Computer simulation and performance analysis of metal–semiconductor–metal back-contact perovskite solar cells

Metal–semiconductor–metal back-contact perovskite solar cells (MSM BC PSCs) with interdigitated metallic electrodes show promise due to their simple structure. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of experimentally obtained MSM BC PSCs is rather moderate. This could be attributed to suboptimal geometric dimensions of electrodes and the poor quality of the perovskite layers in reported devices. In this study, computer simulation methods are employed to investigate the influence of electrode and perovskite layer geometric and electronic parameters on the performance of MSM BC PSCs. The goal is to determine the optimum conditions for achieving high PCE. The findings reveal that the PCE of devices improves as the dimensions of electrodes become smaller. However, significant improvements in PCE are observed when the charge carrier diffusion lengths in the perovskite layer become longer and the work function difference between the electrodes becomes larger. The prediction based on optimal electrode and perovskite layer geometric and electronic parameters suggests that a PCE of around 26% can be achieved with MSM BC PSCs. Findings of this work unveils the hidden potential of MSM BC PSCs and can serve as a theoretical guide to optimize the structure and performance of experimental devices.

Graphical abstract