NH src='/images/tex/18678.gif' alt='_{bf 4}'> Cl Alternative to the CdCl src='/images/tex/996.gif' alt='_{bf 2}'> Treatment Step for CdTe Thin-Film Solar Cells

摘要

The CdCl treatment is a key step in CdTe solar cell fabrication. However, despite its near ubiquitous use, the process is nonideal as CdCl is both expensive and potentially hazardous to utilize in processing. In this paper, we report on the development of a NHCl replacement to the CdCl process, which is a low-cost noncarcinogenic alternative. Comparative cells were fabricated and compared via –, –, scanning electron microscopy, and external quantum efficiency analysis. Further process optimization led to device efficiencies of up to 11.5%, achieved using this new process, with values of up to 832 mV, which is relatively high.