Numerical modelling of the effect of MAPI₃ thin film on ITO/TiO₂/MEH-PPV/Au solar cell

Considering the temporary ecological challenges confronting our global milieu, the imperative to transition towards sustainable and conscientious methodologies looms as an unequivocal necessity. As purveyors of scientific inquiry our mandate is to meticulously explore a plethora of alternatives, liberating ourselves from the shackles of deleterious energy sources. We are investigating the value of semiconducting polymer-based solar cells in this work from a material science perspective because they are quite affordable to synthesize and have demonstrated some encouraging results, due to its notable benefits in photovoltaic (PV) applications, such as its high absorption coefficients, excellent charge carrier mobility, and favorable blend morphology with acceptor materials, which all contribute to improved device performance. We are using poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) in this study. In order to investigate the impact of the Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite (MAPI3) thin film on the performance of the ITO/TiO2/MEH-PPV/Au solar cell, a numerical simulation was carried out using SCAPS-1D. Open circuit voltage (Voc), density of short circuit (Jsc), fill factor (FF), efficiency (η), and other solar cell metrics were measured and analyzed, with special emphasis to device inputs and the ensuing improvements. The performance of the MEH-PPV/TiO2 solar cell has been enhanced by the addition of MAPI3, resulting in a noteworthy 14% efficiency boost. These modelling results can be very useful for a better understanding and control of this type of solar cells.