The effect of MoSe2 nanoparticles on the properties ZnO electron transport layer of organic solar cell

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of MoSe2 nanoparticle doping on the structural, optical, and electrical
properties of the ZnO electron transport layer (ETL), as well as its effect on the efficiency of organic solar
cells (OSCs). ZnO:MoSe2 composites were synthesized using the sol-gel method, and their morphology was
analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optical studies
revealed an increase in the bandgap width and enhanced defect-related emission, indicating improved
charge carrier dynamics. Electrical measurements confirmed increased conductivity and reduced charge recombination
with the addition of MoSe2. Organic solar cells based on ZnO:MoSe2 demonstrated enhanced
photovoltaic performance compared to pure ZnO devices. The optimal device was achieved at MoSe2 concentration
of 8 %, where the short-circuit current density (Jsc) increased from 7.25 mA/cm² to 10.02 mA/cm2, the
fill factor (FF) improved from 0.37 to 0.52, and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) rose from 0.7 % to
3.3 %. These results confirm the potential of ZnO:MoSe2 nanocomposites for high-performance optoelectronic
and photovoltaic devices.