Production of low-cost silicon films via molten salt electrodeposition

The majority of modern solar cells are still manufactured from silicon, either on polycrystalline or monocrystalline wafers. One of the long existing challenges for crystalline-silicon solar cells is the high cost of solar-grade silicon wafer production. Here, we demonstrate a simple process for making silicon films directly via a one-step electrodeposition process in molten salt for solar cell applications. Compact, high quality silicon can be deposited with successfully. Proof-of-concept solar cell devices are fabricated demonstrated.