An Analysis of Germanium Quantum Dots in conjunction with MAPbI3 Host Perovskites for Hybrid Photovoltaic Materials
Physical and Biological Sciences
PHYS 182
Opportunities for more sustainable solutions in solar cell technology warrant consideration of new semiconductor materials. Nano-sized germanium particles are combined with an organo-metal halide perovskite host crystal to develop a novel photovoltaic material. This hybrid material is a promising candidate for producing highly efficient, low-cost, solution based solar cells. Different concentrations of germanium nanoparticles with various surface bonds are added in the perovskite precursor solution to develop thin-film devices. We investigate the effects of structure and composition in the germanium nanoparticle behavior, both alone and in combination with the perovskite material. The best techniques for film fabrication are explored, characterized by various spectroscopy techniques. Devices are then tested as a solar cell. We find that alone, the behavior of the nanoparticles is strongly effected by adding dopants to the system. When combined with the perovskite, the nanoparticles increase the current. With a nanoparticle concentration of 400 µL added to the perovskite solution, one device exhibited a current density of ~ 1.1 mA / cm^2 higher than the same perovskite sample in a pure state. The effects of the germanium nanoparticles provide positive evidence of their impact in the perovskite, developing a basis for future work in creating efficient hybrid nanoparticle/perovskite solar cells.
