Design and development of AZO-doped perovskite material-based solar cell for efficient harnessing of solar spectrum

Lead-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) typically initiate photogeneration at wavelengths around 800 nm, resulting in substantial spectral energy loss in the near-infrared (NIR) region. Enhancing light absorption beyond 800 nm into the NIR spectrum can significantly increase photocurrent generation and overall PSC efficiency. This study introduces a straightforward method to incorporate NIR-absorbing aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) into the perovskite material as absorbers. This integration aims to extend the photoresponse range of PSCs and enhance their efficiency. The modified solar cells demonstrate NIR photocurrent generation with a measured photocurrent of 18.755 mA/cm², surpassing the perovskite active layer’s contribution of 16.772 mA/cm². Consequently, PSCs with AZO nanoparticles achieve an efficiency of 13.9% up from 9.92%, which is a significant increase in the operational stability under continuous one-sun illumination. The results also suggested that AZO-doped PSC was 2.33% more efficient as compared to rGO-based PSC at similar doping concentration. These findings underscore the potential of directly incorporating a wide bandgap oxide semiconductor into perovskite active layers, thereby extending light absorption in the NIR region for higher efficiency, addressing surface trap issues, and developing highly efficient and stable PSCs. This innovation could also enhance the durability and performance of flexible and wearable solar technologies.