Solar Cell Technology Research Articles

Unravelling the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of hydrogenated amorphous silicon cells for photovoltaics

Abstract This research reveals the application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in analyzing and improving the performance of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si: H) based photovoltaic cells. As a non-destructive technique, EIS provides deep insight into the electrochemical characteristics of photovoltaic cells, including series resistance, layer capacitance, recombination mechanisms, and charge transport. The impedance data is obtained and analyzed using small AC potential signals at various frequencies via Nyquist diagrams and Bode plots. This analysis allows the identification of resistive and capacitive elements as well as the evaluation of the quality of the interface between the active layer and the electrode. The results show that EIS can identify internal barriers that reduce the efficiency of a-Si: H solar cells, such as dominant recombination mechanisms and inefficient charge transport. Using equivalent circuit models, electrochemical parameters are extracted to reveal cell behavior and performance. In addition, these results also confirm that EIS is an important tool in design optimization and performance improvement of a-Si: H photovoltaic cells, providing a solid scientific basis for the development of more efficient and sustainable solar cell technology. These findings contribute to efforts to increase solar energy efficiency, supporting broader and more effective use of photovoltaic technology in meeting global sustainable energy needs.

Unveiling the potential of direct synthesized PbS CQD ink based solar cells through numerical simulation

Studies on lead sulfide-PbS quantum dot-QD based solar cells have gained considerable attention in recent years. A direct synthesis-DS method has emerged that makes it possible to obtain PbS ink in a single step by eliminating complex synthesis and ligand exchange processes, thus reducing the production cost and time. However, the limited number of studies on cells obtained with this method obscures the high potential of this technique. In this study, various electron-ETL and hole transport layers-HTL were systematically brought together in the SCAPS-1D environment to determine the architecture of the cell with record performance. A photoconversion efficiency-PCE of over 20% was achieved with a cell in which n-type DS PbS inks were combined with TiO2 ETL and MoO3 HTL. Moreover, we found that p-type DS PbS inks have a much higher potential than n-type inks, with a PCE of up to 36%, and most importantly, they are more resistant to increased defect density. We believe that this study, in which the device architecture for DS PbS inks was optimized and structured for the first time and the importance of p-type DS PbS inks was emphasized, will shed light on future studies in the field of solar cell technologies.

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.

A Comprehensive Modeling on MoS2 Interface and Defect Engineering in CZTS Thin Film Solar Cells

This work uses the SCAPS-1D modeling program to examine the effects of faults in the molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) layer and the MoS2 interface on the electrical performance of CZTS solar cells. To get an ideal energy gap (Eg) of 1.3 eV and a carrier concentration (CC) of 1014 cm⁻³, the research attempts to optimize the CZTS absorber layer. By maintaining a consistent doping level with 1016 cm-3 ≤ CC and an Eg within 1.6 eV < Eg ≤ 1.8 eV for the MoS2 film, the work also investigates the possibility of increased efficiency in CZTS/MoS2 devices. The study results indicate that open circuit voltage (VOC) and Efficiency (Eta-η) parameters are improved by a p-type MoS2 interface, indicating a promising development for CZTS solar systems. Nonetheless, n-type MoS2 suggests a compromise with a reduction in the fill factor. The study emphasizes the stability benefits of a p-type MoS2 interface as well as the importance of surface recombination velocity. The study also considers phase transitions that occur during the manufacture of devices, highlighting the intrinsic n-type character of MoS2 and the importance of experimental methods in CZTS device optimization. After analyzing the effects of defects on carrier density, depletion width, and quantum efficiency, the study concludes that enhancing the performance of CZTS solar cells requires an acceptor-type interface with p-type MoS2. With recombination resistances of 443.92 Ω cm2, 1530.33 Ω cm2, 81.54 Ω cm2, and 93.82 Ω cm2, the SCAPS model shows zero series resistance at a particular site for the fundamental, optimized design using n-MoS2 and p-MoS2. In the end, the work sheds light on the possibilities for additional experimental studies to advance the technology of CZTS solar cells.

Exploring the Structural and Optical Properties of MoSe2 for Solar Cell Performance

Abstract Efficient energy absorption is critical in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for effective electron collection and mitigation of hole migration. Molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) was produced using a simple hydrothermal process and subsequently studied for its structural and optical properties using various techniques, including XRD, RAMAN, FESEM, EDX, UV-Visible, BET, and XPS. The results show that the enhanced crystalline morphology, size, optical band gap, and surface area demonstrate promising attributes for solar cell applications. Furthermore, the I-V investigation reveals that MoSe2-based PSCs achieve a notable efficiency of electricity conversion is 7.97%. The increased performance is because of the greater surface area of MoSe2. which facilitates increased light absorption, and its ability to accelerate charge transfer within the electron transport layer. Moreover, the structural integrity of MoSe2 contributes significantly to its efficacy in converting solar energy into electrical energy. These findings underscore MoSe2 as a compelling candidate for advancing solar cell technologies, offering potential pathways for achieving higher efficiency and reliability in future solar energy systems.

A DFT-based computational study on a highly and lead-free inorganic new fluoroperovskite of Mg3PF3

Inorganic fluoroperovskite materials are increasingly important in solar technology due to their exceptional structural, optical, electronic, and mechanical properties. This study uses DFT calculations to investigate the properties of Mg3PF3 fluoroperovskite. Our results show a crystal structure and lattice parameter of (a = 4.64 Å) which align with previous theoretical and experimental findings, confirming the accuracy of our calculations. Mechanical analysis reveals that Mg3PF3 is naturally ductile, elastically anisotropic, and stable according to established criteria. The band structure and PDOS indicate that it is a semiconductor with direct bandgap of 3.88 eV at the Γ point, making it suitable for electronic applications. Electron charge density mapping suggests a predominantly ionic bonding nature. Optical property analysis shows significant dielectric constant peaks in the photon energy range favorable for solar cells. Overall, these findings position Mg3PF3 as a promising candidate for solar cell technology, highlighting its potential for enhancing renewable energy solutions.

Surface Modification of Heterojunction with Intrinsic Thin Layer Solar Cell Electrode with Organosilane

Solar cell (SC) technologies, which are essential in the transition toward sustainable energy, utilize photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy into electricity. Of the available technologies, heterojunction with intrinsic thin-layer (HIT) solar cells offers high efficiency and reliability. The current study explored the enhancement of HIT solar cell performance through the use of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on the surface of the cells’ indium tin oxide (ITO) layer. Photoluminescence mapping revealed greater brightness and photocurrent in the HIT sample treated with APTMS SAMs, with the results indicating more favorable optical and electrical properties. The application of APTMS SAMs led to higher open-circuit voltage, fill factor, maximum power output, and efficiency by passivating the ITO surface and achieving energy level alignment, thereby enhancing the charge carrier dynamics. These findings demonstrate the potential of APTMS SAMs to improve HIT solar cell efficiency and reliability.

Advanced Materials for Solar Cell Technology and Energy Simulation

Advanced Materials for Solar Cell Technology and Energy Simulation

Tandem dye-sensitized solar cells achieve 12.89% efficiency using novel organic sensitizers

This study presents a significant advancement in tandem dye-sensitized solar cells (T-DSSCs) through the strategic synthesis of novel triazatruxene (TAT) sensitizers MS-1 and MS-2. These organic sensitizers demonstrate exceptional light-harvesting capacity and overall performance, pushing the boundaries of power conversion efficiency (PCE) in DSSCs. The MS-1-based DSSCs achieved an impressive PCE of 12.81%, while MS-2 sensitizers reached a notable 10.92%. These efficiencies represent significant improvements over the conventional N719 dye (7.60%), demonstrating the potential of metal-free organic sensitizers in DSSC technology. The key to these noteworthy results lies in the molecular design of the organic sensitizers. The triazatruxene donor segment in the MS-1 and MS-2 dyes, featuring a rigid structure and efficient intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), proved to be a game-changer for photovoltaic properties. Building on these results, we explored an innovative parallel tandem cell (PT-DSSC) configuration. By connecting separate cells containing N719 and MS-1 sensitizers, we achieved a record efficiency of 12.89% with enhanced short-circuit current density (JSC) and open-circuit voltage (VOC)compared to single-dye cells. This study highlights the potential of molecular engineering in organic sensitizers and device optimization to enhance DSSC performance, paving the way for further advancements in solar cell technology.

Unveiling Intrinsic Bulk Photovoltaic Effect in Atomically Thin ReS2.

The bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) offers a promising avenue to surpass the efficiency limitations of current solar cell technology. However, disentangling intrinsic and extrinsic contributions to photocurrent remains a significant challenge. Here, we fabricate high-quality, lateral devices based on atomically thin ReS2 with minimal contact resistance, providing an optimal platform for distinguishing intrinsic bulk photovoltaic signals from other extrinsic photocurrent contributions originating from interfacial effects. Our devices exhibit large bulk photovoltaic performance with intrinsic responsivities of ∼1 mA/W in the visible range, without the need for external tuning knobs such as strain engineering. Our experimental findings are supported by theoretical calculations. Furthermore, our approach can be extrapolated to investigate the intrinsic BPVE in other noncentrosymmetric van der Waals materials, paving the way for a new generation of efficient light-harvesting devices.

Fabrication of solid-state plasmonic solar cell device using FTO|TiO2|Ag-nanoparticle assembly to generate hot electrons surpassing Schottky barrier

This work presents a detailed investigation into the fabrication and performance evaluation of plasmonic solar cells, where a thin film of silver nanoparticles is deposited onto a TiO₂ layer, with the silver film itself functioning as the active layer for light absorption and energy conversion. The study compares two deposition techniques—DC Magnetron Sputtering and Thermal Vapor Deposition (TVD)—revealing significant differences in the resulting device performance. The device fabricated using TVD demonstrated a significantly higher open circuit voltage of 440.3 mV and short circuit current density of 1.6 mA/cm² compared to the device fabricated via DC Magnetron Sputtering, which recorded an open circuit voltage of 56.92 mV and a short circuit current density of 0.03 mA/cm². These results indicate that TVD offers superior electron-hole separation, reduced recombination losses, and enhanced light absorption efficiency. The main contribution of this work lies in demonstrating that the TVD technique significantly improves the photovoltaic performance of plasmonic solar cells compared to DC Magnetron Sputtering. The study validates the hot-electron mechanism at the TiO2|Ag junction using Kelvin probe force microscopy, contributing valuable insights into the role of plasmonic effects in enhancing solar cell efficiency. Additionally, it underscores the potential of TVD for developing advanced solar cell technologies with higher energy conversion efficiency.

Navigating the Frontier Role of Electrolyte Interfaces in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Technology

Recent advances in solar cell technology have been motivated by new materials and inventive engineering techniques. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are becoming more widely recognized as a possible alternative for sustainable energy. Optimizing electrolytes is one of the most important variables impacting their effectiveness and durability. The electrolyte interface is critical to optimize charge separation, ion transport, and diffusion ensuring device stability and efficiency. The present investigation focuses on enhancing interface stability and investigating innovative electrolyte compositions to improve DSSC performance for sustainability in solar energy applications. Despite progress, obstacles remain in presenting core principles and research approaches in DSSC technology. Continued research is required to overcome these limitations and fully realize the potential of DSSCs in sustainable energy solutions.

Enhancing dye-sensitized solar cells efficiency through organic dyes-sensitized holmium-doped TiO2/SnO2 nanocomposites blended with P3HT

The pursuit of sustainable energy solutions has spurred innovation in photovoltaic technology, with dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) emerging as promising contenders. This study presents a novel approach leveraging holmium-doped TiO2/SnO2 nanocomposites sensitized with organic dyes, Arsenazo-III, carminic acid, and dithizone, blended with poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). Through meticulous characterization and analysis, key parameters including short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and overall percent efficiency (%) were scrutinized to evaluate photovoltaic performance comprehensively. Absorption spectra analysis facilitated the calculation of band gaps, revealing a significant reduction from 3.10 eV in pure Titania (TiO2) nanoparticles to 2.72 eV upon doping with Holmium and coupling with SnO2. Notably, Arsenazo-III dye-sensitized holmium-doped TiO2/SnO2 nanocomposites exhibited highest power conversion efficiency, achieving a promising efficiency of 2.10 %, which marked a significant improvement over the reference device (0.82 %). This improvement is attributed to the synergistic effects of holmium dopant incorporation and SnO2 interaction, enhancing light responsiveness. The findings not only validate the efficacy of nanohybrid assemblies but also contribute valuable insights to solar cell technology advancement.

Zinc telluride material properties for solar cell application: Absorber layer

Over recent years, Zinc Telluride (ZnTe) has garnered significant interest from researches. This p-type semiconductors boasts a broad band gap, rendering it valuable in various optoelectronic uses like solar cells, LEDs, and laser displays. Given the growing interest in environmentally friendly energy alternatives, exploring the potential of nano-scale semiconducting materials for solar cells is particularly intriguing. ZnTe stands out due to its direct, wide, and adjustable optical band gap, along with its simple doping process, positioning it as a promising candidate for applications in photochemistry. This study aims to consolidate the research conducted by multiple investigators concerning the optical characteristics and electrical attributes of ZnTe thin films. The primary focus is on understanding how deposition methods and doping impacts these properties. The investigation reveals that the diverse doping techniques employed by different researchers have been extensively examined, demonstrating a positive influence of doping on these properties as well. Following the creation of solar cells based on ZnTe, they have emerged as viable and competitive substitutes for silicon solar cells, thanks to their economical nature and stable performance. As a result, there has been notable focus on advancing ZnTe thin film solar cell technology due to their promising capacity to serve as sustainable energy generators.

The Impact of Substrate Temperature on the Adhesion Strength of Electroplated Copper on an Al-Doped ZnO/Si System.

This research, which involved a comprehensive methodology, including depositing electroplated copper on a copper seed layer and Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films on textured silicon substrates using DC magnetron sputtering with varying substrate heating, has yielded significant findings. The study thoroughly investigated the effects of substrate temperature (Ts) on copper adhesion strength and morphology using the peel force test and electron microscopy. The peel force test was conducted at angles of 90°, 135°, and 180°. The average adhesion strength was about 0.2 N/mm for the samples without substrate heating. For the samples with substrate heating at 100 °C, the average peeling force of the electroplated copper film was about 1 N/mm. The average peeling force increased to 1.5 N/mm as the substrate heating temperature increased to 200 °C. The surface roughness increases as the annealing temperature of the Cu/AZO/Si sample increases. These findings not only provide a reliable and robust method for applying AZO transparent conductive films onto silicon solar cells but also underscore its potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and durability of solar cells significantly, thereby instilling confidence in the field of solar cell technology.

Atomistic insight into the device engineering of inorganic halide perovskite solar cells

Perovskites provide a promising pathway for fabricating efficient and lightweight solar cells, which could be game-changers in the renewable energy landscape. Yet, the phase stability and device design are still the key issues of perovskite-based photovoltaics. Herein, we evaluated the phase stability of CsPbX3 (X = I, Br, and Cl) upon analyzing the lattice dynamics from first-principles and then predicted fundamental properties including bandgap, carrier mobility, and optical absorption as input to optimize the device design of solar cell. A maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.36 % was achieved for a CsPbBr3-based solar cell. Those findings highlight the potential of CsPbX3 perovskites for high-efficiency solar cells. The computational approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the material's structural stability, charge-carrier dynamics, and optoelectronic characteristics. The collective analysis enables a holistic understanding of CsPbX3 perovskites and provides a roadmap for future advancements in perovskite solar-cell technology.

Estimation of methyl orange dye’s molar absorptivity using a photoresistor-based photometer

Abstract The need to further develop solar cell technology, particularly on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), drives absorption studies of various chemical species. In this study, absorbance analysis of methyl orange (MO) dye was performed using the adapted and modified photoresistor-based photometer of Adams-McNichol et al. [1]. The research aims to improve the stability of the reference setup, while maintaining the accuracy of absorbance results it yields. The methodology includes photometer fabrication, MO dye sample preparation, and the evaluation of MO dye’s molar absorptivity in an aqueous solution. Results show that the estimated molar absorptivity of MO using the voltage readings from the photometer is close to the literature value, with a percentage error of 1.44%. This finding demonstrates that the modified photometer retains its effectiveness, as supported by the method repeatability measurements from six samples for each of the following MO concentrations: 0 μM, 40 μM, 45 μM, and 50 μM. Considering these results, the device may be useful in teaching light absorption to students as an alternative to the “black box” approach, and in exploring purified natural dyes that have potential applications in solar cell technology.

Ixora Coccinea Extract for Biosynthesis of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles: A Precursor for Organic Electronics

This study explores the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) as a precursor for the electron transport layer in organic electronics. Traditional physical and chemical synthesis methods are not environmentally friendly or economical, due to the use of toxic chemicals and high energy. However, biosynthesis offers a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative. The synthesized NPs were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction technique, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-red microscopy, electron dispersive X-ray, and UV-visible spectroscopy with a four-point probe equipped with Keithley2400 source meter. Results showed high crystallinity and a band gap energy of 4.02 eV. Electrical properties show sheet resistance, resistivity and conductivity as 67.22 x 106 Ω, 1.71 x 106 Ωm-1 and 0.585 x-6 Sm-1 respectively which were promising, with better photovoltaic characteristics than pure titanium dioxide. These properties suggest potential applications as an electron transport layer for solar cell technology.

Synergistic charge-transfer dynamics of novel benzothiadiazole-based donor materials for higher power conversion efficiency: From structural engineering to efficiency assessment in non-fullerene organic solar cells

In the realm of organic solar cell technology, current research is dedicated to enhancing the photovoltaic properties of donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) materials to achieve higher power conversion efficiencies (PCE). This optimization focuses particularly on fine-tuning the conduction band and electrolytic characteristics to maximize performance. Addressing the growing demand for novel materials with enhanced optoelectronic properties in organic photovoltaic research, our proposed compound BT05, one of nine new benzothiadiazole-based D-π-A donor molecules (BT01-BT09), exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25%, surpassing the 18% PCE of the reference compound BTD-OMe. TD-DFT and DFT simulations illuminate how donor modifications enhance the photovoltaic characteristics of the proposed molecules. Higher open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.74-2.26 V, increase in binding energy (∼1.997), λmax (470-476 nm), reduction in energy gap (4.25-4.65 eV), also validates the PCE results and confirm the usefulness of designed molecules (BT01-BT09). Moreover, DHOMO and ALUMO, TDM, reorganization energy λe (0.0124-0.0134) and λh (0.0094-0.0098), and NPA results also confirm that BT01-BT09 molecules unlock the organic solar cell's potential and advance sustainable energy solutions through innovative technology. Among all developed compounds, BT05 displays higher VOC (2.26 V), 87% fill-factor, and 25% PCE; hence, it is recommended in future solar cell applications.

Hybrid Solar Cell and Wind Turbine Technology with Android-Based Control System for Electricity Needs of Shrimp Farmers in Pangkep Regency

Hybrid Solar Cell and Wind Turbine Technology with Android-Based Control System for Electricity Needs of Shrimp Farmers in Pangkep Regency