor densities for the absorber and buffer layers at 1018 cm−3, while maintaining defect densities at 1014 cm−3. These desired densities can be attained by using a window layer thickness of 200 nm, a buffer layer thickness of 40 nm, and an absorber layer thickness of 2500 nm. The optimized model demonstrates photovoltaic (PV) performance characteristics of 0.8975 V for VOC, 34.245732 mA/cm2 for JSC, 86.81% for FF, and 26.68% for power conversion efficiency (PCE) under the AM 1.5 G spectrum. Furthermore, it exhibits a quantum efficiency of 98.86% at visible wavelengths.

Nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide as a novel eco-friendly hole transport layer in lead-free CsSnI3 based perovskite solar cells

After an abrupt rise in the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), hole transport layer (HTL) as an essential factor for fabricating efficient PSC devices attract attentions. The pristine spiro-OMeTADspiro-OMeTAD, as most widely used HTL, still suffers from poor electrical conductivity, low hole mobility, and low oxidation rate. In this research, the spiro-OMeTAD is replaced by nitrogen doped TiO2 (N-TiO2) HTL. Then, the variation in the device design key parameters such as the thickness and bulk defect density of perovskite layer, simultaneous modifications of defect density and defect energy level, and acceptor doping concentration in absorber layer, and operating temperature are examined with their impact on the photovoltaic characteristic parameters. The standard lead-free CsSnI3–based PSCs with spiro-OMeTAD HTL is simulated using SCAPS-1D software. The CsSnI3-based solar cell with N-TiO2 as HTL showed higher efficiency of 27.03 % than the standard device with PCE of 23.63 % for conventional spiro-OMeTAD HTL.

Numerical simulation of solar cell performance with copper-based layered perovskite using SCAPS-1D software

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered extensive research interest due to their potential for efficient, flexible, and cost-effective solar energy production, making them suitable for wearable and low-cost applications. In this study, we successfully synthesized layered copper-based perovskite materials, and subsequently conducted simulations using the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator SCAPS-1D. This study introduces, a PSC structure with (CH3NH3)2CuCl4 as the active layer. By employing a two-step chemical method, we have successfully synthesized (CH3NH3)2CuCl4, and its optical band gap was determined using Tauc’s extrapolation method. Utilizing the experimentally determined bandgap as the simulation input, we predicted a solar architecture consisting of glass substrate/fluorine-doped tin oxide/TiO2/(CH3NH3)2CuCl4/spiro-OMeTAD/Pt, which exhibited an impressive conversion efficiency of 27.93% along with a fill factor of 62.04%, J sc of 34.39 mA cm−2, and V oc of 1.31 V. Through the software, we conducted a comprehensive study on the impact of back metal contact, hole transport layer, electron transport layer, layer thickness, temperature, and defect density on the overall device performance. These results unveil the development of an environmentally friendly PSC based on methylammonium copper.

EXPLORING EFFICIENCY AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION OF FLEXIBLE PEROVSKITE SOLAR CELLS USING SCAPS-1D SIMULATION

This research focuses on using SCAPS-1D software to design and simulate efficient flexible perovskite solar cells. The study aims to optimize design parameters, gain a deeper understanding of the underlying physics, and obtain valuable insights into electrical characteristics. The device architecture includes key components like PET/ITO substrate, TiO2 ETL, CH3NH3SnI3 absorber, CuSCN HTL, and Au electrode. By optimizing the absorber thickness (600 nm) and temperature (300 K), the performance and efficiency of the cell were improved. Investigation of different doping concentrations at 300 K for a fixed thickness revealed an efficiency of 26.98% at 600 nm. The highest efficiency of 31.44% was achieved with a doping concentration of 1E+21. This research showcases the potential of flexible perovskite solar cells for lightweight and versatile applications, emphasizing their significance in the field.

Optical properties and stability of Coumarin 7 luminescent down shifting layers in different host polymers

In this work, pristine Coumarin 7 (C7) layers and mixtures of C7 with Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), Polycarbonate (PC) and Polyurethane (PU) were produced by drop casting and characterized by UV-vis absorption and Photoluminescence spectroscopy, aiming at investigating the effect of the different host polymers on the optical properties of the luminescent material. The optical properties of the luminescent down shifting LDS layers are adjusted by using the different polymers, different solvents and by changing the relative concentration of the host, resulting in Photoluminescence Quantum Yield (PLQY) values of 98, 92 and 96% for C7:PMMA, C7:PC and C7:PU layers, respectively. The overall enhancement in emission is about 5 times when compared to pristine C7 layers (PLQY = 19% in DMSO solvent). The effect of the different LDS layers in a simulated Perovskite Solar Cell (PSC) was assessed using Rothemundś model. The External Quantum Efficiency (EQE) curve of the simulated device was obtained using SCAPS-1D software and calculations with Rothemund's model show enhancements of about 11, 15 and 17% in the short-circuit current density when C7:PC, C7:PU and C7:PMMA LDS layers are used, respectively. The stability of the layers under different stressing conditions was examined with Differential Scanning Calorimetry DSC measurements and optical characterizations. There is no dramatic effect of the temperature on the optical properties of the layers, however, upon interaction with light, PLQY values are significantly reduced during the first hours of light soaking. C7:PMMA layers were the more stable combination after the light-soaking stability tests, indicating that PMMA is the most suitable option as host matrix for organic LDS dyes, with potential applications in photovoltaic devices. Our work highlights the importance of choosing the host polymer and evaluate its stability for the successful application of organic LDS layers in solar cells.

Efficiency improvement of Cu(In(1−x)Ga x )Se2 solar cell using copper barium tin sulfide as back surface field layer and bandgap grading technique

This work proposes the simulation of graded –based solar cell with copper barium tin sulfide (CBTS) compounds as a back surface field (BSF) layer using the SCAPS-1D software. The CBTS BSF layer reduces the charge carrier losses on the back contact side and creates an extra BSF that helps in extracting holes toward the back contact. To utilize the maximum spectrum absorption range, three different grading configurations were analyzed by varying the stoichiometry of . This grading technique significantly improves the device performance such as open circuit voltage (V oc), short circuit current density (J sc), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency by changing the Ga content in the CIGS material. Furthermore, the impact of interface defect recombination velocity at the WSSe/graded-CIGS interface, acceptor density, and bulk defect in the CIGS layer on the device’s performance have been analyzed. The insertion of CBTS as a BSF layer and the bandgap grading technique yield a maximum efficiency of 31.08% for the proposed solar cell. These results will be helpful in the fabrication of highly efficient bandgap graded-CIGS solar cells.

Design and Simulation of a Triple Absorber Layer Perovskite Solar Cell for High Conversion Efficiency

This paper presents a comprehensive simulation study on the influence of a triple absorber layer configuration in a perovskite-based solar cell using the SCAPS-1D software, under AM1.5 illumination. The simulated structure comprises a Cesium Tin-Germanium Triiodide (CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3) absorber layer sandwiched between Indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) and Cu2O layers. The main objective of this study is to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) by optimizing the thicknesses of each layer. To validate our simulation results, we compare them with experimental data obtained from existing literature, and we observe a satisfactory agreement between the two. Our findings reveal that the maximum PCE of 28% can be achieved by utilizing specific thickness values for each layer. Specifically, the optimal thicknesses are determined to be 20 nm for the IGZO layer, 200 nm for the Cu2O layer, and 700 nm for the perovskite layer. These optimized thickness values lead to a significant improvement in the PCE of the solar cell, reaching 29%. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of our proposed triple absorber layer configuration and demonstrates its potential to enhance the overall performance of the perovskite-based solar cell. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the optimization of the absorber layer configuration in perovskite solar cells, leading to improved power conversion efficiency.

Numerical simulation of highly efficient Cs2AgInBr6-based double perovskite solar cell using SCAPS 1-D

Lead-free Double Perovskite Solar Cells (DPSCs) have garnered significant research attention in recent times because of its viability as a promising perovskite absorber layer in the device architecture along with its reasonable cost, remarkable stability and high performance. The lead and non-biodegradable material-based Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are still a hurdle to its commercialization. We have investigated a non-toxic inorganic material i.e., Cs2AgInBr6 using SCAPS-1D software. We optimized various parameters like Defect density (Nt), thickness, operating temperature and electron affinity (χ) of perovskite absorber layer (Cs2AgInBr6). Effect of various ETLs and HTLs on the performance device is also analyzed. The Simulation result shows that at an absorber layer thickness of 600 nm, the Cs2AgInBr6-based DPSC has achieved maximum efficiency of 26.9 %.

Modeling and Investigation of Highly Efficient Environment Friendly Perovskite Solar Cell with CuSbS2 as Hole Transport Layer

The presence of lead and its associated toxicity represents a hindrance to the broad commercial production of lead halide perovskites and their utilization in solar photovoltaic devices. Although lead halide perovskites have found extensive application in solar cell technology, questions have arisen regarding the hazardous nature and durability of lead (Pb) in photovoltaic systems. This research seeks to address these concerns by exploring alternative materials, such as tin-based perovskites, to pave the way for cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. The scientific community has shown increased interest in tin-based perovskites due to their superior efficiency and stability compared to lead-based perovskite solar cell. This research introduces a planar heterojunction solar cell utilizing tin-based perovskites that are free of lead. The simulation task was conducted using SCAPS-1d software. Device parameters for a lead-free PSC (perovskite solar cell) using significant framework FTO/WS2/CH3NH3SnI3(perovskite)/CuSbS2 included an examination of factors like perovskite layer thickness, the obsession of acceptors in the perovskite layer, defects density of perovskite layer, and the band gap of the perovskite layer. In this setup, WS2 served as the ETL material, CuSbS2 functioned as the HTL material, and the CH3NH3SnI3(Perovskite) was used as the absorber layer material. This configuration achieved an impressive PCE 32.5%, along with a Jsc34.1mAcm-², Voc1.02V and FF85.5%. These optimized results likelihood indicates the strong prospect for development of an eco-friendly and efficient model of PSC (perovskite solar cell).

Investigating the Performance of Efficient and Stable Planer Perovskite Solar Cell with an Effective Inorganic Carrier Transport Layer Using SCAPS-1D Simulation

Organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite (OIMHP) has emerged as a promising material for solar cell application due to their outstanding optoelectronics properties. The perovskite-based solar cell (PSC) demonstrates a significant enhancement in efficiency of more than 20%, with a certified efficiency rating of 23.13%. Considering both the Shockley limit and bandgap, there exists a substantial potential for further efficiency improvement. However, stability remains a significant obstacle in the commercialization of these devices. Compared to organic carrier transport layers (CTLs), inorganic material such as ZnO, TiO2, SnO2, and NiOX offer the advantage of being deposited using atomic layer deposition (ALD), which in turn improves the efficiency and stability of the device. In this study, methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3)-based cells with inorganic CTL layers of SnO2 and NiOX are simulated using SCAPS-1D software. The cell structure configuration comprises ITO/SnO2/CH3NH3PbI3/NiOX/Back contact where SnO2 and NiOX act as ETL and HTL, respectively, while ITO is a transparent front-end electrode. Detailed investigation is carried out into the influence of various factors, including MAPbI3 layer size, the thickness of CTLs, operating temperature parasitic resistance, light intensity, bulk defects, and interfacial defects on the performance parameters. We found that the defects in layers and interface junctions greatly influence the performance parameter of the cell, which is eliminated through an ALD deposition approach. The optimum size of the MAPbI3 layer and CTL was found to be 400 nm and 50 nm, respectively. At the optimized configuration, the PSC demonstrates an efficiency of 22.13%, short circuit current (JSC) of 20.93 mA/m2, open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.32 V, and fill factor (FF) of 70.86%.

Experimental and numerical simulation studies of CuO thin films based solar cells

This study presents an experimental investigation into the solar performance of copper oxide (CuO) thin films. These CuO films were fabricated using the spray pyrolysis technique, and their structural, morpholigical, optical, and electrical properties were examined in relation to the effect of layer thickness. Additionally, we employed SCAPS-1D software to perform numerical simulations of CuO-based solar cells. Moreover, the band gap energy was discovered to be between 1.14 eV, 1.53 eV and 1.61. Using the four-point probe, the electrical resistivity was computed and the high conductivity found corresponds to the sample generated with a film thickness of t = 292 nm, is 7.52 (×10−3 Ω.cm)−1. The CuO/TiO2/FTO solar cell configuration showed a potential efficiency of 13.38% when the absorber layer thickness is 292 nm and the band gap value is 1.53 eV. Furthermore, based on the band gap energy value of 1.53 eV the investigation has been deepened by expanding the range of absorber layer thickness and temperature to thoroughly examine their impact on solar cell performance. Moreover, the CuO/TiO2 solar cells curves of external quantum efficiency (EQE) for various CuO layer thicknesses were determined.

Experimental analysis of methylammonium and Formamidinium-based halide perovskite properties for optoelectronic applications

Nowadays, the toxicity of lead in metal-halide perovskites is the most precarious obstruction in the commercialization of perovskite-based optoelectronic devices. However, Pb-free metal halide perovskites as environment-friendly materials because of their exceptional properties, such as band-gap tunability, narrow emission spectra, low toxicity and easy solution-processability, are potential candidates for optoelectronic applications. Recently, literature reported the poor structural stability and low-emission intensity of Bi-based perovskite NCs. Still, this paper focuses on the fabrication of Formamidinium (FA)-based Bi mixed halide and Methylammonium(MA)-based Bi-pure halide perovskites using Ligand-Assisted Reprecipitation Technique (LARP) technique. XRD diffraction patterns of FA-based perovskites were slightly broad, signifying the nanocrystalline form and limited size of perovskite nanocrystals. While the XRD diffraction patterns of MA3Bi2X9 (X = Cl/Br/I) perovskites were narrow, signifying the amorphous nature and larger size of perovskite nanocrystals. The peak positions were varied in MA-based bismuth halide perovskites with respect to the halide variation from Br to Cl to I ions. The optical study shows the variation in band gap and average lifetime with respect to halide variation leading to enhanced optical properties for device applications. The band-gap of FA3Bi2BrxCl1-x & FA3Bi2IxCl1-x perovskites was calculated to be around 3.7 & 3.8 eV, respectively, while in MA-halide perovskites the band-gap was calculated to be 2.8 eV, 3.1 eV & 3.4 eV with respect to halide variation from I to Cl to Br in perovskite samples using Tauc's plot respectively. Moreover, simulation is carried out using the SCAPS-1D software to study the various parameters in MA & FA-based Bi-pure or mixed halide perovskites. Here, we discussed the variation in efficiency with respect to the thickness variation from 100 to 500 nm for MA3Bi2I9 halide perovskites. These MA3Bi2I9 halide perovskites show minimum efficiency of 4.65 % at 100 nm thickness, while the perovskite sample exhibits maximum efficiency of 10.32 % at 500 nm thickness. Thus, the results stated that the thickness of absorber layers directly affects the device characteristics for optoelectronic applications.

Numerical investigation of lead free Cs2TiBr6 based perovskite solar cell with optimal selection of electron and hole transport layer through SCAPS-1D simulation

Halide-based perovskite has several advantages, including high efficiency, ease of manufacture, and low cost. In general, hazardous lead (Pb) is used in perovskite solar cells as an absorber layer, while polymer, which is unstable in nature used as the electron/hole transport layer. Despite its appealing characteristics, the device uses of lead and degradable components must be addressed. Lead-free titanium-based inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have drawn strong scientific interest in recent years in order to reduce the possibly detrimental effects of lead on the environment. Titanium is non-toxic, robust, inexpensive, and widely available when compared to other elements. The performance of PSCs is simulated and optimized using the SCAPS-1D software. The effects of various parameters of ZnO and CuSbS2 as charge transport materials on the Cesium Titanium (IV) Bromide (Cs2TiBr6) perovskite solar cell were examined in this study. Results indicate that a highly efficient PSC with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.96 %, a Voc of 1.0476 V, and an FF of 81.36 % is achieved after numerically optimized the perovskite layer thickness, doping concentration,defect density,and other device input parameters. The observed results are very encouraging and show the potential of Cs2TiBr6 for efficient and environmentally friendly solar applications. The outcomes of this study are likely to not only improve understanding but also motivate further research into the lead-free perovskite solar cell.

Characterization and Comparison of DSSCs Fabricated with Black Natural Dyes Extracted from Jamun, Black Plum, and Blackberry

In this report, natural dyes extracted from three different, black-colored fruits were used as photosensitizers for the construction of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The natural dyes were extracted from the dark-colored peels of jamun (also known as Indian black plum), black plum, and blackberry fruit. These natural dyes contain polyphenolic compounds—most prominently anthocyanins—which interact strongly with titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductors and accordingly enhance the efficiency of DSSCs. The natural dyes extracted from the various fruits were characterized utilizing UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The interaction between the dyes and TiO2 was monitored with FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The fabricated DSSCs were characterized via current–voltage measurements and electrochemical impedance analysis. DSSCs fabricated with jamun produced the highest efficiency of 1.09% with a short-circuit current of 7.84 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 0.45 V, and a fill factor of 0.31. The efficiencies of the DSSCs from black plum and blackberry were 0.55% and 0.38%, respectively. The flow of charge occurring at the interfaces between the natural dye and the TiO2 layers were investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to directly compare three distinct types of black DSSCs. Computation analysis was also carried out utilizing SCAPS-1D software (version 3.3.07), which revealed how the type of defects in the devices impacts their performance.

Design and Simulation of an Environment-Friendly ZrS2/CuInS2 Thin Film Solar Cell Using SCAPS 1D Software

In this research, we proposed new inorganic ZrS2/CuInS2 heterojunction solar cells based on 2D dichalcogenides material using SCAPS-1D software. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are two-dimensional materials with outstanding semiconducting properties due to their high optical absorption coefficients, nontoxic nature, significant charge carrier mobility, and tunable energy band structures. In this study, eco-friendly solar cells having the arrangement Al/ZrS2/CuInS2/Au have been quantitatively analyzed. This simulation employed the absorber layer CuInS2 and the buffer layer ZrS2 with aluminum as the front contact and gold as the back contact. The impact of the absorber layer thickness, band gap, buffer layer thickness, acceptor density, defect density, series and shunt resistances, C-V, Mott–Schottky, and the operating temperature has been studied for the proposed solar cell structure. The best performance of proposed solar cell structure thickness, band gap, and donor density for n-ZrS2 is 0.3 µm, 1.7 eV, 1 × 1019 cm−3, and for p-CuInS2, respectively, 4 µm, 1.43 eV, 2 × 1017 cm−3. The suggested solar cell has a power conversion efficiency of 21.1% with 0.81 V Voc, 30.5 mA/cm2 Jsc, and 85.78% FF. The analysis reveals that CuInS2 absorber material and ZrS2 semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are potential materials for photovoltaic applications.

Achieving above 25 % efficiency from FA0.85Cs0.15Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 perovskite solar cell through harnessing the potential of absorber and charge transport layers

In the present article, better stability and enhanced optical behavior have been reported by using mixed -cation lead mixed - halide perovskites, [FAxCs1−xPb(IxBr1−x)3]x=0.85 as the active layer while SnO2 as electron transport layer and Spiro-OMeTAD has been chosen as hole transport layer. The design of the cell configuration FTO/SnO2/[FAxCs1−xPb(IxBr1−x)3]x=0.85/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au has been developed with the help of SCAPS-1D software. In this work,15.86 % power conversion efficiency has been attained which is approximately equal to experimentally reported result. Further we have analyzed the comparative investigation of various HTL layers in place of Spiro-OMeTAD. Further MoO3 based device parameters like thickness, bandgap and defect density of absorber layer, effect of interface, shunt and series resistance and temperature were tuned and calculated to get their optimum values. Finally, PCE of 25.85 % was attained for the optimized device structure FTO/SnO2/[FAxCs1−xPb(IxBr1−x)3]x=0.85/MoO3/Au. These outcomes could provide an idea for highly efficient solar cell device fabrication.

Low-cost lead-free perovskite solar cell with graphene oxide as hole transport layer and carbon as back contact

In this work, an innovative design for environmentally benign perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is introduced by incorporating graphene oxide (GO) as the hole transport layer (HTL) and utilizing carbon for the back contact. Eschewing the traditionally used CH3NH3PbI3, which raises environmental concerns due to lead content, the proposed design features the eco-friendly CH3NH3SnI3 as the absorber layer. The strategic inclusion of GO as the HTL amplifies the PSC's operational efficiency, owing to its superior exciton dissociation and charge transport properties, while simultaneously offering an economical fabrication strategy. Together with the carbon back contact, this configuration promises a sustainable and cost-efficient PSC solution. The proposed PSC architecture comprises FTO (window layer)/TiO2 (electron transport layer)/CH3NH3SnI3 (absorber layer)/GO (HTL)/C (back contact). Through rigorous optimization processes – encompassing parameters like layer thicknesses, interfacial defects, and doping levels – a commendable enhancement in PSC's performance metrics is achieved. The resultant design registered a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.40% and a fill factor (FF) of 83.98%. Furthermore, thermal evaluation from 300 K to 400 K revealed the PSC's exceptional thermal resilience, underscoring its suitability for commercial deployment. All simulations and analyses are conducted using the SCAPS-1D software.

Maximizing the solar output power using hybrid (CdS/ZnSe) buffer for CIGS thin film solar cell

In this work, a hybrid buffer layer (CdS & ZnSe) is placed between the absorber and the window layer in a CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) solar cell replacing the commonly used single-layer CdS. The buffer layer plays a crucial role in interface electricity to enhance the performance of the solar cell. Although, CdS is used as a buffer layer in CIGS solar cells, the toxic nature and parasitic absorption due to the narrowband gap (2.4 eV) become issues during its application in devices. To reduce Cd concentration and ameliorate the bandgap issue, the hybrid buffer layer (CdS & ZnSe) is a perfect supplant. In this study, numerical simulation is performed on CIGS-based solar cells comprised of a hybrid buffer layer to enhance the performance by optimizing the physical parameters (thickness, carrier concentration, and defect density) of both absorber and buffer layer using SCAPS-1D software. In the process of optimizing physical parameters, the effect of the mentioned parameters is observed on the solar cell performance. Later, the impact of working temperature is shown in the solar cell performance. Finally, with all those optimized parameters, a comparison has been done between the reference and the proposed structure. The comparison asserts that the proposed structure with a conversion efficiency of 24.55% is outdistancing the reference structure as well as some relative structures from the recent study. The simulation results in this study can be a didactic one in the fabrication of high-efficiency CIGS solar cells

Effect of various layers on improving the photovoltaic efficiency of Al/ZnO/CdS/CdTe/Cu2O/Ni solar cells

The photovoltaic (PV) cell structure containing Al/ZnO/CdS/CdTe/Cu2O/Ni has been simulated using the SCAPS-1D software. The PV device includes a zinc oxide (ZnO) transparent conductive oxide (TCO) window layer, a cadmium sulfide (CdS) buffer layer, and a cadmium telluride (CdTe) absorber layer. Additionally, an electron reflected-hole transport layer (ER-HTL) comprising cuprous oxide (Cu2O) is introduced between the absorber layer and the back metal contact. Aluminum (Al) and nickel (Ni) serve as the upper/top and back contact materials, respectively, interconnecting the layers. The back contact materials, the thickness of the absorber, buffer, and window layers, the acceptor density of the absorber layer, the donor density of the buffer layer, the series and shunt resistance, as well as temperature, were all modified to investigate the PV performance of this structure. The PV performance parameters are evaluated through the open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current (JSC), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE). To achieve optimal performance, it is recommended to set the acceptor and donor densities for the absorber and buffer layers at 1017 cm−3. These desired densities can be attained by using a window and buffer layer thickness of 100 nm, an absorber layer thickness of 2500 nm, and an ER-HTL of 50 nm. The optimized model demonstrates PV performance characteristics of 1.4811 V for VOC, 28.682434 mA/cm2 for JSC, 74.91 % for FF, and 31.82 % for PCE under the AM 1.5 G spectrum. Furthermore, it exhibits a quantum efficiency of around 100 % at visible wavelengths.

Performance enhancement of eco-friendly Cs3Sb2I9-based perovskite solar cell employing Nb2O5 and CuI as efficient charge transport layers

The marketing of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) as an eco-friendly energy source can help with carbon footprint lowering. However, the traditional lead cation-based perovskites represent a concern to the environment due to the inclusion of lead. Life forms that are physically close to lead sources face a wide range of harmful effects. Owing to its excellent electrical arrangement and non-toxic quality, antimony (Sb) is frequently regarded as one of the potential lead substitutes. Herein, using SCAPS-1D software, we investigated the photovoltaic performance of Cs3Sb2I9-based solar cells employing Nb2O5 and CuI as efficient charge transport layers (CTLs). Thickness, doping, and band alignment of the absorber and both CTLs are thoroughly investigated. Besides, it has been studied how defects at the ETL/absorber and absorber/HTL interfaces as well as defects in the absorber's bulk might affect photovoltaic performance. In Addition, back contact properties are optimized to gain the best ohmic configuration to improve the collection mechanism. The optimized device presents an efficiency of 12.03% with a short-circuit current density of 10.57 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 1.37 V, and a fill factor of 82.63%. This simulation's results will facilitate the researchers to choose the appropriate CTLs for solar cells, which will demonstrate increased tolerance against interface defects by achieving optimal interface band alignment. These results will also be useful for determining the ideal values for defect parameters in a variety of real PSCs.