--- Copper-Indium-Gallium-Chalcogenide Nanoparticle Precursors for Thin-Film Solar Cells

摘要

Nanoparticles containing IUPAC 11 group ions, Group 13 ions and sulfur ions are synthesized by adding a metal salt and an alkanethiol to an organic solvent and heating to promote the reaction. The nanoparticles are formed at a low temperature of about 200 ° C. The nanoparticles may be thermally annealed at a temperature below the reaction temperature for a period of time (typically ~ 40 ° C or lower) to improve the topology and narrow the size distribution. After the reaction is complete, the nanoparticles may be separated by addition of non-solvent and redispersed in an organic solvent such as toluene, chloroform and hexane to form a nanoparticle ink. Additives can be incorporated into the reaction solution to adjust the viscosity of the final ink.