Abstract

Si nanostructures in various forms can be controllably synthesized using metal-assisted vapor-liquid-solid growth, oxide-assisted growth, chemical or electrochemical etching methods. Si nanostructures (nanowires, quantum dots) exhibit unique and interesting structural, optical, electronic and chemical properties, which are being exploited for myriad exciting applications. For example, energy devices based on Si nanowire arrays can achieve efficiencies as high as 12% for solar energy conversion. Additionally, Si nanodots and nanowires can serve as efficient photo-catalysts for the redox reactions of organics. This presentation will discuss and highlight our recent works in developing silicon nanostructures for green, high-efficiency, and low-cost solar energy harvesting and catalysis applications.

© 2013 Optical Society of America