Photovoltaic cells having electrical contacts formed from metal nanoparticles and methods for production thereof
US9666750B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/547
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Photovoltaic cells having copper contacts can be made by using copper nanoparticles during their fabrication. Such photovoltaic cells can include a copper-based current collector located on a semiconductor substrate having an n-doped region and a p-doped region. The semiconductor substrate is configured for receipt of electromagnetic radiation and generation of an electrical current therefrom. The copper-based current collector includes an electrically conductive diffusion barrier disposed on the semiconductor substrate and a copper contact disposed on the electrically conductive diffusion barrier. The copper contact is formed from copper nanoparticles that have been at least partially fused together. The electrically conductive diffusion barrier limits the passage of copper therethrough.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.