Electro-Polymerization in Porous Silicon Films

Luminescent porous silicon films were created by electrochemical anodization of n-type substrate under light illumination. Semi-transparent conducting polypyrrole films were deposited by electrochemical polymerization at a low current density. The SEM micrographs showed that the polymer film impregnates into the wide vertical pores of 1-5 μm and grows sideways suggesting strong current distribution on the walls. The AFM images of polymer surface reveal nanometer size polymer aggregates on the porous layer. The impregnation of the polymer film due to sideways growth provides a useful mean to fabricate stable contact for light emitting diodes from porous silicon.