Numerical interface optimization of lead-free perovskite solar cells (CH3NH3SnI3) for 30% photo-conversion efficiency using SCAPS-1D

Abstract

In this study lead free methyl ammonium tin iodide MASnI3 perovskite solar cell was studied and optimized using SCAPS-1D simulator. Different potential materials were assessed to determine their suitability as HTLs and ETLs. Results revealed that among the investigated materials the combination of V2O5 as HTL and IGZO as ETL is most suitable for the performance of MASnI3 solar cell. In an attempt to find the most appropriate material for back contact for further enhancement in performance of solar cell, gold has been found to stand out as the best choice among the examined metals. The wavelength range of 400–900 nm of sun light corresponds to highest quantum efficiency which falls off rapidly beyond this range. Increase in defect density of active layer has been found to have detrimental influence on the performance of solar cell. Above the room temperature cell performance has been found to decline and optimized thickness of active layer has been found to be 0.6 µm at 300 K for which the maximum PCE (30.35%) has been observed. The optimized device Glass/ITO/IGZO/MASnI3/V2O5/Au shows Voc, Isc and FF values of 1.08 V, 33.48 mA/cm2 and 81.53% respectively.

Keywords

• Lead free perovskite material
• Photovoltaics
• Solar cells
• SCAPS-1D