Current transportation enhancement with ZnO nanoroads for silicon nanowire solar cell

For the silicon (Si) nanowire (NW) solar cell, though having very low optical reflectance, the contact resistance (Rc) is larger and the short circuit current (Isc) is lower than conventional textured Si solar cell. It is crucial to reduce the Rc and improve the Isc by using necessary methods. ZnO nanorods (NRs) synthesized through a two-step hydrothermal method were used to filling the gap between the Si nanowire. The optical and photovoltaic properties of silicon nanowire coated with ZnO NRs were measured and discussed. It was found that the combined the structures of ZnO NRs and Si NWs can enhance the light absorption and improve the electrode contact, thus increasing the Isc. The efficiency of Si NW solar cell covered with ZnO NRs was improved by 14% as compared to the ones without. The original research shows the potential of ZnO NRs' application to the enhancement of the performance of nano-textured solar cells.