Abstract: Intercalation pastes for use with semiconductor devices are disclosed. The pastes contain precious metal particles, intercalating particles, organic vehicle, and metal-based additives (MBAs). MBAs can be used to improve the material properties of metal particle layers. Specific formulations have been developed to be screen-printed directly onto a dried metal particle layer and fired to make a fired multilayer stack. The fired multilayer stack can be tailored to create a solderable surface, high mechanical strength, and low contact resistance. In some embodiments, the fired multilayer stack can etch through a dielectric layer to improve adhesion to a substrate. Such pastes can be used to increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells, specifically multi- and mono-crystalline silicon back-surface field (BSF), and passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) photovoltaic cells. Other applications include integrated circuits and more broadly, electronic devices.

Abstract: Shingled arrays of solar cells are disclosed. The solar cells used to form the shingled arrays are made using novel, new intercalation pastes. The pastes contain precious metal particles, intercalating particles, and an organic vehicle and can be used to improve the material properties of metal particle layers. Specific formulations have been developed to be screen-printed directly onto a dried metal particle layer and fired to make a fired multilayer stack. In some embodiments, the fired multilayer stack can etch through a dielectric layer to improve adhesion to a substrate. Such pastes can be used to great advantage by increasing the efficiency of silicon solar cells, specifically multi- and mono-crystalline silicon back-surface field (BSF), passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) photovoltaic cells.