METHOD TO SYNTHESIZE COLLOIDAL IRON PYRITE (FeS2) NANOCRYSTALS AND FABRICATE IRON PYRITE THIN FILM SOLAR CELLS
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsMatthew Law, Sean Seefeld, James Puthussery
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for the fabrication and manufacture of efficient, low-cost p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells. The p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells can include a pyrite thin cell component, a window layer component, and a top surface contact component. The pyrite thin cell component can be fabricated from nanocrystal paint deposited onto metal foils or microcrystalline pyrite deposited onto foil by chemical vapor deposition. A method of synthesizing colloidal pyrite nanocrystals is provided. Methods of manufacturing the efficient, low-cost p-n heterojunction pyrite solar cells are also provided.
Claims20
A method for producing pyrite thin films, comprising the steps of
- depositing a p-type pyrite thin film comprising colloidal iron pyrite nanocrystals onto a conductive bottom substrate, the conductive bottom substrate acting as an electrical contact;
- and
- sintering the p-type pyrite thin film in sulfur-containing atmospheres.
A method of synthesizing colloidal pyrite nanocrystals comprising the steps of:
- heating FeCl2 and elemental sulfur in octadecylamine and diphenyl ether to form colloidal pyrite nanocrystals;
- and
- forming colloidal pyrite nanocrystals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.