Effect of Alkaline Surface Texturing on the Optical, Morphological, and Wettability Properties of Si Wafers


Çatkın Y., Yurddaşkal M., Çamdalı K., Akalın S. A., Şakar N., Erol M.

7th International Eurasian Conference on Science, Engineering and Technology (EurasianSciEnTech 2026), Ankara, Türkiye, 24 Haziran - 26 Temmuz 2026, ss.33, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Ankara
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.33
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Surface texturing is an effective strategy for improving the performance of Si-based optoelectronic devices by

reducing optical reflection losses and increasing the effective surface area. In this study, square-based

pyramidal structures were formed on Si wafer surfaces by NaOH-based alkaline texturing. The morphological

and optical characteristics of the textured surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, while wettability behavior was evaluated by contact angle

testing. The maximum reflectance of the untreated surface was approximately 56%, which decreased to about

34% after 20 min of texturing. However, extending the texturing duration to 40 and 60 min led to overgrown

and irregular surface features, as confirmed by SEM, due to pyramid sharpening and coalescence, resulting in

reduced surface homogeneity. Considering both the decrease in optical reflection and the preservation of

morphological uniformity, 20 min was determined to be the optimum texturing duration. In addition, the

pyramidal textured surface exhibited higher wettability than the non-textured Si surface. These findings

demonstrate that controlled alkaline surface texturing provides an effective route for tailoring the optical and

surface properties of Si wafers.