Exploring the optimal design space of transparent perovskite solar cells for four-terminal tandem applications through Pareto front optimization

Abstract

Machine learning algorithms can enhance the design and experimental processing of solar cells, resulting in increased conversion efficiency. In this study, we introduce a novel machine learning-based methodology for optimizing the Pareto front of four-terminal (4T) perovskite-copper indium selenide (CIS) tandem solar cells (TSCs). By training a neural network using the Bayesian regularization-backpropagation algorithm via Hammersley sampling, we achieve high prediction accuracy when testing with unseen data through random sampling. This surrogate model not only reduces computational costs but also potentially enhances device performance, increasing from 29.4% to 30.4% while simultaneously reducing material costs for fabrication by 50%. Comparing experimentally fabricated cells with the predicted optimal cells, the latter show a thinner front contact electrode, charge-carrier transport layer, and back contact electrode. Highly efficient perovskite cells identified from the Pareto front have a perovskite layer thickness ranging from 420 to 580 nm. Further analysis reveals the front contact electrode needs to be thin, while the back contact electrode can have a thickness ranging from 100 to 145 nm and still achieve high efficiency. The charge-carrier transport layers play a crucial role in minimizing interface recombination and ensuring unidirectional current flow. The optimal design space suggests thinner electron and hole transport layer thicknesses of 7 nm, down from 23 to 10 nm, respectively. It indicates a balanced charge-carrier extraction is crucial for an optimized perovskite cell. Overall, the presented methodology and optimized design parameters have the potential to enhance the performance of 4T perovskite/CIS TSC while reducing material fabrication costs.