Investigation of betavoltaic effects in semiconductor diodes

The increasing global energy demand has made the need for sustainable and long-lasting energy sources increasingly critical. The limited reserves and environmental impacts of traditional energy sources have heightened interest in the development of innovative energy technologies. In this context, betavoltaic cells provide a reliable and long-term energy solution for low-power devices by converting beta particles emitted from radioisotope sources into energy. Thanks to their compact size, maintenance-free structure, and ability to operate under extreme conditions, betavoltaic cells find applications in a wide range of fields, from medical implants to space technologies. However, the efficiency values of betavoltaic cells remain below the levels theoretically predicted. Theoretical and experimental studies aimed at uncovering the reasons for this low efficiency are insufficient. To address these deficiencies, the present thesis adopts a comprehensive approach to enhance the efficiency of betavoltaic cells. GaAs (Gallium Arsenide)-based betavoltaic cells were fabricated to improve electron-hole pair generation mechanisms. These cells were characterized under Ni-63 and H-3 radioactive sources. As a result of these studies, efficiency values exceeding those reported in the literature were achieved. Additionally, perovskite-based betavoltaic devices, which stand out due to their tunable bandgap, resistance to radiation, and cost-effective production, were fabricated and their performance was analyzed under a Ni-63 radioactive source. Due to the limited number of studies in this field in the literature, both theoretical and experimental analyses were conducted on perovskite-based betavoltaic cells. Measurement results suggest that the efficiency of these devices can be improved further by the optimization of bandgap. Betavoltaic technology offers an innovative solution in energy conversion and storage, holding significant potential to meet the energy needs of the future. This technology, which is environmentally friendly, long-lasting, and reduces dependence on fossil fuels, can play a critical role in the development of sustainable energy systems.