Optimization of the CdS optical window layer via cryogenic fabrication and its integration into CdS/CdTe solar cells

Manır M., Kuvvet K., Aytemız G., Nevruzoğlu V.

MRS ADVANCES, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1557/s43580-025-01469-4
  • Dergi Adı: MRS ADVANCES
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

CdS thin films, used as optical windows in photovoltaic devices, were deposited on glass substrates using a custom-designed cryogenic system under high vacuum (10-6 Torr) at substrate temperatures between 100 and 300 K in 50 K intervals. XRD analysis confirmed the hexagonal crystal structure of all films without structural damage. FESEM images showed uniform, close-packed grain morphology at 200 K, characterized by equal-sized clusters (10-12 nm), indicative of soliton growth. This film also exhibited the highest optical transmittance (96%). Grain sizes ranged from 45 to 7.6 nm, corresponding to optical bandgap values between 2.41 and 2.46 eV. Electrical measurements revealed resistivity values between 6.1 x 103 and 7.3 x 103 Omegacm and carrier concentrations from 3.4 x 1016 to 7.1 x 1015 cm-3. CdS layers produced at 200 K and 300 K were used to fabricate CdS/CdTe solar cells, where the 200 K sample achieved the highest photovoltaic efficiency of 9.44%.