CdTe Nanocrystals in Ink-Based Photovoltaics: A Study of Grain Growth and Device Architecture
Ryan Crisp a, Matthew Panthani b, Dmitri Talapin, Joseph Luther
a NREL, 16253 Denver West Parkway, Golden, 80401, United States
b University of Chicago, 929 East 57th st, Chicago, 60637, United States
Oral, Joseph Luther, presentation 005
Publication date: 1st July 2014

We present on the use of cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanocrystal colloids as a solution-processable “ink” for large-grain CdTe absorber layers in solar cells. After layer-by-layer processing into thin film devices, the resulting grain structure and solar cell performance are found to depend on the initial nanocrystal size, shape, and crystal structure. Inks composed of predominantly wurtzite tetrapod-shaped nanocrystals exhibit better device performance compared to inks composed of irregular faceted nanocrystals or spherical zincblende nanocrystals despite the fact that the final sintered film has a zincblende crystal structure. Five different working device architectures were investigated. Surprisingly, we find the indium tin oxide/CdTe/zinc oxide structure leads to our best performing device architecture (with efficiency >11%) compared to others including two structures with a cadmium sulfide (CdS) n-type layer typically used in high efficiency sublimation-grown CdTe solar cells. Moreover, devices without CdS have improved response at short wavelengths due to improved transmission of high energy light through the window layer.



© FUNDACIO DE LA COMUNITAT VALENCIANA SCITO
We use our own and third party cookies for analysing and measuring usage of our website to improve our services. If you continue browsing, we consider accepting its use. You can check our Cookies Policy in which you will also find how to configure your web browser for the use of cookies. More info