We report, for the first time, the
fabrication of n-black Si (B–Si)/p-Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystal (CZTS NC)
heterojunctions to demonstrate their photodetection and photovoltaic
characteristics. Inks with crystalline CZTS NCs can be directly spin
coated on an ultralow reflective (<1.5% in the visible range) metal-assisted
chemical-etched black Si to fabricate solution-processed B–Si/CZTS
heterojunctions, with the process compatible for large area applications.
Fabricated devices operate as self-powered visible to near infrared
(vis–NIR) wideband photodetectors, with a high I
ph/I
dark ratio of ∼105, a very fast switching speed (∼μs), and remarkably
high figure-of-merits at zero bias. Furthermore, an optimal thickness
of NC layers exhibits superior photovoltaic characteristics with an
efficiency >5.0%, even without any surface passivation or encapsulation
of the device. The combined studies show impactful potential of the
B–Si/CZTS NC heterojunction for future high-speed light-sensing
and energy-harvesting devices using solution-processed techniques
compatible to large area applications.