Abstract: This invention describes a semiconductor material of general formula (I) Me12Me21-xMe3xMe4(C11-yC2y)4, in which x stands for a numeric value from 0 to 1, and y stands for a numeric value of 0 to 1, as well as its use as an absorber material in a solar cell. The metal Mel is a metal which is selected from the metals in group 11 of the periodic table of the elements (Cu, Ag or Au). The metals Me2 and Me3 are selected from the elements of the 12th group of the periodic table of elements (Zn, Cd & Hg). The metal Me4 is a metal which is selected from the 4th main group of the periodic table of elements (C, Si, Ge, Sn and Pb). The non-metals C1 and C2 are selected from the group of chalcogenides (S, Se and Te).

Abstract: This invention describes a semiconductor material of general formula (I) Me12Me21-xMe3xMe4(C11-yC2y)4, in which x stands for a numeric value from 0 to 1, and y stands for a numeric value of 0 to 1, as well as its use as an absorber material in a solar cell. The metal Mel is a metal which is selected from the metals in group 11 of the periodic table of the elements (Cu, Ag or Au). The metals Me2 and Me3 are selected from the elements of the 12th group of the periodic table of elements (Zn, Cd & Hg). The metal Me4 is a metal which is selected from the 4th main group of the periodic table of elements (C, Si, Ge, Sn and Pb). The non-metals C1 and C2 are selected from the group of chalcogenides (S, Se and Te).

Abstract: A method for producing a powder of a Cu(In,GA)Se2 compound, including the following steps: Cu and In and/or Cu and Ga are alloyed to form a CuIn and/or CuGa alloy with a substoichiometric content of Cu; producing a powder of the CuIn and/or CuG alloy; Se and either KI or NaI are added to the powder, the mixture is heated until a melted mass is formed, in which the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 compound recrystallizes, and the powder grains to be produced simultaneously grow; and the melted mass is cooled in order to interrupt the growth of the grains. The invention also relates to a monogram membrane solar cell containing a back contact, a monogram membrane containing a powder produced by the inventive method, at least one semiconductor layer, and a front contact.

Abstract: A method for treating powder particles of a Cu(In,Ga)Se2, compound, according to which the powder particles and a quantity of sulfur are introduced into a vessel and heated and maintained at a constant temperature over a period of time. The invention also relates to a monograin-membrane solar cell containing a rear contact, a monogram membrane containing powder particles that have been treated according to the inventive method, at least one semiconductor layer and a front contact.

Abstract: For production of monocrystalline powders there is formed a melt to which a fluxing agent is added. The melt contains the components of a semiconductor material, an example being the components of copper indium diselenide which are generally used in a stoichiometric composition. The melt is usually heated to temperatures of between 300° C. and 1000° C. Monocrystalline powder grains grow. The desired recrystallization takes place at temperatures above the melting points of the materials to be fused. Once the powder grains have the desired size, the growth is stopped by quenching. The appropriate instant of quenching as well as the appropriate temperature profile for obtaining desired powder sizes are determined by, for example, preliminary experiments. Thereafter the fluxing agent is eliminated. Monograin membranes are produced from the powders produced according to the process and are used in particular in solar cells. The process is simple and inexpensive. Powder grains of uniform size are obtained.