Radial p-n Junction Enhances Light-Trapping in Si Nanowire Solar Cells

High-efficiency core–shell solar cell array from Si wafer

“…Many researchers focused on Si nanowire solar cells, where the nanowires are expected to enhance the power conversion efficiency [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Core-shell solar cell (CSSC), or so-called radial p-n junction solar cell, which can maximize utility of p-n junction interface of nano/microwire, is one of the most promising photovoltaic devices to realize high efficiency and low cost [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. In 2007, a CSSC based on Si nanowire with coaxial p-i-n junction was first reported, which achieved a power efficiency of ∼3.4% [10].…”

“…In 2007, a CSSC based on Si nanowire with coaxial p-i-n junction was first reported, which achieved a power efficiency of ∼3.4% [10]. Recently, several groups reported nano-CSSC arrays basing on Si nanowire, aiming at fabricating highly efficient CSSC in large area for the future power supply [11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. By boron doping, Si nanowire CSSC array showed an efficiency of 5.3% [12].…”