Material Safety Data Sheet – Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS)

1. Identification

Product Name: Copper Indium Gallium Selenide
Chemical Formula: CuIn_xGa_1-xSe₂
Synonyms: CIGS, Photovoltaic Compound
Recommended Use: Used in thin-film solar cells and photovoltaic modules
Manufacturer: Principal suppliers include leading specialty material companies, commonly used by solar panel manufacturers
Contact Information: Details available through direct supplier catalog or on request from MSDS resource desk

2. Hazard Identification

Hazard Classification: Not classified as a physical hazard according to applicable OSHA or EU standards; may cause irritation
Routes of Entry: Inhalation, skin and eye contact
Health Hazards: Can irritate respiratory tract, eyes, and skin; prolonged dust exposure can affect lung function; risk increases for those sensitive to metal compounds
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Avoid creating dust, use only in ventilated areas, wear suitable protection, wash thoroughly after handling

3. Composition / Information on Ingredients

Copper (Cu): 20-23% by weight, CAS No. 7440-50-8
Indium (In): 17-24% by weight, CAS No. 7440-74-6
Gallium (Ga): 2-7% by weight, CAS No. 7440-55-3
Selenium (Se): 50-53% by weight, CAS No. 7782-49-2
Impurities: Trace amounts of elements like sulfur, sodium as process residues

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, consult a physician if symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath persist
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention if irritation continues
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes; keep eyelids open; obtain medical care if discomfort remains
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, seek immediate medical assistance

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, foam, sand or carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Do not use water jet on burning powder
Specific Hazards: Product does not burn easily; decomposes at high heat, releasing selenium fumes which can be toxic
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear to prevent inhalation of fumes

6. Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use respirator and gloves to prevent inhalation and skin exposure; isolate spill area
Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, sewers, or natural waterways; consult with appropriate authorities
Cleanup Methods: Sweep up using methods that limit dust generation; collect in a secure, labeled container for disposal according to local regulations

7. Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in well-ventilated workspace; avoid breathing dust; avoid contact with eyes and skin; keep away from food or beverages
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed container in cool, dry, and well-ventilated place; keep away from incompatible materials such as strong acids and oxidizers
Maintenance: Regularly monitor storage area, check containers for integrity, and prevent static discharge

8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: Copper dust and fume TLV (ACGIH): 1 mg/m³; Indium and Gallium often not separately regulated, Selenium TLV (ACGIH): 0.2 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or general room ventilation recommended
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear approved respirator for dust, chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, lab coat or coveralls
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly before eating or drinking; do not smoke around material; remove contaminated clothing before leaving work area

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Dark powder or small pellets with metallic luster
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Approximately 1030-1250°C, varying with composition
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable under standard temperatures
Density: 5.5 – 6.0 g/cm³
Other properties: Stable under normal conditions; does not react with water or air at room temperature

10. Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable at standard temperature and pressure
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, strong acids, oxidizers
Reactivity: Can release selenium compounds when heated; metals in powder form may react with acid solutions
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Selenium fumes and metal oxides above decomposition temperature

11. Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Low acute toxicity in solid form; risk increases through inhalation of dust or fumes
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure can cause build-up of metals in body tissues; lung and liver effects possible with chronic exposure
Symptoms: Irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract; long-term exposure to indium compounds may affect lung function; selenium and copper may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested
Carcinogenicity: IARC and OSHA do not classify this mixture as carcinogenic, but component data must be reviewed
Mutagenicity: Not identified as mutagenic through current regulatory data

12. Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Metal compounds pose risk to aquatic organisms if large quantities enter waterways; selenium is very toxic to aquatic life, persistent in sediment, accumulates up the food chain
Bioaccumulation: Indium, selenium, and copper can bioaccumulate in aquatic species
Mobility in Soil: Low solubility limits migration; metals may bind strongly to soil
Degradability: Inorganic metals are not degradable through biological means; persist in environment for long periods

13. Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Handle as hazardous waste per local, state, and national regulation
Disposal Methods: Collect and place in closed, labeled chemical waste container; do not dispose down drain or in regular trash
Special Precautions: Incineration not suitable; disposal through a certified hazardous waste manager recommended; avoid contamination of soil and water sources

14. Transport Information

UN Number: Normally not classified as dangerous for transport, but local regulations may designate based on packaging or concentration
Transport Hazard Class: Typically not regulated by DOT, IATA, or IMDG; confirm with local and international regulations
Packing Group: Packaging must prevent release of material and dust formation
Special Transport Precautions: Ensure secure transport and prevention of spillage, label appropriately, provide documentation on contents

15. Regulatory Information

Labeling Requirements: Labels must include hazard warnings, manufacturer details, and safety instructions as mandated by OSHA, EU CLP, and GHS
OSHA Status: Hazardous under 29 CFR 1910.1200; specific components listed
TSCA Inventory: Each constituent may be listed, requires record-keeping
SARA Title III: Section 313 includes copper, selenium, and other metals
REACH and RoHS Compliance: CIGS components regulated through both EU systems; safety data provided for industrial users