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Inverted pyramid structures fabricated on monocrystalline silicon surface with a NaOH solution
Chenliang Huo1, Haoxin Fu2, Kui-Qing Peng1
1College of Education for the Future, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Department of Physics and Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
Heliyon
|January 15, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a novel, low-cost method using ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) to create inverted pyramid structures on monocrystalline silicon solar cells. This technique is compatible with existing production lines and avoids noble metal pollution.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy Engineering
Background:
- Conventional alkaline etching produces upright pyramids on monocrystalline silicon.
- Existing methods for inverted pyramids are costly or environmentally unfriendly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a cost-effective method for creating inverted pyramid structures on monocrystalline silicon.
- To adapt alkaline etching for industrial silicon solar cell production.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing aqueous anisotropic alkaline etching regulated by ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE).
- Employing a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution with a low-cost EGBE additive.
Main Results:
- Successfully prepared inverted pyramid structures on monocrystalline silicon surfaces.
- Achieved texturing in a short timeframe using the novel additive.
Conclusions:
- The EGBE-regulated alkaline etching is a simple, inexpensive, and scalable method for silicon solar cell texturing.
- This approach is compatible with current industrial processes and avoids noble metal contamination.
