Synthesis, structural, and optical properties of (Ag/ZnS) core–shell nanostructures and their applications to polycrystalline silicon solar cells

Abstract

The present work focuses on the two-step chemical synthesis of Ag/ZnS nanoparticles as core–shell nanoparticles. Various techniques were used to characterize nanoparticles, including UV–Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and a Solar Simulator. UV–Vis spectral analysis of Ag/ZnS core–shell nanoparticles at 450, 469, and 498 nm reveals broad plasmon resonance bands. The solution of silver nanoparticles was redshifted by increasing its concentration. Core and shell images obtained from each nanoparticle show different contrasts, indicating that the core and shell materials differ. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of ZnS NPs around AgNPs. Incorporating Ag/ZnS into polycrystalline silicon solar cells has improved efficiency from 13.02 to 14.29%.