This work focuses on preparing TiO₂, CdS, and composite TiO₂:CdS thin films for photovoltaic applications by thermal evaporation. The suggested materials exhibit very good optical and electrical properties and can play a significant role in enhancing the efficiency of the device. Various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques were considered to investigate the optical, morphological, photoluminescence, and electrical properties. FTIR confirms the material identification by displaying some peaks in the fingerprint region. UV Vis spectroscopy yields high transmission (80–90%) and low absorbance (5–10%) within the spectral region from 500 nm to 800 nm for the composite thin films. The optical band gap values for CdS, TiO_2, and TiO₂:CdS thin films are 2.42 eV, 3.72 eV, and 3.6 eV. XRD was utilized to analyze the amorphous nature of the thin films, while optical and SEM microscopy were employed to examine the morphological changes caused by the addition of CdS to TiO₂. The decrease in the bandgap of the composite thin films was determined by the Tauc plot, which is endorsed due to the band tailing effects. Photoluminescence spectroscopy depicts several emission peaks in the visible region when they are excited at different wavelengths, and the electrical measurement enhances the material conductivity. Furthermore, the proposed electron transport materials (TiO₂, CdS, TiO₂:CdS) were simulated with different perovskite materials to validate their design by employing the SCAPS-1D program and assess their performance in commercial implementation. The observed results suggest that TiO₂:CdS is a promising candidate to be used as an ETM in PSC with enhanced productivity.

In the contemporary era of technological advancements, solar energy emerges as a promising and easily implementable solution to meet future energy demands sustainably. This chapter delves into recent innovative techniques and simulation software pertaining to this environmentally friendly technology, focusing on device simulation, novel structures, and cutting-edge methods. A comparative analysis among major solar cell modeling simulators, such as PC1D, SCAPS-1D, wxAMPS-1D, AMPS-1D, ASA, Gpvdm, SETFOS, PECSIM, ASPIN, ADEPT, AFORS-HET, TCAD, and SILVACO ALTAS, is presented. These simulators not only aid in analyzing fabricated cells but also predict the impact of device modifications. The current year has witnessed significant efforts in developing sustainable energy systems through innovative solar cell simulators and semiconductor models. A concise evaluation of well-established solar cell simulators is provided to identify the most reliable tool for assessing photovoltaic technology performance. The chapter offers a user-friendly linear operating procedure and a congenial dialog box for multi-junction solar cells, providing valuable benefits for scientists, researchers, and skilled programmers in the photovoltaic community. This solar simulation software plays a crucial role in designing environment-friendly solar energy systems and calculating potential solar PV system outcomes for various projects, both grid-tied and off-grid, continually improving the solar energy technology landscape.

Thermoelectrics is an emerging technology in the field of renewable energy sources, and the exploration of doped materials has opened up new avenues for enhancing their performance. La-doped thermoelectric materials with the composition Bi_2−x La _x Te₃ (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) were synthesized using the WOWS sol–gel method and sintered at 500 °C for 5 h. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed a rhombohedral crystal structure with lattice constants of a = b = 4.41(2) Å and c = 29.81(3) Å. Scanning electron microscopy revealed particle-like shapes (0.7–2.5 μm). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the single-phase nature of the samples. DC electrical measurements showed increasing conductivity with temperature. AC electrical analysis demonstrated frequency-dependent behavior with increasing AC conductivity and decreasing loss factor and dielectric constants. Seebeck coefficient measurements exhibited temperature-dependent behavior. Thermal transport properties showed increasing thermal conductivity and volumetric specific heat with temperature, while thermal diffusivity decreased. The composition Bi_1.9La_0.1Te₃ with x = 0.1 doping displayed lower thermal conductivity, higher electrical conductivity, and a higher ZT value, making it more suitable for thermoelectric applications. Furthermore, the sample Bi_1.8La_0.2Te₃ exhibited favorable characteristics for energy storage applications compared to the other samples. These findings provide insights into the potential applications of La-doped bismuth telluride compounds in thermoelectric and energy storage systems.