Performance evaluation of CdTe-based heterojunction solar cell with IGZO-based window layer and electron transport layer

This study introduces a novel approach to enhancing the performance of CdTe/IGZO-based heterojunction solar cells by utilizing IGZO as both a window layer and an electron transport layer (ETL). A comprehensive simulation using SCAPS-1D was conducted to evaluate the impact of various transparent conductive oxides (TCOs), including ITO, SnO₂, ZnO, and FTO, on key photovoltaic parameters such as power conversion efficiency (PCE), open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), and fill factor (FF). The research also explores the critical role of transport layers (HTL/ETL) and their material properties, band alignment, carrier mobility, and defect density, in optimizing device performance. The study's key contribution lies in identifying ITO as the most effective TCO due to its superior electron mobility, while highlighting the trade-offs associated with SnO₂ and ZnO, which exhibit enhanced optical properties but comparatively moderate performance. Furthermore, FTO is shown to yield the poorest results, underscoring the significance of TCO selection in thin-film solar cell design. By offering a detailed comparative analysis and optimization insights, this work provides a strategic pathway for developing high-efficiency, cost-effective CdTe/IGZO-based solar cells, advancing next-generation thin-film photovoltaic technologies.