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Configuration analysis of SnS based solar cells for high-efficiency devices

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Abstract

An SnS/CdS heterostructure-based solar cell has been simulated and evaluated for possible solar cell application. SnS being an earth-abundant, nontoxic, stable inorganic material with suitable optoelectronic properties, is potential material for solar cell application. A three-step optimization process has been undertaken to improve the performance of SnS-based solar cells. Initially, SnS/CdS junction is modified to a p–i–n structure by introducing an intrinsic layer in between SnS/CdS. The introduction of an intrinsic layer increases the efficiency from 1.32 to 6.85%. Further, the structure has been optimized by employing a conduction band offset at the p–n interface. Following this process, the efficiency further improved to 7.05%. Finally, the heterostructure has been optimized by adding back surface field in the device configuration. The final simulated heterostructure after all three optimizations shows efficiency enhancement up to 8.15% from its benchmarked 1.32% value. The optimized device configuration p+-SnS/SnS/i/CdS/ZnO presents a crucial guideline for experimentalist to fabricate high-efficiency SnS solar cells.

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Acknowledgment

The authors acknowledge Dr. Marc Burgelman for providing SCAPS software package.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ECE Department, KL University, Guntur, AP, India

    Atul Kumar

  2. ECE Department, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, India

    R. Thandaiah Prabu

  3. School of Advance Science and Language, VIT Bhopal University, Bhopal, MP, India

    Avirup Das

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  1. Atul Kumar
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  2. R. Thandaiah Prabu
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  3. Avirup Das
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Correspondence to Atul Kumar.

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Kumar, A., Prabu, R.T. & Das, A. Configuration analysis of SnS based solar cells for high-efficiency devices. Opt Quant Electron 54, 521 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-022-03940-0

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