Research
Silicon nanocrystals have recently attracted considerable attention for application in photovoltaics because of their size-tunable optical and electronic properties. However, mass production and low-cost fabrication methods of silicon nanocrystals remain under development. We have synthesized size-tunable photoluminescent silicon nanocrystals in macroscopic quantities using newly developed in-flight plasma CVD. In this project, we also synthesize silicon inks using size-tuned silicon nanocrystals, and develop inexpensive and highly efficient next-generation photovoltaics based on printed electronics nanotechnology.
To develop silicon inks that enable fabrication of silicon quantum-dot photovoltaics using printed electronics nanotechnology. Great improvements of energy conversion efficiency using silicon quantum dots and reduction of production costs can be realized simultaneously.
To develop photovoltaics using different sizes of silicon quantum dots and fabricate prototype photovoltaic devices that can provide 40% energy conversion efficiency.
We have developed an in-flight plasma CVD that synthesizes size-tunable photoluminescent silicon nanocrystals in macroscopic quantities.
To Develop silicon inks using size-tuned silicon nanocrystals. By combining printed electronics nanotechnology, silicon inks greatly reduce production costs and contribute to mass production of highly efficient photovoltaics.
Use silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) as an inexpensive and abundant silicon source that contributes to photovoltaic cost reduction as well as material savings.
Low-cost and highly efficient photovoltaics accelerate CO2 reduction, and energy and material conservation.
Silicon inks eliminate high-temperature processes and complex vacuum processes, enabling cost reduction and mass production of various electronic devices such as photovoltaics and flexible displays.
Silicon quantum dots functionalize existing silicon-based electronic devices and realize high-value products while minimizing production costs via silicon inks.
Silicon quantum dots have photoluminescent capability in the infrared region, enabling in-vivo cell-labeling without physical operations. High-level medical services such as cancer treatment are possible.
