In situ preparation of p-Type CdTe thin films by cathodic electrodeposition

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2113942· OSTI ID:6392160

Bhattachararya, R N; Rajeshwar, K

Recent studies on n-CdS/p-CdTe heterojunction solar cells have reported solar-to-electrical conversion efficiencies approaching the 10% benchmark. Thin films of CdTe required for these devices are fabricated by a variety of methods (e.g., vacuum deposition, screen printing, close-spaced sublimation). Electrodeposition is another candidate technique receiving scrutiny. Although earlier studies had prescribed conditions for cathodic deposition of both n- as well as p-type CdTe, more recent work reveals difficulties with electrodeposition of p-type layers from acidic baths. These difficulties have led to the need for post-deposition thermal treatment of electrodeposited films to induce n ..-->.. p-type conversion. Preliminary evidence for p-type electronic conductivity in the as-deposited films was presented in previous communications. These experiments, however, were conducted on deposition baths containing no intentionally added acceptor impurity (e.g., Cu). The purpose of this note is to present further evidence for p-type conductivity in CdTe thin films containing Cu as well as some data bearing on the direct applicability of these films to n-CdS/p-CdTe heterojunction fabrication.

• Research Organization: Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
• OSTI ID: 6392160
• Journal Information: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 132:3; ISSN JESOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360601* -- Other Materials-- Preparation & Manufacture
CADMIUM COMPOUNDS
CADMIUM SULFIDES
CADMIUM TELLURIDE SOLAR CELLS
CADMIUM TELLURIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
COPPER
DEPOSITION
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRODEPOSITION
ELECTROLYSIS
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
FILMS
HEAT TREATMENTS
HETEROJUNCTIONS
INORGANIC PHOSPHORS
JUNCTIONS
LYSIS
MATERIALS
METALS
N-TYPE CONDUCTORS
P-TYPE CONDUCTORS
PHOSPHORS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SEMICONDUCTOR JUNCTIONS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SULFIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SURFACE COATING
TELLURIDES
TELLURIUM COMPOUNDS
THIN FILMS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS