Comparative Study between Lead and Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells: Insights from SCAPS Software Analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative study between lead-based and lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) utilizing Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS) software. Perovskite solar cells have garnered significant attention due to their high efficiency and low-cost fabrication. However, concerns regarding the toxicity of lead in traditional PSCs have prompted the exploration of lead-free alternatives. Through simulation using SCAPS software, this study investigates the performance metrics, such as efficiency and material properties, of lead and lead-free PSCs to provide insights into their potential as sustainable alternatives for photovoltaic applications. Results show that methyl-ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) and Formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI₃) perovskite solar cells exhibit efficiencies of 16.68% and 16.65% respectively. The lead-free methyl-ammonium tin iodide (MASnI₃) and methyl-ammonium germanium iodide (MAGeI₃) achieved efficiencies of 16.59% and 12.42% respectively. The findings suggest that while lead-free perovskites offer promising alternatives, further optimization is necessary to match the efficiency of their lead-based counterparts.