Improved efficiency of silver incorporation in the lattice of zirconium oxide via hydrothermal process for photovoltaic application

Abstract

Silver-zirconium oxide (AgZr₂O₄) is a promising photovoltaic material because of its 2.8 eV bandgap, high electron mobility, and light stability. Previous research on metal oxide-doped Zr₂O₄ thin films and nanoparticles is extensive, but its nanostructured form on conductive surfaces has received little attention. The hydrothermal method has been used to synthesize the material. The material reveals a deceased in the VOC from 0.53 V to 0.41 V upon silver substitution within the Zr₂O₄ lattice. The Jsc values obtain increase from 10.93 to 18.72 mAcm⁻². Adding silver (Ag) to the Zr₂O₄ lattice reduces its bandgap energy, enabling it to absorb a wider range of light, especially more visible light. FF values obtain increases from 68.8 to 72.6 %. A rise in FF shows improved conversion of input energy to useable power. PCE values obtain increased from 5.2 to 7.5 % with silver on Zr₂O₄. The high conductivity of silver enhances charge transport within the device, resulting in improved efficiency. Bandgap energy drops from around 2.8 eV (Zr₂O₄) to 2.6–2.2 eV (AgZr₂O₄) with silver substitution. Reducing the band gap increases light absorption; however, this also increases charge carrier recombination, decreasing the open-circuit voltage.