Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 January 2012
Si nanowires (NWs) have been fabricated by Ag-assisted electroless etching technique using an HF/AgNO3 aqueous solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements have revealed that a highly dense array of Si NWs with length of ∼1.4 μm is formed over the surface of both n-type and p-type Si (100) substrates. Following the fabrication of Si NWs, electron-beam evaporated p-type AgGa0.5In0.5Se2 thin film was deposited on the n-type Si NWs to form p-n heterojunction solar cells. The fabricated solar cells yield a 5.50% power conversion efficiency under AM (1.5) illumination.