Direct growth of graphene nanowalls on the crystalline silicon for solar cells

We developed a simple approach to fabricate graphene/Si heterojunction solar cells via direct growth of graphene nanowalls on Si substrate. This 3D graphene structure was outstanding electrode network and could form fine interface with Si substrate. Moreover, direct growth method not only simplified manufacturing process, but also avoided damages and contaminants from graphene transfer process. The short-circuit current (J(sc)) increased greatly and could reach 31 mA/cm(2). After HNO3 doping, the energy conversion efficiency was increased up to 5.1%. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of growth time on the cell performance. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.