Low-Cost ZnO/Perovskite Solar Cells, Fabrication, Simulation, and Performance Optimization
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Keywords:
PSC, ZnO, Low-Cost Fabrication, SCAPS-1D Simulation, Thermal StabilityAbstract
This study describes an in depth study into fabrication and simulation of low cost ZnO/
perovskite (PSC) solar cells using SCAPS-1D. The interest is in making material selection, structural
parameters, and deposition techniques to improve photovoltaic performance without raising the price.
Employing ZnO as the electron transport layer was driven by the high electron mobility, optical
transparency, and ability to use low temperature methods such as spin-coating. This approach is applied
for the deposition of ZnO seed layer that encourages uniform nanorod growth, followed by the solution
based deposition of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) perovskite films. ITO, NiO, CH₃NH₃PbI₃,
ZnO layers were used to construct a ZnO-based perovskite solar cells device structure. The influence of
active layer thickness and acceptor density was analysed in a systematic manner. Results indicated
NiOlayer thicknesses ranged between 2–3 μm and optimal doping levels producing optimum performance
with JSC of ~18.70 mA/cm² and efficiency up to 17.15%. Conversely, excessive thickness increased
resistance and recombination. The perovskite layer demonstrated high sensitivity to doping, with PCE
dropping from24.35% to 22.47% as acceptor density decreased. In contrast, ZnO layer modifications had
minimal impact, showing efficiency stability around 17.19–17.20%. Thermal effects were also evaluated;
as temperature rose from 300 K to 350 K, Voc declined from 1.10 V to 1.02 V and efficiency dropped to
15.3%, confirming the importance of thermal stability. External quantum efficiency (EQE) peaked at
90%near 400 nm, affirming strong visible light absorption. Overall, this work highlights ZnO-perovskite
hybrid structures as a promising, scalable, and eco-friendly alternative for next- generation photovoltaics,
offering a balance between cost, process simplicity, and performance.
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