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

Aug 21 2013

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.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this article?

Leave your feedback
(Logout)
Your comment type
Submit

Sponsored Content

Editorial Highlights

The Current State of the Global Semiconductor Market

The Current State of the Global Semiconductor Market

The global semiconductor market has entered an exciting period. Demand for chip technology is both driving the industry as well as hindering it, with current chip shortages predicted to last for some time. Current trends will likely shape the future of the industry, which is set to continue to show

How are Graphene Batteries Made?

How are Graphene Batteries Made?

The primary distinction between graphene-based batteries and solid-state batteries lies in the composition of either electrode. Although the cathode is commonly changed, carbon allotropes can also be employed in fabricating anodes.

Newsletters you may be interested in

See all Newsletters »

Terms

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

Provide Feedback