Research report 2010 - Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart site
Preparation of high-efficiency nanostructures of crystalline silicon at low temperatures, as catalyzed by metals: The decisive role of interface thermodynamics
Authors
Wang, Zumin; Jeurgens, Lars P. H.; Mittemeijer, Eric J.
Departments
Abteilung Mittemeijer, Max-Planck-Institut für Intelligente Systeme, Stuttgart (vormals Max-Planck-Institut für Metallforschung).
Summary
Metals may help to convert semiconductors from a disordered (amorphous) to an ordered (crystalline) form at low temperatures. A general, quantitative model description has been developed on the basis of interface thermodynamics, which provides fundamental understanding of such so-called metal-induced crystallization (MIC) of amorphous semiconductors. This fundamental understanding can allow the low-temperature (< 200 ºC) manufacturing of high-efficiency solar cells and crystalline-Si-based nanostructures on cheap and flexible substrates such as glasses, plastics and possibly even papers.