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Recombination Dynamics in Thin-film Photovoltaic Materials via Time-resolved Microwave Conductivity

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Kinetic photovoltage along semiconductor-water interfaces.

Jidong Li^1,2, Yuyang Long¹, Zhili Hu¹

¹Key Laboratory for Intelligent Nano Materials and Devices of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.

Nature Communications

|August 18, 2021

Summary

Researchers discovered a new way to create an in-plane photoelectric voltage along silicon-water interfaces using light. This finding enables novel applications in portable electronic devices and semiconductor-water interactions.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Condensed Matter Physics
Physical Chemistry

Background:

External photo-stimuli on heterojunctions typically create potential gradients across interfaces, leading to devices like solar cells.
In-plane potential gradients along interfaces are rarely observed, limiting potential applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the induction of in-plane photoelectric voltage at silicon-water interfaces.
To explore the underlying mechanism and potential applications of this phenomenon.

Main Methods:

Scanning a light beam across silicon-water interfaces.
Utilizing polar liquids and hydrogels on silicon surfaces.
Constructing a portable silicon-hydrogel array for detection.

Main Results:

A persistent in-plane photoelectric voltage was successfully induced along silicon-water interfaces by scanning light.
The effect is attributed to charge packet movement driven by light-induced potential changes and water's high permittivity.
In-plane photovoltage generation was observed with polar liquids and hydrogels, but not nonpolar liquids.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates a novel method for generating in-plane photovoltage at semiconductor-liquid interfaces.
The findings open new avenues for silicon-based photoelectronics and sensing applications.
A portable silicon-hydrogel array was developed for detecting shadow paths, showcasing practical utility.