Silicon nanocrystal surface engineering and their electronic interaction with carbon based materials

V. Švrček*, D. Mariotti, S. Cook, S. Kazaoui, Y. Shibata, M. Kondo

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution book

Abstract

Hybrid nanomaterials that consist of silicon nanocrystals (Si-ncs) and carbon-based nanostructures (i.e. nanotubes, fullerenes C 60, etc.) may represent a new class of materials for photovoltaics (PV) with potential for improvements in efficiency and ease of device integration. In this contribution we present results on photovoltaic applications of surfactant-free, quantum confined and surface-engineered Si-ncs combined with semiconducting single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) or C 60. We show that both types of carbon-based nanomaterials allow for electronic interactions with the Si-ncs. Firstly, the electronic interactions between Si-ncs and purified semiconducting SWCNTs has shown opto-electronic conversion over a large spectral range (300-1600 nm). but, in order to enhance interface interactions, the accurate control of Si-ncs surface properties is essential. Secondly, our approach to achieve effective Si-ncs surface engineering is based on nanosecond pulsed laser processing in liquid media. We provide evidence that laser processing in water induces Si-ncs dipole-dipole surface interactions that result in self-organized Si-ncs patterns. The subsequent deposition of a C 60 nano-layer on the Si-ncs forms a bulk-type heterojunction. Solar cell devices made out of these surface-engineered Si-ncs and the C 60 nano-layer showed photovoltaic action with increased conversion efficiency due to Si-ncs surface engineering.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2011 37th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
Place of PublicationPiscataway, NJ
PublisherIEEE
Pages281-285
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781424499656
ISBN (Print)9781424499663
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Apr 2012
Event37th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2011 - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: 19 Jun 201124 Jun 2011

Publication series

NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
ISSN (Print)0160-8371

Conference

Conference37th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period19/06/1124/06/11

Keywords

  • silicon
  • nanocrystals
  • lasers
  • ethanol
  • surface engineering
  • nanomaterials

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