Process for producing light-absorbing chalcopyrite film
US5910336A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An improved process for producing a light-absorbing chalcopyrite film is disclosed, which comprises the steps of: applying at least one solution containing at least either of (a) an organic compound of a metal in Group 1B of the periodic table and (b) an organic compound of a metal in Group 3B of the periodic table on a substrate at least once to thereby form a thin film containing the organic compound (a) and the organic compound (b); heating the thin film in a reducing or inert gas atmosphere to convert the thin film into a thin metal film comprising the Group 1B metal and the Group 3B metal; and heating the thin metal film in an atmosphere containing either an element in Group 6B of the periodic table or a compound thereof to thereby convert the thin metal film into a thin chalcopyrite film. This process eliminates the problem concerning the control of the composition and thickness of a light-absorbing chalcopyrite film, and is suitable for the mass production of homogeneous large light-absorbing plates for use in solar cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.