Boosting Short-Circuit Current in Perovskite Solar Cells Through Gold Nanoparticle Incorporation

Abstract

The performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is intricately linked to the configuration and optimization of structural components throughout the device. This study explores how variations in critical design elements, such as the perovskite absorber thickness, the physical and electrical characteristics of transport layers, front-contact configuration, and the incorporation of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs), influence short circuit current (Jsc). By employing finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) analysis alongside SCAPS-1D simulations coupled with Deep Learning (DL) techniques, we systematically assess the impact of these parameters on the electrical behavior of PSCs. The findings indicate that tuning the electron transport layer (ETL) properties and absorber thickness plays a significant role in boosting efficiency, with the presence of Au-NPs further enhancing light absorption and carrier generation due to localized surface plasmon resonance effects. Conversely, adjustments to the hole transport layer (HTL) exhibited minimal influence on overall performance. Our simulation results identify <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$\text{TiO}_{2}$</tex> as the most promising ETL material, while the size of embedded Au-NPs emerges as a key factor in achieving high Jsc surpassing <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$30 ~\text{mA}. \text{cm}^{-2}$</tex>. These insights offer practical design guidance underscore the potential of simulation-driven optimization for advancing the efficiency and stability of perovskite-based solar technologies.