Simulation and numerical modeling of high performance CH3NH3SnI3 solar cell with cadmium sulfide as electron transport layer by SCAPS-1D

Abstract

This work includes the numerical modeling (NM) of solar cells consisting of the active layer of CH3NH3SnI3 and electron transport layer of CdS, by employing a software SCAPS-1D. Organic-inorganic lead-based perovskites are superior in terms of power conversion efficiency. However, there are some serious drawbacks associated with them including poor stability, shorter life time and toxicity. Therefore, it is the demand of the hour to explore alternative materials to overcome these shortcomings. In this regard, tin is a competitive alternative to lead because it has similar electronic and chemical properties. Moreover, it is nontoxic, making it environmentally friendly. However, Sn based perovskite devices are reported with inferior power conversion efficacy, to date. In the present work, we have worked on a novel architecture of solar cells containing CH3NH3SnI3 as a light absorber layer and CdS as electron fetching layer. Optimization of the device was performed numerically by varying physical parameters related to the active layer such as thickness, defect density and shallow acceptor concentration. The proposed architecture of solar cells was proved as an efficient system with Jsc of 33.40 mA/cm2, Voc of 0.878 V, FF of 85.25 %, and PCE of 25.02 %. The temperature analysis has revealed that, temperature higher than 300 K increases the reverse saturation current, seriously degrading the structure of the device, hence limiting the power conversion performance of the solar cell. Furthermore, a rear electrode made of the high work function materials like Pt forms an ohmic junction at the HTL/anode interface, enhancing the performance of the device. Results of this study have paved the way for experimentalists to explore opportunities, to rationalize this architecture for real time applications such as inhouse lighting and laptop/smartphone charging.

Keywords

• SCAPs-1D
• Perovskite solar cell
• Simulation
• Electron transport layer