Development of CuInSe₂ Nanocrystal and Nanoring Inks for Low-Cost Solar Cells

Abstract

The creation of a suitable inorganic colloidal nanocrystal ink for use in a scalable coating process is a key step in the development of low-cost solar cells. Here, we present a facile solution synthesis of chalcopyrite CuInSe 2 nanocrystals and demonstrate that inks based on these nanocrystals can be used to create simple solar cells, with our first cells exhibiting an efficiency of 3.2% under AM1.5 illumination. We also report the first solution synthesis of uniform hexagonal shaped single crystals CuInSe 2 nanorings by altering the synthesis parameter.

Investigating the Control by Quantum Confinement and Surface Ligand Coating of Photocatalytic Efficiency in Chalcopyrite Copper Indium Diselenide Nanocrystals

“…[19][20][21][22][23] Moreover, these NCs display band-gaps of 4 <1.5 eV, which are in the visible region of the solar spectrum, and large absorption coefficients that are ideal for solar energy conversion. [24][25][26] In this context, there are few reports available demonstrating the photocatalytic activity of these NCs, and in all cases they were used in sensitizing wide band-gap semiconductors (e.g., ZnS, ZnO, and TiO 2 ).…”

Synthesis and Characterization of CIS Thin Film Using Chloride Solution

“…In order to prepare the precursor solution was made. Molar concentrations of CuCl 2 , InCl 3 , SeCl 4 were mixed according to ratio 1:1:2 and placed in a beaker containing Acetone. Precursor solution was covered with parafilm to minimize evaporation.…”

“…[8], [9]. In this study, CuInSe 2 precursor solution was made by Doctor Blade Chloride series of CuCl 2 , InCl 3 , SeCl 4 by viscosity, which acts as a binder without forming a thin film. CuInSe 2 precursor produced by toxic gas selenization process CuInSe 2 GaCl 3 addition to uncovering the mechanism for the formation of thin film due to the change in temperature of the Ga, In some substitution by In/Ga composition-specific synthetic according to the decision and to understand the change of the band gap energy.…”

Colloidal synthesis of Culn0.75Ga0.25Se2 nanoparticles and their photovoltaic performance

“…The optical, structural and electrical properties of these materials can be tuned in order to overcome the factors currently limiting the improvement of solar cell technology [8,9,11,15,22,25]. Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGSe) materials are I-III-VI p-type semiconductors with higher optical absorption coefficients making them beneficial for solar applications [20,29].…”

“…The addition of a Se precursor to oleylamine (OLA) as a capping agent affects the crystal structure of CISe. Sphalerite and chalcopyrite phases were obtained by injection of Se to and along with the mixture of other precursors in OLA [11]. Similar processes can be followed to add one more element, gallium for instance, to CISe in order to obtain a quaternary chalcopyrite material with enhanced properties.…”