Simulating MAGeI3-Based Solar Cells Through Numerical Analysis with Varying Absorber Layer Thickness

Lead-free solar cells have shown potential in the photovoltaic (PV) sector, with MAGeI
3
(Methylammonium Magnesium Triiodide) emerging as a promising material. Nevertheless, PV devices using MAGeI
3
are now exhibiting suboptimal performance, failing to attain the desired level of conversion efficiency. In order to evaluate the performance of the device, this research investigates the influence of different thickness levels. The SCAPS-1D tool is used for conducting device simulations, and a suggested device architecture consisting of Cu/PEDOT: PSS + WO
3
/MAGeI
3
/PCBM/FTO is created. The investigation encompasses a variety of thicknesses for the MAGeI
3
absorber, spanning from 10 to 300 nm. The analysis of device performance optimization demonstrates that a thickness of 400 nm results in enhanced PV characteristics. These parameters include a short-circuit current density (J
SC
) of 31.18 mA/cm
²
, an open-circuit voltage (V
OC
) of 0.72 V, a fill factor (FF) of 76.72%, and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.42%. The aforementioned discoveries provide significant insights that may contribute to the growth of PV devices, hence enhancing the performance of tin-based devices.