Combinatorial study to the physical properties of Cd1-xZnxTe thin films as budding absorber for solar cell applications. (July 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Ritika; Sharma, Arushi; Himanshu, ; Thakur, A.; Kannan, M.D.; Dhaka, M.S.
• Is Part Of: Materials research bulletin. Volume 163(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-07
• Subjects: CdZnTe -- Zn concentration -- Thin films -- Physical properties -- Solar cells; Materials -- Periodicals; Crystal growth -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Cristaux -- Croissance -- Périodiques; Crystal growth; Materials; Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2023.112214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-5408

Abstract

Highlights: Concentration evolution to physical properties of Cd1-x Znx Te films is explored. Structural analysis reveals cubic phased (220) preferred orientation with grain growth. Optical energy band gap found within 1.70–1.92 eV range and current-voltage curves show Ohmic nature. Hill like topography and spherical grains are demonstrated by AFM and FESEM images. The developed Cd0.9 Zn0.1 Te films show demanding behavior to apply in absorber layer. Abstract: Cadmium telluride (CdTe) has long been recognized as promising absorber for single-junction solar cells, yet it suffers from snag of apposite contact. CdZnTe provides band gap tunability and can be used as absorber layer in tandem devices concerned. The impact of Zn content on physical properties of Cd1-x Znx Te thin films is indubitable and hence, present work demonstrates concentration evolution to physical properties of Cd1-x Znx Te thin films. Structural characterization depicted zinc blende cubic phased (220) plane as dominant reflection. The optical energy band gap (Eg ) of films is attained within range 1.70–1.92 eV and electrical properties portrayed Ohmic character of films. Photoluminescence spectra showed single peak and topographical analysis demonstrated hill like-topographies. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) maps exposed compact morphologies and compositional studies validated presence of constituent elements. The present study unveiled that maximum grain size, apt optical energy band gap and higher conductivity of Cd0.9 Zn0.1 Te films make these as budding absorbers for solar cell applications. Graphical abstract: Image, graphical abstract