Patent · US Active

Methods for forming particles

US9371226B2 · kind B2 · utility

21Cited by
26References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 2, 2011
Grant dateJun 21, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 10, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/541
  • WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Single source precursors or pre-copolymers of single source precursors are subjected to microwave radiation to form particles of a I-III-VI2 material. Such particles may be formed in a wurtzite phase and may be converted to a chalcopyrite phase by, for example, exposure to heat. The particles in the wurtzite phase may have a substantially hexagonal shape that enables stacking into ordered layers. The particles in the wurtzite phase may be mixed with particles in the chalcopyrite phase (i.e., chalcopyrite nanoparticles) that may fill voids within the ordered layers of the particles in the wurtzite phase thus produce films with good coverage. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form layers of semiconductor materials comprising a I-III-VI2 material. Devices such as, for example, thin-film solar cells may be fabricated using such methods.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.