Comprehensive optimization of lead-free Cs2SnI6 perovskite solar cells using CBTS as a hole transport layer to achieve higher power conversion efficiency

Considering that first-generation solar cells cannot meet future energy needs, a viable option would be to deploy fourth-generation perovskite-based solar cells. The tremendous popularity of these gadgets is owing to their extraordinary energy conversion capacity and their low pricing. This research analyses and improves a photovoltaic cell utilizing lead-free Cs 2 SnI 6 as the absorption material, positioned between a hole transport layer (HTL) of Copper Barium Tin Sulphide (Cu 2 BaSnS 4 ) CBTS and an electron transport layer (ETL) of ZnO. This work intends to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) using the SCAPS-1D simulation programme. Based on the proposed cell arrangement, namely FTO/ZnO/Cs 2 SnI 6 /CBTS/Au, and following the adjustment of the material parameters, we obtained the following results: a PCE of 25.49%, an open-circuit voltage ( 𝑉 𝑜 ⁢ 𝑐 ) of 1.17 V, a fill factor (FF) of 78.61%, and a short-circuit current density ( 𝐽 𝑠 ⁢ 𝑐 ) of 27.26 mA/cm 2 . These observations imply that the adoption of lead-free Cs 2 SnI 6 perovskite as an active material might help make the future generation of solar panels more sustainable and ecologically friendly.