Abstract:
Photovoltaic cells having copper contacts can be made by using copper nanoparticles during their fabrication. Such photovoltaic cells can include a copper-based current collector located on a semiconductor substrate having an n-doped region and a p-doped region. The semiconductor substrate is configured for receipt of electromagnetic radiation and generation of an electrical current therefrom. The copper-based current collector includes an electrically conductive diffusion barrier disposed on the semiconductor substrate and a copper contact disposed on the electrically conductive diffusion barrier. The copper contact is formed from copper nanoparticles that have been at least partially fused together. The electrically conductive diffusion barrier limits the passage of copper therethrough.
Abstract:
An ink adapted for forming conductive elements is disclosed. The ink includes a plurality of nanoparticles and a carrier. The nanoparticles comprise copper and have a diameter of less than 20 nanometers. Each nanoparticle has at least a partial coating of a surfactant configured to separate adjacent nanoparticles. Methods of creating circuit elements from copper-containing nanoparticles by spraying, tracing, stamping, burnishing, or heating are disclosed.
Abstract:
According to embodiments of the present invention, a method of interconnecting nanowires is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of nanowires, providing a plurality of nanoparticles, and fusing the plurality of nanoparticles to the plurality of nanowires to interconnect the plurality of nanowires to each other via the plurality of nanoparticles. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a nanowire network and a transparent conductive electrode are also provided.
Abstract:
A method of preparing tin (Sn) nanoparticles based on a bottom-up approach is provided. The method includes combining a first solution comprising Sn ions with a second solution comprising a reducing agent. After the combination, the Sn ions and the reducing agent undergo a reaction in which at least some of the Sn ions are reduced to Sn nanoparticles. The first solution comprises a tin salt dissolved in a solvent; the second solution comprises an alkali metal and naphthalene dissolved in a solvent; and the combined solution further comprises a capping agent that moderates a growth of aggregates of the Sn nanoparticles.
Abstract:
According to embodiments of the present invention, a conductive paste is provided. The conductive paste has a composition including a plurality of conductive nanoparticles and a plurality of conductive nanowires, wherein a weight ratio of the plurality of conductive nanoparticles to the plurality of conductive nanowires is between about 10:1 and about 50:1. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for forming an interconnection and an electrical device are also provided.
Abstract:
Tin nanoparticles and compositions derived therefrom can be used in a number of different applications. Methods for making tin nanoparticles can include combining a tin (II) salt and a metal salt in a solvent, the metal salt being soluble in the solvent and reducible by the tin (II) salt; reducing the metal salt with a first portion of the tin (II) salt to produce a tin (IV) salt and insoluble nanoparticle seeds formed from the metal salt; and reacting the tin (IV) salt, a second portion of the tin (II) salt, or any combination thereof with a reducing agent to form tin nanoparticles having a nucleus formed from a nanoparticle seed.
Abstract:
Articles containing a matrix material and plurality of copper nanoparticles in the matrix material that have been at least partially fused together are described. The copper nanoparticles are less than about 20 nm in size. Copper nanoparticles of this size become fused together at temperatures and pressures that are much lower than that of bulk copper. In general, the fusion temperatures decrease with increasing applied pressure and lowering of the size of the copper nanoparticles. The size of the copper nanoparticles can be varied by adjusting reaction conditions including, for example, surfactant systems, addition rates, and temperatures. Copper nanoparticles that have been at least partially fused together can form a thermally conductive percolation pathway in the matrix material.
Abstract:
Compositions containing tin nanoparticles and electrically conductive particles are described herein. The tin nanoparticles can have a size below about 25 nm so as to make the compositions fusable at temperatures below that of bulk tin (m.p. = 232°C). Particularly, when the tin nanoparticles are less than about 10 nm in size, the compositions can have a fusion temperature of less than about 200°C. The compositions can contain a whisker suppressant to inhibit or substantially minimize the formation of tin whiskers after tin nanoparticle fusion. In some embodiments, the compositions contain tin nanoparticles, electrically conductive particles comprising copper particles, and a whisker suppressant comprising nickel particles. Methods for using the present compositions are also described herein. The present compositions can be used as a lead solder replacement that allows rework to be performed.
Abstract:
Fabrication of refractory metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes is disclosed. As an example, a method may include providing a solvent and providing a surfactant having a first surfactant configured to stabilize low oxidation states of a refractory metal and a second surfactant configured to protect refractory metal nanoparticles. The method may further include providing a refractory metal precursor and providing a reactant for reacting with the refractory metal precursor and forming refractory metal nanoparticles. The refractory metal may include rhenium, tungsten, tantalum, or hafnium. The refractory metal nanoparticles may include rhenium, tungsten, tantalum, or hafnium nanoparticles. A carbon nanotube product may include refractory metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, where the refractory metal nanoparticles may include rhenium, tungsten, tantalum, or hafnium nanoparticles.