Integration of a Silicon Nanowire Array into a Photovoltaic Device

Silicon nanowire arrays grown by chemical vapour deposition were successfully integrated into functional photovoltaic devices. A crucial planarization step, achieved by embedding the nanowires in a spin-on glass matrix and subsequent polishing of the front surface, allowed to deposit a continuous and uniform conductive film on top of the nanowire array, and thus to form a high-quality front electrical contact. The silicon nanowire array solar cells fabricated using this process exhibited a parasitic series resistance as low as 5 Ω.cm2, which is a clear improvement compared to the recent literature.