Optimization of Selenium Grading in CdTe Absorbers
Category: Research Poster
Author(s): Tillie Pinkowitz
Presenter(s): Tillie Pinkowitz
Mentors(s): Amit Munshi
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells are a leading technology in renewable energy due to their low cost and high efficiency. This project focuses on improving their performance by incorporating cadmium selenide (CdSe) to create a graded CdSeTe (CST) layer. This enhances how the solar cell absorbs sunlight and converts it into electricity. A critical step in the fabrication process is treating the material with cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), which improves efficiency by passivating the electronic and structural defects at a microscopic level. At CSU, this treatment is done using a vacuum-based technique called close space sublimation (CSS). However, fine-tuning the CdCl₂ process is necessary to prevent unwanted side effects and ensure consistency. The goal of this project is to optimize both the material composition and processing steps to develop more efficient and reliable CdTe solar cell, contributing to advancements in sustainable energy technology.