Investigating the influence of the Ag and Al co-doping in ZnO electron transport layer on the performance of organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells using experimentation and SCAPS-1D simulation

The sufficient material selection of electron transport layer (ETL) enormously promises exceptional conversion efficiency from perovskite (PVT) solar cells (PSCs), which in turn give rise to their rapid establishment in world-wide photovoltaic (PV) market. Among the tactics exerted on ETLs, and thus, intensifies the adequacy of associated PSCs, the methodology of doping stands productive. Therefore, this research validates the implementation of such effectual ETLs on widely approved methyl ammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI₃)–based PSCs. The work brings together two versions of zinc oxide (ZnO) ETLs: one in its pristine form, and the other is aluminum (Al) co-doped with silver (Ag) represented as Ag-AZO. The investigation launches the PV capabilities of Ag-AZO ETL against its undoped correspondent. Accordingly, the earlier part of the investigation centers on the experimental assessment of ZnO and Ag-AZO nanoparticles (NPs) affirming their material and morphological aspects. Later, the research deals with the involvement of both NPs as ETLs signifying the PV potential of MAPbI₃–based PSCs through comprehensive numerical analysis. The judgements of investigation declare that MAPbI₃–based PSC with Ag-AZO ETL yields a desirable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 27.26 % against 25.98 % from the control cell. The investigation will definitely enlighten the development of forthcoming efficient PSCs incorporated with appropriate multiple metals co-doped ETLs.