Silicon nanowire and nanopore arrays promise to reduce manufacturing costs and increase the power conversion efficiency of photovoltaic devices. So far, however, photovoltaic cells based on nanostructured silicon exhibit lower power conversion efficiencies than conventional cells due to the enhanced photocarrier recombination associated with the nanostructures. Here, we identify and separately measure surface recombination and Auger recombination in wafer-based nanostructured silicon solar cells. By identifying the regimes of junction doping concentration in which each mechanism dominates, we were able to design and fabricate an independently confirmed 18.2%-efficient nanostructured 'black-silicon' cell that does not need the antireflection coating layer(s) normally required to reach a comparable performance level. Our results suggest design rules for efficient high-surface-area solar cells with nano- and microstructured semiconductor absorbers.

Local environment plays an important role in steering the reaction pathways in electrochemical CO 2 reduction reaction. Here, we present three approaches to modulate local CO 2 concentration in gas-diffusion electrode flow electrolyzers. Employing monodisperse Cu 2 O nanoparticles as the model catalysts, we demonstrate that providing a moderate local CO 2 concentration is effective in promoting C-C coupling. Ultimately, this study serves as a rational guide to tune CO 2 mass transport in gas-diffusion electrode electrolyzers for the optimal production of valuable multi-carbon molecules.

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By controlling the timing and duration of hydrogen exposure in a fixed thermal process, we tuned the diameters of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within a vertically aligned film by a factor of 2, and tuned the areal densities by an order of magnitude. The CNT structure is correlated with the catalyst morphology, suggesting that while chemical reduction of the catalyst layer is required for growth, prolonged H2 exposure not only reduces the iron oxide and enables agglomeration of the Fe film, but also leads to catalyst coarsening. Control of this coarsening process allows tuning of CNT characteristics.

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