Simulation of perovskite solar cell employing ZnO as electron transport layer (ETL) for improved efficiency

Solar energy is quite a reliable and popular source of energy and the recent development in this field has provided a boost for further technological development. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) research is increasing rapidly due to the fast improvement in their power conversion efficiencies (PCE), easy synthesis as it can be made of common metals, high open-circuit voltage, and cheapness. The presented model is also validated by comparing the obtained values to the existing paper. In this new structure, power conversion efficiency (PCE) is increased from 11.73% to 16.43%. For this purpose, we have used different layers like ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), ZnO (Zinc Oxide) as an electron transporting layer (ETL), CH3NH3PbI3 (Perovskite layer), poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as a Hole transporting layer (HTL) and Gold (Au) as a back contact. We have studied the impact of several factors that may affect the performance and efficiency of solar cells. We have increased efficiency by using ZnO as our Electron transport layer (ETL). The Silvaco Atlas program was used for simulation purposes. Through the device simulation we were able to calculate Current Density (Jsc), Open Circuit Voltage (Voc), Short Circuit Current, Fill Factor and Power. This work will also guide others to further work on the efficiency increment of perovskite solar cells and will also help in the enhancement of efficiencies of low-cost perovskite solar cells. (c) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Innovative Manufacturing, Mechatronics & Materials Forum 2020.