CIGS Solar Cell Nanoparticle Deposition via LBL Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for depositing nanoparticles on non-planar substrates are expensive and difficult, limiting the commercial viability of copper indium gallium selenium (CIGS) and copper indium selenium (CIS) solar cells due to high cost-per-unit-power, and there is a need for scalable solutions to make solar cell technology affordable for everyday use.
Innovation Solution
A Layer-by-Layer (LBL) nanoassembly method using oppositely charged polyelectrolytes or nanoparticles is employed to deposit CIGS or CIS nanoparticles on various substrates, including non-planar ones, by functionalizing the nanoparticles with polyelectrolytes like poly-allylamine hydrochloride (PAH) and poly-sodium-4-styrene sulfonate (PSS) to facilitate deposition and enhance film thickness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If physical vapor deposition by sputtering is used to form nanoparticle layers, then film uniformity and material quality are improved, but substrate complexity is limited to planar structures only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical vapor deposition process with a chemical solution-based spray deposition method. This substitution allows nanoparticles to be deposited from liquid precursors onto complex 3D substrates, overcoming the limitation of planar substrate requirement while maintaining film quality through controlled chemical reactions and nanoparticle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces liquid precursor solutions and binding agents as intermediaries between the nanoparticle source and the substrate. These intermediaries enable the transport and controlled deposition of nanoparticles onto complex substrate geometries, bridging the gap between nanoparticle synthesis and substrate integration that cannot be achieved by direct physical deposition methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional printing techniques are used to fabricate CIS/CIGS solar cells on non-planar substrates, then substrate versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost and process difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-assembly mechanisms where nanoparticles automatically organize and adhere to substrate surfaces through surface energy minimization and chemical affinity. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex alignment and positioning systems required in conventional printing, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and process difficulty while maintaining substrate versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of deposition materials from solid inks to liquid precursor solutions, and controls parameters such as solution concentration, pH, and drying conditions to optimize nanoparticle deposition. These parameter adjustments enable cost-effective fabrication on diverse substrates by simplifying the deposition process while maintaining film quality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thicker silicon layers are used in silicon-based solar cells, then light absorption efficiency is improved, but material cost and device weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by using thin films of high-bandgap CIGS materials specifically positioned where light absorption is most effective. Instead of uniformly thick silicon layers, the nanoparticle-based CIGS films provide localized high-efficiency absorption in the critical wavelength range, achieving superior energy conversion with minimal material mass and reduced device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining CIGS nanoparticles with buffer layers and charge transport layers. This composite approach enables enhanced light absorption efficiency through synergistic material properties while keeping individual layer thicknesses minimal, thereby reducing overall device weight and material cost compared to thick silicon structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the cost-effective fabrication of thin film solar cells on diverse substrates, improving efficiency and reducing production costs, making solar cell technology more affordable and viable for household and consumer applications.
Implementation Method 1
A Layer-by-Layer (LBL) nanoassembly method using oppositely charged polyelectrolytes or nanoparticles is employed to deposit CIGS or CIS nanoparticles on various substrates
Implementation Method 2
The wide band gap ranges lead to high efficiency by converting more energy of incoming photons into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A solar cell. The solar cell includes a substrate, a first layer comprising a first copper-based material deposited upon the substrate, the first copper-based material electrically attracted to the substrate or to a first optional deposit layer deposited between the substrate and the first layer, and a second layer comprising a second copper-based material deposited upon the first layer or an second optional deposit layer deposited between the first layer and the second layer, the second copper-based material electrically attracted to the first layer or to the second optional deposit layer, wherein the first copper-based material and the second copper-based material are selected from the group consisting of copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS), copper indium selenium (CIS), and cadmium sulfate (CdS).