Green electrodeposition of ZnO as a TCO in terawatt solar cells

Bin Zhou, Xiaofei Han, Qing Feng, Meng Tao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electrodeposition of ZnO can be performed in an aqueous solution using a greener recipe, where the solution can be reused for multiple deposition runs. The solution in this greener recipe has only one function, i.e. to provide electrical conductivity for the deposition reactions. A Zn sheet serves as the anode, which dissolves during the deposition as the Zn source. O2 is bubbled into the solution and reduced to OH- ions as the O source. This recipe minimizes concentration changes in the solution as deposition proceeds, making the solution reusable. An initial Zn2+ concentration of a few mM in the solution is required, not to serve as a Zn source but to facilitate the deposition and prevent precipitation of ZnO in the solution. Multiple deposition runs for ZnO films in the same solution have been demonstrated. X-ray diffraction, optical transmittance and absorption spectra reveal that all the ZnO films have similar structural and optical properties. They all display high transmittance of 80% and low absorbance of ∼10%.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProgram - 38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012
Pages2030-2033
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
Event38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012 - Austin, TX, United States
Duration: Jun 3 2012Jun 8 2012

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Other

Other38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAustin, TX
Period6/3/126/8/12

Keywords

  • electrodeposition
  • thin films
  • zinc oxide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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