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The Schockley–Quisser (SQ) limit of 28.64% is distant from the Sb2S3 solar cells' record power conversion efficiency (PCE), which is 8.00%. Such poor efficiency is mostly owing to substantial interface-induced recombination losses caused by defects at the interfaces and misaligned energy levels. The endeavor of this study is to investigate an efficient Sb2S3 solar cell structure via accurate analytical modeling. The proposed model considers different recombination mechanisms such as non-radiative recombination, Sb2S3/CdS interface recombination, Auger, SRH, tunneling-enhanced recombination, and their combined impact on solar cell performance. This model is verified against experimental work (Glass/ITO/CdS/Sb2S3/Au) where a good coincidence is achieved. Several parameters effects such as thickness, doping, electronic affinity, and bandgap are scrutinized. The effect of both bulk traps located in CdS and Sb2S3 on the electrical outputs of the solar cell is analyzed thoroughly. Besides, a deep insight into the effect of interfacial traps on solar cell figures of merits is gained through shedding light into their relation with carriers' minority lifetime, diffusion length, and surface recombination velocity. Our research findings illuminate that the primary contributors to Sb2S3 degradation are interfacial traps and series resistance. Furthermore, achieving optimal band alignment by fine-tuning the electron affinity of CdS to create a Spike-like conformation is crucial for enhancing the immunity of the device versus the interfacial traps. In our study, the optimized solar cell configuration (Glass/ITO/CdS/Sb2S3/Au) demonstrates remarkable performance, including a high short-circuit current (JSC) of 47.9 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.16 V, a fill factor (FF) of 54%, and a notable improvement in conversion efficiency by approximately 30% compared to conventional solar cells. Beyond its superior performance, the optimized Sb2S3 solar cell also exhibits enhanced reliability in mitigating interfacial traps at the CdS/Sb2S3 junction. This improved reliability can be attributed to our precise control of band alignment and the fine-tuning of influencing parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For photovoltaic (PV) applications, the earth‐abundant and non‐hazardous Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is a possible substitute for chalcopyrite copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). This research offers insight into the most innovative method for improving the performance of Kesterite solar cells (SCs) by using CuSbS2 back surface field (BSF) and Ag2S and In2Se3 as buffer layers, focuses on aligning energy bands, reducing non‐radiative recombination, and improving open‐circuit voltage (Voc). The proposed cells are Ni/CuSbS2/CZTS/In2Se3/ITO/Al and Ni/CuSbS2/CZTS/Ag2S/ITO/Al by adding interfaces. The optimized CZTS SCs with In2Se3 achieve a short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 30.274 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) of 89.15%, power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 31.67%, and Voc of 1.173 V. With the Ag2S buffer layer, PCE is 31.02%, FF is 88.61%, Jsc is 30.245 mA/cm2, and Voc is 1.157 V. These results depict the potential of CZTS‐based SCs with improved performance compared with conventional structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 is a non-toxic, earth-abundant photovoltaic absorber. However, its efficiency is limited by a large open circuit voltage (VOC) deficit occurring due to its antisite defects and improper band alignment with toxic CdS buffer. Therefore, finding an absorber and non-toxic buffers that reduce VOC deficit is crucial. Herein, for the first time, Ag2BaTiSe4 is proposed as an alternative absorber using SCAPS-1D wherein a new class of alkaline earth metal chalcogenide such as MgS, CaS, SrS, and BaS is applied as buffers, and their characteristics are compared with CdS to identify their potential and suitability. The buffer and absorber properties are elucidated by tuning their thickness, carrier concentration, and defect density. Interestingly, optimization of the buffer's carrier concentration suppressed the barrier height and accumulation of charge carriers at the absorber/buffer interface, leading to efficiencies of 18.81%, 17.17%, 20.6%, 20.85%, 20.08% in MgS, CaS, SrS, BaS, and CdS-based solar cells respectively. Upon optimizing Ag2BaTiSe4, MoSe2, and interface defects maximum efficiency of > 28% is achieved with less VOC loss (~ 0.3 V) in all solar cells at absorber's thickness, carrier concentration, and defect density of 1 µm, 1018 cm−3, 1015 cm−3 respectively, underscoring the promising nature of Ag2BaTiSe4 absorber and new alkaline earth metal chalcogenide buffers in photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trapping of photons and broad-spectrum absorption of solar irradiance are the primary focus of numerous solar cell research applications. In the current work, a novel paradigm for trapping light is introduced by introducing a nano-pyramidal array (NPA) using the SETFOS simulator. The triple layer used in the optimized design of the PSC helps improve photon absorption inside the device. The current study shows the optimization of carrier transport layer (CTL) thickness, temperature, cathode materials, and defectivity of the PSC devices. The simulation confirms that the NPA on the top of the ITO combined with a triple-graded active layer (AL) exhibits a current density (JSC) of 21.43 mA cm−2, an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.835V, a fill factor (FF) of 82.37, and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.73%, respectively. The study also includes a lower-cost and novel TaTm as the hole transport layer (HTL) and C60 as the electron transport layer (ETL) for suitable band alignment with the photon absorber. Hence, combining the triple grading with NPA and TaTm as HTL efficiently improves the device performance and shows an effective way to optimize the PSC devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the rapid growth of perovskite solar cells, there are still specific issues regarding the extensive absorption of incident photons. Double-layered methyl ammonium (MA)-free perovskite solar cells (PSC) have been proposed to sort out these issues. The material absorber in solar cells based on MA-free and cesium-based perovskite, i.e., Cs2BiAgI6, is a critical parameter because of its non-volatile nature as well as its band gap of 1.6 eV being helpful in a broader visible absorption spectrum than the conventional CH3NH3PbI3 material. Moreover, the quantum efficiency (QE) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) in a configuration with MXene + TiO2 as the electron transport layer (ETL) in the PSC can make improvements over a more extensive range. The results of the current modeling of numerical simulations are used to investigate the exclusive optoelectrical outputs of the PSC. Furthermore, we use a novel approach of an ETL of MXene + TiO2 in a PSC, which will lower the manufacturing cost and defectiveness. The present work compares different ETLs to attain the best PCE using Cs2BiAgI6 as a perovskite absorber layer (PAL). The results are exciting as the highest open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.48 V, high short current density (JSC) of 22.8 mA cm-2, with a high fill factor (FF) of nearly 84.6% in the double-layered PSC offer a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of more than 28%. The designed outputs will be efficient for the convenient fabrication of the PSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)-based solar cells have exhibited greater performance than the ones utilizing cadmium telluride (CdTe) or hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si: H) as the absorber. CIGS-based devices are more efficient, considering their device performance, environmentally benign nature, and reduced cost. In this article, we proposed a potential CIGS-absorber-based solar cell with an FTO/ZnSe/CIGS/V2O5/Cu heterostructure, with a V2O5 back-surface field (BSF) layer, SnO2:F (FTO) window layer, and ZnSe buffer layer. Using the solar cell capacitance simulator one-dimensional simulation software, the effects of the presence of the BSF layer, the thickness, bulk defect density, and acceptor density of the absorber layer, buffer layer thickness, interfacial defect density, device resistance, and operating temperature on the open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, fill factor, and efficiency, as well as on the quantum efficiency and recombination and generation rate, of the device have been explored in detail. The simulation results revealed that only a 1 μm-thick-CIGS absorber layer with V2O5 BSF and ZnSe buffer layers in this structure offers an outstanding efficiency of 31.86% with a VOC of ∼0.9 V. Thus, these outcomes of the CIGS-based proposed heterostructure provide an insightful pathway for fabricating high-efficiency solar cells with performance more promising than the previously reported conventional designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic CdTe and FeSi2-based solar cells have recently drawn a lot of attention because they offer superior thermal stability and good optoelectronic properties compared to conventional solar cells. In this work, a unique alternative technique is presented by using FeSi2 as a secondary absorber layer and In2S3 as the window layer for improving photovoltaic performance parameters. Simulating on SCAPS-1D, the proposed double-absorber (Cu/FTO/In2S3/CdTe/FeSi2/Ni) structure is thoroughly examined and analyzed. The window layer thickness, absorber layer thickness, acceptor density (NA), donor density (ND), defect density (Nt), series resistance (RS), and shunt resistance (Rsh) were simulated in detail for optimization of the above configuration to improve the PV performance. According to this study, 0.5 µm is the optimized thickness for both the CdTe and FeSi2 absorber layers in order to maximize the efficiency (η). Here, the value of the optimum window layer thickness is 50 nm. For using CdTe as a single absorber, η is achieved by 13.26%. However, for using CdTe and FeSi2 as a dual absorber, η is enhanced and the obtaining value is 27.35%. The other parameters are also improved and the resultant value for the fill factor is 83.68%, the open-circuit voltage (Voc) is 0.6566 V, and the short circuit current density (Jsc) is 49.78 mA/cm2. Furthermore, the proposed model performs well at 300 K operating temperature. The addition of the FeSi2 layer to the cell structure has resulted in a significant quantum efficiency enhancement because of the rise in solar spectrum absorption at longer wavelengths (λ). The findings of this work offer a promising approach for producing high-performance and reasonably priced CdTe-based solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the exponential growth of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), there remains certain concerns regarding the wide-range incident photons absorption. The doubly graded lead-free absorber in the PSC has been recommended for solving these problems. The absorber material in the PSC is based on the lead-free as well as tin-based perovskite i.e., CH 3 NH 3 SnI 3 , that is one of the precarious parameters due to the non-toxic behavior as well as the lower band gap of 1.3 eV that can be useful in broad visible absorption spectrum than the traditional CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 layer. Furthermore, the quantum efficiency (QE) as well as the power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the double-graded configuration of the PSC can be improve. The outcomes of the present numerical simulations examine the solar cells' single and double grading strategy. Further, we use a novel approach of HTL-free PSC, that can lower the manufacturing cost and the defectivity. The present work compares single and double-grading Perovskite Absorber Layer (PAL) for obtaining high PCE. The results are exciting as the highest open-circuit voltage (V OC) of 0.965V, higher short-current density (J SC) of 35.26 mA/cm2, and high fill factor (FF) of 86.40% in the doubly-graded PSC shows a much-optimized PCE of nearly 29.35% that can be convenient for fabricating much efficient PSC device. • The double graded absorber were simulated for higher performance parameters. • The HTL free along with optimized graded approach enhanced the efficiency. • An optimum power conversion efficiency of 29.35% was achieved using the novel technique. • The current study will pave the way for the development of highly efficient solar cells in the future. • The present work can be valuable for futuristic device optimization of tin-based solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) depends on several interrelated factors such as type and concentration of dye, type and thickness of photoelectrode and counter electrode. Optimized combination of these factors leads to a more efficient cell. This paper presents the effect of these parameters on cell efficiency. TiO2 nanoporous thin films of different thicknesses (5 μm to 25 μm) were fabricated on indium doped tin oxide (ITO) coated glass by doctor blading method and characterized by inverted microscope, stylus surface profiler and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Natural organic dye of different concentrations, extracted from turmeric, was prepared with ethanol solvent. Different combinations of dye concentrations and film thicknesses along with different types of carbon catalyst have been investigated by I-V characterization. The result shows that the cell made of a counter electrode catalyst material prepared by candle flame carbon combined with about 15 μm thick photoelectrode and 100 mg/mL dye in ethanol solvent, achieves the highest efficiency of 0.45 %, with open circuit voltage of 566 mV and short circuit current density of 1.02 mA/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the perovskite tandem solar cell (TP SC) has been accomplished using SCAPS-1D. The present study focuses on comprehensive exploration and detailed optimization using various strategies constructing a tandem device. To calculate high photovoltaic power conversion efficiency (PCE), the numerical analysis has been carried out for a wide-bandgap halide (W BH) FA 0.75 Cs 0 · 25 Pb(I 0 · 8 Br 0.2) 3 of bandgap 1.67eV and a Pb–Sn based narrow-bandgap halide (N BH) FA 0.7 MA 0.3 Pb 0 · 5 Sn 0 · 5 I 3 of bandgap 1.22eV as absorber layer in top-cell (T CELL) and bottom-cell (B CELL) respectively. The W BH has huge potential as a front light absorber and the N BH based B CELL provides stability and high performance by accepting high and low energy photons respectively. This method mitigates thermalization and non-absorbed photon loss which results in the growth in PCE. The proposed work demonstrates the impact of active-layer thickness along with defect density on the solar-cell parameters. It has been observed that defect density is low for the optimal performance. An investigation for various electron transport medium (ETMs) and hole transport medium (HTMs) has been done to secure an optimum performing T CELL as well as B CELL. Using filtered-spectrum study along with current-matching method, every PV metric parameter has been analyzed after their deployment into tandem configuration. The numerical investigation has shown promising photovoltaic parameters with aa high open circuit voltage (V OC) of 2.33 V, a short circuit current density (J SC) of 17.07 mA/cm2, a fill factor (FF) of 79.34 % and PCE of 31.55 % in tandem configuration. • Perovskite tandem solar cell (TP SC) has been accomplished using SCAPS-1D. • Wide-bandgap halide (W BH) FA 0.75 Cs 0 · 25 Pb(I 0 · 8 Br 0.2) 3 of bandgap 1.67eV and a Pb–Sn based narrow-bandgap halide (N BH) FA 0.7 MA 0.3 Pb 0 · 5 Sn 0 · 5 I 3 of bandgap 1.22eV as absorber layer in T CELL and B CELL respectively have been studied. • Open circuit voltage (V OC) of 2.33 V, a short circuit current density (J SC) of 17.07 mA/cm2, a fill factor (FF) of 79.34 % and PCE of 31.55 % in tandem configuration. • Using filtered-spectrum study along with current-matching method, every PV metric parameter has been analyzed after their deployment into tandem configuration. • The proposed work demonstrates the impact of active-layer thickness along with defect density on the solar-cell parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thin film Copper Zinc Tin Sulphide (CZTS) solar cells (SC) are third-generation SC that has potential use in solar photovoltaics nowadays. The present work aims to raise the output parameter of CZTS-based SC through the generation and recombination process using Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator in one dimension (SCAPS-1D). The proposed configuration of cell ZnO/ZnS/CZTS/SnS has been evaluated by considering SnS as the back surface field (BSF). It is observed that SnS is a suitable material to be used as a BSF. In the present work, the role of variations of the different parameters such as layer thicknesses, defect densities, recombination and generation of charge carriers, and the back contact work function effect on the PV parameter have been studied. Optimized parameters from the studied cell such as power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.18%, current density (J sc) as 27.7899 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (V oc) of 0.7875 V, and fill factor (FF) of 83.07% have been recorded. This result will pave the researchers working in this field to fabricate earth-abundant, low-cost, highly efficient, and toxic-free CZTS SCs. • SCAPS-1D simulation software has been used for this study. • The study shows that device performance strongly depends on various parameters. • Using ZnS and SnS materials are used as ETL & HTL respectively. • The optimized PCE is 18.18%. • Some other performances parameter Voc, Jsc and FF have also been optimized along with generation and recombination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown considerable advancement in recent years, their extensive usage is hindered by the major challenge of ensuring long-term stability. However, the enhanced stability of 2D-structure Dion-Jacobson (DJ) phase halide perovskites makes them a promising alternative to the traditional 3D perovskites, suggesting potential for broader application. In this numerical simulation, bulky organic ammonium spacer pentamethylenediamine (PeDA) was incorporated into DJ perovskite films with four different layer numbers (n = 3, 4, 5, and 6), which correspond to PeDAMA 2 Pb 3 I 10 , PeDAMA 3 Pb 4 I 13 , PeDAMA 4 Pb 5 I 16 , and PeDAMA 5 Pb 6 I 19 , respectively. Various parameters were adjusted to assess their impact on device performance. A current density–voltage (J-V) characterization was conducted for each value of n to compare their efficiencies. The number of layers was found to significantly influence efficiency, with the highest performance achieved at n = 6, resulting in an open-circuit voltage (V OC) of 1.27 V, a short-circuit current density (J SC) of 22.83 mA/cm2, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.17%, and a fill factor (FF) of 72.72%. These results demonstrate the potential of DJ perovskite solar cells with PeDA spacers as stable and efficient alternatives for photovoltaic applications. • Bulky organic ammonium spacer was incorporated into 2D-DJ perovskites with four different layer numbers. • DJ perovskite solar cells were simulated and optimized using SCAPS tool. • The number of layers significantly influenced the efficiency, with the highest performance achieved at n = 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 Cs 3 Sb 2 I 9 -based solar cells employing Nb 2 O 5 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. • An innovative approach for improving the Cs 3 Sb 2 I 9 /CTL interfaces by creating a spike-like conformation using Nb 2 O 5 and CuI charge transport materials was proposed. • The improved performance Cs 3 Sb 2 I 9 solar cell is the result of a combination of high transport rates and minimal recombination at the proper energy levels. • The addition of the CuI layer improves the functionality of the planar Cs 3 Sb 2 I 9 device built on Nb 2 O 5. • Back contact properties are optimized to gain the best Ohmic configuration to improve the collection mechanism. • The obtained results will facilitate the researchers to choose the appropriate CTLs for solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wide photon absorption range of tandem solar cells (TSCs) allows them to deliver higher efficiencies than single-junction solar cells. The top cell with a wide bandgap absorbs the higher energy photons, while the bottom cell with a relatively low bandgap absorbs the filtered lower energy photons. However, for cheap, efficient, and long-lasting solar cells, the design must incorporate the top and bottom cell absorber layers with an appropriate band gap. In this context, this article proposes all-perovskite tandem solar cells with suitable perovskite partners as active materials in both the upper (band gap 1.68 eV) and the lower (band gap 1.16 eV) sub-cell. This research has retrieved the calibrated top cell from a previous publication, and the bottom cell has been designed, calibrated, and optimised. The filtered spectrum of the upper cell is evaluated at different perovskite thicknesses and fed to the lower cell to set up a tandem configuration. Subsequently, the current- matching technique has been used to study the tandem short-circuit current density (J SC) at different thicknesses of both sub-cells, followed by current density-voltage (J-V) curve. A total of ten tandem J-V curves are constructed and corresponding PV parameters are obtained to obtain the optimized efficiency of 33.8% with an open circuit voltage (V OC) of 2.15 V, a fill factor (FF) of 78.87% and a J SC of 20 mA.cm−2. The reported results will open the door for future development of highly efficient and low-cost monolithic two-terminal tandem devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]