Nanostructures based on functionalized porous silicon for promising solar energy systems

The promising application of functionalized composite materials based on porous silicon (PS) for perspective solar energy conversion systems is considered in this paper. PS-based nanostructures are suggested for further realization of photon-enhanced thermionic emission for solar concentrators and thermionic electrodes due to the remarkable properties displayed by these materials. Nanostructured layers functionalized with silver (PS/Ag) are obtained via electrochemical etching and deposition processes. The investigation of acquired materials functionalized with fractal-like silver agglomerates is performed. Electronic absorption spectroscopy is utilized in order to characterize the surface structure of PS/Ag layers. Localized surface plasmon resonance phenomenon taking place within the array of silver nanoparticles is observed. Two distinct absorption bands located in the visible spectrum are detected; their emergence is related to the resonance effect taking place in the two nanoparticle arrays appearing during the synthesis process. The intensity of these bands can be manipulated with synthesis parameters of porous silicon matrix. (paper)