EARTH

[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.