title: In situ nanomechanical measurements of interfacial strength in membrane-embedded chemically functionalized Si microwires for flexible solar cells.
abstract: Arrays of vertically aligned Si microwires embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) have emerged as a promising candidate for use in solar energy conversion devices. Such structures are lightweight and concurrently demonstrate competitive efficiency and mechanical flexibility. To ensure reliable functioning under bending and flexing, strong interfacial adhesion between the nanowire and the matrix is needed. In situ uniaxial tensile tests of individual, chemically functionalized, Si microwires embedded in a compliant PDMS matrix reveal that chemical functionality on Si microwire surfaces is directly correlated with interfacial adhesion strength. Chemical functionalization can therefore serve as an effective methodology for accessing a wide range of interfacial adhesion between the rigid constituents and the soft polymer matrix; the adhesion can be quantified by measuring the mechanical strength of such systems.
authors.affiliation: Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States.
authors.forename: Clara J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: O'Leary
authors.forename: Nathan S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Julia R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Greer
mesh_terms: D055119:Elastic Modulus; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006244:Hardness; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry*; D012993:Solar Energy; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D012825:Silicon