Inventors:
Cuiwen Guo - Horsham PA, US
Raymond Michael Cosimano - Philadelphia PA, US
Weiming Zhang - West Conshohocken PA, US
Assignee:
Heraeus Precious Metals North America Conshohocken LLC - West Conshohocken PA
International Classification:
H01L 31/0224
H01L 31/0232
H01L 31/028
US Classification:
136244, 252512, 252514, 136256, 438 72
Abstract:
The invention relates to an inorganic reaction system used in the manufacture of electroconductive pastes. The inorganic reaction system comprises a lead containing composition and elemental tellurium, where in the lead containing composition is between 5-95 wt. % of the inorganic reaction system, and the elemental tellurium is between 5-95 wt. % of the inorganic reaction system. More preferably, the lead containing composition is between 40-90 wt. % of the inorganic reaction system, and the elemental tellurium is between 10-40 wt. % of the inorganic reaction system. The lead containing composition can be a glass frit and can further comprise lead oxide. Another aspect of the invention relates to an electroconductive paste composition that comprises metallic particles, an inorganic reaction system as disclosed, and an organic vehicle. Another aspect of the invention relates to an organic vehicle that comprises a binder, a surfactant, a solvent, and a thixatropic agent. Another aspect of the invention relates to a solar cell printed with an electroconductive paste composition as disclosed, as well as an assembled solar cell module. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing a solar cell.