Optimized CH3NH3PbI3-XClX based perovskite solar cell with theoretical efficiency exceeding 30%

Organic-inorganic perovskite light absorbers have shown tremendous progress over the last decade. Single junction solar cells with perovskite light absorbers have achieved power conversion efficiencies exceeding 25%. Further optimization of the subsequent thin-films in the perovskite solar cells is essential to attain higher power conversion efficiencies reaching the Shockley-Queisser limit. Herein, we report the preliminary studies on how the subsequent thin-films thickness and properties can be tuned to achieve efficiencies exceeding 30%. We used SCAPS-1D software to optimize the thickness, donor, defect, and acceptor densities of each thin film of the perovskite solar cells. The thickness and defect densities of the CH3NH3PbI3-XClX light absorber had the highest control over power conversion efficiencies. The thickness and acceptor densities of the hole transporting films had the slightest control over power conversion efficiencies. We have also studied the operating temperature-dependent variation in power conversion efficiency and other solar cell parameters. In an attempt to replace the high-cost gold counter electrode, we compared the variation of power conversion efficiency with other possible counter electrodes. Overall, the current approach of utilizing SCAPS-1D software to optimize high-efficiency perovskite solar cells theoretically can be extended to other solar cells and optoelectronic devices.

Automated summary

Organic-inorganic perovskite light absorbers have made significant progress in solar cells, with single junction solar cells achieving power conversion efficiencies exceeding 25%. Further optimization of thin-films in the perovskite solar cells can lead to efficiencies exceeding 30%. The study explores the impact of thin-film thickness and properties on power conversion efficiencies and investigates temperature-dependent variation in efficiency and other parameters. The use of SCAPS-1D software for optimization can be extended to other solar cells and optoelectronic devices.