SBIR Phase I: Low-cost Electrosynthesis of High Quality Cadmium Telluride Films

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes a molecular level electrochemical approach to fabricate semiconductor compounds. It targets a commercially important electro-optic application, the low temperature synthesis of cadmium telluride thin-film for solar cells and infrared devices. Present technology uses expensive vapor phase deposition methods that are unsuitable for large-scale or low-temperature fabrication. This project will develop a low-cost, electrochemical process to produce high quality thin-films. Phase I will identify process parameters, demonstrate the proof of concept and validate the approach for deposition of cadmium telluride films. Phase II will extend the method to the other device layers. Method implementation will raise the photovoltaic efficiencies and lower manufacturing costs of thin-film modules. Its success will accelerate the large-scale commercialization of this technology and provide a timely solution to the nation's escalating energy and environmental problems. Commercial applications of the Research Applications for the cadmium telluride thin film technology range from the solar cells to infrared detectors. Lower cost, higher efficiencies and simpler manufacturing will translate into a wider spectrum of commercial markets. The nanoscale electrosynthesis method has applications for fabricating a range of novel quantum well structures and devices.