Project Info

Advanced Contacts for CdTe Solar Cells

CdTe-based solar cells are the leading thin film photovoltaic technology. Specifically this will focus on the synthesis of ternary magnesium-zinc-oxide (MZO) layers as emitters.

More Information

http://inside.mines.edu/fs_home/cwolden/Wolden_Webpages/index.htm
D. M. Meysing, M. O. Reese, C. W. Warren, A. Abbas, J. M. Burst, H. P. Mahabaduge, W. K. Metzger, J. M. Walls, M. C. Lonergan, T. M. Barnes and C. A. Wolden, “Evolution of oxygenated cadmium sulfide (CdS:O) during high-temperature CdTe solar cell fabrication”, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 157, 276-285 (2016). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927024816301398?via%3Dihub
C. A. Wolden, A. Abbas, J. Li, D. R. Diercks, D. M. Meysing, T. R. Ohno, J. D. Beach, T. M. Barnes and J. M. Walls,”The roles of ZnTe buffer layers on CdTe solar cell performance”, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 147, 203-210 (2016). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927024815006674?via%3Dihub

Grand Engineering: Make solar energy economical

Student Preparation

Qualifications

Student in CBE, MME or PHGN. Sophomore or Junior preferred.

Time Commitment

20-30 hours/month

Skills/Techniques Gained

This project provides training on fabrication and characterization of solar cells as well as state of the art deposition techniques such as magnetron sputtering. Also thin film characterization techniques including spectroscopic ellipsometry, XRF, Hall, UV-Vis, 4 point probe, etc.

Mentoring Plan

Meet on a weekly basis and the hands on training will be provided by graduate students.