Influence of F-doping on the transmittance and electron affinity of CdO thin films suitable for solar cells technology

CdO thin films were deposited by spray pyrolysis on glass substrates from a solution of cadmium acetate in water and methanol. The films are doped with fluorine by adding NH4F to the spray solution to improve the electrooptical properties. A decrease of the transmittance for wavelengths higher than about 800 nm depending on deposition temperature and doping level is observed. The electron affinity and work function for the deposited films are determined and the effect of F-doping on these parameters is considered. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.