Perovskite solar cell: New co-dopants identified can create better performing and more stable solar cells

Source: The post is based on the article “New co-dopants identified can create better performing and more stable solar cells” published in PIB on 12th July 2022.

What is the News?

Scientists have identified co-dopants that can increase the photovoltaic performance of transparent metal oxides such as ZnO, In2O3 and SnO2 thereby creating the potential for more efficient, better performing and more stable solar cells.

Background

Silicon is the most common semiconductor material used in solar cells. However, now efforts are being made around the world to develop cost-effective options.  

Perovskites have emerged as a leading candidate for eventually replacing silicon as the material of choice for solar panels.

What is a Perovskite solar cell?

A perovskite solar cell consists of a perovskite layer as the light absorber, sandwiched between the electron transport layer (ETL) coated with transparent conducting glass and hole transport layer (HTL) coated with a metal back contact electrode.

They represent the most exciting approach to build solar cells that are inexpensive and highly efficient.

What is the study about?

Scientists have identified co-dopants that can increase the photovoltaic performance of transparent metal oxides such as ZnO, In2O3 and SnO2 thereby creating the potential for more efficient, better performing and more stable solar cells.

For instance, when aluminium (Al) and lanthanum (La) metals were used as suitable dopants in Tin oxide(SnO2), they amplified the photovoltaic performance, reproducibility and stability of the solar cell significantly.

Note: Doping is the practice of introducing very small amounts of certain foreign atoms into the crystal lattice of a semiconductor to modify its electrical properties. These foreign atoms are referred to as dopants.