Efficiency enhancement to 14.8% in planar n-Si/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cells via rear-interface SnO2 quantum dot deposition
Khan J, ULLAH I, Hafeez F, Ali G, Ahmad S, Mosleh MA, Arshad M, Gamea O (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Book Volume: 24
Article Number: 100872
DOI: 10.1016/j.rsurfi.2026.100872
Abstract
Recently, n-Si/organic heterojunction solar cells (HSCs) have garnered increased attention for their low cost, relatively high efficiency, and ease of device fabrication. However, their performance remains limited by charge recombination at the rear electrode and at the n-Si interface. Here, a simple, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective method involves synthesizing tin oxide (SnO2) quantum dots (QDs) deposited on the rear interface of n-Si, which serve as passivation, hole-blocking, and electron-conduction layers. First-principles calculations were used to evaluate the passivation and charge-barrier characteristics of SnO2 QDs. The interface-modified device demonstrates a high power conversion efficiency of 14.8%, mainly due to the suppression of photogenerated charge carriers. The properties of the interface-modified devices, including photovoltaic performance, charge transfer, and surface chemical composition, were analyzed using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photovoltage decay measurements. These findings suggest a promising strategy for developing next-generation n-Si/organic heterojunction solar cells.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Abbottabad University of Science and Technology
Pakistan (PK)
Al-Fayha Private College (FC)
Saudi Arabia (SA)
Islamia College University / اسلامیہ کالج یونیورسٹی
Pakistan (PK)
Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) / الهيئة الملكية للجبيل وينبع
Saudi Arabia (SA)
Pakistan (PK)
Al-Fayha Private College (FC)
Saudi Arabia (SA)
Islamia College University / اسلامیہ کالج یونیورسٹی
Pakistan (PK)
Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) / الهيئة الملكية للجبيل وينبع
Saudi Arabia (SA)
How to cite
APA:
Khan, J., ULLAH, I., Hafeez, F., Ali, G., Ahmad, S., Mosleh, M.A.,... Gamea, O. (2026). Efficiency enhancement to 14.8% in planar n-Si/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cells via rear-interface SnO2 quantum dot deposition. Results in Surfaces and Interfaces, 24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsurfi.2026.100872
MLA:
Khan, Junaid, et al. "Efficiency enhancement to 14.8% in planar n-Si/PEDOT:PSS hybrid solar cells via rear-interface SnO2 quantum dot deposition." Results in Surfaces and Interfaces 24 (2026).
BibTeX: Download