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Computational insights into wide bandgap lead free perovskite solar cells for silicon based tandem configurations

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The quest for high-efficiency solar cells has led to significant research into lead-free perovskite materials, particularly tin-based perovskites. This study investigates the photovoltaic properties of various compositions of FASn(I 1 − x Br x ) 3 perovskites for potential application in solar cells. Computational simulations explore the influence of absorber layer thickness and bulk defect density on the performance of lead-free single-junction perovskite solar cells. Additionally, a two-terminal monolithic tandem solar cell configuration comprising FASn(I 0.75 Br 0.25 ) 3 for the top cell and silicon for the bottom cell is proposed and analyzed. The proposed tandem device, with a 1.66 eV perovskite top cell and a 1.12 eV c-Si-based heterojunction, achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 33.39%, an open circuit voltage (V OC ) of 2.04 V, a short-circuit current density (J SC ) of 21.14 mA/cm 2 , and a fill factor (FF) of 77.26%. For comparison, the perovskite top cell alone achieved a V OC of 1.36 V, J SC of 20.44 mA/cm 2 , FF of 75.51%, and PCE of 21.07%. The bottom cell under AM 1.5G illumination exhibited a V OC of 0.68 V, J SC of 40.36 mA/cm 2 , FF of 80.18%, and PCE of 22.05%. Under a filtered spectrum, the bottom cell produced a V OC of 0.67 V, J SC of 30.46 mA/cm 2 , FF of 79.13%, and PCE of 16.33%. This performance comparison highlights the enhanced efficiency, voltage, and overall stability provided by the tandem structure over individual cells. This examination encompassed the variation of absorber layer thickness, J-V curves under illumination, quantum efficiency, energy band diagrams, filtered spectra, and tandem photovoltaic parameters governing the conversion efficiency. The study demonstrates the potential of lead-free perovskite/silicon tandem devices, showcasing their promise for the future development of high-efficiency and stable solar cells.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-04637-6