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Photovoltaics: R2R Processing, CZTS Printing, Large Scale Perovskite, Laser Assisted Glass Encapsulation, Perovskite Stability, etc

In this newsletter, explore the advancements in solar technology, featuring InterPhases Solar's pioneering in-line roll-to-roll processes for flexible, thin-film devices, Crystalsol OÜ's innovations in CZTS photovoltaic technology, Taiwan Perovskite Solar's approach to large-scale perovskite production, Pixel Voltaic's laser-assisted glass encapsulation for perovskite photovoltaics, and University of Colorado Boulder's strategies to tackle degradation in perovskite solar panels.


  1. InterPhases Solar | Versatile in-line roll-to-roll process for flexible, thin film devices

  2. Crystalsol OÜ | Printed CZTS photovoltaic technology

  3. Taiwan Perovskite Solar | Large-scale perovskite production: materials, processes, and challenges

  4. Pixel Voltaic | Laser-assisted glass encapsulation for perovskite photovoltaics

  5. University of Colorado Boulder | Understanding & preventing degradation in perovskite solar panels

 

The Future of Electronics RESHAPED USA  is TechBlick's premier event, showcasing the latest innovations in electronics. Join us at UMass Boston on June 11-12, 2025 for an exciting exploration of emerging technologies. You can find more details on the event website here.


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  1. InterPhases Solar | Versatile in-line roll-to-roll process for flexible, thin film devices


Shalini Menezes | 2024


Fabricating devices with non-vacuum roll-to-roll processes that intrinsically host nano-scale pn junctions offer an attractive platform to create low-cost, flexible, lightweight opto-electronic devices. Incumbent 3G nano technologies still face significant challenges in-terms of stability, toxicity, up-scaling and reproducibility to reach the status of the established technology. Here we present an alternate path that integrates new device structure, process and manufacturing. It features a compact, practical, atmospheric process to manufacture high quality, ordered 3D nanocrystalline pn homojunction (NHJ) device structures. Exemplified here by two Cu-In-Se (CISe) compounds, the method entails single-step electrodeposition of interconnected network of p-CISe and n-CISe nanocrystals to create a depleted NHJ thin film. Extraordinary attributes the CISe NHJs include non-linear emissions, large carrier mobility, low trap-state-density, long carrier lifetime and likely up-conversion. The NHJ film can be inserted between two electrodes to produce an isotropic device, wherein current can flow in either direction to convert light into electricity or applied voltage into light. Although originally conceived for CISe solar cells, this radical concept could create NHJs with most II-VI or III-V semiconductors for wide spectrum of applications, e.g., PV panels, LEDs, photodetectors, photoelectrodes, laser diodes, displays, MEMS and optical fibers. Importantly, the NHJ structure can be continuously roll-to-roll processed in ambient atmosphere from aqueous solution. Overall, this approach offers a promising low-cost processing platform to create high performance, stable and scalable devices. The NHJs could essentially perform like 2D planar pn junctions or artificially ordered 3D nano-structures, but without their high cost and fabrication complexities.


In this presentation you will learn about the following:


  • 2D & 3D Opto-Electronic Devices: Exploring the challenges of achieving 2D performance in 3D manufacturing processes.

  • CISe: Cu-In-Se approach demonstrated

  • SSE: Single-step electrodeposition

  • NHJ: Nanocrystalline pn homojunctions with unusual nano & quantum attributes

  • R2R: Roll-to-roll manufacturing



    Download the Full Slides Here

 
  1. Crystalsol OÜ | Printed CZTS photovoltaic technology


Dieter Meissner | 2024


In this session, you will explore the following topics:

  • Why printing, but not OPV (Organic Photovoltaics)

  • CZTS/Kesterite: Powder production, powder composition, and stability of Kesterites with different chalcogenide ratios

  • Powder (monograin) printing technology, powder synthesis (high T.), and module printing (low T.) in a continuous roll-to-roll process

  • Crystalsol monograin cell and module printing

  • Efficiency and stability potential

  • Cost considerations

  • Sustainability



 
  1. Taiwan Perovskite Solar | Large-scale perovskite production: materials, processes, and challenges


Chih-Hsuan Chao | 2024


In the field of solar energy, it has become a common belief that perovskite solar cells are advancing at an unprecedented pace. While the historical trajectory may seem astonishing, we can gain insight by examining the development path of the solar cell industry, which has progressed from silicon and CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) to organic solar cells. Perovskite solar cells represent the culmination of decades of knowledge and research. A perovskite solar cell is composed of multiple layers. Each layer is carefully deposited on a substrate, which imposes certain limitations on the choice of materials and manufacturing processes for the top layer. To overcome these limitations, various process technologies such as slot-die coating, blade-coating, and spray deposition have been developed and refined for large-scale production. Additionally, a wide range of materials has been extensively studied. In the presentation, we will delve into the critical considerations for selecting materials and processes when fabricating perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, we will highlight the challenges and obstacles associated with these technologies.


This session will cover the following topics:

  • Structure of PSC: Conventional & Inverted

  • Material selection and process considerations

  • Techniques for creating thin film layers

  • Classification of coating methods and choosing the right solution

  • Encapsulation processes



 

Join us on December 11, 2024, for the FREE-TO-ATTTEND Printed Electronics & Display Innovation Day, a free online event by TechBlick and the MicroLED Association. Connect with industry leaders shaping the future of displays. View the agenda here.  

 
  1. Pixel Voltaic | Laser-assisted glass encapsulation for perovskite photovoltaics


Tiago Lagarteira | 2024


This session will delve into:

  • Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) of 3rd Generation PVs

  • The necessity of glass encapsulation for PSCs

  • Glass frit encapsulation process for PSCs

  • Innovative solutions in glass frit encapsulation




 
  1. University of Colorado Boulder | Understanding & preventing degradation in perovskite solar panels


Mike McGehee | 2024


Metal halide perovskites are ionic conductors and can undergo oxidation and reduction. Perovskite solar cells often contain metal electrodes that can be oxidized. Redox reactions occur quite rapidly when the cells are operated in reverse bias, which can happen when a shaded cell is forced to match the current of illuminated cells that are connected in series. Shunting typically occurs in reverse bias when silver electrodes are used, but not when transparent conducting oxides or carbon are used. Oxidation of iodide can result in loss of iodine from the perovskite layer, which can also reduce power conversion efficiency. The talk will describe the electrochemical degradation and how feasible it is to protect different types of modules with bypass diodes.


This session will explore: The future of module manufacturing with perovskite solar cells, including the potential dominance of classic thin-film processes unless perovskite-Si tandems are adopted.

  • The challenges of laser scribing, such as stability issues and thermal damage during the ablation process.

  • Why perovskite-Si monolithic tandems eliminate the need to cut through the ITO electrode.

  • How current can pass in reverse bias, either through uniform tunneling or metal shunts.

  • The lack of demonstrated perovskite cells that remain stable under reverse bias for extended durations.



 

Join us on February 11-12, 2024, for the Solid-State Battery Materials, a virtual event by TechBlick. Engage with industry leaders driving innovation in battery technology. Explore the agenda here.  



 

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