Light Absorption Enhancement in Next-Generation Photovoltaic Cells via Plasmonic Ag Nanospheres and Au Nanorods
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of plasmonic nanostructures—specifically silver (Ag) nanospheres and gold (Au) nanorods—on the optical absorption and photovoltaic efficiency of solar cells. The plasmonic effects were characterized using UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, current–voltage (I–V) measurements, and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. The results revealed a substantial enhancement in absorption efficiency, especially within the visible spectrum, owing to localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Ag nanospheres exhibited a sharp absorption peak at 420 nm, increasing light absorption by 35%, while Au nanorods with an aspect ratio of 3 extended the absorption range to 800 nm, achieving an enhancement of up to 45%. The plasmonic-assisted devices demonstrated marked improvements in photocurrent density and overall device efficiency. Compared to control cells, the plasmonic counterparts showed a 30–50% increase in power conversion efficiency, with the highest value of 18% observed for Au nanorods. Morphological analysis confirmed uniform nanoparticle distribution, while FDTD simulations supported the experimental findings, indicating strong local electric field enhancement and efficient light trapping within the active layer. These synergistic optical and morphological effects resulted in improved carrier generation and charge transport. Overall, the study elucidates the correlation between nanoparticle geometry, plasmonic resonance, and device performance, establishing plasmonic nanostructures as an effective strategy for advancing next-generation high-efficiency solar cell designs.
How to Cite
Tamanna, Sumit Yadav, "Light Absorption Enhancement in Next-Generation Photovoltaic Cells via Plasmonic Ag Nanospheres and Au Nanorods", Vol. 4, Issue 1, 26-04-2026, pp. 55-64.
