TY - JOUR
T1 - Synthesis and simulation study of titanium dioxide-based nanomaterial for electron carrier selective contact solar cell
AU - Ur Rahman, Rafi
AU - Aslam, Junaid
AU - Khokhar, Muhammad Quddamah
AU - Jony, Jaljalalul Abedin
AU - Aida, Maha Nur
AU - Khan, Alamgeer
AU - Yousuf, Hasnain
AU - Mengmeng, Chu
AU - Hussain, Shahzada Qamar
AU - Park, Sangheon
AU - Yi, Junsin
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024
PY - 2024/11
Y1 - 2024/11
N2 - This research introduces a novel approach to synthesizing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials using the sol–gel method, specifically aimed at enhancing the performance of Silicon Heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. The innovation lies in utilizing Iso-Propanol Alcohol and Titanium Tetra Isopropoxides for synthesis, leveraging TiO2’s wide bandgap and low work function to replace the conventional n-doped amorphous silicon layer. This approach is expected to overcome the limitations of traditional materials and significantly improve electron transport efficiency. Advanced characterization techniques were employed to assess the synthesized TiO2 nanomaterials. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measured the roughness and 3D profile, while UV-V spectrophotometry evaluated the absorption properties. The structure and surface morphology were meticulously analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). These comprehensive analyses ensured a detailed understanding of the nanomaterials’ physical properties. Simulations conducted with the AFORS-HET simulator revealed that TiO2, with a refractive index compatible with a-Si:H(n) and a work function of 4.6 eV, significantly enhances SHJ solar cell performance. The results demonstrated a remarkable 22.57 % improvement in efficiency, achieving an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 716.8 mV, a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 37.71 mA/cm2 and a fill factor (FF) of 83.49 %. These findings underscore the potential of TiO2 nanomaterials to revolutionize SHJ solar cell technology by providing a more efficient and effective electron transport layer. Future research will focus on refining the nanostructure of TiO2 further to enhance its photovoltaic applications, aiming to push the boundaries of current solar cell efficiencies even further. This study marks a significant advancement in the field of photovoltaic materials, presenting a novel and promising solution to improving solar energy conversion.
AB - This research introduces a novel approach to synthesizing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials using the sol–gel method, specifically aimed at enhancing the performance of Silicon Heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. The innovation lies in utilizing Iso-Propanol Alcohol and Titanium Tetra Isopropoxides for synthesis, leveraging TiO2’s wide bandgap and low work function to replace the conventional n-doped amorphous silicon layer. This approach is expected to overcome the limitations of traditional materials and significantly improve electron transport efficiency. Advanced characterization techniques were employed to assess the synthesized TiO2 nanomaterials. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measured the roughness and 3D profile, while UV-V spectrophotometry evaluated the absorption properties. The structure and surface morphology were meticulously analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). These comprehensive analyses ensured a detailed understanding of the nanomaterials’ physical properties. Simulations conducted with the AFORS-HET simulator revealed that TiO2, with a refractive index compatible with a-Si:H(n) and a work function of 4.6 eV, significantly enhances SHJ solar cell performance. The results demonstrated a remarkable 22.57 % improvement in efficiency, achieving an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 716.8 mV, a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 37.71 mA/cm2 and a fill factor (FF) of 83.49 %. These findings underscore the potential of TiO2 nanomaterials to revolutionize SHJ solar cell technology by providing a more efficient and effective electron transport layer. Future research will focus on refining the nanostructure of TiO2 further to enhance its photovoltaic applications, aiming to push the boundaries of current solar cell efficiencies even further. This study marks a significant advancement in the field of photovoltaic materials, presenting a novel and promising solution to improving solar energy conversion.
KW - Computational simulation in solar cells
KW - Electron carrier selectivity
KW - Photovoltaic performance analysis
KW - Sol-gel nanofabrication
KW - Spin-coating techniques
KW - TiO nanomaterial synthesis
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85201780585
U2 - 10.1016/j.inoche.2024.112863
DO - 10.1016/j.inoche.2024.112863
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85201780585
SN - 1387-7003
VL - 169
JO - Inorganic Chemistry Communications
JF - Inorganic Chemistry Communications
M1 - 112863
ER -