Substituting a boron atom (with three valence electrons) for a silicon atom in a silicon crystal leaves a hole (a bond missing an electron) that is relatively free to move around the crystal.
How a Photovoltic Cell Works
By Mary Bellis, About.com Guide
Of course, n-type silicon cannot form the electric field by itself; it's also necessary to have some silicon altered to have the opposite electrical properties. So, boron, which has three valence electrons, is used for doping p-type silicon. Boron is introduced during silicon processing, where silicon is purified for use in PV devices. When a boron atom assumes a position in the crystal lattice formerly occupied by a silicon atom, there is a bond missing an electron (in other words, an extra hole).
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- How a Photovoltic Cell Works
- P-Types, N-Types, and the Electric Field
- Absorption and Conduction
- Making N and P Material for a Photovoltic Cell
- An Atomic Description of Silicon - The Silicon Molecule
- Phosphorous as a Semiconductor Material
- Boron as a Semiconductor Material
- Other Semiconductor Materials
- Conversion Efficiency of a PV Cell
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