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Research Article
Photocurrent enhancement in thin film amorphous silicon solar cells with silver nanoparticles
Article first published online: 14 JUL 2010
DOI: 10.1002/pip.1015
Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issue
Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications
Volume 19, Issue 3, pages 260–265, May 2011
Additional Information
How to Cite
Eminian, C., Haug, F.-J., Cubero, O., Niquille, X. and Ballif, C. (2011), Photocurrent enhancement in thin film amorphous silicon solar cells with silver nanoparticles. Prog. Photovolt: Res. Appl., 19: 260–265. doi: 10.1002/pip.1015
Publication History
- Issue published online: 4 APR 2011
- Article first published online: 14 JUL 2010
- Manuscript Revised: 19 APR 2010
- Manuscript Received: 3 SEP 2009
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- light trapping;
- nanoparticles;
- solar cells
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles embedded in a dielectric material have strong scattering properties under light illumination, due to localized surface plasmons. This effect is a potential way to achieve light trapping in thin-film solar cells. In this paper we study light scattering properties of nanoparticles on glass and ZnO, and on silver coated with ZnO, which represent the back reflector of a solar cell. We find that large nanoparticles embedded in the dielectric at the back contact of amorphous silicon solar cells lead to a remarkable increase in short circuit current of 20% compared to co-deposited cells without nanoparticles. This increase is strongly correlated with the enhanced cell absorption in the long wavelengths and is attributed to localized surface plasmons. We also discuss the electrical properties of the cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.