Numerical simulation for a suitable electron transport layer of a lead-free CuInSe2 based perovskite solar cell and PV module

Abstract

The high expense of solar cell manufacture and experimentation has led researchers to use numerical simulation. The advantages of simulation-based optimization include the simplicity of use, low cost, and the ability to forecast the ideal parameters that go into producing a cell with the optimum performance. The efficiency of perovskite materials used in solar systems has increased significantly, and they are virtually ready for commercialization. Academics and the scientific community are now interested in lead-free perovskite materials because of the toxic problem and hazardous nature of lead (Pb)-based perovskite materials. In this research, Pb is replaced by copper indium diselinide (CuInSe₂). This study simulated, examined, and analyzed the performance of photovoltaic (PV) CuInSe₂-based TFSCs with three different electron transport layers: indium sulfide (In₂S₃), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and stannic oxide (SnO₂). SCAPS-1D software was used to model (FTO/TiO₂/CuInSe₂/Spiro-OMeTAD/Ni), (FTO/SnO₂/CuInSe₂/Spiro-OMeTAD/Ni), and (FTO/In₂S₃/CuInSe₂/Spiro-OMeTAD/Ni) configurations to determine which one has the highest conversion efficiency. All three electron transport layer (ETL) thicknesses, with absorber and hole-transport (HTL) layer thicknesses, were optimized. Results indicate that, the absorber layer for SnO₂ and In₂S₃ layers must be 3.00 µm thick, and for the TiO₂ layer it must be 4.00 µm thick. Efficiency of 26.17 % is revealed with SnO₂, whereas J_sc, V_oc, and FF, are observed as 43.15 mA/cm², 0.723 V, and 83.80 %, respectively. While with In₂S₃, efficiency is revealed as 26.15 %, with J_sc, V_oc, and FF are observed as 43.17 mA/cm², 0.723 V, and 83.68 % respectively. Efficiency of 26.65 % is revealed by TiO₂ with current density (J_sc), open circuit voltage (V_oc), and fill factor (FF), which are shown as 43.53 mA/cm², 0.728 V, and 83.68 %, respectively which was carefully calculated. The device shows highest performance with TiO₂ ETL. The maximum extent for J_sc, V_oc, FF%, and PCE% during optimal investigation is shown by the generation of supplemental electron-hole pairs under standard conditions by altering the thicknesses of the absorber, hole, and electron transport layers. Parasitic resistances effect on the cell performance indicate that solar cells work effectively with low R_s and high R_sh values. The temperature effect on solar cells shows that as temperature rises, cell performance declines due to increased reverse saturation current and reduced bandgap. Quantum efficiency analysis of three ETL layers found that TiO₂ and SnO₂ efficiency increased rapidly between 300–400 nm, while In₂S₃ peaked at 300 nm and then declined. Simulation results from SCAPS-1D were used to configure PVsyst software for a solar module with 72 cells (2.2 ×1.1 m). Module performance and output power were evaluated based on temperature and sun irradiation variations using input from the solar capacitance simulator. The potential of CuInSe₂ as a perovskite material to produce toxicity-free renewable energy is demonstrated by this study.