Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Silicon Nanowire Arrays for Photovoltaic Devices

This project aims to develop high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) devices from Si nanowire arrays. This project mainly consists of three parts:controllable synthesis of largescale, well-aligned Si nanowire arrays;morphology, structural, composition, optical, and electrical characterizations of the Si nanowire arrays; anddesign, fabrication, and optimization of PV devices based on Si nanowire arrays.The controllable synthesis of Si nanowire arrays will be achieved by a simple and inexpensive chemical etching method recently developed by the researchers. By tuning the synthesis parameters the researchers will control the length, diameter, density, and crystalline orientation of the Si nanowire arrays. The morphology, structure, and composition of Si nanowires will be characterized systematically to provide feedback information for optimizing the preparation conditions. The Si nanowire arrays will be used to fabricate PV devices. Two types of PV devices will be fabricated:photoelectrochemical cells based on Si nanowires; andsolid-state PV devices from core/shell silicon nanowire arrays.All properties related to PV cell performances will be investigated to provide feedback information for achieving high-efficiency solar cells.