Nanoco Technologies Limited

Laura Wylde

Nigel Pickett

James Harris

Ombretta Masala

Christopher Paul Newman

Nathalie C Gresty

Christopher Newman

Materials and methods for preparing CuXSnYnanoparticles, wherein X is Zn, Cd, Hg, Ni, Co, Mn or Fe and Y is S or Se, (CXTY) are disclosed herein. The nanoparticles can be used to make layers for use in thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells. The CXTY materials are prepared by a colloidal synthesis in the presence of labile organo-chalcogens. The organo-chalcogens serves as both a chalcogen source for the nanoparticles and as a capping ligand for the nanoparticles.

CuXSnYnanoparticles

Cu2XSnY4 Nanoparticles

Cu2XSnY4 nanoparticles

Nanoparticles containing IUPAC group 11 ions, group 13 ions and sulfur ions are synthesized by adding metal salts and an alkanethiol in an organic solvent and promoting the reaction by applying heat. Nanoparticles are formed at temperatures as low as 200&#xb0; C. The nanoparticles may be thermally annealed for a certain amount of time at a temperature lower than the reaction temperature (usually &#x2dc;40&#xb0; C. lower) to improve the topology and narrow the size distribution. After the reaction is complete, the nanoparticles may be isolated by the addition of a non-solvent and re-dispersed in organic solvents including toluene, chloroform and hexane to form a nanoparticle ink. Additives may be incorporated in the reaction solution to tailor the final ink viscosity.

Copper-indium-gallium-chalcogenide nanoparticle precursors for thin-film solar cells

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Manchester, United Kingdom

Laura Wylde