Abstract:
Sub-atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition is described with a directed reactant flow and a substrate that moves relative to the flow. Thus, using this CVD configuration a relatively high deposition rate can be achieved while obtaining desired levels of coating uniformity. Deposition approaches are described to place one or more inorganic layers onto a release layer, such as a porous, particulate release layer. In some embodiments, the release layer is formed from a dispersion of submicron particles that are coated onto a substrate. The processes described can be effective for the formation of silicon films that can be separated with the use of a release layer into a silicon foil. The silicon foils can be used for the formation of a range of semiconductor based devices, such as display circuits or solar cells.
Abstract:
Collections of composite particles comprise inorganic particles and another composition, such as a polymer and/or a coating composition. In some embodiments, the composite particles have small average particle sizes, such as no more than about 10 microns or no more than about 2.5 microns. The composite particles can have selected particle architectures. The inorganic particles can have compositions selected for particular properties. The composite particles can be effective for printing applications, for the formation of optical coatings, and other desirable applications.
Abstract:
The use of doped silicon nanoparticle inks and other liquid dopant sources can provide suitable dopant sources for driving dopant elements into a crystalline silicon substrate using a thermal process if a suitable cap is provided. Suitable caps include, for example, a capping slab, a cover that may or may not rest on the surface of the substrate and a cover layer. Desirable dopant profiled can be achieved. The doped nanoparticles can be delivered using a silicon ink. The residual silicon ink can be removed after the dopant drive-in or at least partially densified into a silicon material that is incorporated into the product device. The silicon doping is suitable for the introduction of dopants into crystalline silicon for the formation of solar cells.
Abstract:
Laser pyrolysis reactor designs and corresponding reactant inlet nozzles are described to provide desirable particle quenching that is particularly suitable for the synthesis of elemental silicon particles. In particular, the nozzles can have a design to encourage nucleation and quenching with inert gas based on a significant flow of inert gas surrounding the reactant precursor flow and with a large inert entrainnient flow effectively surrounding the reactant precursor and quench gas flows. Improved silicon nanoparticle inks are described that has silicon nanoparticles without any surface modification with organic compounds. The silicon ink properties can be engineered for particular printing applications, such as inkjet printing, gravure printing or screen printing. Appropriate processing methods are described to provide flexibility for ink designs without surface modifying the silicon nanoparticles.
Abstract:
Photovoltaic elements can be formed by in-motion processing of a silicon ribbon. In some embodiments, only a single surface of a silicon ribbon is processed in-motion. In other embodiments both surfaces of a silicon ribbon is processed in-motion. In-motion processing can include, but is not limited to, formation of patterned or uniform doped regions within or along the silicon ribbon as well as the formation of patterned or uniform dielectric layers and/or electrically conductive elements on the silicon ribbon. After performing in-motion processing, additional processing steps can be performed after the ribbon is cut into portions. Furthermore, post-cut processing can include, but is not limited to, the formation of solar cells, photovoltaic modules, and solar panels.
Abstract:
Functional composite materials comprise elemental inorganic particles within an organic matrix. The elemental inorganic materials generally comprise elemental metal, elemental metalloid, alloys thereof, or mixtures thereof. In alternative or additional embodiments, the inorganic particles can comprise a metal oxide, a metalloid oxide, a combination thereof or a mixture thereof. The inorganic particles can have an average primary particle size of no more than abut 250 nm and a secondary particle size in a dispersion when blended with the organic matrix of no more than about 2 microns. The particles can be substantially unagglomerated within the composite. The organic binder can be a functional polymer such as a semiconducting polymer. The inorganic particles can be surface modified, such as with a moiety having an aromatic functional group for desirable interactions with a semiconducting polymer. Appropriate solution based methods can be used for forming the composite from dispersions of the particles. The composites can be processed into products, such as printed electronics devices.
Abstract:
Successful dispersion approaches are described for the formation of dispersion of dry powders of inorganic particles. In some embodiments, it is desirable to form the dispersion in two processing steps in which the particles are surface modified in the second processing step. Composites can be formed using the well dispersed particles to form improved inorganic particle-polymer composites. These composites are suitable for optical applications and for forming transparent films, which can have a relatively high index or refraction. In some embodiments, water can be used to alter the surface chemistry of metal oxide particles.
Abstract:
Hollow silica nanoparticles can have well defined non-porous shells with low shell fragmentation and good dispersability. These well defined hollow particles can be formed through the controlled oxidation of silicon nanoparticles in an organic solvent. The hollow nanoparticles can have a submicron secondary particle sizes. The hollow silica nanoparticles can be incorporated into polymer composites, such as low index-of- refraction composites, for appropriate applications.
Abstract:
The use of doped silicon nanoparticle inks and other liquid dopant sources can provide suitable dopant sources for driving dopant elements into a crystalline silicon substrate using a thermal process if a suitable cap is provided. Suitable caps include, for example, a capping slab, a cover that may or may not rest on the surface of the substrate and a cover layer. Desirable dopant profiled can be achieved. The doped nanoparticles can be delivered using a silicon ink. The residual silicon ink can be removed after the dopant drive-in or at least partially densified into a silicon material that is incorporated into the product device. The silicon doping is suitable for the introduction of dopants into crystalline silicon for the formation of solar cells.