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)

司会（Chairman）：Chompunoot Wiraseranee （Mitsubishi Materials Corporation）, Liu Hui (Central South University)

キーワード：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.