Electrochemically Induced Self-organized Nanostructures on Silicon for Realization of a Novel Nanoemitter Solar Cell Concept

Oscillatory behaviour of silicon electrodes in fluoride containing solution results in formation of nanoporous oxides. Metal electrodeposition into these pores results in local Schottky junction formation. Metal nanoemitters are contacted with a transparent conductive oxide and aluminum contact fingers for preparation of the first device (Al/ZnO/Pt-SiO2/Si/GaIn/Ag). Present solar-to-electrical conversion efficiencies are small and various improvement possibilities are outlined.