Physics

Lead-free tandem solar cell design promises safer, efficient renewable energy

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Semiconductor phys…Solar cellPhotovoltaic devices

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This study presents a drift-diffusion modeling analysis of a four-terminal tandem solar cell combining lead-free barium zirconium titanium sulfide (BaZr0.85Ti0.15S3) as the top absorber with copper zinc tin sulfide selenide (CZTSSe) as the bottom absorber. The researchers used experimentally informed parameters to simulate the device performance and assess the viability of this all-chalcogenide, lead-free tandem architecture. The modeling indicates potential pathways for achieving higher efficiencies than single-junction devices while avoiding toxic lead-based perovskites.


This research addresses the critical need for high-efficiency solar cells that avoid lead toxicity, which remains a major barrier to widespread perovskite solar cell deployment. The four-terminal tandem configuration using earth-abundant, non-toxic materials could provide a more environmentally sustainable path toward next-generation photovoltaics.


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Source: Experimentally informed drift-diffusion assessment of a lead-free four-terminal BaZr0.85Ti0.15S3/CZTSSe tandem solar cell