Abstract: A method for producing a metal nanoparticle composition including: (a) providing an alloy that includes silver and aluminum; (b) subjecting the alloy to a first thermal treatment to form a thermally treated alloy; (c) cold working the thermally treated alloy to form strips or pellets comprising the alloy; (d) subjecting the strips or pellets to a second thermal treatment at a temperature less than 440° C. to form thermally treated strips or pellets; (e) subjecting the thermally treated strips or pellets to a leaching agent effective to leach out a portion of the aluminum and form a metal nanoparticle composition comprising metal nanoparticles; and (f) washing, filtering, and then drying the metal nanoparticle composition.

Abstract: A process for making a photovoltaic cell includes providing a semiconducting substrate having a back side passivation layer, and coating a self-assembling emulsion that includes glass frit particles onto the back side passivation layer. The emulsion is allowed to self-assemble into a network of traces that define cells. An electrode is formed over the network to create a precursor cell, which is then fired to cause the network to burn through the passivation layer and establish electrical contact between the semiconducting substrate and the electrode.