Abstract
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 365-373 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Thin Solid Films |
| Volume | 558 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2 May 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Cite this
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Solution-processing of ultra-thin CdTe/ZnO nanocrystal solar cells. / MacDonald, Brandon I.; Gengenbach, Thomas R.; Watkins, Scott E.; Mulvaney, Paul C.; Jasieniak, Jacek J.
In: Thin Solid Films, Vol. 558, 02.05.2014, p. 365-373.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - Solution-processing of ultra-thin CdTe/ZnO nanocrystal solar cells
AU - MacDonald, Brandon I.
AU - Gengenbach, Thomas R.
AU - Watkins, Scott E.
AU - Mulvaney, Paul C.
AU - Jasieniak, Jacek J.
PY - 2014/5/2
Y1 - 2014/5/2
N2 - We have carried out a detailed study into how modifications of the physical, chemical and optical properties of solution-processed, nanocrystalline CdTe layers influence the photovoltaic performance of sintered CdTe/ZnO nanocrystal solar cells. Such solar cells are fabricated through layer-by-layer assembly, which is enabled through an inter layer chemical and thermal treatment cycle. In this manner we are able to fabricate working solar cells with sintered CdTe layers as low as 90 nm, provided that grain size is precisely controlled. We show that the extent of grain growth achieved during the CdTe sintering process is strongly dependent on nanocrystal surface chemistry and chemical environment, with the removal of the organic capping ligands and the introduction of CdCl2 prior to annealing leading to greatly enhanced growth. Due to the air processing involved and the nanocrystalline nature of the CdTe, the overall performance of these solar cells is shown to be strongly dependent on both annealing temperature and time, with optimal results requiring a balance between crystal growth and degradation due to oxidation. Using this simple bi-layer device structure, optimized treatment conditions result in power conversion efficiencies of up to 7.7 and peak internal quantum efficiencies in excess of 95 .
AB - We have carried out a detailed study into how modifications of the physical, chemical and optical properties of solution-processed, nanocrystalline CdTe layers influence the photovoltaic performance of sintered CdTe/ZnO nanocrystal solar cells. Such solar cells are fabricated through layer-by-layer assembly, which is enabled through an inter layer chemical and thermal treatment cycle. In this manner we are able to fabricate working solar cells with sintered CdTe layers as low as 90 nm, provided that grain size is precisely controlled. We show that the extent of grain growth achieved during the CdTe sintering process is strongly dependent on nanocrystal surface chemistry and chemical environment, with the removal of the organic capping ligands and the introduction of CdCl2 prior to annealing leading to greatly enhanced growth. Due to the air processing involved and the nanocrystalline nature of the CdTe, the overall performance of these solar cells is shown to be strongly dependent on both annealing temperature and time, with optimal results requiring a balance between crystal growth and degradation due to oxidation. Using this simple bi-layer device structure, optimized treatment conditions result in power conversion efficiencies of up to 7.7 and peak internal quantum efficiencies in excess of 95 .
U2 - 10.1016/j.tsf.2014.02.020
DO - 10.1016/j.tsf.2014.02.020
M3 - Article
VL - 558
SP - 365
EP - 373
JO - Thin Solid Films
JF - Thin Solid Films
SN - 0040-6090
ER -