Reactive Silver Ink as a Novel Low-Temperature Metallization: Monitoring Corrosion

April M. Jeffries, Mariana Bertoni

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Reactive silver ink (RSI) forms low-resistivity (<5μΩ.cm) metallization at temperatures below 100 °C-enabling lower resistive losses for thermally sensitive solar cells while drastically reducing Ag usage compared to other low-temperature Ag pastes. However, before adoption of the technology many reliability related questions must be addressed. Ag-based metallizations are susceptible to corrosion by acetic acid formed in encapsulated modules, resulting in increased resistive losses. Here we report on corrosion of three types of metallizations; high-firing-temperature Ag paste (HT Ag Paste), low-temperature Ag paste (LT Ag Paste), and RSI. We develop a method for exposing these metallizations to dilute acetic acid in concentrations comparable to those found in field- and damp heat-exposed modules. We find that HT Ag and RSI are quickly affected by acetic acid exposure after only 24 h. Interestingly, Raman spectroscopy suggests the formation of AgCl or AgCH3COO on HT Ag Paste, dissolution of AgCH3COO from RSI, and LT Ag Paste remains relatively unchanged throughout 2936 h of exposure to diluted acetic acid.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2018 IEEE 7th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018 - A Joint Conference of 45th IEEE PVSC, 28th PVSEC and 34th EU PVSEC
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1013-1017
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781538685297
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 26 2018
Event7th IEEE World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018 - Waikoloa Village, United States
Duration: Jun 10 2018Jun 15 2018

Publication series

Name2018 IEEE 7th World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018 - A Joint Conference of 45th IEEE PVSC, 28th PVSEC and 34th EU PVSEC

Other

Other7th IEEE World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, WCPEC 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWaikoloa Village
Period6/10/186/15/18

Keywords

  • corrosion
  • low temperature metallization
  • metallization
  • silver
  • silver usage

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

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