Devices and methods for making polycrystalline alloys

US11207731B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• First Solar, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Shrinivas Govindarajan · Richmond, US
• Michael Latusek · Perrysburg, US
• Christopher T. Wagner · Flemington, US
• Feng Yan · Carouge, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 23, 2017
• Grant date: Dec 28, 2021
• Expiry date: Nov 16, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C04B2235/77
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for preparing alloy products is described using a self-sustaining or self-propagating SHS-type combustion process with point-source ignition, preferably a laser, in a pressurized vessel. Binary, ternary and quaternary alloys can be formed with control over polycrystalline structure and bandgap. Methods to tune the bandgap and the alloys formed are described. The alloy products may be doped. Preferably sulfides, tellurides or selenides are formed. Cooling during reaction takes place.