Feasibility Study of Perovskite Solar Cell Recycling

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells dependent on CH3NH3PbI3 and related materials have achieved great efficiencies, on a lab-scale. Nevertheless, subsequently these solar cells contain poisonous lead, a feasible system for management with the cells after their operational lifetime is essential to prevent performance of environment to lead and to conform to international electronic waste disposal guidelines. The aim of this research is to simulate of planar structure of perovskite solar cell, to fabricate the perovskite solar cell, to recycle the perovskites solar cell and to recovery the hazardous material lead and Fluorine doped Tin Oxide (FTO) substrate. First, Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator- ID (SCAPS-1D) was used to study the absorber layer defect density and n/i interface of perovskite solar cells versus various cell thickness values. The planar p-i-n structure was defined as PEDOT:PSS/Perovskite/CdS, and its performance was simulated. Power conversion efficiency >25% can be achieved at <1015 cm3 defect density and >400 nm thickness of absorber layer, respectively. The study assumed 0.6 eV Gaussian defect energy level below the perovskite's conduction band with a characteristic energy of 0.1 eV. These conditions resulted in an identical outcome on the n/i interface. Secondly, fabricated the planar structure(p-i-n) by using chemical deposition; where Au/Spiro-OMeTAD/perovskite/TiO2/FTO/glass. However, PCE, Voc, Jsc and FF, 4.7%, 0.71 V, 12.79 mA/cm2 and 0.5% respectively. According to the recycled process to eliminate every layer of the solar cells separately, which provides the opportunity to selectively the separate materials. Further separation of the toxic lead iodide in elevated revenue, it was seen that the Pbl2 quantitatively and FTO substrate recovered for making new solar cell. In addition, further research can develop aqua regia solution method.