Modeling spray coating and deposition of quantum-dot-sensitized nanoparticle thin film PV solar cells

Among few available methods, spray deposition, if understood and controlled well, is a viable candidate for the fabrication of quantum dot (QD) sensitized nanoparticle PV solar cells. Spray coating is a multi-process method comprising processes such as atomization of a multicomponent liquid, droplet dynamics and flight, droplet evaporation, droplet impact on the surface, spreading, drying and adhesion of the solid content to one another and to the substrate. In this paper, a model is proposed that may be used as a design and research tool for the spray coating of QD-sensitized nanoparticle thin film solar cells. The model may be used to study the effect of processing parameters on the thin film characteristics and quality and to predict the ideal distance between the nozzle and the substrate and other optimum design conditions..