Current status of Pb-free PSCs and infer the highest achievable PCE via numerical modeling, and optimization of novel structure FAMASnGeI₃ based PSCs

Abstract

In this study, we have extensively investigated an eco-friendly perovskite-based solar cell via a theoretical approach and numerical simulation. For that purpose, firstly, we have conducted a brief literature review to decipher the current status of Pb-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The literature review reflects that the research on Pb-free PSCs is going on with immense interest. By acquiring inspiration from the literature review, we have designed a Pb-free hybrid PSC with a structure of FTO/CdS/FAMASnGeI3/NiO/Ag utilizing SCAPS-1D software. The structure has been optimized by fine-tuning the thickness, and defect density of the light absorbing layer and the thickness, donor density, and band gap of ETL. The optimized structure of Pb-free perovskite material displays promising results with PCE of 30.05 %, Voc of 0.964 V, fill factor of 82.35% and current density of 27.77 mA/cm2. In addition, we have also found that the temperature and light intensity play a crucial role in the performance of the proposed PSC. We have found quantum efficiency as high as 98% for 360 nm thickness of the perovskite absorber layer. Finally, from the dark J–V analysis, lower current density (6.73 × 10−8 mA cm−2), less series resistance (2.8× 10−5 Ωcm2) as well as high shunt resistance (11412.67 Ωcm2) were witnessed, which is expectable for a promising solar cell. Our inclusive exploration unveiled the fact that the suggested novel architecture (FTO/CdS/FAMASnGeI3/NiO/Ag) can be considered an exceptional design for PSCs with greater efficiency and practical suitability.