Phase control of CuxTe film and its effects on CdS/CdTe solar cell

Phase control is critical for achieving high-performance CdTe cells when Cu_xTe is used as a back-contact for CdTe cells. Cu_xTe phases are mainly controlled by the Cu/Te ratio, and they can also be affected by post-heat-treatment temperature. Although Cu₂Te has the highest conductivity, it is unstable and provides more Cu diffusion into the CdS and CdTe films. Cu diffusion into the CdS causes “cross-over”, and Cu diffusion into the CdTe film creates Cu-related defects that lower photogenerated carrier lifetime and result in voltage-dependent collection. A “recontact” experiment clearly indicated that the mechanism giving rise to “roll-over” is the formation of Cu-related oxides, rather than the loss of Cu on the back-contact.