Growth of Tin Seeded Silicon Nanowires (SiNWs) Using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition

ORAL

Abstract

Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) have attracted much attention among the photovoltaic community. With high surface to volume ratios, these nanowires are ideal candidates for nano-structured solar devices. Considerable effort has been put towards the growth and characterization of these nanowires. However, growing high quality SiNWs for PV applications is still considered to be a challenge. The role of different metal seeds during vapor-liquid-soild (VLS) growth and the electronic properties of these wires is also investigated. The present study extends the available literature on the use of Sn as a metal catalyst for VLS growth of SiNWs

*Support of the NSF Renewable Energy Materials Research Science and Engineering Center and Center for Revolutionary Photoconversion is gratefully acknowledged.

Authors

  • Somilkumar Rathi

    • Colorado School of Mines
  • Joe Beach

    • Colorado School of Mines
  • Jeremy Fields

    • Colorado School of Mines
  • Bhavin Jariwala

    • Colorado School of Mines
  • Sumit Agarwal

    • Colorado School of Mines
  • Reuben Collins

    • Department of Physics, Colorado School of Mines
    • Colorado School of Mines
    • Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
  • Pauls Stradins

    • National Renewable Energy Laboratory