Optimization of Tin-Doped Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskites are a category of materials with a unique crystal structure that allows them to absorb sunlight efficiently. This efficiency is particularly high in the case of CH3NH3Pb1-xSnxI3 mixed perovskites. The combination of lead (Pb) and tin (Sn) in this matrix provides a broad spectrum of sunlight absorption, enabling the generation of a larger voltage and, subsequently, increased power. The primary objective in solar cell development is to maximize the conversion of sunlight into electricity. Mixed perovskites like CH3NH3Pb1-xSnxI3 have demonstrated significant potential in this regard. Their tunable bandgap, courtesy of varying the Pb: Sn ratio, allows for the optimization of sunlight absorption. The result is solar cells that surpass many conventional counterparts in terms of energy efficiency. Another significant advantage of these mixed perovskite solar cells is their cost-effectiveness. They can be manufactured using solution-based processes, which are less expensive than the high-vacuum methods required for traditional silicon solar cells. While the prospects for mixed perovskite solar cells are undeniably promising, there are concerns about the toxicity of lead, a key component of these cells. Lead is known to have harmful effects on the environment and health. The aim of our work is to reduce or eliminate lead toxicity in the perovskite cell while maintaining its efficiency. Thus, in a theoretical and experimental approach, we obtained following efficiencies of samples: CH3NH3PbI3 (22.49%) CH3NH3Pb0.75Sn0.25I3 (22.72%), CH3NH3Pb0.5Sn0.5I3 (23.00%) CH3NH3Pb0.25Sn0.75I3 (22.61%), CH3NH3SnI3 (22.38%). Doping with 50% tin gives the highest result (23.00%). By replacing a fraction of the lead with tin, the research aims to reduce the environmental footprint of the cells while maintaining their high performance. However, the challenge is to achieve a balance that does not compromise performance while reducing toxicity. .

Numerical Simulation of Varied Buffer Layer of Solar Cells Based on Cigs

Numerical simulation has been used to investigate the effect of different buffer?layer components on the performance of CuInGaSe2?solar cells?with SCAPS-1D?software. The main photovoltaic parameters of simulated devices: open-circuit?voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and conversion efficiency (h),?areanalysed as a function of thickness and temperature in the different buffer layers used. According to numerical simulation the highest conversion?efficiency (23%) of CIGS solar cell is reached for the CdS buffer layer. This?result is validated by experimental results?(20%). At 300 K, when the thickness?of?the buffer layer (CdS, ZnS, ZnSe,?InSe2) increases from 100 nm to 500?nm,?with the other parameters maintained constant, the efficiency decreases. When the temperature increases from 300 K to 400 K,?with the other parameters maintained?constant, both open circuit voltage and conversion efficiency also decrease.?The?effect of dual buffer layers of ZnS/CdS has also been analysed and his efficiency increases?of 3% than a single buffer CdS.

Dimensioning of an Anaerobic Digester for the Treatment of Chicken Manure and for the Production of Biogas: The Case Study of a Chicken Farm in Yaokokoroko (Côte d’Ivoire)

This study allowed us to highlight the level of pollution of a BAYA River water near several poultry farms and the sizing of an anaerobic digester that will be able to treat chicken manure from a poultry farm (BRIN FOUNDATION). To evaluate this pollution, the parameters such as ammonium (NH4+), Phosphate (PO43-), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (DBO5) and Nitrate (NO3-) were determined. For sampling point P1, the concentrations in mg/L of these parameters are (25.00 ± 4.25), (0.40 ± 0.20), (98.00 ± 6.35) and (96.00 ± 5.35), respectively. On the other hand, for sampling point P2, the concentrations in mg/L of these parameters are respectively (33.00 ± 9.05), (0.70 ± 0.12), (123 ± 7.13) and (93 ± 7.10). These values indicate a strong organic pollution of the BAYA River. The determination of the different concentrations of the organic pollution parameters allowed us to evaluate the degradation and the quality of the water of the BAYA River water, by the poultry activity. However, considering the physicochemical properties of the waste (chicken manure), which is the main source of organic pollution, we have considered an energy recovery through the production of biogas. This requires the design, sizing, and implementation of an anaerobic digester in a poultry farm. Therefore, the project would require the construction of an adapted masonry type anaerobic digester with a capacity of 10 m3.