Study of semiconductor nanowires embedded in organic matrix

Abstract

The objective of this report is to summarize the experience and knowledge gained during the development of the final year project, “A6084-091-Study of Semiconductor nanowires embedded in organic matrix”. The project focussed on experiments conducted using Silicon Nanowires (SiNWs) dispersed in organic polymers which were then spin-coated over substrates such as Si-Wafer and glass to form SiNWs/polymer thin films. The rationale behind using SiNWs for this purpose was that incorporating inorganic SiNWs into an organic polymer was expected to have a potential as a hybrid solar cell device. Further, different types of polymers were used for the thin films namely PMMA, PEG and P4VP. The SiNWs were fabricated using a top-down approach namely the electroless chemical etching process as it is ideal to fabricate large area SiNW arrays with low cost, low synthesis temperature and the simplicity of the process being other advantages of the process. A total of 9 different samples were prepared using different SiNWs/Polymer thin film combination. The Samples were then undergone through SEM imaging in order to analyze the extent of dispersion in the respective polymers and the general surface feature of the samples. The SiNWs were found to be dispersed most efficiently in the polymer P4VP. Furthermore, the electrical characterization of the samples was performed by carrying out their I-V measurements and analyzing any scope of potential photo-electric effects. After analyzing all the results it was inferred that the SiNWs/PMMA thin film over n-Si (5 Ω-cm) was the closest sample meeting the objectives of the experiment. The SiNWs/P4VP thin film over ITO patterned glass also showed promising results and future modification in fabricating the device could lead to favourable results on that end too. At the end of the project report, several recommendations for future work have been mentioned which primarily include greater research with SINWs and specific polymers P4VP and PMMA.