Why is hydrogen added to amorphous silicon used in electronics?

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In the context of amorphous solids, it is important to clarify that the practical material used in electronics is not pure amorphous silicon, but rather a silicon-hydrogen alloy known as hydrogenated amorphous silicon.1

Hydrogen is added to amorphous silicon because it serves a critical role in optimizing the material's electronic properties. Pure amorphous silicon contains intrinsic electronic defects that hinder its performance in electronic devices. The addition of approximately 10 percent hydrogen effectively eliminates these defects, allowing the material to function reliably in various applications.1

This hydrogenated form is essential for modern technology, as it enables the creation of large-area thin films used in:

Solar cells for devices like handheld calculators.1
Image sensors in facsimile machines.1
Photoreceptors in xerography copiers.1
Active elements in transistors for flat-panel displays, such as those found in computer monitors and television screens.1