The effects of antireflective coatings on solar cell surfaces on photovoltaic characteristics are important issues. A comparative study of black hybrid silicon (Si) nanomaterials (BHSNMs) is demonstrated via the vapor-liquid-solid reaction using gold as the mediating catalyst and silane as the Si source ambient. By developing proper growth conditions, the study demonstrates BHSNMs with excellent antireflective characteristics. Results of this study reveal that the BHSNMs with a crisscrossed silicon rod microstructure and nanostructured texture provide excellent light trapping. Raman spectra show that the crystal structure of BHSNMs transits from single-crystalline Si to mixed amorphous Si with polycrystalline Si with increasing SiH4 flow time. In addition, BHSNM reflections were lower than 0.4% for the 200-1100 nm wavelength range by suitably adjusting growth time. A conversion efficiency of around 1.34% with a 4.75 mA/cm(2) photocurrent V-oc of 400 mV and fill factor of 70.37% for the BHSNM solar cells was demonstrated. Experimental results indicate that the BHSNMs provide excellent light trapping and can be used as a promising antireflective material for solar cell applications. (C) 2009 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3095479] All rights reserved.