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Efficient Diode Performance with Improved Effective Carrier Lifetime and Absorption Using Bismuth Nanoparticles
Mariem Naffeti1,2,3, Mohamed Ali Zaïbi1,3, Alejandro Vidal García-Arias2
1Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Systems for Renewable Energies (LaNSER), Research and Technology Center of Energy, Techno-Park Borj-Cedria, Tunis 2050, Tunisia.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 11, 2022
Summary
Bismuth nanoparticle-passivated silicon nanowires (Bi@SiNW) show enhanced diode performance and optical absorption. This novel composite material improves carrier lifetime and reduces surface recombination for advanced nanoelectronic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Semiconductor Physics
Background:
- Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are crucial for nanoelectronics but suffer from surface recombination.
- Improving carrier lifetime and optical absorption in SiNWs is essential for device performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel bismuth nanoparticle-passivated silicon nanowire (Bi@SiNW) heterojunction composites.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) on SiNW properties.
- To optimize Bi@SiNWs for enhanced diode performance, carrier lifetime, and optical absorption.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of high-density vertically aligned SiNWs via silver-assisted chemical etching.
- Anchoring BiNPs onto SiNWs using thermal evaporation.
- Characterization of morphology, composition, structure, and crystallinity.
- Analysis of current-voltage characteristics and Raman scattering.
Main Results:
- Bi@SiNWs demonstrated an eight-fold enhancement in Raman scattering compared to bare SiNWs.
- Bismuth passivation significantly improved rectifying behavior and diode parameters.
- Minority carrier lifetime increased, and surface recombination velocity decreased due to Bi wire-filling.
- Achieved near-perfect optical absorption up to 97% with judicious Bi coating.
Conclusions:
- Bi@SiNW heterojunction composites offer superior diode performance, carrier lifetime, and absorption properties.
- Bismuth acts as an effective surface passivation agent, mitigating recombination.
- These nanocomposites are promising for applications in nanoelectronics, photovoltaics, and optoelectronics.
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