Presentation Information
[3801-11-04]Electrodeposition of Si films in a CaCl2-based molten salt for cost-effective production of Si solar cells
○Xiao Yang1, Fumitaka Tsukihashi1, Allen J Bard2 (1. Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 2. Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin)
Chairman: Chompunoot Wiraseranee （Mitsubishi Materials Corporation）, Liu Hui (Central South University)
Keywords:
Silicon,Solar cells,Molten salt,CaCl2,Electrodeposition
In order to make solar-based electricity competitive, reducing the manufacturing costs for Si solar cells by means of a kerfless technology is desirable. One promise approach is the direct fabrication of Si thin films from inexpensive Si-based compounds via molten salt electrochemical techniques. Here we demonstrate a novel approach to fabricate high quality crystalline Si thin films by electrodeposition from a CaCl2-based molten salt. The obtained Si film shows a p-type semiconductor character and good photoelectrochemical properties. A p-n juction fabricated from the deposited Si film exhibits apparent photovoltaic effects. This study represents a first move toward the ultimate goal of developing a cost-effective manufacturing process for Si solar cells.