Glove Box for Photovoltaic Cells

Glove boxes for photovoltaic cells under controlled atmosphere have become indispensable tools in the preparation, development and characterization of all kinds of photovoltaic cells, in particular the so-called 3rd generation thin film cells: dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), organic solar cells (OPVs), quantum dots solar cells (QDSC), but also naturally perovskite structure cells (PSC).

Since 2012, when researchers were able to manufacture thin-film perovskite structure cells, never before has a photovoltaic cell had such a rapid rise in power conversion efficiency (PCE). Perovskites are materials that have the same crystal structure as the mineral calcium titanium oxide (CaTiO3). The perovskite crystals are known for their superconductivity. In addition to their ability to absorb light in almost all visible wavelengths, their advantages over conventional silicon cells are flexibility, semi-transparency, low weight and thin film. Scientists are also combining perovskite solar cells with silicon solar cells, known as nanostructured tandem solar cells, which is helping to break energy conversion efficiency records.

In order to continue to optimize photovoltaic cells in terms of performance, lifetime, stability and to free itself from major problems, such as potential lead toxicity or instability in humid air, Jacomex offers turnkey glove box solutions that are suitable in all stages of development and characterization. Our design team proposes standard or custom-made glove boxes with 3D modeling for the integration of any instrumentation required for a range of different processes such as spin-coaters, hot plates, ovens, evaporation racks for thin film deposition under vacuum, etc… Similarly, our glove boxes are traditionally used under nitrogen to operate at 1 ppm in H2O and O2 but can be converted to operate under anaerobic conditions with adjustable hygrometry rate from 2 to 70% RH allowing tests to be carried out in real atmospheric conditions or at high humidity.

Parallel research work is also focused on the development of tandem cells with other materials as an alternative to perovskites, in particular kësterite type materials, a mineral species composed of copper, iron and tin sulphide. Whatever the materials and technologies used in the development of photovoltaic cells, Jacomex glove boxes with purification and neutral gas management units retain all the flexibility needed to perfectly suit all needs.