Nano-structured Cadmium Sulfide thin films for solar cell applications

A window layer made from Cadmium Sulfide thin films was constructed to enhance the electrical and optical properties of the solar cell. With the help of a Indium Tin Oxide layer and a Tin Oxide layer, a deposition of Cadmium Sulfide was performed by both Chemical Bath Deposition and Electro Deposition. Gold contacts were thermally evaporated on to the samples to test the successful creation of Schottky diodes that would make the layer more efficient for real world use. Measurements were made to test the samples thickness, absorption and transmittance percentages, and IV properties. Results show that the most efficient sample for use was the Chemical Bath Deposited sample. The sample revealed low absorption percentage of about 1%, while having a transmittance percentage of about 70%. IV measurements also revealed that a successful Schottky diode could be created with the use of gold contacts and Cadmium Sulfide. Future research is to be recorded to enhance the results and better create the window layer for the solar cell.