Comprehensive Analysis for Low-cost and Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells Using SCAPS-1D with Inexpensive Hole Transport Material, Electron Transport Material and Back Contact Considering the Toxicity

Perovskite solar cells are gaining popularity day by day due to the continuous effort of solar scientists. However, there are several barriers to the commercialization of this solar cell. Various materials can be used to achieve higher efficiency of perovskite solar cell design. Some of these materials may also contain lead (Pb), which harms human life and the environment. Another crucial hindrance for perovskite solar cells is the cost regarding hole transport material (HTM), electron transport material (ETM), and back contact; most of the common HTM, ETM, and back contact materials are expensive. In this study, we have chosen inexpensive HTM, ETM, and back contact to determine highly efficient and less expensive cell structures. Eleven non-toxic and three Pb-based absorber materials have been simulated using SCAPS-1D simulator where ETM (ZnO) and HTM (PEDOT: PSS+WO3) are constant to determine the best absorber material. Later the effect of thickness, temperature, back and front contact, electron affinity, defect density, and series resistance are also considered. After simulation and optimization, it is found that Ni is the least expensive back contact material for providing optimal efficiency, MAPbI3 is the best Pb-based absorber material with open circuit voltage (Voc) =1.10V, short circuit current (Jsc) =28.47 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) =86.42%, power conversion efficiency (eta(%)) =27.10%. In contrast, the best non-toxic material is MASnI3 with Voc =0.97V, Jsc =34.89mA/cm2, FF =82.51% and eta (%) =27.98%.