Enhancing photoconversion efficiency by optimization of electron/hole transport interlayers in antimony sulfide solar cell using SCAPS-1D simulation

Abstract

Enhancing photoconversion efficiency in a solar cell with the composition “glass/Mo/CUSbS₃/ Sb₂S₃/CdS/i:ZnO/AL:ZnO” by varying the thickness of the absorption layer (Sb₂S₃) and adding a secondary absorption layer was performed. The thickness of the original absorption layer (Sb₂S₃) was gradually increased from (1 µm) to (3.5 µm). The best efficiency (23.14%) and filling factor (87.52%) were achieved with an absorption layer thickness of 3.5µm. This indicates that a thicker absorption layer can enhance efficiency. A secondary absorption layer was introduced between the original absorption layer and the reflection layer. Several materials were considered for this secondary absorption layer, including MAPbI₃, Sb₂Se₃, CZTS, and CZTSe. The best-performing secondary absorption layer was found to be Sb₂Se₃. The solar cell structure, after combining it with the best reflection layer (CUSbS₃) and the optimized thickness for the original absorption layer (3.5 µm), was established as  “glass/Mo/CUSbS₃/Sb₂Se₃/Sb₂S₃/CdS/i:ZnO/Al:ZnO”. The optimized solar cell configuration yielded the best conversion efficiency (27.01%) and a high filling factor (85.12%). These results highlight the significance of layer thickness and the addition of secondary absorption layers in enhancing the solar cell efficiency. The final configuration demonstrates substantial improvements in efficiency and suggests that thoughtful design and material choices can lead to more efficient photovoltaic devices.