Hybrid films based on silicon nanowires dispersed in a semiconducting polymer for thin film solar cells: Opportunities and new challenges

► Fabrication of hybrid solar cells from blends of silicon nanowires and P3HT in solutions. ► Evaluation of the charge pair dissociation efficiency and photovoltaic characterization. ► Identification of the limiting processes arising from electron confinement in silicon nanostructures. ► Main role of the polymer/silicon electronic processes demonstrated.