Aggour, M.; Skorupska, K.; Stempel Perreira, T.; Jungblut, H.; Grzanna, J.; Lewerenz, H.J.: Photoactive silicon-based nanostructure by self-organized electrochemical processing. Journal of the Electrochemical Society 154 (2007), p. H794-H797
10.1149/1.2756366
Abstract:
A novel solar cell design is presented that allows energy conversion in solid state photovoltaics as well as in photoelectrochemical and photoelectrocatalytic cells. The energy converting structure uses a Schottky type - i.e. metallic - nanoemitter, prepared by an oscillatory (photo)electrochemical process. Silicon shows (photo)current oscillations in fluoride containing electrolytes that form an oxide with interspersed nanopores. Spatially selective electrodeposition of Schottky barrier metals into these pores produces the nanoemitter contacts. The n-Si/SiO2/Pt/redox electrolyte structure shows pronounced photoactivity in a photoelectrochemical cell. Light-induced hydrogen evolution is obtained for structures made with p-Si. The energy band alignments of the structures are discussed and routes for preparation of efficient solid state devices are outlined.