FLUORINE-DOPED SnO2 THIN FILMS IN SOLAR CELL APPLICATIONS. MORPHOLOGICAL, OPTICAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES

This study examines the optimal parameters for obtaining fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO) films with promising potential for photovoltaic applications. Due to its properties, tin oxide is used in a wide range of technologies, among which the manufacture of solar cells is one of the most important. Being doped with fluorine, tin dioxide becomes a good transparent and conductive electrode, suitable for solar cell applications. The chemical stability and low cost of the doped SnO2 makes it an advantageous alternative to tin-doped indium oxide (ITO). Among the most important characteristics of FTO thin films are high photoconductivity under sunlight irradiation and strong UV absorption. The SnO2 compound, doped with fluorine, exhibits a considerable chemical and physical stability, good electrical conductivity and high transmission (over 85%) in the visible range. The spray pyrolysis technique is the most preferable and efficient deposition method of fluorine-doped SnO2 thin films. This work aims to identify the optimal parameters for the spray pyrolysis of SnO2:F films and to analyze the morphology, transparency and strength of as obtained films in relation to the doping amount in the precursor solution, spraying distance and film thickness.