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Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Fabrication of Fully Solution Processed Inorganic Nanocrystal Photovoltaic Devices
Published on: July 8, 2016
Solution-Processed, Ultrathin Solar Cells from CdCl3(-)-Capped CdTe Nanocrystals: The Multiple Roles of CdCl3(-)
Hao Zhang1, J Matthew Kurley1, Jake C Russell1
1Department of Chemistry and James Franck Institute, University of Chicago , Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States.
Abstract:
Solution-processed CdTe solar cells using CdTe nanocrystal (NC) ink may offer an economically viable route for large-scale manufacturing. Here we design a new CdCl3(-)-capped CdTe NC ink by taking advantage of novel surface chemistry. In this ink, CdCl3(-) ligands act as surface ligands, sintering promoters, and dopants. Our solution chemistry allows obtaining very thin continuous layers of high-quality CdTe which is challenging for traditional vapor transport methods. Using benign solvents, in air, and without additional CdCl2 treatment, we obtain a well-sintered CdTe absorber layer from the new ink and demonstrate thin-film solar cells with power conversion efficiency over 10%, a record efficiency for sub-400 nm thick CdTe absorber layer.
