Photovoltaic thin-film devices made with Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS). 2 has turned into a more affordable photovoltaic option compared to crystalline silicon wafer solar cells. Nevertheless, their efficiency levels fall short when measured against commercially available alternatives. Additionally, these technologies often incorporate rare and hazardous materials.
Hence, various semiconductors such as copper oxide are included. 2 MSnS 4 (M = Co, Mn, Fe, Mg) from group I 2 -II-IV-VI 4 are attracting interest because of their non-toxic composition, widespread availability, and excellent photovoltaic characteristics. Nonetheless, improper energy band alignment with the toxic cadmium sulfide (CdS) buffer limits their practical power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) to below 5%. The most promising approach to enhance their PCE involves investigating alternate buffers.
Titanium sulfide (TiS 2 It is a two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductor known for its superior buffering characteristics. The material features exposed dangling bonds along with weak van der Waals forces, which help achieve appropriate band alignment with the absorber layer.
In our work published in Advanced Theory and Simulations We suggest, for the first time, TiSRGBO 2 as another buffering option for various developing Cu 2 MSnS 4 (M = Co, Mn, Fe, Mg) solar cells were examined utilizing SCAPS-1D simulation software. Their effectiveness and appropriateness were illustrated through comparisons of their characteristics against those of conventional CdS-based devices.
The varied upcoming solar cells featuring titanium disulfide (TiS2) 2 The buffer demonstrated better performance compared to CdS. It clearly outperformed CdS-based emerging solar cells by factors of 1.36, 1.76, 1.23, and 1.15, achieving remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 27.02%, 27.04%, 30.04%, and 30.26%. 2 MSnS 4 (Co, Mn, Fe, Mg) respectively.
To attain these impressive outcomes, we optimized the buffer and absorber layer properties, including carrier concentration, thickness, and defect density. These encouraging findings establish a new standard in the realm of photovoltaics.
An additional crucial point is that we uncovered the inherent properties of TiS 2 The buffer was compared with CdS, and the results were significant—TiS showed notable differences. 2 The buffer decreased the electron barrier at the TiS2 interface. 2 /Cu 2 MSnS 4 (M = Co, Mn, Fe, Mg) surfaces.
Furthermore, the observations included substantially reduced capacitance, notably decreased open-circuit voltage losses, increased inherent potential, and enhanced resistance to recombination in the TiS2 material. 2 Solar cells relative to CdS were shown in these remarkable findings to demonstrate the significant promise held by TiS. 2 In improving the efficiency of various upcoming types of solar cells.
To conclude, our study thoroughly emphasizes the exceptional characteristics and importance of TiSesubstance. 2 As a superior substitute buffer for various upcoming solar cell technologies, it likewise provides detailed instructions for fabricating Cu2Te. 2 MSnS 4 (M = Co, Mn, Fe, Mg) solar cells featuring high power conversion efficiency (PCE). We firmly believe that these findings will be advantageous for the developing photovoltaic sector.
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More information: Kaviya Tracy Arockiadoss et al., An Alternative to CdS Using Titanium Selenide 2 Buffer: Toward High‐Performing Cu 2 MSnS 4 (M = Co, Mn, Fe, Mg) Solar Panels, Advanced Theory and Simulations (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adts.202400769
Dr. Latha Marasamy serves as a Research Professor within the Chemistry Department at UAQ, leading an energetic group comprising both domestic and international scholars. Her primary objective revolves around advancing renewable energy sources, specifically focusing on second and third-generation solar technologies like those utilizing CdTe, CIGS, cutting-edge chalcogenide perovskites, non-toxic perovskite variants, and hybrid configurations. The research encompasses a broad spectrum of substances including CdTe, CIGSe, CZTS, CdS, Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), graphitic carbon nitride, various chalcogenide perovskites, metal oxides, MXene compounds, ferrites, plasmonic metal nitrides, along with borides aimed towards enhancing solar panel efficiency. Furthermore, Dr. Marasamy explores how new material characteristics impact overall solar cell effectiveness using Density Functional Theory (DFT) alongside SCAPS-1D simulation techniques.
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