Comprehensive Study of Growth Mechanism and Properties of Low Zn Content Cd sub(1-x) Zn sub(x) S Thin Films by Chemical Bath

Cd sub(1-x) Zn sub(x) S thin films have been studied extensively as window layers for solar cell applications. However, a mismatch between the Cd sub(1-x) Zn sub(x) S and copper-indium-gallium-selenide absorber layers increases with Zn film concentration, which reduces the device efficiency. In this...

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Published in:Materials research (São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil) São Paulo, Brazil), 2016-12, Vol.19 (6)
Main Authors: Rodriguez, Carlos Anibal, Sandoval-Paz, Myrna Guadalupe, Saavedra, Renato, Trejo-Cruz, Cuauhtemoc, De la Carrera, Francisco, Aragon, Luis E, Sirena, Martin, Delplancke, Marie-Paule, Carrasco, Claudia
Format: Article
Language:eng ; por ; spa
Subjects:
Absorption
Crystallites
DEPOSITION
Efficiency
MICA
Optical properties
PROPERTIES
SOLAR CELLS
THIN FILMS
Wavelengths
X ray diffraction
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Summary:Cd sub(1-x) Zn sub(x) S thin films have been studied extensively as window layers for solar cell applications. However, a mismatch between the Cd sub(1-x) Zn sub(x) S and copper-indium-gallium-selenide absorber layers increases with Zn film concentration, which reduces the device efficiency. In this work, Cd sub(1-x) Zn sub(x) S thin films with low Zn concentrations were analyzed. The effect of the addition of different molar Zn concentrations to the reaction mixture on the growth mechanism of Cd sub(1-x) Zn sub(x) S thin films and the influence of these mechanisms on structural, optical and morphological properties of the films has been studied. Cd sub(1-x) Zn sub(x) S thin films were synthesized by chemical bath deposition using an ammonia-free alkaline solution. Microstructural analysis by X-ray diffraction showed that all deposited films grew with hexagonal structure and crystallite sizes decreased as the Zn concentration in the film increased. Optical measurements indicated a high optical transmission between 75% and 90% for wavelengths above the absorption edge. Band gap value increased from 2.48 eV to 2.62 eV, and the refractive index values for Cd sub(1-x) Zn sub(x) S thin films decreased as the Zn increased. These changes in films and properties are related to a modification in growth mechanism of the Cd sub(1-x) Zn sub(x) S thin films, with the influence of Zn(OH) sub(2) formation being more important as Zn in solution increases.
ISSN:1516-1439
1980-5373
DOI:10.1590/1980-5373-mr-2015-0660