A-Si:H/c-Si nanocomposite material for solar cells fabricated from PECVD

Abstract

Our progress with the creation of an a-Si:H/c-Si nanocomposite (NC) material for solar cells is given. The NC material is comprised of silicon nanowires (SiNW) embedded in a-Si:H. Discussion of how the nanowires are to be incorporated into a PV device is given. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images show that the wires grow in a dense array with varied growth properties. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) images reveal that the nanowires contain crystalline Si. A conceptual overview of the fabrication process and predicted behaviors is given.