Methods for forming nanostructures and photovoltaic cells implementing same

摘要

A method for creating a nanostructure according to one embodiment includes depositing material in a template for forming an array of nanocables; removing only a portion of the template such that the template forms an insulating layer between the nanocables; and forming at least one layer over the nanocables. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes a nanocable having a roughened outer surface and a solid core. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables each having a roughened outer surface and a solid core, the roughened outer surface including reflective cavities; and at least one layer formed over the roughened outer surfaces of the nanocables, the at least one layer creating a photovoltaically active p-n junction. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

主权项

1. A method for creating a nanostructure, comprising:
depositing a first material to at least partially fill spaces in a template of a second material thereby forming an array of nanocables comprising the first material, wherein the first material is a conductive metallic material; removing at least a portion of the second material such that any remaining portion of the second material forms an insulating layer between each nanocable within the array of nanocables; and forming at least one layer over the nanocables, wherein the at least one layer forms a respective photovoltaically active p-n junction over each one of the nanocables in the array of nanocables, wherein the nanocables are arranged in a brush configuration wherein each one of the nanocables in the array of nanocables extends along a first direction and is spaced apart from the other ones of the nanocables in the array of nanocables in a second direction transverse to the first direction.