Numerical Analysis of Pb‐Free Perovskite Absorber Materials: Prospects and Challenges. Issue 10 (16th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walkons, Curtis; Murshed, Rubaiya; Bansal, Shubhra
• Is Part Of: Solar RRL. Volume 4:Issue 10(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-08-16
• Subjects: halide perovskite solar cells -- Pb-based perovskites -- Pb-free perovskite absorbers -- simulations; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Photovoltaic power generation -- Periodicals; Solar energy -- Research -- Periodicals; Photovoltaic power generation -- Research -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 333.7923
• DOI: 10.1002/solr.202000299
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2367-198X

Abstract

Abstract : Optoelectronic properties of organic–inorganic halide perovskites are exceptional with solar cells showing efficiency comparable with conventional photovoltaic technologies. However, with issues of material stability and toxicity of Pb, it is important to understand if Pb can be replaced while maintaining the high power conversion efficiencies of (FA, MA, Cs)Pb(I, Br)3 . Herein, practical efficiency limits of Pb and Pb‐free perovskite absorbers are analyzed using a 1D simulator for n‐i‐p or p‐i‐n device structures. SCAPS‐1D baseline models for perovskite absorber materials with and without Pb are developed to numerically reproduce the experimental current density–voltage ( JV ) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of champion devices from literature. From these baseline models, the efficiency limits are determined based on optimizing the interface band alignments, reduction in midgap defect density, increased absorption coefficient, and no parasitic losses. SCAPS‐1D simulations suggest that 1) theoretically determined efficiency limit of Cs2 PtI6 perovskites is comparable with (FA, MA, Cs)Pb(I, Br)3 perovskites, 2) FA4 GeSbCl12 is a promising photoabsorber; and 3) for efficient photoconversion with Sn‐, Ge‐, Ti‐, or Ag‐based compounds, a reduction of defect density and increase in absorption coefficient is needed. Abstract : Pb and Pb‐free perovskite absorbers are analyzed using a 1D simulator for n‐i‐p devices. SCAPS‐1D simulations suggest: 1) theoretically determined efficiency limit of Cs2 PtI6 perovskites is comparable with (FA, MA, Cs)Pb(I, Br)3, 2) FA4 GeSbCl12 is a promising photoabsorber; and 3) for efficient photoconversion with Sn‐, Ge‐, Ti‐, or Ag‐based perovskite absorbers, reduction in defect density and increase in absorption coefficient is needed.