TITLE:
Simulation of the CDs/TiO2 Sample Behavior and Analysis of Its Curve Variations via SCAPS
AUTHORS:
Anwar Alsawi, Hessa Alotaibi, Lamia Alhumaidan, Majidah Alshudukhi, Mariam Aloufi, Monerah Alnassar, Shaden Alnawdali, Shahad Alsaqabi, Shouq Alharbi, Yasmeen Alanbar, Weam Alolayt, Sonia Bouzgarrou
KEYWORDS:
Carbon Dots, TiO2, Solar Cells, SCAPS Simulation, J-V Characteristics, Solar Cells
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.1,
January
22,
2026
ABSTRACT: The development of low-cost and environmentally friendly solar cell technologies has attracted significant attention as an alternative to traditional silicon-based devices. Carbon dots (CDs), owing to their tunable optical band gap, strong absorption in the visible spectrum, and excellent electron-donating properties, have emerged as promising sensitizers and interfacial modifiers in solar energy conversion systems. In this study, we present a systematic investigation of CDs/TiO2 heterojunction solar cells using both experimental findings reported in the literature and numerical simulations performed with SCAPS-1D. The structural configuration consists of a transparent conducting oxide (TCO), a TiO2 electron transport layer, a CDs absorber, and metallic contacts. Current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics were obtained to evaluate photovoltaic performance. The results demonstrate a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of approximately 16.518 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of about 0.772 V, a fill factor (FF) of 51.44 %, and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) approaching 6.56%. These values are consistent with experimental studies, validating the potential of CDs as efficient light harvesters. Furthermore, the role of interfacial defects and contact properties was analyzed, highlighting the importance of interface engineering to minimize recombination losses.