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Photovoltaic Devices from Silicon Nanoparticles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Christoph Rier
Affiliation:
christoph.rier@uni-due.de, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
Gabi Schierning
Affiliation:
gabi.schierning@uni-due.de, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
Hartmut Wiggers
Affiliation:
wiggers@uni-duisburg.de, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
Roland Schmechel
Affiliation:
roland.schmechel@uni-due.de, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
Dieter Jäger
Affiliation:
dieter.jaeger@uni-due.de, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
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Abstract

In this paper, results of designing, fabricating and characterizing photovoltaic devices made from tailored silicon nanoparticles are shown as proof-of-principle to adopt this material into the photovoltaic sector. The silicon nanoparticles are used as active material for direct separation of the light induced charge carriers. Homo pn-junctions were constructed by silicon wafers and silicon nanocrystals, the latter doped with the opposite carrier type than the wafers. Nanocrystals were sintered on top of the wafer by a spark plasma sintering process, maintaining the nanocrystalline character. This way, the nanoparticle layers are a combined absorbing and charge separating medium. Electrical characterization measurements of the devices show a reproducible short-circuit current of up to 20 μA under illumination. A maximum short-circuit current density of 6.25 μA/cm2 was realized.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2010

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