Modeling Thin Film Solar Cells: From Organic to Perovskite

Abstract

Device model simulation is one of the primary tools for modeling thin film solar cells from organic materials to organic-inorganic perovskite materials. By directly connecting the current density-voltage (J-V) curves to the underlying device physics, it is helpful in revealing the working mechanism of the heatedly discussed organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells. Some distinctive optoelectronic features need more phenomenological models and accurate simulations. Herein, the application of the device model method in the simulation of organic and organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells is reviewed. To this end, the ways of the device model are elucidated by discussing the metal-insulator-metal picture and the equations describing the physics. Next, the simulations on J-V curves of organic solar cells are given in the presence of the space charge, interface, charge injection, traps, or exciton. In the perovskite section, the effects of trap states, direct band recombination, surface recombination, and ion migration on the device performance are systematically discussed from the perspective of the device model simulation. Suggestions for designing perovskite devices with better performance are also given.

Keywords: device models; organic semiconductors; perovskites; thin film solar cells.