Solar cells from thin films prepared by periodic pulse electrodeposition

Periodic pulse electrodeposition (PPE) of CdS and CdTe polycrystalline films is reported. These films adhered more strongly to FTO than to ITO and better to either substrate than films prepared by DC methods. Solar cells of the type glass/conducting transparent oxide/nCdS/pCdTe/Au had superior properties when PPE CdS films were used. A CdCl2 treatment of the CdS layer was an essential fabrication step for stable, efficient, larger area cells.