Optitune LUX-MH family of passivation and hydrogenation materials for silicon substrates

Based on its patented siloxane and metal oxide technology, Optitune MH family of products has been shown to improve the passivation of Si based thick and thin film solar cells. The materials can be used in conjunction with existing silicon nitride processes to increase the degree of passivation and mean carrier lifetimes. This results in an increase in cell output.

When used with Optitune LUX-ME coatings, the MH/ME sequential coatings result in a passivating anti-reflective stack that can replace the whole PECVD Silicon Nitride process. This eliminates the need for any vacuum processing in the manufacture of PV cells, resulting in a significant reduction in the cost of ownership.

With investment from the Australian Research Council and collaboration with The Australian National University, Optitune continues to expand its hydrogenation product platform to new areas including both n- and p-type silicon applications through its patented passivation materials.

In addition to passivation prior to the anti-reflective coating, Optitune MH products also provide a solution for the BSF process. With the introduction of passivation on the back-side the need for Al paste is eliminated, reducing the cost of ownership further. Since it avoids any thermal coefficient of expansion mismatch between the Al and Silicon, no warping occurs during the co-firing process. This allows a reduction in the thickness of Si thickness, resulting in a cost reduction of up to 20%.