Electrical Characterization and simulation of transition metal oxide based highly sensitive solar cells

Abstract

newlineSemiconducting oxides, alternatively referred to as metal oxides or oxide semiconductors, provide a diverse array of applications across multiple disciplines owing to their distinctive electrical and optical characteristics. Metal oxide semiconductors are employed as electron transport materials in several categories of solar cells, encompassing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and perovskite solar cells. These entities facilitate the transfer of electrons, which are produced through the process of light absorption, to the external circuit. Semiconducting oxide-based ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors have been purposefully engineered to detect ultraviolet light across a range of applications. These detectors play a crucial role in a diverse array of contexts, encompassing scientific inquiry as well as industrial and commercial endeavours. The present thesis work focuses on the extensive utilisation of semiconducting oxides in solar applications. Specifically, the following transition metal oxides, namely TiO2, SrTiO3, Ga2O3, and ZnO, have been selected for investigation. The thesis centres on the examination and use of the approaches outlined below, with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of Solar Cells/Photodetectors. (a) The generation of vacancies in samples that are self-deficient, and (b) investigations into the dependence of properties on pressure. In the context of multi-layered structures, ZnO/TiO2 configurations have been employed, but for high power applications, heterostructures based on Ga2O3 have been utilised. newlineThis thesis presents findings that demonstrate the positive impact of vacancies on the photocurrent and stability of oxide-based semiconducting devices. The thesis conducts a comprehensive investigation into the electrical and optical properties of powder samples of 3d-doped-TiO2, as well as the equivalent pellets under the influence of applied pressure. The examination of the optical characteristics of the fabricated specimens reveals a reduction in the optical band gap, which m