NANOPARTICLE FILMS FOR USE AS SOLAR CELL BACK REFLECTORS AND OTHER APPLICATIONS

摘要

Disclosed are methods for forming nanoparticle films using electrophoretic deposition. The methods comprise exposing a substrate to a solution, the solution comprising substantially dispersed nanoparticles, an organic solvent, and a polymer characterized by a backbone comprising Si—O groups. The methods further comprise applying an electric field to the solution, whereby a nanoparticle film is deposited on the substrate. Suitable polymers include polysiloxanes, polysilsesquioxanes and polysilicates. Coated glass windows and methods of forming the coated glass windows using the solutions are also disclosed. The methods may be adapted to form nanoparticle films suitable for use as back reflectors in solar cells, where such nanoparticle-based back reflectors exhibit high reflection and light scattering properties, including use of such back reflectors to fabricate solar cells and other photovoltaic-based and light dependent devices such as television screens, computer monitors, portable systems such as mobile phones, handheld games consoles and PDAs.

主权项

1. A method of forming a nanoparticle film comprising:
exposing first and second substrate each connected to an electrode, thereby forming a cathode and anode substrate, to a solution, wherein the solution comprises:
substantially dispersed nanoparticles;an organic solvent;a polysilicate;optionally water; andoptionally one or more of an acid and a dopant; and applying a sufficient electric field across the electrodes for a sufficient period of time to deposit a nanoparticle film onto an electrode connected substrate and optionally rinsing said deposited material with a second solvent selected from the group consisting of acetone, hexane, water, isopropyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.