Advanced Materials · 2005 · 161 citations · 10 references
EngineeringEnergy ConversionSemiconductor MaterialsEnergy-conversion LayerPhotovoltaic DevicesPhotovoltaicsSemiconductor DeviceEnergy-conversion Efficiency TenfoldSemiconductorsChemical EngineeringSolar Cell StructuresEnergy Storage DeviceCompound SemiconductorMaterials ScienceSemiconductor TechnologyElectrical EngineeringEnergy StoragePractical Nuclear BatterySemiconductor Device FabricationEnergy MaterialApplied PhysicsSolar CellsSolar Cell Materials
Three-dimensional porous silicon p–n diodes made by standard industrial processing (see Figure) result in an energy-conversion layer with a large surface/volume ratio. This structure increases radioisotope energy-conversion efficiency tenfold, and could lead to a practical nuclear battery that lasts for many years. Experimental results also show marked photovoltaic response.
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