Optimizing the performance of ZnO nanowire-based CdS-CdTe thin film heterojunction solar cells through Numerical simulation

ZnO nanorods can act as light-trapping structures, enhancing light absorption and extending the optical path length of photons within the solar cell. A notable enhancement in quantum efficiency was observed in the near-infrared range, attributed to light trapping facilitated by the ZnO nanorod structure. This research delves into examining how the nanostructure vs planer structure influences the performance of thin-film CdS-CdTe heterojunction solar cells. This work uses ZnO nanowires as a buffer layer by replacing Traditional ZnO. Using the open-source SCAPS-1D solar simulating tool, numerical simulation was used to assess the performance of solar cells. Through numerical simulation, we aim to optimize the Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) of these solar cells by varying the thickness, electron affinity, band gap, work function, and doping concentration of the window and absorber layers. Numerical modeling yielded the best electrical conversion efficiency of 22.27% after integrating ZnO NW structure, with CdS and CdTe layer thicknesses set at 0.05 μm and 3 μm, respectively.