Investigation and performance optimization of lead-free CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 based perovskite solar cells

The recent progress in lead-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) triggered worries regarding their acceptability for large-scale production and potential detrimental impact on the environment. Concerns about the environmental impact of lead-based PSCs have driven a shift toward lead-free alternatives. This study concentrates on the advancement of environmentally friendly CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3-based perovskite solar cell and presents an optimized design technique that can be replicated on a large scale. Within our research, we look into how different types of hole and electron transport layer parameters affect the performance of CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3-based device. The study used numerical simulations to examine crucial parameters, such as the perovskite layer thickness, ETL/HTL layer thickness, and defect density. We demonstrate an optimized device configuration, FTO/SnO2/CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3/NiO/Au, with an open-circuit voltage of 1.22 V, a short-circuit current density of 28.29 mA/cm2, fill factor of 89.42%, a theoretical power conversion efficiency of 30.81%, and quantum efficiencies of 99% over the visible wavelength range. This study shows that CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 is a promising lead-free perovskite for renewable energy. The findings address concerns about solar cell toxicity and enable ecologically benign and sustainable solar cell manufacture.

Citation

Sikder, D.K., Paul, S., Datta Sammya, S., Deb, S., Hoque, S.M.T. (2026) Investigation and performance optimization of lead-free CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 based perovskite solar cells. Next Research, 4, 101215.

Type

Journal article

Language

en

Description

This is an author's accepted manuscript of an article published by Elsevier on 24/12/2025, available online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexres.2025.101215 The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.

ISSN

3050-4759

Collections

Faculty of Science and Engineering