Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT The growing demand for efficient, scalable, and lightweight photovoltaic (PV) technologies has intensified interest in WS 2 and MoS 2 ‐based devices. Despite notable advances, achieving simultaneously high performance and long‐term operational stability remains a key barrier to broader adoption. Here, we address this challenge by fabricating p–n heterojunction solar cells through a single‐step chemical vapor deposition process that directly deposits WS 2 , MoS 2 , and their alloy MoWS 2 onto p‐type silicon substrates. The MoWS 2 alloy exhibits a reduced bandgap and enhanced optoelectronic properties, which translate into substantially improved PV output and device robustness. The MoWS 2 ‐based solar cell achieves a power conversion efficiency of 5.8%, outperforming the WS 2 and MoS 2 counterparts, which reach 1.12% and 3.6%, respectively. In addition, MoWS 2 displays markedly enhanced light‐harvesting capability, with an external quantum efficiency of 80%, compared to 30% for WS 2 and 50% for MoS 2 . Stability assessments further demonstrate that MoWS 2 retains its performance over a 30‐day test period, confirming its superior long‐term durability. By establishing the viability of MoWS 2 as a high‐potential photoactive material for lightweight PVs, this work sets the stage for future research and paves the way toward practical implementation of alloy‐engineered 2D semiconductor solar technologies.
Source: Advanced Sustainable Systems
Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Matériaux, de Microélectronique et des Nanosciences de Provence, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Technology Innovation Institute, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Smart Cities, University of Birmingham
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7119530290