2 research outputs found
Electroplating of CdTe thin films from cadmium sulphate precursor and comparison of layers grown by 3-electrode and 2-electrode systems
Electrodeposition of CdTe thin films was carried out from the late 1970s using the
cadmium sulphate precursor. The solar energy group at Sheffield Hallam University has carried out
a comprehensive study of CdTe thin films electroplated using cadmium sulfate, cadmium nitrate and
cadmium chloride precursors, in order to select the best electrolyte. Some of these results have been
published elsewhere, and this manuscript presents the summary of the results obtained on CdTe layers
grown from cadmium sulphate precursor. In addition, this research program has been exploring the
ways of eliminating the reference electrode, since this is a possible source of detrimental impurities,
such as K+ and Ag+ for CdS/CdTe solar cells. This paper compares the results obtained from CdTe
layers grown by three-electrode (3E) and two-electrode (2E) systems for their material properties and
performance in CdS/CdTe devices. Thin films were characterized using a wide range of analytical
techniques for their structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties. These layers have
also been used in device structures; glass/FTO/CdS/CdTe/Au and CdTe from both methods have
produced solar cells to date with efficiencies in the region of 5%–13%. Comprehensive work carried
out to date produced comparable and superior devices fabricated from materials grown using
2E system
Radiological Analysis of Cassava Samples From a Coal Mining Area in Enugu State Nigeria
Cassava holds a vital position as a staple food in Nigeria, forming a significant portion of the daily diet for the population. Unfortunately, food intake can serve as a pathway for radiological contamination in humans and animals. In this study conducted in an old coal mining area in Enugu State, Nigeria, cassava samples from the area were analyzed using gamma ray spectroscopy. The results revealed significant mean activity concentrations of the radionuclides 40K, 226 Ra, and 232 Th in camp 1, camp 2, and Pottery areas. The activity concentration ranged from 193.68 to 300.92 Bq/kg for 40 K, 23.03 to 37.24 Bq/kg for 226 Ra, and 135.33 to 158.43 Bq/kg for 232 Th, respectively. Of concern is the total mean annual effective dose resulting from exposure to these 3 observed radionuclides that was calculated to be 2.03 mSv/yr. This value exceeds the recommended limit of 1 mSv/yr, indicating potential health risks associated with the radiological contamination from cassava consumption in this region. In summary, the study shows that cassava samples from the investigated area exhibited elevated levels of radiotoxicity, raising concerns about the safety of consuming cassava from this region as a food source