Short-circuit Current Density Research Articles

Performance optimization of MASnI3 perovskite solar cells: Insights into device architecture

Recent research has focused an extensive amount of attention on the lead-free substance lead-free methylammonium tin(Sn) tri-iodide (MASnI3), which has emerged as a highly potential absorber layer in the structure of the device. Because it has a larger visible absorption spectrum and a shorter band gap of 1.3 eV than the lead halide perovskite, MASnI3 is a potential alternative to MAPbX3. Through numerical simulation, the different parameters on the device performances are fully investigated. We achieved an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.93 V, a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 22.20 mA/cm2, a fill factor (FF) of 78.81 %, and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.39 % using the optimised conditions. It demonstrates the huge potential of recently created lead-free perovskite solar cells and opens up a large dimension of opportunities for the creation of novel perovskite solar cells with a variety of photovoltaic applications. The amalgamation of the Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) material layer between the electron transport layer (ETL) and the absorber layer raised the device module's power conversion efficiency to 20.36 %.

2,5-dichloro-3,4-diiodothiophene as a versatile solid additive for high-performance organic solar cells

Volatile solid additive (SA) with diverse chemical structures has been proved to be an alternative to prepare high-efficient organic solar cells (OSCs). While, various organic photovoltaic materials raise challenges in selecting suitable SAs during the device optimization. Herein, based on the simple and commonly used thiophene unit, we proposed a perhalogenated 2,5-dichloro-3,4-diiodothiophene (SA-T5) as the SA for the device optimizations. As results, the capacity of SA-T5 in optimizing molecular packings of small-molecular acceptor L8-BO, dimeric acceptor DL8, and polymeric acceptor PY-DT based blend films has been demonstated. Their optimized morphologies assisted by SA-T5 contribute to the suppressed charge recombination and enhanced charge transportation, resulting in their improved short-circuit current density and fill factor, simultaneously. In comparsion with as-cast devices, SA-T5-treated devices showed significantly improved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 18.8 % for PM6:L8-BO, 17.8 % for PM6:DL8, and 17.6 % for PM6:PY-DT, respectively. Furthermore, the potential of SA-T5 in obtaining high-performance ternary OSCs was also confirmed, for example, a 18.1 % efficiency was realized in PM6:DL8:L8-BO based device. To our knowledge, the performance of these SA-T5-treated devices reaches the best results of different acceptor-based OSCs. Importantly, this work provides a rare and successful case to develop versatile SAs for high-performance OSCs.

Investigation of Perovskite Solar Cells Using Guanidinium Doped MAPbI3 Active Layer.

In this work, guanidinium (GA+) was doped into methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) perovskite film to fabricate perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To determine the optimal formulation of the resulting guanidinium-doped MAPbI3 ((GA)x(MA)1-xPbI3) for the perovskite active layer in PSCs, the perovskite films with various GA+ doping concentrations, annealing temperatures, and thicknesses were systematically modulated and studied. The experimental results demonstrated a 400-nm-thick (GA)x(MA)1-xPbI3 film, with 5% GA+ doping and annealed at 90 °C for 20 min, provided optimal surface morphology and crystallinity. The PSCs configured with the optimal (GA)x(MA)1-xPbI3 perovskite active layer exhibited an open-circuit voltage of 0.891 V, a short-circuit current density of 24.21 mA/cm2, a fill factor of 73.1%, and a power conversion efficiency of 15.78%, respectively. Furthermore, the stability of PSCs featuring this optimized (GA)x(MA)1-xPbI3 perovskite active layer was significantly enhanced.

Boosting DSSC efficiency via acid-base co-sensitization with N-1 dye

This work presents a comprehensive investigation of a novel organic dye, N-1, as a sensitizer and co-sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) co-sensitized with Ru (II)-based N3 and N719 metal dyes. These co-sensitizers contain a carbazole ring as a donor scaffold linked to an electron-withdrawing pyridyl acceptor. In this study, we demonstrate the significant impact of a base dye (N-1) containing a pyridine anchoring unit on the photovoltaic performance of the standard dyes N3 and N719. This strategy takes advantage of the capacity of the carboxylic and pyridine moieties to attach to the Brønsted-acidic and Lewis-acidic positions of TiO2 interfaces, thereby diminishing the competing adsorption of dyes and augmenting dye deposition on TiO2 surfaces. Consequently, this leads to a reduction in electron recombination and a boost in photovoltage. Additionally, the effect of sensitizer/co-sensitizer concentration on device performance was thoroughly examined. The results indicated that devices fabricated using the co-sensitizer N-1 with sensitizers N3 and N719 at all concentrations outperformed N3 and N719. Notably, the best photovoltaic performance was obtained for the co-sensitized device fabricated using 0.3 mM acid-base N-1 along with N3 sensitizer, displaying a power conversion efficiency of 10.18 % with a short-circuit current density of 19.12 mA.cm−2, open-circuit voltage of 750 mV, and fill factor of 71 %. These findings shed light on the development of new and efficient systems for DSSCs.

Boosting the efficiency up to 33 % for chalcogenide tin mono-sulfide-based heterojunction solar cell using SCAPS simulation technique

In the present article, an FTO/n-ZnO/SnS/Sb2S3/Au heterojunction photovoltaic cell structure was modeled and the cell performance in terms of output parameters viz. open circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), efficiency (η) and fill factor (FF) by varying carrier concentration, and thickness of different layers involved, was studied at ambient conditions. The overall theoretical performance of the designed photovoltaic cell was examined using SCAPS 1-D simulation programme. The simulation programme operates by resolving semiconductor equations such as the Poisson equation, drift-diffusion equation, and continuity equation for both electrons and holes. The equations are generally solved in one-dimension (1D) in a steady state condition. The role of Sb2S3 HTL on the performance study of tin sulfide chalcogenide-based heterojunction photovoltaic cell (HPVC) was also analyzed. Moreover, the impact of functioning temperature between 273 K and 350 K on the performance of photovoltaic cell was observed, and an increase in temperature resulted in poor performance. The impact of different metal back contact work functions and some more electrical parameters viz. series-shunt resistances, defect concentration of layers and interfaces, and radiative recombination coefficients were also observed on HPVC. The simulation results revealed that the HTL Sb2S3 forms proper band alignment with the SnS chalcogenide absorber layer and enhanced the efficiency, η of HPVC by lessening the carrier recombination at the rear contact side. The dislocation and interface defect reduced significantly which leads to the smooth conduction of hole carriers, therefore, preventing of minority carriers to recombine within the absorber. A significant increase in the efficiency ∼33.24 % together with performance cell parameters Jsc ∼34.38 mA/cm2, Voc ∼1.09 V, and FF ∼88.49 % was observed.

Broadband enhancement of SiO2@TiO2 light-trapping nanostructure for improving the efficiency of perovskite solar cells

High-efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are one of the promising candidates to solve the energy crisis worldwide. Optical loss is one of the factors limiting the efficiency of PSCs and antireflection layers provide a dependable method for improving the efficiency of PSCs. Here, a design and optimization of PSCs with a SiO2@TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) antireflection layer is systematically studied by COMSOL Multiphysics. The effect of different shell-thickness ratios (STRs) on the average light absorption and short-circuit current density of PSCs is simulated and compared with that of planar PSCs. The results show that the average light absorption of PSCs with SiO2@TiO2 NPs of 0.08 STR is 83.21%, which is 5.17% higher than that of PSCs with SiO2 NPs and 10.11% higher than that of planar PSCs. Our results provide theoretical guidance for using SiO2@TiO2 NPs as antireflection layers in the fabrication of PSCs.

Designing a Novel Wide Bandgap Small Molecule Guest for Enhanced Stability and Morphology Mediation in Ternary Organic Solar Cells with over 19.3% Efficiency.

In this study, a novel wide-bandgap small molecule guest material, ITOA, designed and synthesized for fabricating efficient ternary organic solar cells (OSCs) ITOA complements the absorbance of the PM6:Y6 binary system, exhibiting strong crystallinity and modest miscibility. ITOA optimizes the morphology by promoting intensive molecular packing, reducing domain size, and establishing a preferred vertical phase distribution. These features contribute to improved and well-balanced charge transport, suppressed carrier recombination, and efficient exciton dissociation. Consequently, a significantly enhanced efficiency of 18.62% for the ternary device is achieved, accompanied by increased short-circuit current density (JSC), fill factor (FF), and open-circuit voltage (VOC). Building on this success, replacing Y6 with BTP-eC9 leads to an outstanding PCE of 19.33% for the ternary OSCs. Notably, the introduction of ITOA expedites the formation of the optimized morphology, resulting in an impressive PCE of 18.04% for the ternary device without any postprocessing. Moreover, the ternary device exhibits enhanced operational stability under maximum power point (MPP) tracking. This comprehensive study demonstrates that a rationally designed guest molecule can optimize morphology, reduce energy loss, and streamline the fabrication process, essential for achieving high efficiency and stability in OSCs, paving the way for practical commercial applications.

Numerical investigation of CuSbS2 thin film solar cell using SCAPS-1D: enhancement of efficiency on experimental films by defect studies

The study of photovoltaic solar cells has been an exciting field of research because of their environmentally friendly nature. Scientists are continuously searching for new methods to develop solar cells that are highly efficient and cost-effective. One promising option is the use of Copper Antimony Sulphide (CuSbS2) based ternary compound semiconductor in ultrathin film photovoltaic cells. This material has a high absorption coefficient, low cost, and is readily available in the earth’s crust. These characteristics make it an ideal candidate for use as a thin-film absorber layer in solar cells. In this work, FTO/CdS/In2S3/CuSbS2/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au device is proposed to improve the efficiency of experimentally designed CuSbS2-based thin film solar cells using numerical modeling. Device simulation was carried out using SCAPS-1D software, and the illumination spectrum used for this optimization was 1.5 AM. The simulated results from SCAPS-1D were compared to the experimental data. After optimizing the device parameters all the electrical parameters of the solar cell were improved. The optimized CuSbS2-based device shows power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.11% with short circuit current density (Jsc) of 20.96 mA cm−2, open circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.23 V, and fill factor (FF) of 81.84%. Based on the simulation results, it is possible to increase the performance of the device by varying different parameters such as the defect density of each layer, interfacial defect density, thickness, and doping concentration.

Mixed cations tin-germanium perovskite: A promising approach for enhanced solar cell applications

Significant progress has been made over the years to improve the stability and efficiency of rapidly evolving tin-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). One powerful approach to enhance the performance of these PSCs is through compositional engineering techniques, specifically by incorporating a mixed cation system at the A-site and B-site structure of the tin perovskite. These approaches will pave the way for unlocking the full potential of tin-based PSCs. Therefore, in this study, a theoretical investigation of mixed A-cations (FA, MA, EA, Cs) with a tin-germanium-based PSC was presented. The crystal structure distortion and optoelectronic properties were estimated. SCAPS 1-D simulations were employed to predict the photovoltaic performance of the optimized tin-germanium material using different electron transport layers (ETLs), hole transport layers (HTLs), active layer thicknesses, and cell temperatures. Our findings reveal that EA0.5Cs0.5Sn0.5Ge0.5I3 has a nearly cubic structure (t = 0.99) and a theoretical bandgap within the maximum Shockley-Queisser limit (1.34 eV). The overall cell performance is also improved by optimizing the perovskite layer thickness to 1200 nm, and it exhibits remarkable stability as the temperature increases. The short-circuit current density (Jsc) remains consistent around 33.7 mA/cm2, and the open-circuit voltage (Voc) is well-maintained above 1 V by utilizing FTO as the conductive layer, ZnO as the ETL, Cu2O as the HTL, and Au as the metal back contact. This configuration also achieves a high fill factor ranging from 87 % to 88 %, with the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 31.49 % at 293 K. This research contributes to the advancement of tin-germanium perovskite materials for a wide range of optoelectronic applications.

Effect of PEDOT:PSS optical properties at the frontal interface on electrical performance in MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells

This article presents a thorough analysis of perovskite-based solar cells (PSCs) by integrating optical and electrical simulations. The investigation includes simulations of both optical and electrical characteristics of a PSC configuration featuring a MAPbI3 active layer, PEDOT:PSS as the hole transport layer (HTL) at the front interface, and PC60BM and BCP at the back interface. Optical simulations utilized the optical admittance method and transfer matrix method, with optical constants such as refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) derived from transmittance measurements of the fabricated layers. Electrical simulations were performed using the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator One Dimension (SCAPS-1D) software, focusing on the influence of optical losses due to total reflection at the interfaces. Discrepancies in short-circuit current density (Jsc) of about 3 mA/cm2 were revealed between simulations employing optical constants of PEDOT:PSS determined via Tauc-Lorentz-Drude (TLD) and B-spline (BSPL) model fitting to transmittance data. Optimal parameters for achieving the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) were identified, with PEDOT:PSS layer thicknesses below 15 nm and MAPbI3 layer thicknesses above 305 nm. The maximum efficiency ranged between 10.42 % and 12.10 %, close to conventional experimental perovskite solar cells with the same structure. A key observation highlighted the overestimation of Jsc and PCE when simulated total reflectance was neglected in electrical simulations. These findings underscore the significance of incorporating optical data into electrical simulations, offering critical insights for PSC optimization. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the intricate relationship between optical and electrical parameters, essential for advancing high-performance PSC development.

Introduction of Co atoms into CdS thin films for improving photovoltaic properties

This paper represents a systematic work on the fabrication of chemical bath-grown CdS films with and without Co atoms and their photovoltaic performances in hybrid solar cells. Structural properties showed 1% Co-doping promoted crystal quality of CdS films. However, a poor crystal quality was developed above 3% Co concentrations. A reduction in sphere size of CdS samples was observed for 1% Co-doping which was ascribed to slow growth of film. Optical examination demonstrated CdS films with 1% Co-doping displayed the highest transparency of 85% in the visible and near-infrared regions, which were explained by the improvement of crystal quality. A maximum band gap of 2.43 eV was found for 1% Co-doped CdS films, whereas an increase in Co concentration to 7% led to a decline in the band gap of CdS that was attributed to sp-d exchange interaction. Photoluminescence data showed Co-doped CdS films had lower PL peak intensity than that of CdS, demonstrating a decrease in the number of intrinsic defects. Photovoltaic measurements displayed that the best efficiency of 0.488% was achieved for CdS-based device including 1% Co atoms, which were almost a seven-fold boost in overall efficiency compared to bare CdS-based device. The enhancement in power conversion efficiency originated from an increase in short-circuit current density of 1% Co-doped CdS-based photovoltaic cell.

Light absorption enhancement in dye-sensitized solar cells using thin nanostructured photoelectrodes

As thin-film solar cells are the attraction of many research works nowadays, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) among other types hold the promise of excellent cost/performance ratio because of the relatively low material costs and simple processing conditions. In order to improve its relatively low performance, different approaches are being explored to enhance the photon-to-current conversion efficiency. Notably, one of the most accessible approaches is by modifying the optical characteristics of the photoelectrode of DSSCs to improve light trapping within the cell. Here, we introduce a cost-effective nanopatterning process done on the photo-active TiO2 photoelectrode layer for better light absorption. This simple technique resulted in increased cell short-circuit current density (from 4.664 to 5.963 mA/cm2) which consequently enhanced cell efficiency (from 2.243 to 2.819%). Furthermore, without compromising the absorption significantly, nanopatterned photoelectrodes with a smaller thickness can lead to reduced material costs and possibly allowing the construction of semitransparent cells. This work can contribute to an attainable efficient DSSC manufacturing route for practical applications.

Performance analysis of A3B2X9 (Cs3Bi2I9) based perovskite photovoltaic tandem structure with crystalline Silicon (c-Si)

The efficiency of solar cells with single-junction utilizing organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have attained a value more than 25.5%. The device power conversion efficiency (PCE) can be improved further either by optimizing the absorber layer (Perovskite film) or by investigating the novel device structures such as tandem based solar cells with perovskite and silicon. This combination of top cell (Perovskite solar cell) and bottom cell (Silicon solar cell) can improve the PCE which surpasses the Shockley-Queisser limit of single-junction solar cells by utilizing a wider range of solar spectrum. This paper presents an optimization and simulation of standalone Cs3Bi2I9 perovskite solar cell which was later integrated with a c-Si solar cell to simulate a tandem structure using SCAPS-1D software. The aim is to investigate the performance enhancement of the perovskite solar cell by optimizing it and stacking it on top of a high-efficiency c-Si solar cell using a four-terminal (4T) structure. At a short-circuit current density of 16.165 mA/cm2 and an open-circuit voltage of 1.41 V, the simulation findings demonstrate that the Cs3Bi2I9 perovskite solar cell exhibits a high-power conversion efficiency of 20.37%. The tandem structure demonstrates an enhanced power conversion efficiency of 31.59% which is significantly higher than the efficiency of the individual cells. The Cs3Bi2I9 perovskite solar cell is a great choice for application in tandem systems with c-Si solar cells for high-efficiency, according to the simulation results. This study provides valuable insights for the development of efficient perovskite/c-Si tandem solar cells.

Numerical simulation based performance enhancement approach for an inorganic BaZrS3/CuO heterojunction solar cell

One of the main components of the worldwide transition to sustainable energy is solar cells, usually referred to as photovoltaics. By converting sunlight into power, they lessen their reliance on fossil fuels and the release of greenhouse gases. Because solar cells are decentralized, distributed energy systems may be developed, which increases the efficiency of the cells. Chalcogenide perovskites have drawn interest due to their potential in solar energy conversion since they provide distinctive optoelectronic characteristics and stability. But high temperatures and lengthy reaction periods make it difficult to synthesise and process them. Therefore, we present the inaugural numerical simulation using SCAPS-1D for emerging inorganic BaZrS3/CuO heterojunction solar cells. This study delves into the behaviour of diverse parameters in photovoltaic devices, encompassing efficiency (η) values, short-circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and open-circuit voltage (Voc). Additionally, we thoroughly examine the impact of window and absorber layer thickness, carrier concentration, and bandgap on the fundamental characteristics of solar cells. Our findings showcase the attainment of the highest efficiency (η) values, reaching 27.3% for our modelled devices, accompanied by Jsc values of 40.5 mA/cm2, Voc value of 0.79 V, and FF value of 85.2. The efficiency (η) values are chiefly influenced by the combined effects of Voc, Jsc, and FF values. This optimal efficiency was achieved with CuO thickness, band gap, and carrier concentration set at 5 µm, 1.05 eV, and above 1019 cm−3, respectively. In comparison, the optimal parameters for BaZrS3 include a thickness of 1 µm, a carrier concentration below 1020 cm−3, and a band gap less than 1.6 eV. Therefore, in the near future, the present simulation will simultaneously provide up an entirely novel field for the less defective perovskite solar cell.

Ultra-broadband and wide-angle plasmonic absorber based on all-dielectric gallium arsenide pyramid nanostructure for full solar radiation spectrum range

Broadband and plasmonic absorbers (PAs) are key components for numerous applications in the fields of energy harvesting, thermal photonics, optoelectronic devices, and enhanced spectroscopy. In this work, we propose a simple and cost-effective metamaterial plasmonic absorber (MPA) design based on an all-dielectric GaAs pyramid nanostructure for the full solar radiation spectrum range. Simulation results demonstrate that the absorbance of the proposed MPA exceeds 85% in the full solar spectrum range, and it exceeds 90% from 0.25 μm to 3.1 μm with a relative bandwidth of approximately 170.74%, with an absorption peak up to 99% at resonance wavelength. The high absorption is attributed to the excitation of wave-guide mode, surface plasmon polariton (SPP) resonance modes combined with coupling effect and intrinsic lossy of dielectric GaAs and metallic tungsten (W). Furthermore, the proposed MPA is polarization-independent and wide incident angles for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes. Additionally, the MPA can tolerate certain structural parameter errors during practical fabrication applications. Furthermore, the photophysical properties of this MPA for solar cell applications are investigated, revealing the achievement of high short-circuit current density. Our proposed design is highly promising for applications in solar energy harvesting, thermoelectric, and thermal emitter applications.

π-Extended giant dimeric acceptor as a third component enables highly efficient ternary organic solar cells with efficiency over 19.2%

Ternary strategy with a suitable third component is a successful strategy to improve the photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Very recently, Y-series based giant molecule acceptors or oligomerized acceptors have emerged as promising materials for achieving highly efficient and stable binary OSCs, while application as third component for ternary OSCs is limited. Here a novel π-extended giant dimeric acceptor, GDF, is developed based on central Y series core fusion and rigid BDT as linker, and then incorporated into the state-of-the-art PM1:PC6 system to construct ternary OSCs. The GDF has a near planar backbone, resulting in increased π-conjugation, excellent crystallinity, and good electron transport capacity. When GDF is introduced into the PM1:PC6 system, it ensues in a cascade like the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO) energy level alignment, a complementary absorption band with PM1 and PC6, higher and balanced hole and electron mobility, slightly smaller domain size, and a higher exciton dissociation probability for PM1:PC6:GDF (1:1.1:0.1) blend film. As a consequence, the PM1:PC6:GDF (1:1.1:0.1) ternary OSC achieves a champion PCE of 19.22%, with a significantly higher open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current density, compared to 18.45% for the PM1:PC6 (1:1.2) binary OSC. Our findings show that employing a π-extended giant dimeric acceptor as a third component significantly improves the photovoltaic performance of ternary OSCs.

Analysis of CdS/CdTe Thin Film Solar Cells as a Function of CdS Doping Concentration: A Numerical Simulation Perspective

Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) photovoltaics, incorporating a thin film of Cadmium Sulfide (CdS), present a costeffective yet less efficient solar cell technology. Improving CdS/CdTe solar cell efficiency involves optimizing parameters like doping concentration and CdS layer thickness. However, limited research on cell defects necessitates a comprehensive analysis, including the often-overlooked impact of temperature. This study aims to analyze defect-free and defective CdS/CdTe solar cells, exploring the effects of doping concentration and other parameters. Using the SCAPS-1D simulator, design parameter variations will be investigated, and key metrics— open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and efficiency (η)—will be extracted. Simulation results indicate minimal efficiency impact from increased doping concentration in the ntype CdS layer for defect-free devices. The optimal doping concentration for CdS is 5 × 10<sup>18</sup> cm<sup>-3</sup>, with an optimum electron affinity of 4.0 eV. CdS thickness shows no significant efficiency impact, with the chosen optimum at 10 nm. In the defect-free CdS/CdTe solar cell, key metrics were Voc: 1.06 V, Jsc: 24.60 mA cm<sup>-2<sup>, FF: 87.89%, and η: 23.01%. Analysis of defects revealed single acceptor defects significantly impacting solar cell performance in both interfacial and bulk defects. Defect structure simulations demonstrated that increasing doping concentration, decreasing electron affinity, and thickness enhance efficiency. New optimum values for these parameters—1 × 10<sup>18</sup> cm<sup>-3</sup>, 4.0 eV, and 10 nm—yielded Voc: 1.03 V, Jsc: 23.88 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>, FF: 87.15%, and η: 21.40%. Additionally, a temperature decrease was associated with increased efficiency.

Combination of multiple routes to enhance DSSC performance: Flower-like structure of SnO2 as photoanode and modification with Ag nanoparticle

SnO2 is an attractive photoanode material for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), but it has many drawbacks and needs to be modified. In this study, flower-like SnO2 particles are firstly prepared by a simple one-step hydrothermal synthesis method respectively, and the effect of hydrothermal reaction time on the growth of the particles is explored. The morphological and structural characterisation reveals that the flower-like particles have a larger specific surface area can provide more adsorption sites for dye molecules and are more suitable for photoanode materials. Then the optimal flower-like SnO2 particles are selected to prepare the photoanode, which is also modified with different concentrations of Ag nanoparticles to successfully introduce the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, and the optimal modification concentration is explored. Conformal characterisation, dye adsorption and light absorption tests revealed that the modification of Ag nanoparticles not only optimises the photoanode conformal structure and improves the dye adsorption, but also works in conjunction with the LSPR effect to improve the light absorption and utilisation, thus increasing the cell efficiency. Many cell performances of DSSC are also greatly improved due to the above work, and the optimal cell performance of DSSC is achieved when the Ag nanoparticles doping concentration is 0.03 M. Compared with the pure flower-like SnO2-based photoanode DSSC, the short-circuit current density of the best Ag nanoparticle-modified DSSC is enhanced by 28.56% to 15.80 mA/cm2, and its efficiency is improved by 20.82%–5.92%.

Autonomous self-healing hybrid energy harvester based on the combination of triboelectric nanogenerator and quantum dot solar cell

Realization of multi-source energy harvesting with one single device would maximize power output. Thus, it is emerging as a promising strategy towards renewable energy generation and has attracted worldwide attention in the past decades. Capable of capturing mechanical energy that is ubiquitous in the ambient environment, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has been considered a novel yet effective source towards next-generation energy harvesting. In this work, a flexible hybrid energy harvester (HEH) is developed via the rational integration of autonomous self-healing TENG and high bending-stable lead sulfide quantum dot (PbS QD) solar cell, enabling independent electricity generation by two different mechanisms. The single-electrode mode TENG component with self-healing is realized by a polydimethylsiloxane/Triton X-100 (PDMS/TX100) mixture as the dielectric layer and the shared gold (Au) electrode, which generates 0.39 µA of output current (Iout), 24.6 V of output voltages (Vout), 15.4 nC of transfer charges (Qsc), and 7.80 mW m−2 of output power peak density. The thin-film solar cell component is based on a PbS QD layer as the light absorber with a planar structure fabricated under low-cost and compatible conditions, achieving 22.8 mA cm−2 of short-circuit current density (Jsc) and 4.92% of power conversion efficiency (PCE). As a proof of concept, an electronic watch is successfully powered by harnessing ambient mechanical and solar energy with a hybridized energy cell. This approach will offer more opportunities to construct a versatile platform towards remote monitoring and smart home systems.

Passivation of Sodium Benzenesulfonate at the Buried Interface of a High-Performance Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cell.

The phase segregation of wide-bandgap perovskite is detrimental to a device's performance. We find that Sodium Benzenesulfonate (SBS) can improve the interface passivation of PTAA, thus addressing the poor wettability issue of poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine](PTAA). This improvement helps mitigate interface defects caused by poor contact between the perovskite and PTAA, reducing non-radiative recombination. Additionally, enhanced interface contact improves the crystallinity of the perovskite, leading to higher-quality perovskite films. By synergistically controlling the crystallization and trap passivation to reduce the phase segregation, SBS-modified perovskite solar cells (PSCs) achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.27%, with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.18 V, short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 20.93 mA cm-2, and fill factor (FF) of 82.31%.