Abstract: A composite material includes at least two components, wherein at least one component is present in the form of nanoparticles, which consist of at least three metals and at least one non-metal and the diameter of which is less than one micrometre, preferably less than 200 nm. The novel composite material is particularly well suited for the production of photoactive layers.

Abstract: A method for producing photoactive layers, and components, such as solar cells, including the layers. According to the invention, the photoactive layers are produced by forming a non-semiconducting layer from precursor material including at least one metal compound and a salt-like and/or organic reactant on a substrate by printing or blade coating, the layer being exposed to temperatures of less than 300° C., wherein a semiconducting, photoactive layer is formed from the non-semiconducting layer by thermal conversion of the precursor material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a layer containing inorganic semiconductor particles. According to the invention, the layer containing inorganic semiconductor particles is formed in situ from metal salts and/or metal compounds and a salt-type or organic reactant within a semiconducting organic matrix. The layers containing inorganic semiconductor particles and produced according to the invention enable a simple and cost-effective production process for photovoltaic elements, such as solar cells or photodetectors.