Lead-free perovskite solar cell based on methyl ammonium tin iodide: Possible power conversion efficiency enhancement by device simulation

Abstract

Although solar cells have the potential to create an endless amount of electrical power, their comparatively low power conversion efficiency draws the curiosity of both academics and industry. The primary goal of this research is to examine the performance of lead-free perovskite solar cells that use methyl ammonium tin iodide (CH3NH3SnI3) as the active material. The SCAPS-1D programme is employed for the simulation and analysis of the solar cells. The solar cell structure was analyzed computationally, and the resulting output was examined by comparing the I-V characteristic curves across different combinations of parameters. Various materials and combinations of parameters were explored in an effort to enhance the power conversion efficiency of solar cells based on CH3NH3SnI3. A series of comprehensive evaluations were undertaken to examine the influence of technical factors, including absorber layer thickness, defect density, and acceptor density, on performance. The acceptor density that yielded the best results was selected in order to improve the performance of the solar cell. The simulation results were acquired across a temperature range spanning from 300K to 450K, revealing enhanced stability within the range of typical ambient temperatures. The study produced encouraging findings, which included a short circuit current density of 30.81mA/cm2, an open circuit voltage of 1.25V, a fill factor of 80.35%, and a power conversion efficiency of 31.11%. This study has the potential to facilitate the development of environmentally sustainable, highly efficient, and cost-effective thin film solar cells based on CH3NH3SnI3, which exhibit noteworthy physical characteristics as alternatives to lead-containing perovskite solar cells.