Selenium Ink Formulation for Safe CIGS Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for depositing selenium in the manufacture of CIGS materials, such as vacuum-based processes, are costly and have low throughput, and existing liquid deposition methods using hydrazine or hydrazinium precursors pose safety risks due to toxicity and explosion hazards.
Innovation Solution
A selenium ink comprising selenium powder, an organic chalcogenide component, and a liquid carrier, which is stable, hydrazine-free, and hydrazinium-free, allowing for safe and efficient deposition of selenium on substrates using liquid-based techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vacuum-based deposition processes are used, then selenium can be deposited onto substrates, but the manufacturing cost is high and throughput is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vacuum-based mechanical deposition processes with a liquid-based chemical deposition process. The selenium ink formulation allows selenium to be deposited from a liquid state onto substrates, eliminating the need for expensive and low-throughput vacuum equipment while enabling scalable manufacturing processes such as spin-coating, dip-coating, or spray deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of selenium from solid/vapor (in vacuum processes) to liquid solution form. By formulating selenium in a liquid carrier with specific solubility parameters, the process enables low-cost, high-throughput deposition while maintaining controlled selenium delivery to substrates.
2Productivity
If hydrazine or hydrazinium precursors are used in liquid deposition, then selenium can be deposited, but safety risks increase due to toxicity and explosion hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the hazardous hydrazine and hydrazinium components from the deposition system. The invention achieves liquid-based selenium deposition using alternative, non-hazardous chemistry that does not rely on explosive or highly toxic precursors, thereby eliminating the associated safety risks while maintaining liquid deposition capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful properties of traditional selenium precursors into a safe formulation by using alternative chemistry that achieves the same deposition function without toxicity or explosion hazards. The selenium ink is formulated to be stable and safe handling while maintaining effective selenium delivery.
3Reliability
If conventional selenium deposition methods are used, then selenium layers can be formed, but the process lacks stability and requires hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite selenium ink formulation that combines selenium with a liquid carrier and stabilizing agents. This composite material approach provides a stable, homogeneous solution that delivers consistent selenium deposition while eliminating the need for hazardous precursors. The formulation ensures long-term stability and safe handling.
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
The selenium ink enables cost-effective, high-throughput deposition of selenium in CIGS materials, reducing safety risks associated with toxic and explosive precursors, and providing a stable dispersion suitable for large-scale semiconductor manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a selenium ink comprising, as initial components: selenium powder; an organic chalcogenide component
Implementation Method 2
applying the selenium ink to the substrate forming a selenium material on the substrate
Implementation Method 3
treating the selenium material to remove the liquid carrier depositing selenium on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A selenium ink comprising, as initial components: a liquid carrier; a selenium component comprising selenium; and, an organic chalcogenide component having a formula selected from RZ-Z'R' and R2-SH, a Group 1b component and a liquid carrier; wherein Z and Z' are each independently selected from sulfur, selenium and tellurium; wherein R is selected from H, C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group, a C1-20 alkylhydroxy group, an arylether group and an alkylether group; wherein R' and R2 are selected from a C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group, a C1-20 alkylhydroxy group, an arylether group and an alkylether group; wherein the selenium ink comprises ≥ 1 wt% selenium; wherein the selenium ink is a stable dispersion and wherein the selenium ink is hydrazine and hydrazinium free. Also provided are methods of preparing the selenium ink and of using the selenium ink to deposit selenium on a substrate for use in the manufacture of a variety of chalcogenide containing semiconductor materials, such as, thin film transistors (TFTs), light emitting diodes (LEDs); and photoresponsive devices (e.g., electrophotography (e.g., laser printers and copiers), rectifiers, photographic exposure meters and photovoltaic cells) and chalcogenide containing phase change memory materials.