Wetting Properties of Black Silicon Layers Fabricated by Different Techniques

Abstract

The wettability of black silicon (BSi) layers fabricated by reactive ion etching (RIE), metal‐assisted chemical etching (MACE), and laser‐induced etching (LIE) techniques was studied. The contact angles of wetting on the samples with deionized water and methylammonium iodide‐based perovskite solutions were determined. It has been found that the element composition and the enlargement area factor of BSi layers have a significant effect on their wettability. When tested with water, the RIE and MACE BSi layers exhibit hydrophobic properties, while the LIE BSi layer demonstrates hydrophilic properties due to the SiOx‐rich surface structures. It is also shown that aging leads to a decrease in the water contact angle. Upon exposure to perovskite solution droplets, BSi layers become highly lyophilic. Based on the Wenzel and Cassie‐Baxter models, the mechanisms responsible for the wetting states of the fabricated samples are identified. The results obtained provide valuable insights into the potential of using these layers in tandem perovskite/silicon solar cells.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.