Single wire radial junction photovoltaic devices fabricated using aluminum catalyzed silicon nanowires

Nanotechnology. 2011 Nov 4;22(44):445401. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/22/44/445401. Epub 2011 Oct 7.

Abstract

Single nanowire radial junction solar cell devices were fabricated using Si nanowires synthesized by Al-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid growth of the p(+) core (Al auto-doping) and thin film deposition of the n(+)-shell at temperatures below 650 °C. Short circuit current densities of 11.7 mA cm(-2) were measured under 1-sun AM1.5G illumination, showing enhanced optical absorption. The power conversion efficiencies were limited to < 1% by the low open circuit voltage and fill factor of the devices, which was attributed to junction shunt leakage promoted by the high p(+)/n(+) doping. This demonstration of a radial junction device represents an important advance in the use of Al-catalyzed Si nanowire growth for low cost photovoltaics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't