Open Access

ARTICLE

Performance analysis of CdS-based thin films in photovoltaic applications

K. Kannan^a,*, B. Manjunatha^b, T. Marimuthu^c, P. Sangeetha^d

a Annapoorana Engineering College, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
b New Horizon College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
c Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, (Deemed to be University), Krishnan Kovil, Tamilnadu, India
d Sona College of Technology, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India

* Corresponding Author:

Chalcogenide Letters 2025, 22(2), 167-175. https://doi.org/10.15251/CL.2025.222.167

Received 22 November 2024; Accepted 13 February 2025;

Abstract

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) thin films are extensively utilized as a window layer in photovoltaic (PV) devices due to their high transmittance, suitable bandgap, and favorable electrical properties. This work presents a comprehensive performance analysis of CdS based thin films in PV applications, examining key factors such as optical, electrical, and structural properties. The bandgap (approximately 2.42 eV) allows effective photon transmission, reducing energy losses. Critical performance metrics, including film thickness, grain size, crystallinity, and interface quality with the absorber layer, are optimized to enhance charge separation and minimize recombination losses. The study highlights the balance between thin-film transparency and thickness to maximize photon absorption while ensuring film durability and stability in environmental conditions. The findings underscore the potential of CdS thin films to improve PV cell efficiency, offering insights into achieving higher fill factor (FF), short-circuit current (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) in CdS-based PV devices.

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Keywords

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