title: Electrophoretic deposited TiO(2) pigment-based back reflectors for thin film solar cells.
abstract: Highly reflective coatings with strong light scattering effect have many applications in optical components and optoelectronic devices. This work reports titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) pigment-based reflectors that have 2.5 times higher broadband diffuse reflection than commercially produced aluminum or silver based reflectors and result in efficiency enhancements of a single-junction amorphous Si solar cell. Electrophoretic deposition is used to produce pigment-based back reflectors with high pigment density, controllable film thickness and site-specific deposition. Electrical conductivity of the pigment-based back reflectors is improved by creating electrical vias throughout the pigment-based back reflector by making holes using an electrical discharge / dielectric breakdown approach followed by a second electrophoretic deposition of conductive nanoparticles into the holes. While previous studies have demonstrated the use of pigment-based back reflectors, for example white paint, on glass superstrate configured thin film Si solar cells, this work presents a scheme for producing pigment-based reflectors on complex shape and flexible substrates. Mechanical durability and scalability are demonstrated on a continuous electrophoretic deposition roll-to-roll system which has flexible metal substrate capability of 4 inch wide and 300 feet long.
authors.forename: Braden
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bills
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Mukul
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dubey
authors.forename: Qi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Qi Hua
authors.initials: QH
authors.lastname: Fan