SBIR Phase I: Spray Deposited Transparent Conducting Zinc Oxide Films

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This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop cost-effective, non-vacuum technology to deposit wide-gap, p-type transparent conducting oxide windows for thin-film photovoltaic and other devices. Phase I will develop and test an inexpensive spray pyrolysis system. It will be customized to deposit a p-zinc oxide window for photovoltaic cell based on n-copper indium selenide. The zinc oxide films will be structurally and electro-optically characterized to determine optimum processing conditions to produce compatible, p-conducting window for the n-type absorber. This approach will be teamed with electrodeposition for the absorber and buffer layers to provide scalability, lower costs and high throughput needed for the next generation solar cells. Project success will lead to efficient and reliable solar cells and many new opto-electronic devices. Low cost spray pyrolysis technology can be used for other wide-gap window materials for solar cells and other devices. The p-type zinc oxide can be used for short-wavelength light emitting devices, energy-efficient windows, flat panel displays, gas sensors and other optoelectronic applications. The proposed work may extend photovoltaic technology to n-type absorbers and multi-junction flexible solar cells, with higher efficiency and reliability. Technology commercialization will provide energy security, avert future power crises and reduce global warming.