Hichem Bencherif

• IEEE Senior member. Doctor of Engineering
• Professor (Assistant) at Higher National School of Renewable Energies, Environment & Sustainable Development

Sb2(S,Se)3 is a promising thin‐film solar absorber with a tunable bandgap (1.3–1.7 eV) and earth‐abundant composition, yet its maximum reported efficiency (10.75%) in FTO/CdS/Sb2(S,Se)3/Spiro‐OMeTAD/Au remains below the Shockley‐Queisser limit. Moreover, the high cost of Spiro‐OMeTAD as an HTL limits commercialization. Herein cost‐effective triazat...

This study investigates an optimized design of BaZr₁₋ₓTiₓS₃-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) via a graded bandgap engineering and various electron transport layers (ETLs) evaluation. The graded bandgap in BaZr₁₋ₓTiₓS₃ is achieved by varying the zirconium (Zr) and titanium (Ti) content, which significantly affects light absorption and carrier tra...

To address the environmental and public health concerns arising from the release of lead toxins into the air and water, it is crucial to consider alternatives to lead-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Lead-free perovskite materials present themselves as a promising candidate for photovoltaic applications. This study investigates the potential of...

This work presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis aimed at finding the elements that impede the efficiency of KGeCl3 solar cells. The aim of our investigation is to examine the impact of various characteristics to enhance its performance. The improved design exceeds the baseline, attaining a JSC of 37.08 mA/cm², Voc of 0.77 V, and FF of 60.80...

In this paper, we present an optimized design for a Perovskite/Silicon tandem solar cell, utilizing the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) and SCAPS 1D simulations. We employ FAPbI3 as the absorber material for the perovskite top cell, enhanced by graphene oxide and CuCrO2 as efficient charge transport layers. The silicon heterojunction functions as the...

This study introduces a novel design for FASnI₃ solar cells integrating a 2D Dion-Jacobson (DJ) layer as an interfacial layer to enhance performance. Using the Detailed Balance principle, photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and quasi-Fermi level splitting (QFLS) were optimized. The study investigates the impact of varying the number of 2D DJ lay...

This study proposes an efficient design for 2D Dion-Jacobson Perovskite/Chalcopyrite solar cells, replacing the conventional toxic cadmium sulfide (CdS) electron transport layer (ETL) with a two-dimensional BDAPbBr₄ Dion-Jacobson (DJ) perovskite. Using the SCAPS-1D simulator, the performance of the proposed structure was investigated and compared t...

Rethinking solar energy has led to significant advances in environmentally friendly materials, with innovations such as perovskite solar cells (PSCs) leading the revolution. For their crystalline structure, perovskite has been named, and due to their exceptional light absorption and energy conversion efficiency, they have emerged in the field of ph...

This study investigates a high-performance near-infrared (NIR) photodetector utilizing a High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) structure incorporating Black Phosphorus (BP) and III-V materials (InGaAs, InAs, InSb, InP). Traditional NIR photodetectors face limitations in wavelength range and performance, while 2D materials like BP offer advantage...

This study explores the performance optimization of perovskite solar cells featuring methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) as the absorber layer, ZnTe as the hole transport layer (HTL), and CdZnS as the electron transport layer (ETL). The focus is on evaluating the impact of the absorber layer thickness and its defect density on the overall device pe...

The current investigation is a thorough investigation of 2D Dion-Jacobson (DJ) phase halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that is conducted using sophisticated numerical simulations. Our objective is to examine the impact of a variety of parameters on the efficiency of these devices and to identify the most effective design configurations. As a res...

Organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) are a promising low‐cost renewable energy technology. Among various semiconductors studied for OPVs, boron subphthalocyanine chloride (Cl‐BsubPc) is one of the most explored. Phenoxy‐substituted BsubPc (PhO‐subPc) is an analogue of Cl‐BsubPc that introduces an axial phenoxy ligand in order to tune its electronic pr...

Three-dimensional (3D) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are renowned for their high-power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), yet they face challenges related to performance and stability. This study introduces a new Dion-Jacobson (DJ) 2D-3D lead-free perovskite solar cell (PSC) design with an optimized hole transport layer, reaching a power conversion ef...

The field of photovoltaics relies heavily on compound semiconductors, particularly those based on selenium. However, challenges in maintaining stoichiometry and the scarcity of elements like Indium and Gallium hinder their widespread adoption. Tin monoselenide (SnSe) emerges as a promising alternative to silicon, thanks to its favorable properties,...

This paper focuses on the numerical modeling of the quaternary alloy CdxSb2-x(S1-ySey)3 as a lower cell absorber in an Sb2S3-based tandem system. To this end, the governing laws of the evolution of the band gap and the electron affinity of the alloy are established and solved with reference to the defined substitution proportions. The results show...

This study investigates the magneto-impedance (GMI) effect in Fe75Si15Nb3B6Cu1 nanocrystalline ribbons, with a focus on optimizing their magneto-elastic properties through Flash annealing (15 s) under tensile stress. We first identify the optimal annealing temperature, approximately 660 °C, where the material exhibits ultra-soft magnetic properties...

This study presents an in-depth theoretical analysis to identify factors that limit the efficiency of lead-free double perovskite solar cells. We assess in detail the impact of the conduction band offset at the electron transport layer (ETL) and the valence band offset at the hole transport layer (HTL), aiming to determine the optimal values for ea...

The in situ passivation of a methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) phase spin-coated via a one-step process was experimentally investigated to elucidate their fundamental properties. Structural analysis revealed that MAPbI3 adopts a tetragonal crystal structure with a small excess of PbI2 (0.03 M) segregating at grain boundaries. Optical character...

Boosting the performance of solar cells is crucial for advancing photovoltaic technology. This study investigates the integration of alternative 2D materials to enhance the performance of solar cells. Three solar cell configurations sample 1 with CdS, sample 2 with MoS2, and sample 3 with SnS2 are systematically investigated via numerical simulatio...

Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (SSDSSCs) are part of the thin-film solar cell category, garnering substantial research attention for over two decades. This enduring interest is fuelled by their cost-effectiveness, straightforward preparation techniques, minimal toxicity and manufacturability. The device is depicted using SCAPS-1D simulation...

In this study, a theoretical model is used to investigate the factors influencing the decreased efficiency of CZTS (copper zinc tin sulfide) solar cells. The investigation focuses on how device performance is impacted by various loss processes, including CZTS bulk defects, CdS/CZTS interface defects, temperature effects, and series and shunt resist...

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the performance optimization of PbS-TBAI quantum dot solar cells through detailed modeling and experimental validation. Initially, we confirmed the accuracy of our modeling framework by comparing MZO/PbS-TBAI/PbS-EDT solar cells against experimental data, achieving strong agreement. We then exp...

To accurately determine the Schottky barrier characteristics and elucidate the consequent impacts, it is imperative to possess a comprehensive understanding of the conduction pathways within a Schottky barrier. The objective of this study was to examine the structural and electrical characteristics of a Schottky junction composed of an aluminum (Al...

In recent times, the remarkable advancements achieved in the field of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have sparked significant research efforts aimed at enhancing their overall performance because of their exceptional optoelectronic properties. Due to the toxicity of lead (Pb), the emergence of Ti‐based (Cs2TiBr6) double‐halide PSCs is regarded as a...

The commercial production of lead-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is hindered due to toxicity difficulty and all Ti-based all-inorganic PSCs may give a practical solution to these problems. This work optimizes the different layers of a PSC based on the Cs2TiI6 absorber layer. In order to produce four unique structures, ten distinct HTLs are con...

This paper deals with the performance analysis of different indium gallium nitride (InGaN)-based solar cells. In particular, single, dual, and triple junction structures are investigated by means of a detailed numerical simulation study involving an accurate modeling of the fundamental material properties. The presented results include the calculat...

This paper presents a thorough theoretical exploration into the efficiency limitations of CdTe solar cells. Our investigation aims to understand how various parameters influence device performance. We introduce a model that integrates a GWO-based optimization approach, allowing for the optimal adjustment of both geometric and electrical parameters...

III-V-based materials are widely used for multi-junction solar cell applications due to their large band gap, allowing them to absorb a significant amount of light and increase the output power. Among the III-V materials, AlGaAs is a promising candidate for the top cell due to its tunable band gap. However, the growth of AlGaAs often leads to the f...

As a promising technology with tremendous potential in specialized markets such as lightweight drones, portable power sources, and reflective applications have been emerged by Flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs), whereas the comparison with other flexible photovoltaic technologies, the fabrication of flexible PSCs is remarkably simpler and more...

The advancement of materials science stands as a cornerstone in the progression of contemporary science and technology. In recent years, the rapid evolution of machine learning (ML) technology has unlocked intriguing pathways for accelerating material discovery and systematic design. This chapter delves into the latest applications of ML in support...

The Schockley–Quisser (SQ) limit of 28.64% is distant from the Sb2S3 solar cells’ record power conversion efficiency (PCE), which is 8.00%. Such poor efficiency is mostly owing to substantial interface-induced recombination losses caused by defects at the interfaces and misaligned energy levels. The endeavor of this study is to investigate an effic...

In this work, we introduce a double CZTS-layered design with a high-performance Electron Transport Layer (ETL) as an effective way to increase the efficiency of Kesterite solar cells. Our modeling methodology comprehensively considers various loss mechanisms, such as radiative recombination, defect and trap densities within the bulk CZTS, and the E...

This study investigates, by means of numerical simulation, the potential enhancement of CZTS-based solar cells through the utilization of various hole transport layers (HTLs), namely MoOx, CuI, and SnS. Notably, we optimize key cell parameters such as CZTS absorber layer thickness, defect density, and acceptor concentration. By integrating these HT...

In this study, we propose the use of Machine Learning (ML) and Neural Network (NN) techniques for forecasting the stability of Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs). We gather experimental data from various studies and examine the impact of environmental conditions on stability degradation. Our research stands out for its innovative approach in employing t...

Energetic particles, such as protons and electrons, play a crucial role in causing significant degradation in the efficiency of solar cells powering satellites and spacecraft. This degradation primarily stems from damages inflicted upon the crystal lattice within the active area of the device. This study investigates the immunity behavior of a sing...

Lead-free perovskite materials continue to attain extensive consideration in the field of solar cell applications due to their promising performances and non-toxicity. However, little information is available considering the detailed optimization of the device performance of lead-free perovskite solar cells. In this regard, a device made of ITO/WS2...

With the progressive adoption of Silicon Carbide (SiC) power devices in modern power converters, exploiting their superior efficiency, faster switching speed, and higher power density, an understanding of the factors influencing these properties becomes vital. One such critical factor is switching losses, which can drastically affect overall system...

The study examines the optical and electrical characteristics of n-ZnO:Al (AZO) thin films that were deposited on p-Si using the sol-gel dip-coating process, with thicknesses ranging from three to six cycles. The I-V characteristics of the diode device exhibited a high and low current under forward and reverse bias, respectively. The ideality facto...

In this study, we conduct an extensive examination of the performance of CsPbI3-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) through rigorous numerical simulations. We explore a range of inorganic materials to assess their suitability for use as hole transport layers (HTL) and electron transport layers (ETL). The ETL candidates considered encompass ZnO, Ga2...

This paper presents a UV P–I–N Graphene/AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN P–I–N photodetector high electron mobility transistor implemented and simulated with a light module using ATLAS SILVACO TCAD tools. The PIN-Pd structure contains a GaN intrinsic layer between the p-AlGaN, p-GaN, and n-GaN, n-AlGaN layers to control the two-dimensional gas 2DEG reasonably. Grap...

In this study, we have used various electrodeposition techniques, namely direct and pulse chronoamperometry, to prepare MnO 2-NiO composite films from an acetate solution onto fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrates (FTO). Subsequently , the metal oxide conversion process was carried out through a heat treatment at 300 °C for 5 h. We used X-ray D...

A comprehensive understanding of the operational principles of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is crucial for achieving the efficient conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. Moreover, the utilization of environmentally sustainable materials constitutes a pivotal aspect within the realm of solar cell investigation. This present study involv...

In our study, we harnessed the potential of Artificial Neural Networks, specifically the Multilayer Perceptron, to forecast the band gap of Perovskite Materials. Our model demonstrated remarkable generalization capabilities, achieving a mean square error of just 0.002 when applied to new materials. The key descriptors utilized in our analysis inclu...

This study employs Machine Learning (ML) techniques to optimize the performance of Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) by identifying the ideal materials and properties for high Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE). Utilizing a dataset of 3000 PSC samples from previous experiments, the Random Forest (RF) technique classifies and predicts PCE as the target v...

The marketing of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) as an eco-friendly energy source can help with carbon footprint lowering. However, the traditional lead cation-based perovskites represent a concern to the environment due to the inclusion of lead. Life forms that are physically close to lead sources face a wide range of harmful effects. Owing to its e...

Nontoxic and inorganic lead-free double perovskite La2NiMnO6 (LNMO) has achieved tremendous attention as an absorber layer of a solar cell (SC) structure due to its outstanding optoelectronic properties to support photovoltaic (PV) applications. In order to check the feasibility of LNMO as a potential SC absorber material, the structural, electroni...

This study employs theoretical simulations to identify ways to improve the efficiency of CsSnI 3 -based perovskite solar cells with PCBM ETL. The optimized device with CFTS HTL with a structure of ITO/PCBM/CsSnI 3 /CFTS/Se shows the highest PCE of 24.73%.

Lead-free perovskite of cesium tin chloride (CsSnCl3) is being considered as a potential environmentally acceptable alternative for highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for the outstanding optoelectronic properties and reduced biotoxicity and non-hazardous characteristics. The poisonous nature and poor environmental stability of lead (Pb)...

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a possible alternative to traditional photovoltaic devices for their high performance, low cost, and ease of fabrication. Here in this study, the SCAPS-1D simulator numerically simulates and optimizes CsPbBr3-based PSCs under the optimum illumination situation. We explore the impact of different back metal...

CsSnI3 is considered to be a viable alternative to lead (Pb)-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its suitable optoelectronic properties. The photovoltaic (PV) potential of CsSnI3 has not yet been fully explored due to its inherent difficulties in realizing defect-free device construction owing to the non-optimized alignment of the electron t...

In this paper, a graphene/AlGaSb/AlAs PIN photodetector design is proposed. Graphene such as transparent material and III-V materials AlAs/ AlGaSb with. The device exihibit a suitable results such as anode current of 850 mA, high value of responsivity of 2818A/W at 800 nm optical wavelength and a bandwidth about 101 GHZ . The obtained results are e...

Cs3Bi2I9 as a solar absorber material is a strong contender for lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The presence of Bismuth (Bi) in Cs3Bi2I9 leads to the origin of interesting optoelectronic properties along with a suitable optical band gap and high absorption coefficient. However, further analysis of the crystal structure, optical, and electr...

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of cesium lead halide (CsPbX3, X=l, Br, and Cl) based all-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is still struggling to compete with conventional organic-inorganic halide perovskites. A combined material and device-related analysis is much needed to understand the working principle to explore the efficiency po...

To meet the increasing demand for power sources, scientists are continuously trying to improve the efficiency of solar cells. In these circumstances, Cs-based perovskites attracted attention due to their intriguing performance. In this paper, eight different Cs-halide perovskite absorbers (CsPbI3, CsPbBr3, CsSnI3, CsSnCl3, Cs2BiAgI6, Cs3Bi2I9, CsSn...

Lead-free Cs2BiAgI6 has garnered a lot of research interest recently due to its suitability as a potential absorber layer in the solar cell (SC) architecture owing to its low-cost, good stability, and high efficiency. The main highlight of this research work includes the photovoltaic (PV) performance enhancement of Cs2BiAgI6 double perovskite solar...

Cesium tin chloride (CsSnCl3) is a potential and competitive absorber material for lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The full potential of CsSnCl3 not yet been realized owing to the possible challenges of defect-free device fabrication, non-optimized alignment of the electron transport layer (ETL), hole transport layer (HTL), and the favorab...

In this study, we investigated the potential of CsPbI3 as an absorber material for use in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To optimize the device, we used TiO2 as the electron transport layer and copper barium thiostannate (CBTS) as the hole transport layer in a CsPbI3-based PSC, and employed SCAPS-1D software. We initially tested 10 different back m...

In this paper, a hybrid approach that combines a light trapping formalism and a metaheuristic optimization approach is suggested to enhance the speed and sensing capabilities of a thin film/4H-SiC photodetector (PD). To overcome the shadowing problem, interdigitated electrodes made of graphene are employed. Besides, Ag nanoparticles are inserted to...

In this study, combined DFT, SCAPS-1D, and wxAMPS frameworks are used to investigate the optimized designs of Cs2BiAgI6 double perovskite-based solar cells. The first-principle calculation is employed to investigate the structural stability, optical responses, and electronic contribution of the constituent elements in Cs2BiAgI6 absorber material, w...

In this study, combined DFT, SCAPS-1D, and wxAMPS frameworks are used to investigate the optimized designs of Cs2BiAgI6 double perovskite-based solar cells. The first-principle calculation is employed to investigate the structural stability, optical responses, and electronic contribution of the constituent elements in Cs2BiAgI6 absorber material, w...

This work aims to analyze the stability of Perovskite solar cells PSCs using machine learning (ML) techniques. An extremely randomized tree technique, trained with a dataset containing 1050 perovskite device samples with different materials, deposition methods, and storage conditions, is used. Pushing by its non-linearity and randomity, this approa...

The endeavor behind this work is to investigate via a combined optical and electrical approach an optimized design of a new halide (FAPbI3)1−x(CsSnI3)x perovskites solar cell. The transfer matrix method is utilized to compute the structure’s optical parameters introduced into SCAPS-1D Simulator. The impacts of different absorber parameters in terms...

CsPbI3 has recently received tremendous attention as a possible absorber of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, CsPbI3-based PSCs have yet to achieve the high performance of the hybrid PSCs. In this work, we performed a density functional theory (DFT) study using the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) code for the cubic CsPbI3 absor...

In the future, when fossil fuels are exhausted, alternative energy sources will be essential for everyday needs. Hydrogen-based energy can play a vital role in this aspect. This energy is green, clean, and renewable. Elec-trochemical hydrogen devices have been used extensively in nuclear power plants to manage hydrogen-based renewable fuel. Doped z...

CsPbI3 has recently received tremendous attention as a possible absorber of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, CsPbI3-based PSCs have yet to achieve the high performance of the hybrid PSCs. In this work, we performed a density functional theory (DFT) study using the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) code for the cubic CsPbI3 absor...

A hybrid solar cell is made up of both organic and inorganic materials. Because of the high transparency and stability of zinc oxide ZnO (inorganic semi conductor), we chose it as the window layer in our simulation, along with poly 3-hexylthiophene P3HT (organic semi conductor). The goal of this simulation is to increase the efficiency of the hybri...

Spiro-OMeTAD is an excellent nominee for HTM application, but its high hygrpscopicity, inclination to crystallize, and fragility to moisture and heat make it unsuitable for solar cells. So, it is of interest to investigate other HTM candidate. In this paper, the use of p-type InGaAs as hole transport materials (HTM) has been suggested to enhance th...

In the future, when fossil fuels are exhausted, alternative energy sources will be essential for everyday needs. Hydrogen-based energy can play a vital role in this aspect. This energy is green, clean, and renewable. Electrochemical hydrogen devices have been used extensively in nuclear power plants to manage hydrogen-based renewable fuel. Doped zi...

In this paper, an optimized design of (FAPbI3)1-x(MAPbBr3)x perovskite solar cell is numerically investigated using SCAPS-1D software package. A variety of potential charge transport materials are investigated. Cu2O as HTL and ZnO as ETL outperform other choices; they are therefore considered as the best candidates. The impact of the electronic pro...

In this paper, we suggest a potential high efficiency Kesterite solar cell with double CZTS layers including efficient band offset alignment. Several loss processes like radiative recombination, existence of defect and traps densities in bulk CZTS and interface CdS/CZTS are considered in the modeling framework. The prediction capability of the adop...

In this paper, a numerical simulation study via AMPS simulator is carried out to investigate the degradation mechanisms that occurred in hybrid Cu2(Zn,Sn)Se4 (CZTS) solar cells that use a nonporous n-type-TiO2 material as a window. The advantageous Spike-like conformation against recombination at the TiO2/CZTS interface, which is ensured by the ban...

In this paper, the role of a thin interfacial oxide layer in reducing the dark current of an n-Si metal semiconductor metal (MSM) ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD) is investigated by means of an accurate analytical model. Besides, the benefits of Graphene (Gr) monolayer as transparent electrode are investigated in detail. An interdigitated Gr ele...

In this paper, the role of different high-k materials in enhancing the efficiency of a metal insulator semiconductor (MIS) solar cell is investigated in detail. In order to overcome the traditional SiO2 disadvantages, alternative dielectrics, namely TiO2, Si3N4, and Ta2O5, with a thickness of 10 Å are used. Furthermore, the effect of the interface...

In this paper, a novel 4H-SiC metal–semiconductor-metal photodetector design based on Graphene electrode engineering and gold nanoparticles is proposed. The benefits of using an intense light trapping formalism to improve the optical performance of the 4H-SiC PD are investigated by means of an accurate optoelectronic model. The developed model is b...

In this chapter, we present fundamental architectures of flexible energy devices, covering the basic materials design and fabrication process. The main goal of this chapter is to offer a comprehensive view of knowledge of flexible energy devices configuration and structural designs to better understand the fundamental principles, including device a...

This chapter endeavors to discuss the environmental effect of new flexible devices technology. It investigates the impact of different materials and processing techniques on human beings and the environment. Besides, alternative designs strategies and processing routes that pave the way for safe and sustainable materials and manufacturing processes...

Spiro-OMeTAD is an excellent nominee for HTM application, but its high hygrpscopicity, inclination to crystallize, and fragility to moisture and heat make it unsuitable for solar cells. So, it is of interest to investigate other HTM candidate. In this paper, the use of p-type InGaAs as hole transport materials (HTM) has been suggested to enhance th...

In this paper a 9 nm T-shaped gate length, Pseudo-morphic High Electron Mobility Transistor (pHEMT AlGaN/AlN/GaN/AlGaN) is studied; we use Atlas SILVACO-TCAD software. DC, AC and RF performances assessment allow to exhibit interesting results such as a maximum drain current IDSmax = 35 mA at VGS = 0 V, a knee voltage Vknee = 0.5 V with ON-resistanc...

In this work, we investigate systematically the benefits of incorporating random metallic nanoparticles in 4H-SiC thin film active area of an MSM photodetector. Several candidates (Al, Cr, Cu, Ni, W, Ti, Be, Pd, Pt) are examined to find the suitable metal nanoparticles that improve the sensing capability of 4H-SiC based UV photodetector. An effecti...

In this paper, we report experimental findings on a 4H-SiC-based p-i-n photodiode. The fabricated device has a p-type region formed by ion-implantation of aluminum (Al) in a nitrogen doped n-type layer. The dark reverse current density reaches 38.6 nA/cm² at −10 V, while the photocurrent density rises to 6.36 µA/cm² at the same bias under λ = 315 n...