Plasmonic Nanostructure–Enhanced Next-Generation Photovoltaic Cells: Optical, Electrical, and Stability Performance Evaluation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23204776
Abstract
The conversion efficiency of thin-film and emerging photovoltaic technologies is frequently limited by incomplete photon absorption, reflection losses, and the trade-off between absorber thickness and charge-carrier collection. This paper evaluates a plasmonic light-management strategy for next-generation photovoltaic cells in which resonant metallic and nanostructured interfaces are used to increase optical path length and local electromagnetic-field intensity. The study is structured around the experimental framework proposed in the underlying doctoral synopsis: silver nanospheres, gold nanorods, aluminum nanoparticles, nanohole arrays, and plasmonic back-reflector structures are compared with a non-plasmonic control. Optical characterization is designed around UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, ellipsometry, electron microscopy, and external quantum-efficiency measurements, whereas electrical performance is assessed from current–voltage characteristics under AM 1.5G illumination. Finite-difference time-domain or finite-element modelling is used to relate nanoparticle geometry and placement to field enhancement, scattering, and active-layer absorption. Plasmonic architectures increase short-circuit current density more strongly than open-circuit voltage, indicating that the main benefit arises from improved light harvesting rather than a fundamental change in junction voltage. The plasmonic back reflector gives the largest power-conversion efficiency, followed by nanohole arrays and gold nanorods, while aluminum nanoparticles produce a smaller but potentially lower-cost enhancement. Spectral trends show the greatest benefit in weakly absorbed red and near-infrared wavelengths, where optical path-length enhancement is most valuable. The paper concludes that plasmonic engineering can provide a practical route to thinner, more strongly absorbing photovoltaic devices, provided that parasitic metal absorption, interfacial recombination, long-term stability, and manufacturability are controlled.
How to Cite
Tamanna, Dr Sumit Yadav, "Plasmonic Nanostructure–Enhanced Next-Generation Photovoltaic Cells: Optical, Electrical, and Stability Performance Evaluation", Vol. 4, Issue 6, 26-09-2026, pp. 1-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23204776
