Enhanced multifaceted model for plasmon-driven Schottky solar cells with integrated thermal effects

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Plasmonic Schottky solar cells (PSSCs) offer enhanced light absorption.
• Optimizing nanoparticle (NP) configurations is crucial for PSSC performance.
• A comprehensive multiphysics model is needed to understand PSSC opto-thermal-electrical behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a multiphysics model for PSSCs.
• To investigate the impact of gold nanoparticle (Au-NP) size and configuration on PSSC performance.
• To predict the energy yield and thermal behavior of PSSCs.

Main Methods:

• Simulated optical properties, power conversion efficiencies, and energy yield using a multiphysics approach.
• Analyzed spectral absorption characteristics for various system sizes (3x3, 5x5, 7x7) and NP radii (10-150 nm).
• Evaluated total spectral heat absorption (300-1200 nm) and deconvoluted heat sources.

Main Results:

• A 5x5 NP array with a 70 nm radius improved short-circuit current density (Jsc) by 47% (11.54 mA/cm²).
• Significant heat generation (up to 182.5% thermal gains) observed in nanoparticles.
• Energy yield maps predicted potential annual gains up to 80 kWh/m² globally.

Conclusions:

• The developed multiphysics model accurately predicts PSSC performance.
• Optimized NP configurations enhance electrical efficiency but require thermal management.
• Further research into thermal management is essential for maximizing PSSC efficiency and longevity.