Superstrate CuInS2 photovoltaics with enhanced performance using a CdS/ZnO nanorod array

An air-stable, low-temperature, solution-based process for preparing CuInS(2) (CIS) superstrate solar cells using CdS-decorated ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays is reported. Efficient light harvesting and photoexcited charge transport were achieved by fabricating a ZnO NR window layer with a large p-n junction area via a hydrothermal reaction. A CdS buffer layer was deposited on a transparent ZnO NR substrate at room temperature via successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) or nanocrystal layer deposition (NCLD). The prepared CdS/ZnO NR assembly was coated with a CIS absorber layer without the need for surface passivation organics or dispersion reagents. The CIS precursor solution, prepared using a metal salt, thiourea, and an amine solvent, yielded CIS nanocrystals (NCs) at temperatures up to 250 °C. The CIS/CdS/ZnO NR heterojunction structure exhibited an excellent photovoltaic performance compared to a planar ZnO film device due to enhanced light transmittance toward the absorber and a high charge collection efficiency. These results suggest that a superstrate CIS/CdS/ZnO NRs photovoltaic cell fabricated via the low-cost route described here has great potential as a next-generation solar cell device.