Efficient Solar-to-Chemical Conversion by One Chip of n-Type Silicon with Surface Asymmetry

Abstract
The surface band energy of an n‐type silicon chip in aqueous solution has been modulated by formation of silicon‐halogen termination bonds on a limited area of the surface. Such surface asymmetry produces efficient solar‐to‐chemical conversion owing to the presence of band bending within the chip in a photostationary state, leading to efficient electron‐hole separation, in contrast to homogeneous semiconductor surfaces. The principle can be applied to minute photochemical energy conversion systems made of nanometer‐sized semiconductor particles, organic thin films, and membranes. ©1998 The Electrochemical Society
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