Hostname: page-component-7b7567c8c-kwt9d Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-13T15:57:57.380Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Nanoparticle-Based Contacts to CdTe

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 August 2011

D. L. Schulz
Affiliation:
Photovoltaic and Electronic Materials Center and Basic Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401-3393
R. Ribelin
Affiliation:
Photovoltaic and Electronic Materials Center and Basic Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401-3393
C. J. Curtis
Affiliation:
Photovoltaic and Electronic Materials Center and Basic Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401-3393
D. E. King
Affiliation:
Photovoltaic and Electronic Materials Center and Basic Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401-3393
D. S. Ginley
Affiliation:
Photovoltaic and Electronic Materials Center and Basic Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401-3393
Get access

Abstract

Our team has been investigating the use of particle-based contacts in CdTe solar cell technologies. Toward this end, particles of Cu-doped HgTe (Hg-Cu-Te) and Sb-Te have been applied as contacts to CdTe/CdS/SnO2 heterostructures. These metal telluride materials were characterized by standard methods. Hg-Cu-Te particles in graphite electrodag contacts produced CdTe solar cells with efficiencies above 12% and series resistance (Rse) of 6 Ω or less. Metathesis preparation of Cu(I) and Cu(II) tellurides (i.e., Cu2Te and CuTe, respectively) were attempted as a means of characterizing the valence state of Cu in the Hg-Cu-Te ink. For Sb-Te contacts to CdTe, open circuit voltages (Vocs) in excess of 800 mV were observed, however, efficiencies were limited to 9%; perhaps a consequence of the marked increase in the Rse (i.e., >20 Ω) in these non-graphite containing contacts. Acetylene black was mixed into the methanolic Sb-Te colloid as a means of reducing Rse, however, no improvement in device properties was observed.

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable