Scientists at Aalto University (link) in Finland have demonstrated
results which show a massive improvement in the light absorption and the
surface passivation of silicon nanostructures. The Scientists achieved this by applying atomic layer coating.
Benefits of Atomic Layer Coating:
Päivikki Repo, the research scientist at Aalto University, said the Atomic Layer Coating provides an extremely good surface
passivation also at the same time it decreases the reflectance at all
wavelengths. These results are very promising considering the use of
black silicon (b-Si) surfaces on solar cells to increase the efficiency
to completely new levels, tells researcher scientist.
"More effective surface passivation methods than those
used in the past have been needed to make black silicon a viable
material for commercial applications. Good surface passivation is
crucial in photonic applications such as solar cells. So far, the poor
charge carrier transport properties attributed to nanostructured
surfaces have been more detrimental for the final device operation than
the gain obtained from the reduced reflectance."
Also the Black silicon (b-Si) can also be used in other
technologies than solar cells. Numerous applications suggested for b-Si
include drug analysis.
Black silicon has been a subject of great interest
in various fields including photovoltaics for its ability to reduce the
surface reflectance even below 1 per cent. However, many b-Si
applications, especially solar cells suffer from increased surface
recombination resulting in poor spectral response. This is particularly
problematic at short wavelengths.
The research was carried out by Aalto University,
Finland, together with experts from Fraunhofer Institute for Solar
Energy Systems ISE, Germany.
For More Details contact: Päivikki Repo, Research Scientist Päivikki Repo, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering
Email: salla.repo@aalto.fi
Tel: +358 504361156
Tel: +358 504361156
