Ray, S.Tarafder, K.2026-02-042023Materials Science and Engineering: B, 2023, 295, , pp. -9215107https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mseb.2023.116548https://idr.nitk.ac.in/handle/123456789/21763An excellent back contact layer is one of the key requirements for thin-film solar cells with a high energy conversion efficiency. For a highly resistive compound such as CdTe thin-film, fabrication of contact with low electrical contact resistance along with a high electron affinity is very difficult. Herein, we have thoroughly investigated the possibility of using ZnTe as a back contact layer for CdTe-based solar cells through combined experimental and first-principle studies. CdTe and ZnTe thin films were deposited on the glass substrate. Detailed structural, morphological, elemental, electrical, and optical properties are investigated through different experimental techniques. Then p-ZnTe/n-CdTe heterojunction was fabricated, and junction properties were studied. Precise electronic band-structures were obtained for CdTe, ZnTe, and CeTe/ZnTe heterojunctions. The interface properties, band edge position, and band alignments were estimated by using the HSE06 hybrid functional method. Detailed theoretical results substantiate our experimental findings. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.Cadmium tellurideElectron affinityEnergy conversion efficiencyGlass substratesHeterojunctionsII-VI semiconductorsOptical propertiesThermal evaporationBack contactBacksurface fieldCdTe solar cellsContact layersDFTHighest energy conversion efficiencyTheoretical studyThermal evaporation techniqueThin film fabricationThin-filmsThin films