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Researchers in Prof. Yi Cui's laboratory have developed a versatile, low-cost, solution-based deposition process for producing high quality thin film layers for solar cells.
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Abstract: Researchers in Prof. Yi Cui's laboratory have developed a versatile, low-cost, solution-based deposition process for producing high quality thin film layers for solar cells and other electronic devices. This technology, called air-stable ink rolling (AIR), uses ink made from low-cost commercially available precursors with relatively low toxicity to produce dense, contaminant-free, large grain layers. AIR can be used to produce absorber layers for photovoltaics [Cu2ZnSn(Se,S)2), CIG(Se, S)]; buffer layers for photovoltaics (ZnS, ZnO, In2S3); or for transparent conducting oxides in thin film transistors (ITO, AZO, ZnO). Stage of Research: The inventors have used this process to produce large-grain CuInS2, CZT(S,Se), ZnO, In2O3, AZO, and ITO. They have also demonstrated the ability to use the CuInS2 material to make solar cells. Ongoing Research The inventors are focused on improving the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of devices made from the AIR process. They are also developing the process for additional materials and using the materials to produce thin film transistors. Applications: Solution-based thin film deposition for fabricating materials systems to be used in a variety of optoelectronic and electronic devices, such as: solar cells transparent electrodes thin-film transistors memories Advantages: Low-cost commercially available precursors High quality: process is able to make both large grain sulfides and selenides layers are uniform, dense, and contaminant free Versatile: range of materials that can be produced includes Cu2ZnSn(Se,S2), CIG(Se, S), ZnS, ZnO, In2S3, ITO, and AZO any metal can be added to the ink so new compounds and dopants can be investigated Air-stable - unlike many nanoparticle syntheses which are air-sensitive No additional processing of ink - no extra synthesis to make precursors (unlike nanoparticles) and no additional additives to form good coatings Safe materials - the chemicals used are not highly toxic or explosive Publications: Benjamin D. Weil, S.T. Connor, and Y. Cui, "CuInS2 Solar Cells by Air-Stable Ink Rolling", J. Am. Chem. Soc., published online April 27, 2010.