Cd source optimization enhances solution-processed Sb2S3 solar cell efficiency

Sb 2 S 3 thin-film materials are regarded as promising candidates for next-generation thin-film solar cells due to their superior stability, simple chemical composition, cost-effectiveness, and excellent charge transport properties. In numerous studies, Sb 2 S 3 solar cells prepared with cadmium sulfide as the electron transport layer demonstrated high photovoltaic conversion efficiencies, mainly due to the key role of the CdS layer in optimizing the crystalline quality of Sb 2 S 3 thin films, regulating the crystal growth orientation, and enhancing the charge transport properties. Therefore, cadmium sulfide play a crucial role in determining the crystallinity, growth orientation, and charge transport performance of antimony sulfide films. Currently, the commonly used cadmium sources regarding the CdS preparation process are Cd(NO 3 ) 2 , CdSO 4 , CdCl 2 , and Cd(Ac) 2 . This study systematically investigates the effects of different Cd sources on the crystallization, morphology and charge transport properties of Sb 2 S 3 thin films. The results demonstrate that CdS prepared from Cd(NO 3 ) 2 significantly enhanced the crystallinity, grain morphology, band gap energy level, and photovoltaic performance of Sb 2 S 3 thin films, reaching a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 4.23 %, which provides a solid foundation for further optimization and improvement of Sb 2 S 3 solar cells.