This presentation will focus on the covalent bonding of small organic molecules (alkanes, viologens) on silicon surfaces for advanced photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical applications. The data explores the premise that the type of surface bonding will influence the resultant electronic properties of the interface. Results from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, microwave conductivity, and electrochemical measurements of as prepared silicon electrode surfaces will be detailed and discussed. Overall, these findings suggest two points. First, Si-C bonds more directly eliminate and prevent surface defects in possible device applications. Second, covalently attached viologens are possible platforms for studying electron transfer between Si and fixed redox acceptors.
Taylor Bramlett, Michael Bellas, Giacomo Di Mauro, Takunda Chazovachii, Wenhao Shao, Brianna Barbu, Taylor Soucy, Robert Vasquez