External quantum efficiency and photovoltaic performance of silicon cells deposited with aluminum, indium, and silver nanoparticles

Abstract

In this study, the plasmonic light scattering of aluminum (Al), indium (In), and sliver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on silicon solar cells was demonstrated. For comparison, the dimensions of all NPs were maintained at 17–25 nm with a coverage of approximately 30–40% through the control of film deposition and thermal annealing conditions. Absorbance and surface plasmon Raman scattering were used to examine the different localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of the proposed NPs. Optical reflectance, external quantum efficiency (EQE) response, and photovoltaic current density–voltage characteristics under AM 1.5G illumination were used to confirm the contribution of the plasmonic light scattering of the NPs. The conversion efficiencies of the solar cells with Al, In, and Ag NPs increased 1.21-, 1.23-, and 1.17-fold, respectively, compared with that of the reference bare Si solar cell. The EQE response and photovoltaic performance revealed that Al and In NPs produced broadband plasmonic light scattering and increased efficiency, far exceeding the results obtained using Ag NPs.