A new way of making semiconductor films could lead to cheaper solar cells, claim scientists in Germany.rnFrank Endres and colleagues at Clausthal University of Technology electrochemically deposited silicon-germanium films onto a gold electrode using an air- and water-stable ionic liquid as the solvent. This is the first time that high purity silicon-germanium films have been made in a controlled way at room temperature and pressure.rnThe method has a number of advantages over alternative deposition methods, which use ultra high vacuum and high temperatures. 'Electrodeposition is much cheaper and faster,' says Endres. 'Furthermore, if the electrodeposition bath is large enough, all sizes and shapes of substrate material can be coated.'
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