ZnO Buffer Layers and Nanowires Electrodeposition for Extremely Thin Absorber Solar Cells

Abstract

In this manuscript we are reporting on the electrodeposition of ZnO nanowires on potentiostatically and galvanostatically prepared ZnO 2D layers (called buffer layers) on glass substrates covered with transparent conductive oxide (TCO). It is shown that the buffer layer morphology and thickness could be used as parameters to control the ZnO nanowires dimensions. From the other side the supporting electrolyte concentration and the passed charge density during the electrodeposition are also playing role on tailoring their dimensions. The obtained nanowires exhibit interesting optical and structural properties and therefore they could be further used as nanostructured transparent n-type semiconductor for the extremely thin absorber (eta) solar cells, dye sensitised solar cells or hybrid polymer solar cells.