Microscopy Analysis of Pyramid Formation Evolution with Ultra-Low Concentrated Na 2 CO 3 /NaHCO 3 Solution on (100) Si for Solar Cell Application

• Published in: Microscopy and microanalysis Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 285 - 292
• Main Authors: Montesdeoca-Santana, Amada, Orive, Alejandro González, Creus, Alberto Hernández, González-Díaz, Benjamín, Borchert, Dietmar, Guerrero-Lemus, Ricardo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.04.2013
• ISSN: 1431-9276; 1435-8115
• DOI: 10.1017/S1431927612014237

Abstract An analysis of the nucleation mechanism of pyramids formed in (100) silicon in Na 2 CO 3 /NaHCO 3 solution has been carried out. This texturization process of silicon by means of Na 2 CO 3 /NaHCO 3 solutions is of special interest because it can be applied to the silicon solar cell industry to texture solar cell surfaces to decrease the front reflection and enhance light trapping in the cells. For this purpose, two microscopy techniques—scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy—have been used to study the different stages of pyramidal nucleation and formation. The different aspects and factors involved in the texturization process require different analysis conditions and microscopy resolution. Tracing the transformation of determined surface areas and structures has been achieved, contributing clarification of the mechanism of pyramid nucleation in Na 2 CO 3 /NaHCO 3 solutions.