Interdigitated Back Contact Solar Cell Using Ink-Jet Printing

Researcher(s)

  • Hermelis Reyes, Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware

Faculty Mentor(s)

  • Robert Opila, Dupont, University of Delaware

Abstract

Inkjet printable and highly conductive PEDOT films on hydrophobic silicon surface were successfully developed in this work. Dimethyl sulfoxide measurements were used to validate the substrate surface treatments for enhanced ink-wetting characteristics. The improved wettability of the Si surface promotes easy spreading of the PEDOT solution, allowing a uniform coverage of the surfaces. Several inkjet printing parameters, including droplet spacing, substrate temperature, and a number of layers, were explored to study their impact on the film thickness, roughness, and efficiency. With an optimized printing setting, the number of surface defects and shunting problems in PEDOT films was reduced.