Fabrication of Centimeter-Scale MoWS₂-Based High Performing Solar Cells

The growing demand for efficient, scalable, and lightweight photovoltaic (PV) technologies has intensified interest in WS₂ and MoS₂-based devices. Despite notable advances, achieving simultaneously high performance and long-term operational stability remains a key barrier to broader adoption. Here, we address this challenge by fabricating p–n heterojunction solar cells through a single-step chemical vapor deposition process that directly deposits WS₂ , MoS₂ , and their alloy MoWS2 onto p-type silicon substrates. The MoWS₂ alloy exhibits a reduced bandgap and enhanced optoelectronic properties, which translate into substantially improved PV output and device robustness. The MoWS₂-based solar cell achieves a power conversion efficiency of 5.8%, outperforming the WS₂ and MoS₂ counterparts, which reach 1.12% and 3.6%, respectively. In addition, MoWS₂ displays markedly enhanced light-harvesting capability, with an external quantum efficiency of 80%, compared to 30% for WS₂ and 50% for MoS₂ . Stability assessments further demonstrate that MoWS₂ retains its performance over a 30-day test period, confirming its superior long-term durability. By establishing the viability of MoWS₂ as a high-potential photoactive material for lightweight PVs, this work sets the stage for future research and paves the way toward practical implementation of alloy-engineered 2D semiconductor solar technologies