| The environmental impact of fossil fuels, as well as their predicted scarcity, has lead to increased scientific research in the field of solar energy. Current research in solar cells looks towards the development of thin film hybrid cells, which aim to combat previous issues with solar technology such as high prices and low efficiency. A key element in solar cell technology is the transparent conducting electrode, which allows for the absorption of light and the excitation of electrons within the active materials of the cell. The industry standard for this transparent conducting electrode is indium tin oxide (ITO). ITO is expensive, does not exhibit ideal transparency, is difficult to incorporate into large scale production, and is in limited availability on earth. If solar cells are to become the answer to the energy crisis, alternatives for ITO must be investigated. This research looks to develop lower temperature processes for doped zinc oxide as a transparent conducting electrode for use in flexible solar cells, which can be prepared by low cost, roll-to-roll manufacturing methods.;Zinc oxide thin films doped with aluminum and gallium in concentrations varying from 1% to 4% have been deposited on glass and treated at 300, 400, and 500°C. These films have been analyzed by UV-Vis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and optical profilometry. Conductivity measurements have been obtained through the use of a four-point probe. Transparencies of up to 99% were observed as well as conductivities up to 10-2 S/cm. Results were analyzed in order to determine the best solvents, dopant type and concentration, and treatment conditions in order to develop a more optimum low temperature method. |
