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.

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)