Sixtron scores order with top-tier solar-cell manufacturer to evaluate silane-free-gas delivery tool

Sixtron Advanced Materials has secured an evaluation purchase order from a top 10 Asian solar-cell manufacuturer for its SunBox gas system, which delivers the company’s silane-free antireflective coatings. The Montreal-based firm said that its application specialists will support the production evaluation of the plug-and-play tool with the new customer to achieve system optimization and ensure seamless integration into existing and new manufacturing lines.

“After receiving validation of our benchmark solar cell results with our research partners, such as the Georgia Institute of Technology, Sixtron is now taking the next step and deploying our tools to the top global PV cell manufacturers,” said CEO Zbignew Barwicz. “Sixtron’s novel SiCN [silicon-carbon-nitride] films produced by our SunBox gas generation system deliver innovation and ultimately increased profit margins to our customers while maintaining complete compatibility with typical PECVD [plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition] manufacturing processes.”

“The Asian PV cell market is a critical global market, and Sixtron is investing to support our customers there with new resources on the ground,” he continued. “This order demonstrates that the leading manufacturers are ready to engage with us to deliver a plug-and-play replacement solution to the costs and hazards of silane.”

Sixtron’s SunBox system gasifies a harmless solid polymer precursor to produce gas with equivalent, and even improved, results as compared to a silane system, according to the supplier. The company said in March that leading PECVD equipment providers are working to integrate the SunBox into their turnkey offerings to cell manufacturers.

The company--which has raised more than $12 million since its inception, secured over $3 million in grants, and recently won a Cell Award at Intersolar Munich--has worked closely throughout its product development with leading research organizations such as the NREL and the University Center of Excellence for Photovoltaic Research and Education in Atlanta.