Current status of Pb-free PSCs and infer the highest achievable PCE via numerical modeling, and optimization of novel structure FAMASnGeI3 based PSCs

Abstract

In this study, we have extensively investigated an eco-friendly perovskite-based solar cell via a theoretical approach and numerical simulation. For that purpose, firstly, we have conducted a brief literature review to decipher the status of Pb-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The literature review reflects that the research on Pb-free PSCs is going on with immense interest. By acquiring inspiration from the literature review, we have designed a Pb-free hybrid PSC with a structure of FTO/CdS/FAMASnGeI _3 /NiO/Ag utilizing SCAPS-1D software. The structure has been optimized by fine-tuning the thickness, and defect density of the light-absorbing layer and the thickness, donor density, and band gap of ETL. The optimized structure of Pb-free perovskite material displays promising results with PCE of 30.05 %, Voc of 0.964 V, fill factor of 82.35%, and current density of 27.77 mA cm ^−2 . In addition, we have also found that the temperature and light intensity play a crucial role in the performance of the proposed PSC. We have found quantum efficiency as high as 98% for 360 nm thickness of the perovskite absorber layer. Finally, from the dark J–V analysis, lower current density (6.73×10 ^−8 mA cm ^−2 ), less series resistance (2.8×10 ^−5 Ωcm ^2 ) as well as high shunt resistance (11412.67 Ωcm ^2 ) were witnessed, which is expectable for a promising solar cell. Our inclusive exploration unveiled the fact that the suggested novel architecture (FTO/CdS/FAMASnGeI _3 /NiO/Ag) can be considered an exceptional design for PSCs with greater efficiency and practical suitability.

Keywords

• PSC
• Pb-free
• SCAPS 1D
• high performance
• dark current