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Studying the Structural, Morphological, Optical, and Electrical Properties of CdS/PbS Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications

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Abstract

The cadmium sulfide (CdS) and lead sulfide (PbS) materials have been chosen in order to boost solar energy conversion from ultraviolet region to the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region. These materials belonging to the II–VI group have suitable direct band gaps and in solar energy conversion. CdS and PbS layers are used as window and absorber materials, respectively, in solar cells. This paper presents structural, morphological, and optical properties of PbS and CdS thin films prepared by chemical spray pyrolysis at different temperatures as well as its photovoltaic performance. The X-ray diffraction results show the PbS films have cubic structure and CdS films have hexagonal structure. FESEM measurements reveal the films have homogeneous surfaces with spherical particles. Optical analyses exhibit the optical band gap redshifts as the substrate temperature increases. Illumination current density–voltage test of ITO/CdS/PbS/Au heterojunction with different thicknesses of PbS layer has been evaluated. The optimal results are obtained in ITO/CdS/PbS/Au solar cell where thickness of PbS layer is of 0.9 μm with maximum short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and fill factor as well as highest efficiency.

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  1. Technical Engineering College, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq

    Mustafa K. A. Mohammed

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Correspondence to Mustafa K. A. Mohammed.

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Mohammed, M.K.A. Studying the Structural, Morphological, Optical, and Electrical Properties of CdS/PbS Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications. Plasmonics 15, 1989–1996 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11468-020-01224-5

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