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Numerical Analysis of Pb‐Free Perovskite Absorber Materials: Prospects and Challenges
Author(s) -
Walkons Curtis,
Murshed Rubaiya,
Bansal Shubhra
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
solar rrl
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.544
H-Index - 37
ISSN - 2367-198X
DOI - 10.1002/solr.202000299
Subject(s) - perovskite (structure) , energy conversion efficiency , absorption (acoustics) , quantum efficiency , materials science , halide , optoelectronics , current density , attenuation coefficient , photovoltaic system , voltage , chemistry , optics , inorganic chemistry , physics , composite material , electrical engineering , crystallography , engineering , quantum mechanics
Optoelectronic properties of organic–inorganic halide perovskites are exceptional with solar cells showing efficiency comparable with conventional photovoltaic technologies. However, with issues of material stability and toxicity of Pb, it is important to understand if Pb can be replaced while maintaining the high power conversion efficiencies of (FA,MA,Cs)Pb(I,Br) 3 . Herein, practical efficiency limits of Pb and Pb‐free perovskite absorbers are analyzed using a 1D simulator for n‐i‐p or p‐i‐n device structures. SCAPS‐1D baseline models for perovskite absorber materials with and without Pb are developed to numerically reproduce the experimental current density–voltage ( JV ) and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of champion devices from literature. From these baseline models, the efficiency limits are determined based on optimizing the interface band alignments, reduction in midgap defect density, increased absorption coefficient, and no parasitic losses. SCAPS‐1D simulations suggest that 1) theoretically determined efficiency limit of Cs 2 PtI 6 perovskites is comparable with (FA,MA,Cs)Pb(I,Br) 3 perovskites, 2) FA 4 GeSbCl 12 is a promising photoabsorber; and 3) for efficient photoconversion with Sn‐, Ge‐, Ti‐, or Ag‐based compounds, a reduction of defect density and increase in absorption coefficient is needed.