Numerical Simulation and Performance Optimization of a Solar Cell Based on WO₃/CdTe Heterostructure Using NiO as HTL Layer by SCAPS 1D

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The author performed numerical simulation and performance optimization of a solar cell based on WO3/CdTe heterostructure using NiO as HTL 3 layer using SCAPS 1D. The solar cell with this structure is novel and has great interest.

The PCE, FF, Jsc and Voc are calculated by systematically changing parameters such as the window layer thickness, donor carrier concentration, absorber layer thickness and acceptor carrier concentration. Therefore these results are very significant.

However, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether thiese results are correct. That is, there is no physical basis for the results. It is mostly speculation based on phenomenology, and there is no consideration for numerical values.

Moreover, the PCE value is low and you should make structural suggestions to increase this value.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

This article reports results on a numerical simulation of solar cells based on the ??3/CdTe heterojunction. The Al/AZO/??3/CdTe/NiO/Ni device structure was numerically simulated through the SCAPS 1-D software. The effect of the thickness and carrier ́s concentration of the absorbent layer (CdTe) and the window layer (??3), along with the influence of the defect density of the ??3/CdTe interface on the performance of the cell have been studied by simulation. Finally, the behavior of the photovoltaic cell as a function of the operating temperature, was investigated. These results are very interesting for the photovoltaic devices sector, an extremely important topic right now, to respond to the planet's energy needs through renewable energies. Although the manuscript deals with the solar cells only from a theoretical point of view, it appears useful for the scientific community and can give an added value to the knowledge of the field.

The paper is well written, and the English is fine. The quality of the presentation is good, the article being well organized and clearly readable. The figures are clear and all useful for describing the findings.

The introduction provides sufficient background and give a good and comprehensive overview of the state of the art of the topic. The research design appears appropriate, and the methods adequately described.

Finally, the conclusions are supported by the results, the added value of this article to the research in the field is adequately highlighted, both at the end of the introduction section, that in the conclusions. 

Therefore, the manuscript deserves to be published in the present form.

Author Response

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Reviewer 3 Report

This paper reports a comprehensive simulation study of the performance of WO3/CdTe solar cell with NiO as HTL.  Parameters of the solar cell as functions of CdTe thickness, WO3 thickness, their corresponding carrier concentrations, interfacial defect density and working temperature are calculated, which should have a valuable impact on the design and fabrication of the suggested heterostructure solar cell. Following concerns need to be addressed prior to its publication.

1) For a better comparison, energy diagram of the traditional CdS/CdTe solar cell is suggested to present, so is a brief simulation of the performance of CdS/CdTe solar cell.  The advantage of the proposed WO3/CdTe solar cell over the CdS/CdTe one need to be emphasized.

2) There are grammar errors throughout the manuscript. A careful English editing is needed.     

There are grammar errors throughout the manuscript. A careful English editing is needed.     

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx