Temperature effects on Cadmium Selenide semiconductor-sensitized solar cells with SnO₂ deposition as electron transport layer

This research investigates the influence of temperature on the performance of Cadmium Selenium (CdSe) semiconductor-sensitized solar cells (SSSCs) with tin oxide (SnO₂) deposition. CdSe thin films were synthesized at different temperatures (room temperature, 55 and 70 °C) and characterized for their optical and structural properties. The results reveal temperature-dependent variations in the bandgap energy and crystal structure of CdSe, with higher temperatures leading to a red shift in absorption spectra and increased crystallinity. The CdSe-coated SnO₂ films showed enhanced nanoparticle density at higher bath temperatures, indicating improved particle binding and aggregation. Moreover, the elemental analysis confirmed the successful loading of CdSe onto SnO₂ substrates without impurities. Solar cells constructed with these materials exhibited temperature-dependent efficiency, with maximum efficiency achieved at room temperature due to optimal bandgap characteristics and reduced recombination rates. The solar cell with the optimal SnO₂:(FTO)/SnO₂/CdSe/CuS nanostructure array electrode produced a short-circuit current density of 4.155 mA/cm² and a power conversion efficiency of 0.26% when exposed to one sun's rays. These findings suggest that temperature control during CdSe synthesis plays a crucial role in optimizing the performance of SSSCs, highlighting the importance of understanding temperature effects in semiconductor-based solar cell technologies.