Photoelectric Work Function and its relation to Conductors

[rohitchaky]

Work function of metals: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/tables/photoelec.html#c1

Copper work function - 4.7 eV
Silver work function - 4.73 eV

Silicon work function - 4.26 eV (http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/periodic/Ag.html)

The work functions of conductors are comparable to semi-conductors.

Why aren't solar panels made of conductors?

 

[ZapperZ]

Work function of metals: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/tables/photoelec.html#c1

Copper work function - 4.7 eV
Silver work function - 4.73 eV

Silicon work function - 4.26 eV (http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/periodic/Ag.html)

The work functions of conductors are comparable to semi-conductors.

Why aren't solar panels made of conductors?

It isn't just a matter of the size of the work function.

Metals are obviously different than semiconductors. Metals have no band gap separating the filled states with the empty states. Furthermore, you don't normally get doped n-type or p-type conductors the way you do for semiconductors. Look at what you need to make those solar cells.

Zz.