Patterned growth of nanocrystalline silicon thin films through magnesiothermic reduction of soda lime glass

Abstract

A low-cost and green method of producing nanocrystalline silicon thin films is presented. Using a magnesiothermic reduction process, we have successfully converted the surface of soda lime glass directly into silicon thin film. Furthermore, by varying reaction time, the amount of silicon produced in thin film form (or layer thickness) can be controlled. The nanocrystalline silicon thin films on glass were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, the optical properties of the thin films derived at different reaction times were also measured. The band gaps of the synthesized thin films were within the range of 2.3–2.5 eV.