Inherent internal p-n junction assisted single layered n-type iron pyrite solar cell

Abstract

The high absorption coefficient and low cost with plentiful availability make the material iron pyrite (FeS2) promising for solar cell applications. However, their efficiency in the literature is still around 2.8% due to their low VOC. The presence of an acceptor-type surface inversion layer (SIL) with a significant band gap (0.56 eV–0.72 eV) is the main cause of this low performance. A detailed study considering these two parameters is not available in the literature to relate device performance to underlying phenomena. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the band gap and doping variation of SIL was performed in this article to explore the efficiency potential of FeS2 solar cells. The results showed that SIL with a low bandgap is highly undesirable, and it is recommended to fabricate SIL with a higher band gap of 0.72 eV and a doping of 1019 cm-3 in the laboratory to achieve a conversion efficiency of 5.36%. It was also confirmed that FeS2-based solar cells without a SIL layer have the potential to deliver 10.3% conversion efficiency. The results reported in this study will pave the way for underestimating the workings of iron pyrite solar cells and developing highly efficient FeS2 solar cells.

Characterization of FeS2 pyrite microcrystals synthesized in different flux media

“…8 However, the solar energy conversion efficiencies of FeS 2based devices have never exceeded 3%. 4,9 These low efficiencies are caused by low V OC values in pyrite devices, attributed to the formation of a very thin p-type surface inversion layer on n-type pyrite crystals, which forms a leaky internal junction. 10,11 This phenomenon is more noticeable in thin films where the surface-to-bulk ratio is higher than in single crystals.…”

“…1–3 These properties and the abundance of inexpensive, nontoxic constituent elements make pyrite a desirable solar energy absorber material for large-scale energy production. 4,5 It has been compared that a pyrite solar cell with only 4% efficiency could produce electricity for the same price as a 19% efficient silicon solar cell. 6 Pyrite absorbers have also been considered for extraterrestrial solar applications because of their low energy input for extraction and production, making them a great candidate for power production in the lunar base concept 7 and for the approach of space-based solar power satellites manufactured on the Moon.…”

Comparative study of distinct halide composites for highly efficient perovskite solar cells using a SCAPS-1D simulator

“…27 These PSCs have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, such as high efficiency and stability but poor performance, high stability but not eco-friendly, and so on. [28][29][30][31][32][33][34] These issues can be addressed through improved engineered devices, encapsulation, and the use of 2D perovskites. Milot et al veried that FASnI 3 had higher carrier mobility, lower auger recombination rate constants, and a more substantial radiative rate of recombination constant that is comparable to GaAs.…”

Exploring the Potential of MXene Contacts on Wide‐Bandgap Dion–Jacobson Perovskite Solar Cell: A Numerical Study

“…Various materials like tin sulphide, copper zinc tin sulfide selenide, perovskite, copper indium gallium diselenide, iron disulfide, tin oxide, and silicon have been utilized to make the solar cell. [1][2][3][4][5] The meticulous absorber material selection is pivotal for accomplishing higher solar cell efficiency. [6][7][8][9] Third-generation perovskite material has recently garnered significant attention as a promising material for advancing solar cell technology.…”