Low-Cost Fabrication and Testing of a Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cell

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained significant benefits and power conversion efficiency, but their commercialization has been hindered by the toxicity problem induced by the metal lead. Researchers worldwide have begun delving deeply into revolutionary sustainable photovoltaics known as non-toxic lead-free PSCs for a sustainable and safe environment because lead has demonstrated toxicity issues that can seriously harm humans and the ecological system. This is accomplished by replacing lead in PSCs with non-toxic or less toxic substitute metals. Tin (Sn)-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer a promising lead-free alternative for sustainable photovoltaics, combining competitive efficiency with reduced toxicity. This work demonstrates a high-performance p-i-n PSC with the architecture ITO/TiO₂ /MASnI₃/NiO/Al, fabricated by spin-coating the MASnI₃ perovskite layer inside a nitrogen-filled glove box to minimize oxidation and ensure phase purity. TiO₂ (ETL) and NiO (HTL) layers were optimized for efficient charge transport. After the synthesis of the perovskite, fabrication process was done by adopting aluminum strips with sticky yet conductive sides as the metal contact due to unavailability of a thermal evaporator. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the degradation parameters and pathway for tin-based perovskite, a power conversion efficiency (η) of 16.17%, with Voc = 0.763 V, Jsc = 30.18 mA/cm², and FF = 70.24% was achieved for the fabricated cell under 1 sun. Operational metrics (V_MPP = 0.585 V, J_MPP = 27.66 mA/cm²) further highlight balanced charge extraction. This study bridges rigorous fabrication control with comprehensive characterization to advance Sn-based PSCs while given major degradation insights in the strive towards its commercial viability.