RED BANK, N.J., July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists of
Natcore Technology Inc. (TSX-V: NXT; NTCXF.PK), in
collaboration with researchers at Rice
University have successfully fabricated the first inorganic
flexible thin film solar cell by solution processes. The work was
reported in a recent issue of the journal Physical Chemistry
Chemical Physics published by the Royal Society of Chemistry,
volume 15, pages 3930-3938.
Using its patented liquid phase deposition (LPD) process, a
cadmium/selenium (CdSe) absorber layer has been grown on a
single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)-derived back contact
substrate. The CdSe/SWNT layers show appropriate photo response.
LPD was also used to grow a copper/selenium (CuSe) window layer
onto which silver contacts were deposited. The resulting
photovoltaic device shows a characteristic IV curve that confirms
the potential for this process to form a flexible solar cell. No
high temperature semiconductor processing of any kind was used to
make the device.
"This is a major step forward in our goal of creating a low cost
flexible solar cell," says Rice Professor Andrew R. Barron, a Natcore co-founder. "These
results demonstrate the feasibility of our approach. This is the
first step in moving this towards a commercial cell."
"The use of carbon nanotubes was chosen to create a back contact
that is imbedded into the absorber layer, and thus decrease the
diffusion length to the back contact, which should result in a
lower percentage of hole electron recombination, and hence higher
efficiency," commented Natcore's CTO/co-founder Dennis Flood.
"This is a most important milestone along the way to a low-cost
flexible solar cell," says Natcore's CEO/President Chuck Provini.
"First, we've demonstrated the concept. We've shown the
feasibility of using LPD to grow a whole cell on a flexible
substrate that remains flexible even with all of the layers.
"Second, if we can marry this development with our
multi-junction tandem solar cell technology, we'll have a truly
world-changing event.
"And third, this technology should be adaptable to the
production of roll-to-roll solar cells. That has been in our plans
since we established our R&D Center in proximity to a former
Kodak roll-to-roll photo film plant.
"Thin film has been burdened with two problems: low efficiency
and high manufacturing cost. By combining this success with our
multi-junction tandem solar cell, we could overcome both of those
problems."
"Our next step," adds Provini," is to improve the quality and
efficiency of the cell. Now we'll move the work from Dr.
Andy Barron's lab at Rice to our own lab in Rochester. If we had
adequate funds and adequate manpower, we could have a
commercial-quality cell within a year.
Statements in this press release other than purely historical
factual information, including statements relating to revenues or
profits, or Natcore's future plans and objectives, or expected
sales, cash flows, and capital expenditures constitute
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on
numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and
uncertainties inherent in Natcore's business, including risks
inherent in the technology history. There can be no assurance that
such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as
actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on such statements. Except in accordance with
applicable securities laws, Natcore expressly disclaims any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements or
forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference
herein.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Contact: Chuck Provini
732-576-8800
Info@NatcoreSolar.com
SOURCE Natcore Technology Inc.