Abstract: Methods are described that have the capability of producing submicron/nanoscale particles, in some embodiments dispersible, at high production rates. In some embodiments, the methods result in the production of particles with an average diameter less than about 75 nanometers that are produced at a rate of at least about 35 grams per hour. In other embodiments, the particles are highly uniform. These methods can be used to form particle collections and/or powder coatings. Powder coatings and corresponding methods are described based on the deposition of highly uniform submicron/nanoscale particles.

Abstract: Silicon nanoparticle inks provide a basis for the formation of desirable materials. Specifically, composites have been formed in thin layers comprising silicon nanoparticles embedded in an amorphous silicon matrix, which can be formed at relatively low temperatures. The composite material can be heated to form a nanocrystalline material having crystals that are non-rod shaped. The nanocrystalline material can have desirable electrical conductive properties, and the materials can be formed with a high dopant level. Also, nanocrystalline silicon pellets can be formed from silicon nanoparticles deposited form an ink in which the pellets can be relatively dense although less dense than bulk silicon. The pellets can be formed from the application of pressure and heat to a silicon nanoparticle layer.

Abstract: Desirable composites of polysiloxane polymers and inorganic nanoparticles can be formed based on the appropriate selection of the surface properties of the particles and the chemical properties of the polymer. High loadings of particles can be achieved with good dispersion through the polymer. The composites can have good optical properties. In some embodiments, the inorganic particles are substantially free of surface modification.

Abstract: Highly uniform silica nanoparticles can be formed into stable dispersions with a desirable small secondary particle size. The silica particles can be surface modified to form the dispersions. The silica nanoparticles can be doped to change the particle properties and/or to provide dopant for subsequent transfer to other materials. The dispersions can be printed as an ink for appropriate applications. The dispersions can be used to selectively dope semiconductor materials such as for the formation of photovoltaic cells or for the formation of printed electronic circuits.

Abstract: Highly uniform silica nanoparticles can be formed into stable dispersions with a desirable small secondary particle size. The silica particles can be surface modified to form the dispersions. The silica nanoparticles can be doped to change the particle properties and/or to provide dopant for subsequent transfer to other materials. The dispersions can be printed as an ink for appropriate applications. The dispersions can be used to selectively dope semiconductor materials such as for the formation of photovoltaic cells or for the formation of printed electronic circuits.

Abstract: Desirable composites of polysiloxane polymers and inorganic nanoparticles can be formed based on the appropriate selection of the surface properties of the particles and the chemical properties of the polymer. High loadings of particles can be achieved with good dispersion through the polymer. The composites can have good optical properties. In some embodiments, the inorganic particles are substantially free of surface modification.

Abstract: Desirable composites of polysiloxane polymers and inorganic nanoparticles can be formed based on the appropriate selection of the surface properties of the particles and the chemical properties of the polymer. High loadings of particles can be achieved with good dispersion through the polymer. The composites can have good optical properties. In some embodiments, the inorganic particles are substantially free of surface modification.

Abstract: Methods are described that have the capability of producing submicron/nanoscale particles, in some embodiments dispersible, at high production rates. In some embodiments, the methods result in the production of particles with an average diameter less than about 75 nanometers that are produced at a rate of at least about 35 grams per hour. In other embodiments, the particles are highly uniform. These methods can be used to form particle collections and/or powder coatings. Powder coatings and corresponding methods are described based on the deposition of highly uniform submicron/nanoscale particles.

Abstract: Highly uniform silica nanoparticles can be formed into stable dispersions with a desirable small secondary particle size. The silican particles can be surface modified to form the dispersions. The silica nanoparticles can be doped to change the particle properties and/or to provide dopant for subsequent transfer to other materials. The dispersions can be printed as an ink for appropriate applications. The dispersions can be used to selectively dope semiconductor materials such as for the formation of photovoltaic cells or for the formation of printed electronic circuits.

Abstract: The use of doped silicon nanoparticle inks and other liquid dopant sources can provide suitable dopant sources for driving dopant elements into a crystalline silicon substrate using a thermal process if a suitable cap is provided. Suitable caps include, for example, a capping slab, a cover that may or may not rest on the surface of the substrate and a cover layer. Desirable dopant profiled can be achieved. The doped nanoparticles can be delivered using a silicon ink. The residual silicon ink can be removed after the dopant drive-in or at least partially densified into a silicon material that is incorporated into the product device. The silicon doping is suitable for the introduction of dopants into crystalline silicon for the formation of solar cells.

Abstract: Functional composite materials comprise elemental inorganic particles within an organic matrix. The elemental inorganic materials generally comprise elemental metal, elemental metalloid, alloys thereof, or mixtures thereof. In alternative or additional embodiments, the inorganic particles can comprise a metal oxide, a metalloid oxide, a combination thereof or a mixture thereof. The inorganic particles can have an average primary particle size of no more than abut 250 nm and a secondary particle size in a dispersion when blended with the organic matrix of no more than about 2 microns. The particles can be substantially unagglomerated within the composite. The organic binder can be a functional polymer such as a semiconducting polymer. The inorganic particles can be surface modified, such as with a moiety having an aromatic functional group for desirable interactions with a semiconducting polymer. Appropriate solution based methods can be used for forming the composite from dispersions of the particles.

Abstract: Methods are described that have the capability of producing submicron/nanoscale particles, in some embodiments dispersible, at high production rates. In some embodiments, the methods result in the production of particles with an average diameter less than about 75 nanometers that are produced at a rate of at least about 35 grams per hour. In other embodiments, the particles are highly uniform. These methods can be used to form particle collections and/or powder coatings. Powder coatings and corresponding methods are described based on the deposition of highly uniform submicron/nanoscale particles.

Abstract: Laser pyrolysis reactor designs and corresponding reactant inlet nozzles are described to provide desirable particle quenching that is particularly suitable for the synthesis of elemental silicon particles. In particular, the nozzles can have a design to encourage nucleation and quenching with inert gas based on a significant flow of inert gas surrounding the reactant precursor flow and with a large inert entrainment flow effectively surrounding the reactant precursor and quench gas flows. Improved silicon nanoparticle inks are described that has silicon nanoparticles without any surface modification with organic compounds. The silicon ink properties can be engineered for particular printing applications, such as inkjet printing, gravure printing or screen printing. Appropriate processing methods are described to provide flexibility for ink designs without surface modifying the silicon nanoparticles.

Abstract: Highly uniform silica nanoparticles can be formed into stable dispersions with a desirable small secondary particle size. The silican particles can be surface modified to form the dispersions. The silica nanoparticles can be doped to change the particle properties and/or to provide dopant for subsequent transfer to other materials. The dispersions can be printed as an ink for appropriate applications. The dispersions can be used to selectively dope semiconductor materials such as for the formation of photovoltaic cells or for the formation of printed electronic circuits.

Abstract: Photovoltaic elements can be formed by in-motion processing of a silicon ribbon. In some embodiments, only a single surface of a silicon ribbon is processed in-motion. In other embodiments both surfaces of a silicon ribbon is processed in-motion. In-motion processing can include, but is not limited to, formation of patterned or uniform doped regions within or along the silicon ribbon as well as the formation of patterned or uniform dielectric layers and/or electrically conductive elements on the silicon ribbon. After performing in-motion processing, additional processing steps can be performed after the ribbon is cut into portions. Furthermore, post-cut processing can include, but is not limited to, the formation of solar cells, photovoltaic modules, and solar panels.

Abstract: Highly uniform silica nanoparticles can be formed into stable dispersions with a desirable small secondary particle size. The silican particles can be surface modified to form the dispersions. The silica nanoparticles can be doped to change the particle properties and/or to provide dopant for subsequent transfer to other materials. The dispersions can be printed as an ink for appropriate applications. The dispersions can be used to selectively dope semiconductor materials such as for the formation of photovoltaic cells or for the formation of printed electronic circuits.

Abstract: Successful dispersion approaches are described for the formation of dispersion of dry powders of inorganic particles. In some embodiments, it is desirable to form the dispersion in two processing steps in which the particles are surface modified in the second processing step. Composites can be formed using the well dispersed particles to form improved inorganic particle-polymer composites. These composites are suitable for optical applications and for forming transparent films, which can have a relatively high index or refraction. In some embodiments, water can be used to alter the surface chemistry of metal oxide particles.

Abstract: Submicron powders of metal silicon nitrides and metal silicon oxynitrides are synthesized using nanoscale particles of one or more precursor materials using a solid state reaction. For example, nanoscale powders of silicon nitride are useful precursor powders for the synthesis of metal silicon nitride and metal silicon oxynitride submicron powders. Due to the use of the nanoscale precursor materials for the synthesis of the submicron phosphor powders, the product phosphors can have very high internal quantum efficiencies. The phosphor powders can comprise a suitable dopant activator, such as a rare earth metal element dopant.

Abstract: High quality silicon inks are used to form polycrystalline layers within thin film solar cells having a p-n junction. The particles deposited with the inks can be sintered to form the silicon film, which can be intrinsic films or doped films. The silicon inks can have a z-average secondary particle size of no more than about 250 nm as determined by dynamic light scattering on an ink sample diluted to 0.4 weight percent if initially having a greater concentration. In some embodiments, an intrinsic layer can be a composite of an amorphous silicon portion and a crystalline silicon portion.

Abstract: Highly uniform silica nanoparticles can be formed into stable dispersions with a desirable small secondary particle size. The silican particles can be surface modified to form the dispersions. The silica nanoparticles can be doped to change the particle properties and/or to provide dopant for subsequent transfer to other materials. The dispersions can be printed as an ink for appropriate applications. The dispersions can be used to selectively dope semiconductor materials such as for the formation of photovoltaic cells or for the formation of printed electronic circuits.