Optimisation of PCBM on Al2O3 Electron Transport Layer for Improved Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells Using SCAPS 1D

Authors

  • Adamu Ahmed Goje
  • Norasikin Ahmad Ludin
  • Muhiddin Ahmad Sheriff
  • Mohammed Waziri Zanna
  • Mustapha Isah

Keywords:

Perovskite solar cell, Al2O3/PCBM ETL, SCAPS simulation software

Abstract

Despite strides in perovskite solar cell efficiency, hurdles hamper industrialization and commercialization. Stability issues, limited electron extraction, and high charge recombination rates cause rapid degradation. Researchers target perovskite material enhancement, using SCAPS software to optimize the electron transport layer (ETL) and introduce Aluminum oxide (Al2O). This aims to boost electron extraction, cut recombination losses, and enhance overall stability. Common ETLs like [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester/Aluminum oxide (PCBM/Al2O3) are standard, aiding electron transportation from the perovskite to the electrode. Our study focuses on an n-i-p planar lead-free heterostructure PSC setup, comprising Glass/Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO), Al2O3/PCBM (ETL), methyl ammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) as the absorber, Spiro-OMeTAD as the Hole Transport Layer (HTL), and silver (Ag) as the electrode. Optimization efforts included a 100 nm absorber layer and 300 K temperature, considering ETL thickness and defect density. The PSC's defect density was inversely linked to its absorption coefficient (alpha). Using solely Al2O3 layer achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.87%, a current density (Jsc) of 31.62 mA/cm2, an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.551V, and a fill factor (FF) of 61.39%.  In contrast, employing optimized Al2O3/PCBM ETL led to improved performance, yielding a PCE of 20.61%, a Jsc of 37.23 mA/cm2, a Voc of 0.569 V, and an FF of 68.11%. Additionally, an inverse relationship emerged between FF, ETL thickness, and 300 K temperature.

Dimensions

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Published

2023-12-31

How to Cite

Goje, A. A., Ludin, N. A., Sheriff, M. A., Zanna, M. W., & Isah, M. (2023). Optimisation of PCBM on Al2O3 Electron Transport Layer for Improved Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells Using SCAPS 1D. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 32(1), 169-179. https://njp.nipngr.org/index.php/njp/article/view/206

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 1 (2023): Nigerian Journal of Physics - Vol. 32 No. 1

Section

Articles
Copyright & Licensing

How to Cite

Goje, A. A., Ludin, N. A., Sheriff, M. A., Zanna, M. W., & Isah, M. (2023). Optimisation of PCBM on Al2O3 Electron Transport Layer for Improved Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells Using SCAPS 1D. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 32(1), 169-179. https://njp.nipngr.org/index.php/njp/article/view/206

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