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Diffusion-enhanced efficiency of perovskite solar cells

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Abstract

This study proposes a novel approach to improve the performance of third-generation solar cells, particularly perovskite solar cells (PSCs), by employing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). The ZnO NPs are dispersed on the upper surface of the device, acting as nanodiffusers. This reduces reflection and increases solar radiation absorption in the photovoltaic active layer, enhancing the light pathway within the device. To analyze the impact of ZnO nanodiffusers on solar cell performance, computer simulations using the finite element method (FEM) and experimental analysis were conducted. Green synthesis methods were employed to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 160 nm, which were subsequently characterized. Thin films of ZnO NPs were deposited on the transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode using spin coating, and their optical response was evaluated. This study proposes methodologies for optical and electrical modeling of third-generation photovoltaic cells using ZnO NPs. Optical computational modeling results evidence that ZnO nanospheres with a diameter of 160 nm predominantly scatter solar radiation in the forward direction. The incorporation of ZnO NPs (160 nm in diameter) reduces device reflectance, resulting in efficient light coupling and increased absorbance in the active layer. The integrated effects of light trapping and anti-reflective properties enhance photocurrent generation, leading to an increase in short-circuit current density. Experimental verification with ZnO NP deposition on PSCs confirms a 23.5% enhancement in photovoltaic device efficiency, increasing from 10.6 to 13.1% in an 11.68 cm2 perovskite cell. The study presents the optical benefits of ZnO nanostructures, including anti-reflective effects and light scattering, when integrated into devices containing thin films as active material.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), the National Institute of Science and Technology of Photonics (INCT de Fotônica), the Fundação de Amparo a Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco (FACEPE) and the OeAD-GmbH. Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation. Aykut Kıymaz acknowledge to Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK) for financial support of A. KIYMAZ in the frame of program 2219 with the Grant No.: 1059B192201447. Mrs. Deniz Kıymaz is acknowledged for valuable comments on the experimental section of this paper. Professors Niyazi Sariciftci and Markus Scharber are gratefully acknowledged for accepting Olavo Cardozo and Aykut Kiymaz as visiting scientists in the Linz institute for organic solar cells (LIOS).

Funding

The authors declare that this project was partially supported by CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior).

Author information

Author notes

  1. Olavo Cardozo, Sajid Farooq, Aykut Kıymaz, Patricia M. A. Farias, Naum Fraidenraich, Andreas Stingl, Ricardo Maia-Junior, Severino Alves-Júnior, and Renato E. de Araujo have contributed to the study conception and design. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Olavo Cardozo and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electronic and Systems, Laboratory of Biomedical Optics and Imaging, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50732-970, Brazil

    Renato E. de Araujo

  2. Institute of Physical Chemistry and Linz Institute for Organic Solar Cells, Johannes Kepler Universität, 4040, Linz, Austria

    Aykut Kıymaz

  3. Phornano Holding GmbH, Kleineingersdorfer straße, 2100, Korneuburg, Austria

    Olavo Cardozo & Andreas Stingl

  4. Nuclear Energy Department, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50732-970, Brazil

    Naum Fraidenraich

  5. Phornano Brasil Ltda, Recife, PE, 50010-360, Brazil

    Andreas Stingl

  6. Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50740-560, Brazil

    Olavo Cardozo, Ricardo Maia-Junior & Severino Alves-Júnior

  7. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ege University, 35100, Izmir, Turkey

    Aykut Kıymaz

  8. Department of Biophysics and Radiobiology, CB, Post Graduate Program on Material Sciences, CCEN, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil

    Patricia M. A. Farias

  9. Center for Lasers and Applications, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN-CNEN, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil

    Sajid Farooq

Authors
  1. Olavo Cardozo
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  2. Sajid Farooq
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  9. Renato E. de Araujo
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Correspondence to Olavo Cardozo.

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Cardozo, O., Farooq, S., Kıymaz, A. et al. Diffusion-enhanced efficiency of perovskite solar cells. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 35, 876 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-024-12628-y

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