Lift-off of porous germanium layers

Authored by

E. Garralaga Rojas, J. Hensen, J. Carstensen, H. Föll, R. Brendel

Abstract

We demonstrate reproducible formation of mesoporous germanium layers suitable for solar energy applications by electrochemical etching in highly concentrated electrolytes. For long anodization times or thick layer formation a porosity gradient is observed leading eventually to high porosity regions and cavity formation at the bottom of the porous layer. A 30 min annealing step at a temperature of 575C in hydrogen atmosphere allows for reorganization and subsequent lift-off. The mean surface roughness increases from 0.31 nm for unprocessed Ge up to 7.85 nm for reorganized Ge as measured by atomic force microscopy. -Raman confocal spectroscopy analysis confirms that etching and annealing do not affect the crystalline structure.

Details

External Organisation(s): Institute for Solar Energy Research (ISFH)
Kiel University
Type: Article
Journal: Journal of the Electrochemical Society
Volume: 158
Pages: D408-D411
ISSN: 0013-4651
Publication date: 22.04.2011
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Surfaces, Coatings and Films, Electrochemistry, Materials Chemistry
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1149/1.3583645 (Access: Closed )