Observation on structural and optical features of new nanostructured lead-free methylammonium zinc or cobalt iodide perovskites for solar cells applications

• Published in: SN applied sciences 2023-12, Vol.5 (12), p.335-11, Article 335
• Main Authors: Zeenelabden, Hager H., Elseman, Ahmed Mourtada, El-Aasser, Mostafa A., Gad, Nasr, Rashad, Mohamed M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied and Technical Physics; Ball milling; Chemistry/Food Science; Cobalt; Comparative studies; Crystals; Earth Sciences; Efficiency; Electron transport; Energy conversion efficiency; Energy gap; Engineering; Environment; Fabrication; Halide perovskite; Infrared spectroscopy; Iodides; Lead free; Materials Science; Microscopy; Nanocrystals; Optical properties; Optoelectronic devices; Perovskites; Photoluminescence; Photons; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaics; Raman spectroscopy; Solar cells; Toxicity; X-ray diffraction; Zinc; Zinc compounds
• ISSN: 2523-3963; 2523-3971
• DOI: 10.1007/s42452-023-05562-x

The toxicity of lead-based halide perovskites has become a significant drawback to be employed in optoelectronic devices. Therefore, developing other environmentally friendly candidates with tunable optoelectronic properties for highly efficient solar cells is indispensable. Lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising to have a crucial role in large-scale commercial non-toxic photovoltaic devices. Here, the microstructure and optoelectronic properties of 2D halide perovskites without pb (CH 3 NH 3 ) 2 BI 4 (where B = Zn or Co) have been investigated for use in solar cells. The synthesized samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR, FESEM, and TEM. The variation in the optical and photoluminescence (PL) is recognized. The results indicate that (CH 3 NH 3 ) 2 ZnI 4 and (CH 3 NH 3 ) 2 CoI 4 crystals demonstrate a wide band gap of about 2.42 and 1.87 eV, respectively. A comparative study is presented for the optical properties of Zn- versus Co-based perovskites. It is noticed that Co is a better candidate than Zn to be a good replacement choice for Pb as Co-containing compounds have lower optical bandgap than Zn-containing compounds. PCBM is employed as a hole transport material, and PEDOT:PSS as an electron transport layer. The p-i-n PSCs are fabricated, and the electrical parameters are measured, obtaining power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 0.73 and 2.45% for (CH 3 NH 3 ) 2 ZnI 4 and (CH 3 NH 3 ) 2 CoI 4 , respectively. This work opens the door for further investigations to increase the PCE of both devices. Article Highlights A facile approach using a ball milling route for lead-free Co- and Zn-based perovskites shows lower optical bandgap. Fabrication lead-free (CH 3 NH 3 ) 2 CoI 4 solar cells based on p-i-n configuration yields higher PCE (2.45%) in PSCs. Promising for non-toxic, high-efficiency lead-free solar cells.