Copper–silver
(Cu–Ag) core–shell nanoparticles
are promising for replacing the silver particles and flakes used in
printed conductors in current solar cells since they deliver good
conductivity, chemical stability, and optical performance, while also
reducing the silver content, thus significantly impacting the cost.
The bare nanoparticles offer excellent air stability thanks to the
silver-covered copper structure. We demonstrate a screen-printable
paste for use in solar cell conductor applications. We report a printed
morphology and light reflection properties similar to those achieved
with commercial silver pastes. The reported Cu–Ag core–shell
paste is uniquely formulated with an epoxy binder and an aliphatic
hardener, delivering significantly improved electrical conductivity,
while simultaneously reducing the overall silver content by ∼36
wt %. This is attributable to the cross-linked polymeric structure,
low-temperature conversion, and improved loading of conductive core–shell
nanoparticles. As needed for contact formation in conventional top-contact
silicon solar cells, the paste is additionally loaded with lead bisilicate
and delivers conductivity on par with that of commercial silver paste.
Thus, by combining the reduction of the silver content with excellent
electronic and optical properties, this Cu–Ag nanoparticle-based
paste becomes attractive for low-cost printed-conductor applications,
including photovoltaics and electronics.