THE EFFECT OF PREPARATION PARAMETERS ON THE PROPERTIES OF CdTe FILMS

Abstract

The thesis comprises the following main sections: In chapter I, an introduction to the importance of solar energy and the applications in photovoltaic energy are presented. Also, the major properties of CdTe thin films and their applications in solar cells are briefly illustrated. Chapter II describes the theoretical aspects ofheterojunction solar cells with special emphasis on CdS/CdTe solar cells and the corresponding losses associated with it. Jn chapter Ill, a historical survey of CdS/CdTe solar cells is presented. The different techniques used to prepare these devices are demonstrated. A special attention is paid to the devices prepared by electrodeposition technique. A complete background about this technique and its advantages and disadvantages are also presented. In chapter IV, the experimental set up is explained and cyclic voltammetry studies are applied to describe the mechanism of electrodeposition process. Also, the different measurement techniques for materials and devices characterization are explained.