Self-powered light-induced plating of metals on crystalline silicon solar cells

摘要

Light induced deposition of metallic Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, Bi, and Cu on crystalline Si solar cell cathodes has been studied as a part of developing self-powered devices. The direct metal deposition relies on the relative position of Si Fermi level and the equilibrium potential of the metal/ion and H+/H-2 in electrolyte. Direct deposition of above mentioned metals shows three types of light-induced plating (LIP) behavior. Even with a relative large potential barrier, Cu2+ /Cu and Bi3+ /Bi could be deposited by the induced plating of the hydrogen evolution. The current density of the Co2+/Co and Ni2+/Ni have been reduced by the light absorption of the electrolyte impact on the solar cell. This work demonstrated the Si solar cells can be used to provide self-powered for metal deposition which can be used in the heavy metal treatment for the polluted water.