DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v28i3.178

Keywords: Perovskite solar cell, Ce₂O₃, Cs₂PtI₆, CNTs, lead free photovoltaics, SCAPS 1D simulation, power conversion efficiency

Abstract

The search for lead-free, highly efficient solar systems has attracted attention towards novel materials and interface design. Using Ce₂O₃ as the electron transport layer and Cs₂PtI₆ as the lead-free absorber, this work numerically analyses a perovskite-inspired solar cell organised as ITO/Ce₂O₃. Using SCAPS-1D simulations, two fundamental parameters Cs₂PtI₆ absorber thickness and the relative dielectric permittivity (ϵᵣ) of important layers were systematically evaluated. With its broad band gap, favourable conduction band alignment, and chemical stability, the Ce₂O₃ layer greatly enhanced charge extraction and reduced recombination. Optimal thickness of 1.5–1.6 µm was found to be Cs₂PtI₆, which balanced carrier transport with light absorption. Furthermore, by encouraging exciton dissociation and thereby enhancing dielectric screening, increasing the ϵᵣ of the Cs₂PtI₆ layer produced significant increases in V_oc, J_sc, FF, and PCE. The best device obtained an open-circuit voltage (V_oc) of 1.20265 V, a short-circuit current density (J_sc) of 32.22 mA/cm², a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 31.07%, and a fill factor (FF) of 80.17%. These findings underline the need of thickness control, dielectric optimisation, and material selection, especially the integration of Ce₂O₃, in the evolution of effective, stable, and environmentally friendly solar systems.