Computational study of KGeCl3 perovskite solar cells toward high efficiency via electron transport innovation

Second Author's Department

Physics Department

Third Author's Department

Physics Department

Fourth Author's Department

Physics Department

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https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00822-9

All Authors

Z. Abu Waar A. Abd El-Samad H. Zeenelabden M. Swillam S. Yasin M. Moustafa

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Scientific Reports

Publication Date

12-1-2025

doi

10.1038/s41598-025-00822-9

Abstract

Germanium-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained attention as a promising alternative to conventional lead-based PSCs due to their environmentally friendly and non-toxic nature. However, their efficiency remains below optimal levels, requiring further exploration to enhance their performance. This study investigates a novel n-i-p structured germanium-based perovskite solar cell using the wxAMPS simulation. The baseline structure—FTO/TiO2/KGeCl3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au—achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.55%. To improve efficiency, various electron transport layer (ETL) materials were evaluated, including TiO2, IGZO, SnO2, ZnO, ZnSe2, WO3, PCBM, and WS2 TMDC. The results revealed that the WS2 emerging as the most suitable candidate. Optimization of key parameters, including the thicknesses of WS2 ETL (50 nm), Spiro-OMeTAD HTL (30 nm), and the absorber layer KGeCl3 (600 nm), significantly improved device performance. Additional investigations into defect density, acceptor concentration, electron affinity, and donor concentration further optimized the device’s operation. The study also analyzed the adverse effects of functional temperature, providing insights into stability and efficiency under real-world conditions. The optimized solar cell device demonstrated enhanced performance metrics: Voc = 1.02 V, Jsc = 25.77 mA/cm2, FF = 78.25%, and PCE = 22.98%. These findings highlight the potential of germanium-based perovskite solar cells as a sustainable, lead-free photovoltaic solution. The integration of WS2 as an ETL paves the way for achieving high-efficiency, environmentally friendly solar cells, with promising implications for advancements in renewable energy solutions.

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