title: High efficiency solution processed sintered CdTe nanocrystal solar cells: the role of interfaces.
abstract: Solution processing of photovoltaic semiconducting layers offers the potential for drastic cost reduction through improved materials utilization and high device throughput. One compelling solution-based processing strategy utilizes semiconductor layers produced by sintering nanocrystals into large-grain semiconductors at relatively low temperatures. Using n-ZnO/p-CdTe as a model system, we fabricate sintered CdTe nanocrystal solar cells processed at 350 °C with power conversion efficiencies (PCE) as high as 12.3%. JSC of over 25 mA cm(-2) are achieved, which are comparable or higher than those achieved using traditional, close-space sublimated CdTe. We find that the VOC can be substantially increased by applying forward bias for short periods of time. Capacitance measurements as well as intensity- and temperature-dependent analysis indicate that the increased VOC is likely due to relaxation of an energetic barrier at the ITO/CdTe interface.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and James Franck Institute, University of Chicago , Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States.
authors.forename: Matthew G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Panthani
authors.forename: J Matthew
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kurley
authors.forename: Ryan W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Crisp
authors.forename: Travis C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Dietz
authors.forename: Taha
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ezzyat
authors.forename: Joseph M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Luther
authors.forename: Dmitri V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Talapin