Effect of crystallization in frits on the contact of AgSi under fast firing

The thermophysical properties of glass in Ag pastes must be controlled to enhance the optimal cell performance. In order to verify the effect of crystallization of glass on the formation of Ag recrystallites on n+ emitter, several glasses that crystallize with increase in the firing temperatures were fabricated. The glass transition temperature, crystallization peak temperature, and melting temperature were determined using a differential thermal analyzer. The crystallization phases of glasses were verified via X-ray diffraction. The microstructures between the Ag electrodes and Si emitter were characterized by using a scanning electron microscope. The experimental results indicate that crystallization of glass significantly influence the viscous flow with increasing temperatures, which in turn affects the interface structures between the Ag electrodes and Si emitter.