Thanks to its good adhesion to glass and high level of electrical conductivity, molybdenum is used as a CIGS back contact. As one of the leading manufacturers of molybdenum sputtering targets, PLANSEE is now able to provide two new molybdenum alloys. These are molybdenum-sodium (MoNa) and molybdenum-tantalum (MoTa).
Targeted improvements in efficiency:
Small amounts of sodium in the CIGS absorber improve the efficiency of the solar cell. In the case of glass-based CIGS modules, the soda-lime glass usually also acts as the sodium source. During the production process, sodium from the glass diffuses through the molybdenum back contact into the absorber layer. Unfortunately, this process is not easy to control and the sodium is often unevenly distributed. Sputtering targets made from sodium-doped molybdenum (MoNa) offer a simple alternative. A thin MoNa layer is sputtered above or below the molybdenum back contact. This MoNa layer is then responsible for the controlled release of sodium that occurs as the CIGS absorber is being formed. The concentration of sodium in the absorber can be precisely adjusted by varying the thickness of the layer. Tests conducted in cooperation with EMPA – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology – have confirmed the effectiveness of sodium doping using MoNa layers.
Corrosion protection:
Molybdenum can oxidize in corrosive atmospheres. That is why PLANSEE has developed targets made from molybdenum-tantalum. The superior corrosion resistance of this material has been proven in numerous tests.
And if you want to find out more: Visit the PLANSEE team at the EU PVSEC from September 24 to 28 in Frankfurt. You will find the PLANSEE stand in hall 3.0, F29. Alongside molybdenum, MoTa and MoNa, PLANSEE will use the occasion of the trade fair to present its coating material for CIGS absorber layers and chromium targets for the production of diffusion barriers.
At the PV Production Forum that will be held during the EU PVSEC, Dr. Christoph Adelhelm, application group manager for Solar at PLANSEE, will tell visitors more about the new materials for CIGS layers. His address will take place on September 26 from 3.40 to 4.00 pm in hall 4.
The EMPA Institute will also present the latest research results concerning the effects of MoNa layers in CIGS in a contribution to the EU PVSEC Conference at 2.30 pm on September 26.
For full information on the trade fair and lecture program, go to http://www.photovoltaic-conference.com/.
PLANSEE High Performance Materials
The Plansee Group is a leader in the field of powder metallurgy, covering the entire production process from the ore right through to customer-specific components.
The corporate division PLANSEE High Performance Materials is an expert for components manufactured from molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, niobium and chromium. Alloys and composite materials from PLANSEE come into their own in electronics, coating technology or high-temperature furnaces – wherever traditional materials are stretched beyond their limits.
Find out more about PLANSEE and locate your local contact: www.plansee.com
Kontakt:
PLANSEE SE
Nadine Kerber
Metallwerk-Plansee-Str. 71
6600 Reutte
+43 5672 600 2422
nadine.kerber@plansee.com
http://www.plansee.com
