High-Performance and Large-Area Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells Based on NiO_(x) Films Enabled with A Novel Microstructure-Control Technology

The improvement in the efficiency of inverted perovskite solar cells(PSCs)is significantly limited by undesirable contact at the NiO_(x)/perovskite interface.In this study,a novel microstructure-control technology is proposed for fabrication of porous NiO_(x)films using Pluronic P123 as the structure-directing agent and acetylacetone(AcAc)as the coordination agent.The synthesized porous NiO_(x)films enhanced the hole extraction efficiency and reduced recombination defects at the NiO_(x)/perovskite interface.Consequently,without any modification,the power conversion efficiency(PCE)of the PSC with MAPbl_(3)as the absorber layer improved from 16.50%to 19.08%.Moreover,the PCE of the device composed of perovskite Cs0.05(MA_(0.15)FA_(0.85))_(0.95)Pb(I_(0.85)Br_(0.15))_(3)improved from 17.49%to 21.42%.Furthermore,the application of the fabricated porous NiO_(x)on fluorine-doped tin oxide(FTO)substrates enabled the fabrication of large-area PSCs(1.2 cm^(2))with a PCE of 19.63%.This study provides a novel strategy for improving the contact at the NiO_(x)/perovskite interface for the fabrication of high-performance large-area perovskite solar cells.

Numerical Study and Optimization of CZTS-Based Thin-Film Solar Cell Structure with Different Novel Buffer-Layer Materials Using SCAPS-1D Software

This study explored the performances of CZTS-based thin-film solar cell with three novel buffer layer materials ZnS, CdS, and CdZnS, as well as with variation in thickness of buffer and absorber-layer, doping concentrations of absorber-layer material and operating temperature. Our aims focused to identify the most optimal thin-film solar cell structure that offers high efficiency and lower toxicity which are desirable for sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources globally. SCAPS-1D, widely used software for modeling and simulating solar cells, has been used and solar cell fundamental performance parameters such as open-circuited voltage (), short-circuited current density (), fill-factor() and efficiency() have been optimized in this study. Based on our simulation results, it was found that CZTS solar cell with Cd0.4Zn0.6S as buffer-layer offers the most optimal combination of high efficiency and lower toxicity in comparison to other structure investigated in our study. Although the efficiency of Cd0.4Zn0.6S, ZnS and CdS are comparable, Cd0.4Zn0.6S is preferable to use as buffer-layer for its non-toxic property. In addition, evaluation of performance as a function of buffer-layer thickness for Cd0.4Zn0.6S, ZnS and CdS showed that optimum buffer-layer thickness for Cd0.4Zn0.6S was in the range from 50 to 150nm while ZnS offered only 50 – 75 nm. Furthermore, the temperature dependence performance parameters evaluation revealed that it is better to operate solar cell at temperature 290K for stable operation with optimum performances. This study would provide valuable insights into design and optimization of nanotechnology-based solar energy technology for minimizing global energy crisis and developing eco-friendly energy sources sustainable and simultaneously.

Preparation and Characterization of Electrodeposited-Annealed CulnSe2 Thin Films for Solar Cells

CuInSe2 （CIS） films with good crystalline quality were synthesized by electrodeposition followed by annealing in Se vapor at 530 ℃. The morphology, composition, crystal structure, optical and electrical properties of the CIS films were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UV-VISNIR spectroscopy, and admittance spectroscopy. The results revealed that the annealed CIS films had chalcopyrite structure and consisted of relatively large grains in the range of 500-1000 nm and single grain of films extend usually through the whole film thickness. The band gap of CIS films was 0.98 eV and carrier concentration was in the order of 1016 cm-3 after etching the Cu-Se compounds on the film surface. Solar cells with the structure of AZO/i-ZnO/CdS/CIS/Mo/glass were fabricated. Current density vs. voltage test under standard reported condition showed the solar cells with an area of 0.2 cm2 had a conversion efficiency of 0.96%. The underlying physics was also discussed.

Preparation and characterization of Cd_(1-x)Zn_xS buffer layers for thin film solar cells

Cd1_xZnxS （x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 1.0） thin films have been grown successfully on soda-lime glass substrates by chemical bath deposition technique as a very promising buffer layer material for optoelectronic device applications. The composition, structural properties, surface morphol- ogy, and optical properties of Cd~_xZnxS thin films were characterized by energy dispersive analysis of X-ray tech- nique （EDAX）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, and UV-Vis spectrophotometer tech- niques, respectively. The annealed films were observed to possess the deficient sulfur composition. The results of XRD show that the Cdl_xZnxS （x = 0. l） thin film annealed at 450 ~C forms hexagonal （wurtzite） structure with lattice parameters a = 0.408814 nm, c ： 0.666059 nm, and its average grain size is 24.9902 nm. The diffraction peaks become strong with the increasing annealing temperatures. The surface of Cdl_~ZnxS （x = 0.1） thin film annealed at 450 ~C is uninterrupted and homogenous as compared to other temperatures. From optical properties, it is observed that the presence of small amount of Zn results in marked changes in the optical band gap of CdS. The band gaps of the Cdl_xZnxS thin films vary from 2.42 to 3.51 eV as composition varies from x = 0.0 to 1.0.

Additives in metal halide perovskite films and their applications in solar cells

The booming growth of organic-inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskite solar cells have made this promising photovoltaic technology to leap towards commercialization.One of the most important issues for the evolution from research to practical application of this technology is to achieve high-throughput manufacturing of large-scale perovskite solar modules.In particular,realization of scalable fabrication of large-area perovskite films is one of the essential steps.During the past ten years,a great number of approaches have been developed to deposit high quality perovskite films,to which additives are introduced during the fabrication process of perovskite layers in terms of the perovskite grain growth control,defect reduction,stability enhancement,etc.Herein,we first review the recent progress on additives during the fabrication of large area perovskite films for large scale perovskite solar cells and modules.We then focus on a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the roles of additives for perovskite grain growth control,defects reduction,and stability enhancement.Further advancement of the scalable fabrication of high-quality perovskite films and solar cells using additives to further develop large area,stable perovskite solar cells are discussed.

Moth-eye Structured Polydimethylsiloxane Films for High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells

Large-area polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)films with variably sized moth-eye structures were fabricated to improve the efficiency of perovskite solar cells.An approach that incorporated photolithography,bilayer PDMS deposition and replication was used in the fabrication process.By simply attaching the moth-eye PDMS films to the transparent substrates of perovskite solar cells,the optical properties of the devices could be tuned by changing the size of the moth-eye structures.The device with 300-nm moth-eye PDMS films greatly enhanced power conversion efficiency of ~21 % due to the antireflective effect of the moth-eye structure.Furthermore,beautiful coloration was observed on the 1000-nm moth-eye PDMS films through optical interference caused by the diffraction grating effect.Our results imply that moth-eye PDMS films can greatly enhance the efficiency of perovskite solar cells and building-integrated photovoltaics.

Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Modules Enabled by Solid-Liquid Two-Step Film Formation

A considerable efficiency gap exists between large-area perovskite solar modules and small-area perovskite solar cells.The control of forming uniform and large-area film and perovskite crystallization is still the main obstacle restricting the efficiency of PSMs.In this work,we adopted a solid-liquid two-step film formation technique,which involved the evaporation of a lead iodide film and blade coating of an organic ammonium halide solution to prepare perovskite films.This method possesses the advantages of integrating vapor deposition and solution methods,which could apply to substrates with different roughness and avoid using toxic solvents to achieve a more uniform,large-area perovskite film.Furthermore,modification of the NiO_(x)/perovskite buried interface and introduction of Urea additives were utilized to reduce interface recombination and regulate perovskite crystallization.As a result,a large-area perovskite film possessing larger grains,fewer pinholes,and reduced defects could be achieved.The inverted PSM with an active area of 61.56 cm^(2)(10×10 cm^(2)substrate)achieved a champion power conversion efficiency of 20.56%and significantly improved stability.This method suggests an innovative approach to resolving the uniformity issue associated with large-area film fabrication.

Impact of oxygen incorporation on interface optimization and defect suppression for efficiency enhancement in Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)solar cells

Kesterite Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)(CZTSSe)solar cells suffer from severe carrier recombination,limiting the photovoltaic performance.Unfavorable energy band alignment at the p-n junction and defective front interface are two main causes.Herein,oxygen incorporation in CZTSSe via absorber air-annealing was developed as a strategy to optimize its surface photoelectric property and reduce the defects.With optimized oxygen incorporation conditions,the carrier separation and collection behavior at the front interface of the device is improved.In particular,it is found that oxygen incorporated absorber exhibits increased band bending,larger depletion region width,and suppressed absorber defects.These indicate the dynamic factors for carrier separation become stronger.Meanwhile,the increased potential difference between grain boundaries and intra grains combined with the decreased concentration of interface deep level defect in the absorber provide a better path for carrier transport.As a consequence,the champion efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells has been improved from 9.74%to 12.04%with significantly improved open-circuit voltage after optimized air-annealing condition.This work provides a new insight for interface engineering to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of CZTSSe devices.

Preparation and Properties of CdTe Polycrystalline Films for Solar Cells

The structure and characteristics of CdTe thin filrns are closely dependent on the whole deposition process in close-space sublimation （CSS）. The physical mechanism of CSS was analyzed aud the temperature distribution in CSS system was measured, and the influences of the increasing-temperature process and pressure on the preliminary nucleus creation were studied. The resuits indicate ： tire samples deposited at different pressures hare a cubical structure of CdTe and the diffraction peaks of CdS and SnO2 ： F. As the atmosphere pressure increases, the crystal size of CdTe decreases, the rate of the transparency of the thin film decreases and the absorption side moves towards the short-wave direction. After a 4-minute depositing process with a substrate teraw.rature of 500℃ and a source temperature of 620 ℃, the polycostallinc thin films can be mmade , so the production of high-quality integrated cell with StrO2： F/ CdS/ CdTe/ Au structure is hopeful.

Enhancing the crystallinity and stability of perovskite solar cells with 4-tert-butylpyridine induction for efficiency exceeding 24%

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology because of their high light absorption coefficient,long carrier diffusion distance,and tunable bandgap.However,PSCs face challenges such as hysteresis effects and stability issues.In this study,we introduced a novel approach to improve film crystallization by leveraging 4-tert-butylpyridine(TBP)molecules,thereby enhancing the performance and stability of PSCs.Our findings demonstrate the effective removal of PbI_(2)from the perovskite surface through strong coordination with TBP molecules.Additionally,by carefully adjusting the concentration of the TBP solution,we achieved enhanced film crystallinity without disrupting the perovskite structure.The TBP-treated perovskite films exhibit a low defect density,improved crystallinity,and improved carrier lifetime.As a result,the PSCs manufactured with TBP treatment achieve power conversion efficiency(PCE)exceeding 24%.Moreover,we obtained the PCE of 21.39%for the 12.25 cm^(2)module.

Photovoltaic properties of Cu_2O-based heterojunction solar cells using n-type oxide semiconductor nano thin films prepared by low damage magnetron sputtering method

We improved the photovoltaic properties of Cu_2O-based heterojunction solar cells using n-type oxide semiconductor thin films prepared by a sputtering apparatus with our newly developed multi-chamber system. We also obtained the highest efficiency(3.21%) in an AZO/p-Cu_2O heterojunction solar cell prepared with optimized pre-sputtering conditions using our newly developed multi-chamber sputtering system. This value achieves the same or higher characteristics than AZO/Cu_2O solar cells with a similar structure prepared by the pulse laser deposition method.

Microstructure and optical properties of sprayed γ-CuI thin films for CuInS_2 solar cells

γ-CuI thin films were prepared by a spraying method using acetonitrile as a solvent,CuI and iodine as reagents.The influences of substrate temperature on the structure,topography,and optical properties of CuI films were investigated.Scanning electron microscope（SEM） photos revealed that the shape and grain size of CuI grains were related to substrate temperature.X-ray diffraction results showed that substrate temperature affected the crystalline quality of CuI films.When the substrate temperature was 110°C,CuI thin films showed γ-phase zinkblende structure with（111） preferred orientation.The dimension of the globular CuI crystallite was approximately 35 nm,the energy band gap was 2.97 eV,the maximum transmittance was 87.3% in the part of the visible region,and the open circuit voltage was close to 380 mV.This opened a route for a cadmium-free buffer layer for CuInS2 solar cells.

Research on the optimum hydrogenated silicon thin films for application in solar cells

Hydrogenated silicon （Si：H） thin films for application in solar ceils were deposited by using very high frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition （VHF PECVD） at a substrate temperature of about 170 ℃, The electrical, structural, and optical properties of the films were investigated. The deposited films were then applied as i-layers for p-i-n single junction solar cells. The current-voltage （I - V） characteristics of the cells were measured before and after the light soaking. The results suggest that the films deposited near the transition region have an optimum properties for application in solar cells. The cell with an i-layer prepared near the transition region shows the best stable performance.

Effect of substrate temperature and oxygen plasma treatment on the properties of magnetron-sputtered CdS for solar cell applications

Cadmium sulfide(CdS)is an n-type semiconductor with excellent electrical conductivity that is widely used as an electron transport material(ETM)in solar cells.At present,numerous methods for preparing CdS thin films have emerged,among which magnetron sputtering(MS)is one of the most commonly used vacuum techniques.For this type of technique,the substrate temperature is one of the key deposition parameters that affects the interfacial properties between the target film and substrate,determining the specific growth habits of the films.Herein,the effect of substrate temperature on the microstructure and electrical properties of magnetron-sputtered CdS(MS-CdS)films was studied and applied for the first time in hydrothermally deposited antimony selenosulfide(Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3))solar cells.Adjusting the substrate temperature not only results in the design of the flat and dense film with enhanced crystallinity but also leads to the formation of an energy level arrangement with a Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3)layer that is more favorable for electron transfer.In addition,we developed an oxygen plasma treatment for CdS,reducing the parasitic absorption of the device and resulting in an increase in the short-circuit current density of the solar cell.This study demonstrates the feasibility of MS-CdS in the fabrication of hydrothermal Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3)solar cells and provides interface optimization strategies to improve device performance.

Absorption enhancement in thin film a-Si solar cells with double-sided SiO_2 particle layers

Light absorption enhancement is very important for improving the power conversion efficiency of a thin film a-Si solar cell. In this paper, a thin-film a-Si solar cell model with double-sided SiO2 particle layers is designed, and then the underlying mechanism of absorption enhancement is investigated by finite difference time domain（FDTD） simulation;finally the feasible experimental scheme for preparing the SiO2 particle layer is discussed. It is found that the top and bottom SiO2 particle layers play an important role in anti-reflection and light trapping, respectively. The light absorption of the cell with double-sided SiO2 layers greatly increases in a wavelength range of 300 nm-800 nm, and the ultimate efficiency increases more than 22% compared with that of the flat device. The cell model with double-sided SiO2 particle layers reported here can be used in varieties of thin film solar cells to further improve their performances.

Enhancing performance of low-temperature processed CsPbI2Br all-inorganic perovskite solar cells using polyethylene oxide-modified TiO_(2)

CsPbX_(3)-based(X=I,Br,Cl)inorganic perovskite solar cells(PSCs)prepared by low-temperature process have attracted much attention because of their low cost and excellent thermal stability.However,the high trap state density and serious charge recombination between low-temperature processed TiO_(2)film and inorganic perovskite layer interface seriously restrict the performance of all-inorganic PSCs.Here a thin polyethylene oxide(PEO)layer is employed to modify TiO_(2)film to passivate traps and promote carrier collection.The impacts of PEO layer on microstructure and photoelectric characteristics of TiO_(2)film and related devices are systematically studied.Characterization results suggest that PEO modification can reduce the surface roughness of TiO_(2)film,decrease its average surface potential,and passivate trap states.At optimal conditions,the champion efficiency of CsPbI_(2)Br PSCs with PEO-modified TiO_(2)(PEO-PSCs)has been improved to 11.24%from 9.03%of reference PSCs.Moreover,the hysteresis behavior and charge recombination have been suppressed in PEO-PSCs.

Indium–tin oxide films obtained by DC magnetron sputtering for improved Si heterojunction solar cell applications

The indium-tin oxide （ITO） film as the antireflection layer and front electrodes is of key importance to obtaining high efficiency Si heterojunction （HJ） solar cells. To obtain high transmittance and low resistivity ITO films by direct-current （DC） magnetron sputtering, we studied the impacts of the ITO film deposition conditions, such as the oxygen flow rate, pressure, and sputter power, on the electrical and optical properties of the ITO films. ITO films of resistivity of 4 x 10-4 ~.m and average transmittance of 89% in the wavelength range of 380-780 nm were obtained under the optimized conditions： oxygen flow rate of 0.1 sccm, pressure of 0.8 Pa, and sputtering power of 110 W. These ITO films were used to fabricate the single-side HJ solar cell without an intrinsic a-Si：H layer. However, the best HJ solar cell was fabricated with a lower sputtering power of 95 W, which had an efficiency of 11.47%, an open circuit voltage （Voc） of 0.626 V, a filling factor （FF） of 0.50, and a short circuit current density （Jsc） of 36.4 mA/cm2. The decrease in the performance of the solar cell fabricated with high sputtering power of 110 W is attributed to the ion bombardment to the emitter. The Voc was improved to 0.673 V when a 5 nm thick intrinsic a-Si：H layer was inserted between the （p） a-Si：H and （n） c-Si layer. The higher Voc of 0.673 V for the single-side HJ solar cell implies the excellent c-Si surface passivation by a-Si：H.

Solar Energy Cell with Rare Earth Film

The characteristic of the solar energy cell with the rare earth film according to theory of molecular structure was introduced.When sunlight shines, the molecules of the rare earth film can absorb energy of the photon and jump to the excited state from the basic state, and play a role in storing solar energy.When sunlight do not shine, the electron of the excited state returns to the basic state, the rare earth film can automatically give out light and shine to surface of the solar cell, which can make solar cell continuously generate electric current.The rare earth film can absorb direct,scattering sunlight, and increase density of solar energy to reach surface of the solar cell, and play focusing function.The rare earth film can bear 350 ~ 500 ℃, which make the solar cell be able to utilize the focusing function system.Because after luminescence of the rare earth film, it can release again the absorbed solar energy through 1 ~ 8 h, and play a role in storing solar energy; The solar cell with the rare-earth film can generate electricity during night and cloudy days, and remarkably increase efficiency of the solar cell.

PEROVSKITE SEMICONDUCTOR OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICES Surface passivation of perovskite film for efficient solar cells

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) swiftly increased from 3.8% to more than 20% during last 10 years, thanks to the advancement of perovskite film growth, device and interface engineering. However, solution-processed perovskites are usually polycrystalline, that is the photoactive films contain substantial structural disorders, such as grain boundaries, interfaces and crystallographic defects. These defects have detrimental impacts on the performance and stability of PSCs.

In-situ fabrication of dual porous titanium dioxide films as anode for carbon cathode based perovskite solar cell

We develop a dual porous （DP） TiO2 film for the electron transporting layer （ETL） in carbon cathode based perovskite solar cells （C-PSCs）. The DP TiO2 film was synthesized via a facile PS-templated method with the thickness being controlled by the spin-coating speed. It was found that there is an optimum DP TiO2 film thickness for achieving an effective ETL, a suitable perovskite]TiO2 interface, an efficient light harvester and thus a high performance C-PSC. In particular, such a DP TiO2 film can act as a scaffold for complete-filling of the pores with perovskite and for forming high-quality perovskite crystals that are seamlessly interfaced with Ti02 to enhance interracial charge injection. Leveraging the unique advantages of DP TiO2 ETL, together with a dense-packed and pinhole-free TiO2 compact layer, PCE of the C-PSCs has reached 9.81% with good stability.