Solution-Processed, Ultrathin Solar Cells from CdCl3–-Capped CdTe Nanocrystals: The Multiple Roles of CdCl3– Ligands

Solution-processed CdTe solar cells using CdTe nanocrystal (NC) ink may offer an economically viable route for large-scale manufacturing. Here we design a new CdCl3(-)-capped CdTe NC ink by taking advantage of novel surface chemistry. In this ink, CdCl3(-) ligands act as surface ligands, sintering promoters, and dopants. Our solution chemistry allows obtaining very thin continuous layers of high-quality CdTe which is challenging for traditional vapor transport methods. Using benign solvents, in air, and without additional CdCl2 treatment, we obtain a well-sintered CdTe absorber layer from the new ink and demonstrate thin-film solar cells with power conversion efficiency over 10%, a record efficiency for sub-400 nm thick CdTe absorber layer.