Application of CdS in Photovoltaic Solar Cells

doi:10.16553/j.cnki.issn1000-985x.2025.0177

Abstract

Abstract: As a high-performance direct bandgap semiconductor，cadmium sulfide （CdS） is widely used in the photovoltaic field as an electron transport layer，buffer layer，and window layer due to its adjustable bandgap，high carrier mobility，and stable chemical properties. Its excellent light absorption，band alignment，and interfacial properties contribute to improving efficiency and stability of solar cells. This review systematically covers recent CdS applications in perovskite，polymer，and copper indium gallium selenide （CIGS） solar cells，and outlines future trends，offering a clear roadmap for its continued development and practical implementation.

Key words: CdS; perovskite solar cell; polymer solar cell; CIGS solar cell; interface engineering; band alignment; quantum dot

CLC Number:

TM914.4

ZHANG Chaochao, LI Zechen, TIAN Nan. Application of CdS in Photovoltaic Solar Cells[J]. Journal of Synthetic Crystals, 2026, 55(2): 163-172.

Figures/Tables 4

Fig.1 Application of CdS in perovskite solar cells. （a） Schematic of band energy level and carrier transport in perovskite solar cells［12］；（b） schematic illustration of a passivated perovskite ?lm with CdS treatment［16］；（c） J-V curves of the champion devices with CdS treatment measured under AM 1.5 G illumination （100 mW·cm-2）［18］；（d） normalized efffciency of unencapsulated CdS-based and pristine TiO2 perovskite solar cell exposed in air［18］

Fig.2 Application of CdS in polymer solar cells. （a） Schematic and the energy scheme of the prepared devices［28］；（b）J-V curves of the champion devices measured under AM 1.5 G illumination （100 mW·cm-2）［28］；（c） J-V curves of the binary and ternary blended hybrid organic solar cells［30］；（d） EQE curves of the undoped and CdS-doped devices［30］

Fig.3 Structure，energy bands，and relationship between bandgap and efficiency of CIGS thin-film solar cells.（a） Illustration of CIGS device structure［34］；（b） structure of CIGS device corresponds to bandgap and band diagram［34］；（c） curves of CIGS solar cell efficiency η varying with band gap （Eg） of CIGS layer［38］

Fig.4 Application of CdS as a window layer material in CIGS［40］.（a） Schematic diagram of a CIGS device structure with CdS quantum dots deposited on window layer；（b） comparison of current density-voltage characteristics of CIGS devices：performance comparison between devices using CdS quantum dots window layer and reference devices

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