Solution-Processed Nanostructured CdS Thin Film with Improved Optoelectronic Properties

Abstract

Nanostructured CdS thin films are essential for efficient electron transport and they act as an ideal buffer layer in CIGS/CZTS/CdTe thin-film solar cells. Herein, low-temperature processed CdS nanostructured thin film on a glass substrate by chemical bath deposition for its application in optoelectronic devices is reported. As synthesized, CdS nanostructured thin films are exhibited polycrystalline, confirmed using X-ray diffraction/transmission electron microscopy. Further, polycrystalline (hexagon/cubic) nature reconfirmed by Raman band at 305 cm-1 of as-grown films. The surface morphology and EDS of CdS thin films reveal uniformity on the surface with non-cuboid nanoparticles and nearly stoichiometric. The optical band gap of CdS nanostructured thin films was found to be 2.3 eV, properties indicating its suitability as a buffer layer in CIGS/CZTS thin-film solar cells.