Chemical and Electrochemical Processing

Our group focuses on processing of thin, functionally active films on solid substrates devoted to the conversion of solar energy. We have a long-standing interest in the development of fast non-vacuum deposition methods, especially Electrochemical Deposition (ED), Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD), Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR). We gained a broad experience regarding chemistry/physics of processes occurring at Solid/liquid interfaces as well as processes induced at semiconductor electrodes.
We undertake significant industrial collaboration supported by the European Communities. Some activities are devoted to consortium projects and supported by industrial partners.

Current research interests

Nanocrystalline ZnS/Zn(S,O) buffer layers for Cu-chalcopyrite solar cells
Nanopourous materials synthesis, functionalization and pore engineering
Electrochemical deposition of new compounds for low cost photovoltaics

Our recent research focuses on solution growth methods of large band gap compounds especially Zn-compounds buffer layers for Cu-chalcopyrite thin film solar cells. Particular emphasis is placed on the control of chemical process, chemical composition and structure at the interface Absorber/Buffer that improve the device performance. Key requirements are: avoiding toxic precursors and increasing deposition rates with high efficiency on large area and process stability. The final goal is the implementation in the pilot line of Zn(S,O) buffer layers.

Figure 1