Towards Fabrication of Flexible Solar Cells Using PN-Junction GaAs Nanowires

Abstract

<p> In the current research, use of p-n junction GaAs nanowires (NWs) grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs (111) B substrates for the fabrication of flexible solar cells are reported. The solar cells were fabricated by embedding the NWs in a polymer matrix (SU8 2), followed by ohmic contact formation to the tops of the NWs as well as the rear side of the substrate. I-V characteristic curves were obtained by illuminating the solar cells using a solar simulator, indicating a photovoltaic effect. NWs were also detached from the substrate by different methods and successfully transferred onto a flexible substrate for potential use as solar cells. Scanning electron microscopy was used throughout the research for characterization and optimization of the fabrication processes including NW embedment, removal from the substrate, and contact formation.</p>