Execution phases' timeline
08 December, 2020
Execution phase 1
(15/09 --- 31/12, 2020)
The main achievements reported for this period:
- Extensive literature survey;
- Preparation and characterization of thin metallic films (Au
and Au/Cu) by Vacuum Thermal Evaporation (VTE);
- Preparation and characterization of thin inorganic films
(ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe) by RF Magnetron Sputtering (MS);
- Results dissemination actions.
Click on the left image to see the brief report of phase 1
09 December, 2021
Execution phase 2
(01/01 --- 31/12, 2021)
The main achievements reported for this period:
- Extensive literature survey;
- Copper (Cu) nanowires development through electro-chemical synthesis within supported nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (i.e., alumina - AAO) templates;
- Deposition attempts of the inorganic absorber layer (CdTe) onto the Cu nanowires array;
- Preparation and characterization of Zn-based (Cd-free) thin films (ZnSe, ZnTe) by RF Magnetron Sputtering (MS);
- Construction and characterization of reference solar cells based on Zn-based (Cd-free) thin film heterojunctions;
- Results dissemination actions.
Click on the left image to see the brief report of phase 2
08 September, 2022
Execution phase 3(01/01 --- 14/09, 2022)
The main achievements reported for this period:
- Extensive literature survey;
- Preparation of nanostructured back-electrodes (NBEs) based on vertically-aligned Copper (Cu) nanowires;
- Optimization of deposition parameters for absorber layers onto the Cu nanowire array (i.e., CdTe and ZnTe);
- Preparation of "sandwich" structures for advanced electrical characterization of ZnTe and ZnSe thin films;
- Fabrication of Cd-free solar cells, exclusively relying on Zn-based compound heterojunctions;
- Results dissemination actions.
Click on the left image to see the brief report of phase 3