Tuning of Structural and Magnetic Properties of SrSnO₃ Nanorods in Fabrication of Blocking Layers for Enhanced Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Perovskite-based SrSnO 3 nanostructures doped with indium are prepared via a facile chemical precipitation method. Prepared nanostructures are used to assemble the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and their photovoltaic response and electrochemical impedance spectra are measured. The synthesized samples are subjected to structural, morphological, optical, and magnetic properties. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the single-phase orthorhombic (Pbnm) perovskite structure. Local structural and phonon mode variations are examined by Raman spectra. Electron micrographs disclose the nanorods. The elements (Sr, Sn, O, and In) and the existence of oxygen vacancies are identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Surface area analysis demonstrates the higher surface area (11.8 m 2 /g) for SrSnO 3 nanostructures. Optical absorption spectra confirm the good optical behavior in the ultraviolet region. The multicolor emission affirms the presence of defects/vacancies present in the synthesized samples. The appearance of interesting ferromagnetic behavior in the prepared samples is due to the presence of F-center exchange interactions. Under the irradiation (1000 W/m 2 ) of simulated sunlight, the DSSC fabricated by 3% In-doped SrSnO 3 exhibits the highest η of 5.68%. Hence, the blocking layers prepared with pure and indium-doped samples could be the potential candidates for DSSC applications.

First-principles prediction of half metallic-ferromagnetism in La0.25Sr0.75Sn0.4In0.25Ru0.35O3 and enhanced experimental electrical and magnetic behaviours

“…6(c). Remarkably, the band gap showed a significant decrease with La, In, and Ru doping compared to pure SrSnO 3 , which had a band gap of 4.1 eV, 10 Sr(Ru, Sn)O 3 with 0.4 eV, 20 Sr(In, Sn)O 3 with 3.8 eV 58 and (La, Sr)SnO 3 with 3.97 eV. 7…”

“…6(c). Remarkably, the band gap showed a significant decrease with La, In, and Ru doping compared to pure SrSnO 3 , which had a band gap of 4.1 eV, 10 Sr(Ru, Sn)O 3 with 0.4 eV, 20 Sr(In, Sn)O 3 with 3.8 eV 58 and (La, Sr)SnO 3 with 3.97 eV. 7 It is noteworthy that this band gap is smaller than those of CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 (2.26 eV) and CH 3 NH 3 PbCl 3 (3 eV), but of the same order as that of CH 3 NH 3 BiSeI 2 , MASnI 3 , and CsSnI 3 .…”

Structural, microstructure, dielectric relaxation, and AC conduction studies of perovskite SrSnO3 and Ruddlesden–Popper oxide Sr2SnO4

“…The presence of a band at 684 cm À1 was linked to SnO 3 2À , while the band that appeared around 451 cm À1 was related to the vibration of Sr-O. 8,38,39 The asymmetric stretching vibration at 1467 cm À1 for SSO and at 1448 cm À1 for S2SO was linked to the -CO 3 adsorbed on the surface of the samples. Further, the FTIR spectrum of S2SO exhibited four distinctive peaks at 413, 629, 711, and 1448 cm À1 .…”

Improving the Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells by Refining the Perovskite-Electron Transport Layer Interface and Shielding the Absorber from UV Effects

“…SrSnO 3 is characterized by its chemical stability, electrical conductivity, wide band gap energy, and effective ability to absorb UV radiation. These properties enhance their ability to protect PSCs from environmental elements and UV radiation. − In addition, doping SrSnO 3 into the ETL builds upon its electronic capabilities . This may enhance the energy level and improve the alignment, leading to higher efficiency in injecting electrons from the perovskite layer to the external circuit. − SrO in PSCs serves to mitigate defects at the interface between the perovskite and electron transport layers, decreasing charge recombination and enhancing electron transfer.…”

“… 34 − 36 In addition, doping SrSnO 3 into the ETL builds upon its electronic capabilities. 37 This may enhance the energy level and improve the alignment, leading to higher efficiency in injecting electrons from the perovskite layer to the external circuit. 38 − 40 SrO in PSCs serves to mitigate defects at the interface between the perovskite and electron transport layers, decreasing charge recombination and enhancing electron transfer.…”