SCAPS-FDTD simulation of 20.1 % efficient Perovskite-SnS tandem solar cell based on alternative charge transport layers and Au-nanoparticles

Abstract

Abstract Perovskite-based tandem solar cells emerged as potential candidates for efficient photovoltaic applications. These devices exhibit high optical absorption properties and tunable direct band-gap. In this work, a novel lead-free Perovskite-SnS Tandem solar cell based on alternative charge transport layers combined with plasmonic-based light management approach is proposed. Accurate numerical investigation is carried out to assess the influence of the charge transport layers of top sub-cell on the optoelectronic properties of the tandem cell. The obtained results reveal the potential of SnO2 and CuO materials as electron and hole transport layers, respectively, demonstrating a good conduction band offset (CBO) and thereby enhanced recombination losses. Furthermore, the role of Gold-nanoparticles in enhancing absorption and light-trapping mechanisms in the bottom SnS-based sub-cell is investigated using FDTD computations. It is found that the optimized tandem cell with Au-NPs exhibits a high power conversion efficiency of 20.1%. Therefore, this work can open up new paths to boost the power conversion of Sn-based Perovskite/SnS Tandem cells for high-performance and eco-friendly photovoltaic applications.