Effects of Electrolytic Parameters on the Deposition of Boron at the Cathode During Molten Salt Electrolysis of Silicon

The element boron has an important influence on the conversion efficiency of solar cells of silicon. In this study, the effects of the electrolytic parameters (electrolysis temperature, current density, and concentration of Si in melt) on the deposition of B at the cathode were studied during the molten salt electrolysis for silicon in Na3AlF6-SiO2 melt. ICP analysis shows that the deposition content of B at the cathode is decreased with the increase in electrolysis temperature, but is increased with the increase in current density. Moreover, increasing the concentration of Si in melt is unfavorable for B to deposit at the cathode. Accordingly, by adjusting the electrolytic parameters, the deposition of B can be controlled.