Probing the synergetic impacts of temperature modulation and lanthanide doping on [Sm3+-Eu3+-Tm3+]:CsPbI2.7Br0.3 designed for advanced energy technologies

Abstract

This is the first investigation of the triumvirate lanthanide doped novel perovskite host i.e. [Sm3+-Eu3+-Tm3+]:CsPbI2.7Br0.3 (SET:C-PVSK). Furthermore, this is also the first elucidation of using SET:C-PVSK in advanced energy applications. SET:C-PVSK was modulated thermally and it remained optically active for 28 days spanning over the range of 1.66–1.72 eV. Pristine and doped spin coated thin films acquired cubic phase with the average crystallite size of 68.91 and 74.44 nm, respectively. SET:C-PVSK thin films deposited via spin coating were evidence with the smoother morphology showing maximal coverage. Doped SET:C-PVSK absorber layer inside perovskite solar cells expressed excellent photovoltaic performance with 15.55 % efficiency and a fill factor of 71.21 %. Such performance signified excellent defect passivation and suppression of the charge recombination. The electrochemical performance of the pristine and doped electrode was compared for pristine and doped electrode. SET:C-PVSK was found to be a commendable electrode material with the elevated hydrogen production activity (overpotential = 140 mV and Tafel slope = 122.6 mV dec−1). Furthermore, with an extended service life, SET:C-PVSK attained the unit capacity of 445 mAH g−1 and tumbling equivalent series resistance (Rs) of 0.51 Ω, respectively.