Copper Indium Gallium Selenide / CIGS (CuInxGa(1-x)Se2) Semiconductors

Topics Covered

Description
Applications
Chemical Properties
Electrical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Safety Information

Description

Copper indium gallide selenide is an I-III-VI semiconductor material composed of selenium, gallium, indium and copper. It is a tetrahedrally bonded semiconductor largely found in chalcopyrite mineral. During heating, it's crystal structure changes to zinc blende, and its transition temperature decreases from 1045 to 805°C.

It is mainly used in the manufacture of advanced solar cells owing to its high absorption coefficient and ability to strongly absorb sunlight. It has been described as one of the potential successors to silicon as the dominant material in photovoltaics.

Applications

Copper indium gallium selenide finds applications in the following:

  • Photovoltaic applications
  • Sun angle detectors in space applications
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles.

Chemical Properties

The chemical properties of copper indium gallium selenide are provided in the table below:

Chemical Properties
Chemical Formula CuInxGa(1-x)Se2
Molecular Weight 327.05
CAS No. 12018-95-0
Group Copper – 11
Indium – 13
Gallium – 13
Selenium - 16
Crystal Structure Tetragonal
Lattice Constant a = 0.56–0.58 nm
c = 1.10–1.15 nm

Electrical Properties

The electrical properties of copper indium gallium selenide are provided in the table below:

Electrical Properties
Band Gap 1 – 1.7 eV

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of copper indium gallium selenide are provided in the tables below:

Mechanical Properties
Density ~5.7 g/cm3
Melting Point 990 - 1070°C

Safety Information

Safety Information
Risk Phrases R22 - Harmful if swallowed
R23 - Toxic by inhalation
R25 - Toxic if swallowed
R37 - Irritating to respiratory system
R43 - May cause sensitization by skin contact
R49 - May cause cancer by inhalation
R53 - May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
Safety Phrases S1 - Keep locked up
S2 - Keep out of the reach of children
S22 - Do not breathe dust
S36 - Wear suitable protective clothing
S37 - Wear suitable gloves
S53 - Avoid exposure – obtain special instructions before use
S61 - Avoid release to the environment.

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