Process for Wave-Like Surface Microstructure in Titanium with Multiple Reflections detected using Angle-Resolved Reflectivity

摘要

A two-stage electrochemical process has been developed to produce a titanium wave-like surface microstructurernappropriate for solar cell and photocatalysis substrates. A comparison between experimental and simulated angle-resolved reflectivity confirms that multiple reflections occur within the cavities. For some solar cell designs this microstructure is predicted to more than double device efficiency by enabling multiple reflections within cavities. The surface is clean and has typically 7 nm rms surface roughness on the sub-micron scale. This low surface roughness is critical to avoid short circuits and maintain consistent functionality of subsequent photoactive layers. Titaniumrnelectropolishing has been achieved using a low-hazard electrolyte at relatively low anode potential using a reduced cathode to anode surface area ratio.