Role of metal/silicon semiconductor contact engineering for enhanced output current in micro‐sized microbial fuel cells

Abstract

We show that contact engineering plays an important role to extract the maximum performance from energy harvesters like microbial fuel cells (MFCs). We experimented with Schottky and Ohmic methods of fabricating contact areas on silicon in an MFC contact material study. We utilized the industry standard contact material, aluminum, as well as a metal, whose silicide has recently been recognized for its improved performance in smallest scale integration requirements, cobalt. Our study shows that improvements in contact engineering are not only important for device engineering but also for microsystems.

The Role of Microfabrication and Nanotechnology in the Development of Microbial Fuel Cells

“…As expected, ohmic contact materials outperformed their Schottky counterparts in current production and in some instances in power as well. In particular, ohmic Al contacts produced the highest current whereas ohmic Co contacts are considered preferable for compatibility with integrated circuits for the smallest integration requirements 36. The study showed that improvements in contact engineering are important for device engineering and for microsystems.…”

“…35 With these concepts in mind, Mink et al. investigated the use of standard microfabrication techniques to reduce contact resistance 36. They used Al, another industry‐standard contact material, and Co, which can form a silicide with reduced resistance and improved contact performance.…”