Plasmon-enhanced performance of CdS/CdTe solar cells using Au nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Metal nanoparticles (NPs) enhance solar cell performance by scattering light via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) or localized SPR (LSPR).
• Cadmium sulfide/cadmium telluride (CdS/CdTe) solar cells are a promising photovoltaic technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of incorporating gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) into the CdTe layer of CdS/CdTe solar cells.
• To demonstrate LSPR-promoted improvement in solar cell efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of CdS/CdTe solar cells using physical vapor deposition.
• Incorporation of chemically synthesized 200-nm Au NPs into the CdTe layer in varying quantities.
• Characterization of devices through J-V measurements, external quantum efficiency, and absorption spectra analysis.

Main Results:

• The incorporation of Au NPs led to enhanced light absorption and improved solar cell efficiency.
• LSPR effects were observed, correlating with increased device performance.
• Optimized quantities of Au NPs resulted in significant efficiency gains.

Conclusions:

• Localized surface plasmon resonance from incorporated Au NPs effectively enhances CdS/CdTe solar cell performance.
• This plasmonic enhancement strategy offers a viable route for improving solar energy conversion in CdS/CdTe devices.
• The findings provide guidance for future research in plasmon-enhanced solar cells.