Research Article
Analysis of Optical Thin-films: Towards Lower Reflectivity for High Performance Solar Cells and Modern Photonic Devices Applications
Zamil Sultan*,
Rony Tota,
Ershad Ali,
Mohamad Obayedulla,
BrijKishor Yadav
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
101-112
Received:
11 November 2024
Accepted:
29 November 2024
Published:
19 December 2024
Abstract: Recently, optical thin-films with lower reflectivity have attracted much interest for their suitability in high performance thin-film solar cells and various modern photonics devices, such as electronic display panels touchscreens, smart optical glass windows, spectacles frames, super-compact camera lenses, laser systems and optical fiber communications since lowering reflectivity coating improves the device performances. However, obtaining reduced reflectance from this arrangement remains challenging issue. As the film optical properties, such as the absorbance, reflection and transmission of particular wavelength of electromagnetic radiation can be carefully controlled by optimizing thin-film fabrication materials as well as structures, there is a lot of research scope in optimizing device reflectivity by assessing various film- and substrate materials as well as their thicknesses. Therefore, in this study, the reflectance performances of optical thin-films were characterized for obtaining lower reflectivity for various types of modern photonics applications. To obtain this, three novel optoelectronic materials InGaAs, CdTe and CsPbBr3 for film layer, three widely used substrate materials glass, Al2O3 and steel as well as various thicknesses of film layer were evaluated. Reflectance studied of the thin-films for the three film materials have been clarified that CsPbBr3 is the best among these three film materials to be used for reducing the light reflection of the thin-film. Lower reflectivity of thin-films on glass substrate suggested that glass is better than both Al2O3 and steel as substrate in high efficiency thin-film solar cells and various photonics devices. In addition, evaluation of reflectance for various film thicknesses showed that ultra-thin film layer is superior for reducing the reflection of solar energy by thin-film structure. We have therefore proposed that thin-film with the combination of CsPbBr3 based ultra-thin film layer on glass substrate would be one of the best possible solutions for reducing reflectivity of solar cells and various photonics devices, thereby for possibly increasing the performance efficiency. This research result would be very beneficial for the development of renewable energy and photonics based nanotechnology, thereby play a significant role for reducing global energy crisis and green-house gas emission concurrently and sustainably in the modern world.
Abstract: Recently, optical thin-films with lower reflectivity have attracted much interest for their suitability in high performance thin-film solar cells and various modern photonics devices, such as electronic display panels touchscreens, smart optical glass windows, spectacles frames, super-compact camera lenses, laser systems and optical fiber communica...
Show More
Research Article
Defect State Dynamics in Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells for Enhanced Efficiency
Louis - Oppong Antwi*,
Shihua Huang
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
113-120
Received:
14 October 2024
Accepted:
4 November 2024
Published:
25 December 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmsa.20241306.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Perovskite photovoltaics have emerged as highly promising candidates for next-generation solar cells, achieving impressive power conversion efficiencies surpassing 22%, rivaling traditional silicon solar cells. Their advantages include lower manufacturing costs, tunable bandgaps, and potential for flexible, lightweight designs. However, the widespread use of lead (Pb) in perovskite absorbers raises significant environmental and health concerns. As a solution, researchers are exploring tin (Sn) as a non-toxic alternative due to its comparable electronic configuration, which may enable it to substitute lead without substantially compromising efficiency. In this study, SCAPS-1D software was employed to simulate lead-free tin-based perovskite solar cells, with a focus on analyzing how varying interface defect densities affect cell performance. Key cell parameters examined included the doping concentration of the perovskite absorption layer and the defect density within the perovskite bulk. Defect density is critical as it creates recombination centers that impede charge transport and decrease device efficiency. Findings from this simulation show that reducing defect density in the perovskite absorption layer notably improves overall cell performance, enhancing charge carrier mobility and reducing recombination losses. To further investigate interface effects, two specific interfaces were introduced: the TiO₂/perovskite interface, which serves as an electron transport layer, and the perovskite/hole transport material (HTM) interface. Analysis revealed that the TiO₂/perovskite interface plays a more substantial role in device performance, primarily due to its influence on carrier density and recombination rates, which are higher at this interface and critical in determining cell efficiency. Optimization of these parameters enabled the simulation of a device reaching a maximum efficiency of 24.63%. This research highlights the importance of interface engineering and defect management in tin-based, lead-free perovskite solar cells, demonstrating a feasible pathway toward environmentally sustainable, high-efficiency photovoltaics.
Abstract: Perovskite photovoltaics have emerged as highly promising candidates for next-generation solar cells, achieving impressive power conversion efficiencies surpassing 22%, rivaling traditional silicon solar cells. Their advantages include lower manufacturing costs, tunable bandgaps, and potential for flexible, lightweight designs. However, the widespr...
Show More