Recycling CdS Thin Film Solar Cells Prepared by Chemical Bath Deposition

CdS film electrodes deposited onto FTO/glass by Chemical Bath deposition (CBD) have been recycling here for the first time. Recycled films were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Photoluminescence Spectra (PL) and Electronic Absorption Spectra. Photo-electrochemical (PEC) characteristic were studied for various recycled films. Photo (J-V) plots and conversion efficiency were studied. The recycled film electrode properties were improved by annealing at 250ºC and 300ºC under nitrogen. The annealed films were cooled to room temperature slowly. Effects of cooling rate on physical and photo-electrochemical properties was studied. The effect of preparation stirring on film properties was also studied .It was found that films prepared without stirring have better properties than those with stirring. The effect of deposition time preparation on characteristics of films was also studied. Film deposition in 45 min showed highest PL intensity, while those deposited in 60 min showed highest PEC conversion efficiency. The effect of annealing temperature on of the characteristics of the prepared films was studied. The 250ºC for (60 min) gave films with higher conversion efficiency than other higher or lower tempreture. The study showed that semiconductor and electrode such as CdS can be recycled and reused, in making new PEC electrodes, without loosing their characteristics. The aim of this study was successfully achieved