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Tandem Solar Cells from Solution-Processed CdTe and PbS Quantum Dots Using a ZnTe-ZnO Tunnel Junction
Ryan W Crisp1,2, Gregory F Pach1,3, J Matthew Kurley4
1National Renewable Energy Laboratory , Golden, Colorado 80401, United States.
Nano Letters
|January 11, 2017
Summary
We created a novel tandem solar cell using solution-processed cadmium telluride (CdTe) and lead sulfide (PbS) layers. This design shows potential for high power conversion efficiency (PCE) in next-generation photovoltaics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Tandem solar cells offer higher power conversion efficiencies (PCE) than single-junction devices.
- Lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs) have tunable band gaps, making them suitable for bottom absorbers.
- Solution-processed nanocrystal inks enable cost-effective fabrication of photovoltaic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a monolithic cadmium telluride-lead sulfide (CdTe-PbS) tandem solar cell architecture.
- To investigate the impact of layer thickness and PbS band gap on device performance.
- To demonstrate a functional ZnTe-ZnO tunnel junction for series connection of subcells.
Main Methods:
- Solution-processing of CdTe and PbS nanocrystal inks.
- Fabrication of monolithic tandem solar cell devices.
- Characterization of device performance, including open-circuit voltage and current density.
Main Results:
- Achieved open-circuit voltages exceeding 1.1 V.
- Demonstrated matched short-circuit current density of 10 mA/cm².
- Explored CdTe-PbS tandem devices with varying layer thicknesses and bottom-cell band gaps.
Conclusions:
- The developed CdTe-PbS tandem solar cell architecture shows promise for high-efficiency photovoltaics.
- Solution-processed PbS QDs are viable for bottom absorber layers in tandem devices.
- Further optimization could lead to tandem solar cells exceeding 40% PCE.
