Black Silicon Revolution: More Efficient, Affordable Solar Panels Thanks to New Breakthrough

At Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), researchers have pioneered an innovative model for the production of black silicon, marking a significant leap forward for solar applications and other technologies. This model, relying on the use of gaseous fluorine, is heralding new avenues in quantum chemistry.


Black silicon, renowned for its superior light absorption capabilities, is a vital component in solar cells, light sensors, and even in antimicrobial surfaces. Customarily manufactured by etching the silicon surface to create tiny nanometric pits which enhance its optical properties and also alter its color.

The work spearheaded by postdoctoral researcher Yuri Barsukov and his team at PPPL stands out due to their focus on studying the interaction between gaseous fluorine and silicon. This novel approach aims to address the gap in research on the role of neutrals like fluorine in the production of black silicon. According to Yuri Barsukov, a precise understanding of the mechanisms at play is a significant contribution to both fundamental science and the enhancement of manufacturing methods.

The model devised by the PPPL team elucidates how gaseous fluorine interacts with silicon atoms, breaking certain bonds more readily depending on their orientation at the surface. This selective interaction leads to a roughened surface, which is critical for boosting light absorption in solar cells. Barsukov points out that in order to achieve a smooth surface, necessary for computer chip manufacturing, a different reactant would be required.

This project signifies a paradigm shift for PPPL, known traditionally for plasma physics, now branching into quantum chemistry. The research, co-authored by Omesh Dhar Dwivedi, Sierra Jubin, Joseph R. Vella, and Igor Kaganovich, has been published in the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A.

Quantum chemistry, which delves into the structure and reactivity of molecules through quantum mechanics, benefits from this study. It presents promising new methods of fabrication in the microelectronics and quantum device sectors, bolstered by the R&D funding from PPPL.

The invention of this new model for producing black silicon via gaseous fluorine constitutes a notable stride not only toward solar technology enhancement but also for a deeper understanding of chemical and physical interactions at the quantum level. This discovery exemplifies how fundamental research can pave the way for practical and innovative technological advances.