Synthesis and properties of a photovoltaic cell based on polystyrene-functionalised Si nanowires filled into a poly(N-vinylcarbazole) matrix

► Grafting of well defined PS chains onto silicon nanowires. ► Synthesis of PS@SiO2@SiNWs core-shell nanostructures. ► Homogeneous dispersion of PS-grafted-SiNWs in PVK matrix. ► Good photovoltaic performances including a fill factor of 0.5.