Abstract
AN alternative to conventional solid-state photovoltaic devices is the semiconductor/liquid junction. Liquid-junction cells not only offer the possibility of integrating energy conversion and storage functions1, but also may exhibit electrical properties that are fundamentally different from those in solid-state systems2. We have investigated the photovoltaic behaviour of n-InP/metal and n-InP/liquid junctions. We have found that the electrical properties of these semiconductor/liquid junctions are superior to those of n-InP/metal (Schottky barrier) systems, and that the current-voltage characteristics are a strong function of the electrochemical potential of the liquid phase. Liquid contacts thus provide a possibility for the construction of more efficient photovoltaic devices than those available at present from Schottky barriers.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 621-623 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Nature |
Volume | 340 |
Issue number | 6235 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1989 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General