Home Tellurium-based solar cells
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Tellurium-based solar cells

  • Aparna Das ORCID logo EMAIL logo and Bimal Krishna Banik EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: May 18, 2022
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill

Abstract

In this article, we discuss about various Tellurium-based solar cells. Mainly this analysis focuses on the CdTe solar cells. The latest development in this area is incorporated in great detail. Te doping in various other solar cells is also discussed in the last part of the article.


Corresponding authors: Aparna Das and Bimal Krishna Banik, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, College of Sciences and Human Studies, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, E-mail: (A. Das), (B. K. Banik)

Acknowledgements

AD and BKB are grateful to Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University for support.

  1. Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.

  2. Research funding: No funding was received from any sources.

  3. Conflict of interest statement: The authors confirm that this result has no conflict of interest.

References

1. Ohyama, H, Aramoto, T, Kumazawa, S, Higuchi, H, Arita, T, Shibutani, S, et al.. 16.0% efficient thin-film CdS/CdTe solar cells. In: Conf rec twenty sixth IEEE photovolt spec conf-1997. IEEE, Anaheim, CA, USA; 1997:343–6 pp.10.1143/JJAP.36.6304Search in Google Scholar

2. Britt, J, Ferekides, C. Thin-film CdS/CdTe solar cell with 15.8% efficiency. Appl Phys Lett 1993;62:2851–2.10.1063/1.109629Search in Google Scholar

3. Geisthardt, RM, Topič, M, Sites, JR. Status and potential of CdTe solar-cell efficiency. IEEE J Photovolt 2015;5:1217–21. https://doi.org/10.1109/jphotov.2015.2434594.Search in Google Scholar

4. Ferekides, CS, Marinskiy, D, Viswanathan, V, Tetali, B, Palekis, V, Selvaraj, P, et al.. High efficiency CSS CdTe solar cells. Thin Solid Films 2000;361–362:520–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0040-6090(99)00824-x.Search in Google Scholar

5. Oladeji, IO, Chow, L, Ferekides, CS, Viswanathan, V, Zhao, Z. Metal/CdTe/CdS/Cd1−xZnxS/TCO/glass: a new CdTe thin film solar cell structure. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 2000;61:203–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0927-0248(99)00114-2.Search in Google Scholar

6. Tiwari, AN, Khrypunov, G, Kurdzesau, F, Bätzner, DL, Romeo, A, Zogg, H. CdTe solar cell in a novel configuration. Prog Photovoltaics Res Appl 2004;12:33–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.525.Search in Google Scholar

7. Lin, T, Huang, F, Liang, J, Wang, Y. A facile preparation route for boron-doped graphene, and its CdTe solar cell application. Energy Environ Sci 2011;4:862–5. https://doi.org/10.1039/c0ee00512f.Search in Google Scholar

8. Wolden, CA, Abbas, A, Li, J, Diercks, DR, Meysing, DM, Ohno, TR, et al.. The roles of ZnTe buffer layers on CdTe solar cell performance. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 2016;147:203–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2015.12.019.Search in Google Scholar

9. Oladeji, IO, Chow, L. Synthesis and processing of CdS/ZnS multilayer films for solar cell application. Thin Solid Films 2005;474:77–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsf.2004.08.114.Search in Google Scholar

10. Abouelfotouh, FA, Al Awadi, R, Abd-Elnaby, MM. Thin film CdxZn1−xS/Si hybrid photovoltaic system. Thin Solid Films 1982;96:169–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-6090(82)90617-4.Search in Google Scholar

11. Reddy, KTR, Reddy, PJ. Studies of ZnxCd1−xS films and ZnxCd1−xS/CuGaSe2 heterojunction solar cells. J Phys Appl Phys 1992;25:1345–8.10.1088/0022-3727/25/9/011Search in Google Scholar

12. Ram, PR, Thangaraj, R, Agnihotri, OP. Thin film CdZnS/CuInSe2 solar cells by spray pyrolysis. Bull Mater Sci 1986;8:279–84. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02744133.Search in Google Scholar

13. Hossain, MS, Rahman, KS, Karim, MR, Aijaz, MO, Dar, MA, Shar, MA, et al.. Impact of CdTe thin film thickness in ZnxCd1−xS/CdTe solar cell by RF sputtering. Sol Energy 2019;180:559–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2019.01.019.Search in Google Scholar

14. Yang, R, Wang, D, Wan, L, Wang, D. High-efficiency CdTe thin-film solar cell with a mono-grained CdS window layer. RSC Adv 2014;4:22162–71. https://doi.org/10.1039/c4ra01394h.Search in Google Scholar

15. Schaffner, J, Motzko, M, Tueschen, A, Swirschuk, A, Schimper, H-J, Klein, A, et al.. 12% efficient CdTe/CdS thin film solar cells deposited by low-temperature close space sublimation. J Appl Phys 2011;110:064508.10.1063/1.3639291Search in Google Scholar

16. Vásquez, CH, Aguilera, MLA, Trujillo, MAG, Márquez, JMF, Olarte, DJ, Hernández, SG, et al.. Enhancement of CdS/CdTe solar cells by the interbuilding of a nanostructured Te-rich layer. Mater Res Express 2017;4:086403.10.1088/2053-1591/aa7d88Search in Google Scholar

17. Venkatesh, R, Banapurmath, NR, Ramesh, K, Venkatesh, A, Khandake, SA, Kurade, PR, et al.. Enhancement of open circuit voltage of CdTe solar cell. Mater Today Proc 2020;27:117–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2019.09.035.Search in Google Scholar

18. Alfadhili, FK, Phillips, AB, Liyanage, GK, Gibbs, JM, Jamarkattel, MK, Heben, MJ. Controlling band alignment at the back interface of cadmium telluride solar cells using ZnTe and Te buffer layers. MRS Adv 2019;4:913–9. https://doi.org/10.1557/adv.2019.31.Search in Google Scholar

19. Chou, HC, Rohatgi, A, Thomas, EW, Kamra, S, Bhat, AK. Effects of Cu on CdTe/CdS heterojunction solar cells with Au/Cu contacts. J Electrochem Soc 1995;142:254. https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2043891.Search in Google Scholar

20. Bastola, E, Bhandari, KP, Subedi, I, Podraza, NJ, Ellingson, RJ. Structural, optical, and hole transport properties of earth-abundant chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) nanocrystals. MRS Commun 2018;8:970–8. https://doi.org/10.1557/mrc.2018.117.Search in Google Scholar

21. Zhang, M-J, Lin, Q, Yang, X, Mei, Z, Liang, J, Lin, Y, et al.. Novel p-type conductive semiconductor nanocrystalline film as the back electrode for high-performance thin film solar cells. Nano Lett 2016;16:1218–23. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b04510.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

22. Li, J, Diercks, DR, Ohno, TR, Warren, CW, Lonergan, MC, Beach, JD, et al.. Controlled activation of ZnTe:Cu contacted CdTe solar cells using rapid thermal processing. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 2015;133:208–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2014.10.045.Search in Google Scholar

23. Moore, A, Song, T, Sites, J. Improved CdTe solar-cell performance with an evaporated Te layer before the back contact. MRS Adv 2017;2:3195–201. https://doi.org/10.1557/adv.2017.403.Search in Google Scholar

24. Bastola, E, Alfadhili, FK, Phillips, AB, Heben, MJ, Ellingson, RJ. Wet chemical etching of cadmium telluride photovoltaics for enhanced open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency. J Mater Res 2019;34:3988–97. https://doi.org/10.1557/jmr.2019.363.Search in Google Scholar

25. Watthage, SC, Phillips, AB, Liyanage, GK, Song, Z, Gibbs, JM, Alfadhili, FK, et al.. Selective Cd removal from CdTe for high-efficiency Te back-contact formation. IEEE J Photovoltaics 2018;8:1125–31. https://doi.org/10.1109/jphotov.2018.2830302.Search in Google Scholar

26. Phillips, AB, Subedi, KK, Liyanage, GK, Alfadhili, FK, Ellingson, RJ, Heben, MJ. Understanding and advancing bifacial thin film solar cells. ACS Appl Energy Mater 2020;3:6072–8. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaem.0c00851.Search in Google Scholar

27. Liyanage, GK, Phillips, AB, Alfadhili, FK, Ellingson, RJ, Heben, MJ. The role of back buffer layers and absorber properties for >25% efficient CdTe solar cells. ACS Appl Energy Mater 2019;2:5419–26.10.1021/acsaem.9b00367Search in Google Scholar

28. Subedi, KK, Bastola, E, Subedi, I, Bista, SS, Rijal, S, Jamarkattel, MK, et al.. Semi-transparent p-type barium copper sulfide as a back contact interface layer for cadmium telluride solar cells. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 2020;218:110764. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2020.110764.Search in Google Scholar

29. Lalitha, S, Sathyamoorthy, R, Senthilarasu, S, Subbarayan, A, Natarajan, K. Characterization of CdTe thin film—dependence of structural and optical properties on temperature and thickness. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 2004;82:187–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2004.01.017.Search in Google Scholar

30. Artegiani, E, Major, JD, Shiel, H, Dhanak, V, Ferrari, C, Romeo, A. How the amount of copper influences the formation and stability of defects in CdTe solar cells. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 2020;204:110228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2019.110228.Search in Google Scholar

31. Kosyachenko, LA, Savchuk, AI, Grushko, EV. Dependence of efficiency of thin-film CdS/CdTe solar cell on parameters of absorber layer and barrier structure. Thin Solid Films 2009;517:2386–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsf.2008.11.012.Search in Google Scholar

32. Artegiani, E, Menossi, D, Shiel, H, Dhanak, V, Major, JD, Gasparotto, A, et al.. Analysis of a novel CuCl2 back contact process for improved stability in CdTe solar cells. Prog Photovoltaics Res Appl 2019;27:706–15.10.1002/pip.3148Search in Google Scholar

33. Guo, D, Akis, R, Brinkman, D, Sankin, I, Fang, T, Vasileska, D, et al.. One-dimensional reaction-diffusion simulation of Cu migration in polycrystalline CdTe solar cells. In: 2014 IEEE 40th Photovolt spec conf PVSC. IEEE, Denver, CO, USA; 2014:2011–5 pp. https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC.2014.6925321.Search in Google Scholar

34. Ma, J, Wei, S-H, Gessert, TA, Chin, KK. Carrier density and compensation in semiconductors with multiple dopants and multiple transition energy levels: case of Cu impurities in CdTe. Phys Rev B 2011;83:245207. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevb.83.245207.Search in Google Scholar

35. Bertoncello, M, Casulli, F, Barbato, M, Artegiani, E, Romeo, A, Trivellin, N, et al.. Influence of CdTe solar cell properties on stability at high temperatures. Microelectron Reliab 2020;114:113847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microrel.2020.113847.Search in Google Scholar

36. Fan, F-J, Yu, B, Wang, Y-X, Zhu, Y-L, Liu, X-J, Yu, S-H, et al.. Colloidal synthesis of Cu2CdSnSe4 nanocrystals and hot-pressing to enhance the thermoelectric figure-of-merit. J Am Chem Soc 2011;133:15910–3. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja207159j.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

37. Wilson, ER, Parker, LM, Orth, A, Nunn, N, Torelli, M, Shenderova, O, et al.. The effect of particle size on nanodiamond fluorescence and colloidal properties in biological media. Nanotechnology 2019;30:385704. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6528/ab283d.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

38. Tekin, E, Smith, PJ, Hoeppener, S, van den Berg, AMJ, Susha, AS, Rogach, AL, et al.. Inkjet printing of luminescent CdTe nanocrystal–polymer composites. Adv Funct Mater 2007;17:23–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.200600587.Search in Google Scholar

39. Liu, J, Shi, Z, Yu, Y, Yang, R, Zuo, S. Water-soluble multicolored fluorescent CdTe quantum dots: synthesis and application for fingerprint developing. J Colloid Interface Sci 2010;342:278–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2009.10.061.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

40. Su, Z, Sun, K, Han, Z, Cui, H, Liu, F, Lai, Y, et al.. Fabrication of Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells with 5.1% efficiency via thermal decomposition and reaction using a non-toxic sol–gel route. J Mater Chem A 2013;2:500–9.10.1039/C3TA13533KSearch in Google Scholar

41. Sarswat, PK, Free, ML. Demonstration of a sol–gel synthesized bifacial CZTS photoelectrochemical cell. Phys Status Solidi 2011;208:2861–4. https://doi.org/10.1002/pssa.201127216.Search in Google Scholar

42. Agbim, EG, Ikhioya, IL, Ekpunobi, AJ. Syntheses and characterization of fluorine doped tin oxide using spray pyrolysis technique. IOSR J Appl Phys 2019;11:70–8.Search in Google Scholar

43. Arce-Plaza, A, Sánchez-Rodríguez, FJ, Courel, M, Pérez-Cuapio, R, Alvarado, JA, Roque, J, et al.. CdTe colloidal-gel: synthesis and thin films deposition applied to solar cells. Mater Sci Semicond Process 2021;131:105871. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mssp.2021.105871.Search in Google Scholar

44. Repins, I, Contreras, MA, Egaas, B, DeHart, C, Scharf, J, Perkins, CL, et al.. 19·9%-efficient ZnO/CdS/CuInGaSe2 solar cell with 81·2% fill factor. Prog Photovoltaics Res Appl 2008;16:235–9.10.1002/pip.822Search in Google Scholar

45. Ahmed, S, Reuter, KB, Gunawan, O, Guo, L, Romankiw, LT, Deligianni, H. A high efficiency electrodeposited Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cell. Adv Energy Mater 2012;2:253–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.201100526.Search in Google Scholar

46. Moutinho, HR, Al-Jassim, MM, Abulfotuh, FA, Levi, DH, Dippo, PC, Dhere, RG, et al.. Studies of recrystallization of CdTe thin films after CdCl/sub 2/treatment [solar cells]. In: Conf rec twenty sixth IEEE photovolt spec conf-1997. IEEE, Anaheim, CA, USA; 1997:431–4 pp.10.1109/PVSC.1997.654120Search in Google Scholar

47. Salavei, A, Rimmaudo, I, Piccinelli, F, Zabierowski, P, Romeo, A. Study of difluorochloromethane activation treatment on low substrate temperature deposited CdTe solar cells. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 2013;112:190–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2013.01.019.Search in Google Scholar

48. Qu, Y, Meyers, PV, McCandless, BE. HCl vapor post-deposition heat treatment of CdTe/CdS films. In: Conf rec twenty fifth IEEE photovolt spec conf – 1996. IEEE, Washington, DC, USA; 1996:1013–6 pp. https://doi.org/10.1109/PVSC.1996.564303 Search in Google Scholar

49. Bayhan, H. Investigation of the effect of CdCl2 processing on vacuum deposited CdS/CdTe thin film solar cells by DLTS. J Phys Chem Solid 2004;65:1817–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpcs.2004.06.005.Search in Google Scholar

50. Hiie, J. CdTe:CdCl2:O2 annealing process. Thin Solid Films 2003;431–432:90–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0040-6090(03)00205-0.Search in Google Scholar

51. Niles, DW, Waters, D, Rose, D. Chemical reactivity of CdCl2 wet-deposited on CdTe films studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Appl Surf Sci 1998;136:221–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0169-4332(98)00340-7.Search in Google Scholar

52. Williams, BL, Major, JD, Bowen, L, Keuning, W, Creatore, M, Durose, K. A comparative study of the effects of nontoxic chloride treatments on CdTe solar cell microstructure and stoichiometry. Adv Energy Mater 2015;5:1500554. https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.201500554.Search in Google Scholar

53. Potlog, T, Ghimpu, L, Gashin, P, Pudov, A, Nagle, T, Sites, J. Influence of annealing in different chlorides on the photovoltaic parameters of CdS/CdTe solar cells. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 2003;80:327–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2003.08.007.Search in Google Scholar

54. Potter, MDG, Halliday, DP, Cousins, M, Durose, K. A study of the effects of varying cadmium chloride treatment on the luminescent properties of CdTe/CdS thin film solar cells. Thin Solid Films 2000;361–362:248–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0040-6090(99)00782-8.Search in Google Scholar

55. Romeo, N, Bosio, A, Romeo, A. An innovative process suitable to produce high-efficiency CdTe/CdS thin-film modules. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 2010;94:2–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2009.06.001.Search in Google Scholar

56. Romeo, A, Buecheler, S, Giarola, M, Mariotto, G, Tiwari, AN, Romeo, N, et al.. Study of CSS- and HVE-CdTe by different recrystallization processes. Thin Solid Films 2009;517:2132–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsf.2008.10.129.Search in Google Scholar

57. Rios-Flores, A, Arés, O, Camacho, JM, Rejon, V, Peña, JL. Procedure to obtain higher than 14% efficient thin film CdS/CdTe solar cells activated with HCF2Cl gas. Sol Energy 2012;86:780–5.10.1016/j.solener.2011.12.002Search in Google Scholar

58. Romeo, A, Artegiani, E, Menossi, D. Low substrate temperature CdTe solar cells: a review. Sol Energy 2018;175:9–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2018.02.038.Search in Google Scholar

59. Rimmaudo, I, Salavei, A, Artegiani, E, Menossi, D, Giarola, M, Mariotto, G, et al.. Improved stability of CdTe solar cells by absorber surface etching. Sol Energy Mater Sol Cells 2017;162:127–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2016.12.044.Search in Google Scholar

60. Kim, S, Song, J-Y, Kim, D, Hong, J, Cho, IJ, Kim, YH, et al.. Effect of novel double treatment on the properties of CdTe solar cells. Energy Rep 2021;7:1396–403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.02.070.Search in Google Scholar

61. Ebert, C, Pulwin, Z, Byrnes, D, Paranjpe, A, Zhang, W. Tellurium doping of InGaP for tunnel junction applications in triple junction solar cells. J Cryst Growth 2011;315:61–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2010.09.050.Search in Google Scholar

62. Akin, S, Erol, E, Sonmezoglu, S. Enhancing the electron transfer and band potential tuning with long-term stability of ZnO based dye-sensitized solar cells by gallium and tellurium as dual-doping. Electrochim Acta 2017;225:243–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2016.12.122.Search in Google Scholar

Received: 2021-10-16
Accepted: 2022-04-13
Published Online: 2022-05-18

© 2022 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Reviews
  3. Synthesis and application of organotellurium compounds
  4. Tellurium-based chemical sensors
  5. Synthesis of antiviral drugs by using carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bond formation under greener conditions
  6. Green protocols for Tsuji–Trost allylation: an overview
  7. Chemistry of tellurium containing macrocycles
  8. Tellurium-induced cyclization of olefinic compounds
  9. Latest developments on the synthesis of bioactive organotellurium scaffolds
  10. Tellurium-based solar cells
  11. Semiconductor characteristics of tellurium and its implementations
  12. Tellurium based materials for nonlinear optical applications
  13. Pharmaceutical cocrystal consisting of ascorbic acid with p-aminobenzoic acid and paracetamol
  14. Carbocatalysis: a metal free green avenue towards carbon–carbon/heteroatom bond construction
  15. Physico-chemical and nutraceutical properties of Cola lepidota seed oil
  16. Cyclohexane oxidation using advanced oxidation processes with metals and metal oxides as catalysts: a review
  17. Optimization of electrolysis and carbon capture processes for sustainable production of chemicals through Power-to-X
  18. Tellurium-induced functional group activation
  19. Synthesis, characterization, and theoretical investigation of 4-chloro-6(phenylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)asmino-4-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)thiazol-5-yl-diazenyl)phenyl as potential SARS-CoV-2 agent
  20. Process intensification and digital twin – the potential for the energy transition in process industries
  21. Photovoltaic properties of novel reactive azobenzoquinolines: experimental and theoretical investigations
  22. Accessing the environmental impact of tellurium metal
  23. Membrane-based processes in essential oils production
  24. Development of future-proof supply concepts for sector-coupled district heating systems based on scenario-analysis
  25. Educators’ reflections on the teaching and learning of the periodic table of elements at the upper secondary level: a case study
  26. Optimization of hydrogen supply from renewable electricity including cavern storage
  27. A short review on cancer therapeutics
  28. The role of bioprocess systems engineering in extracting chemicals and energy from microalgae
  29. The topology of crystalline matter
  30. Characterization of lignocellulosic S. persica fibre and its composites: a review
  31. Constructing a framework for selecting natural fibres as reinforcements composites based on grey relational analysis
  32. Polybutylene succinate (PBS)/natural fiber green composites: melt blending processes and tensile properties
  33. The properties of 3D printed poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/poly (butylene-adipate-terephthalate) (PBAT) blend and oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) reinforced PLA/PBAT composites used in fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing
  34. Thermal properties of wood flour reinforced polyamide 6 biocomposites by twin screw extrusion
  35. Manufacturing defects and interfacial adhesion of Arenga Pinnata and kenaf fibre reinforced fibreglass/kevlar hybrid composite in boat construction application
  36. Wettability of keruing (Dipterocarpus spp.) wood after weathering under tropical climate
  37. Simultaneous remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and heavy metals in wastewater with zerovalent iron-titanium oxide nanoparticles (ZVI-TiO2)
Downloaded on 10.9.2025 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/psr-2021-0110/pdf
Scroll to top button