Optimizing surface plasmon resonance effects on finger electrodes to enhance the efficiency of silicon-based solar cells
Journal
Energy and Environmental Science
Journal Volume
6
Journal Issue
3
Pages
935-942
Date Issued
2013
Author(s)
Chi, Y.-M.
Chen, H.-L.
Lai, Y.-S.
Chang, H.-M.
Liao, Y.-C.
Cheng, C.-C.
Chen, S.-H.
Tseng, S.-C.
Lin, K.-T.
Abstract
In this paper we demonstrate a technique for improving the conversion efficiency in conventional silicon solar cells by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effects to harvest incident light energy over metal finger electrodes. According to three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D-FDTD) analysis, incident light covering a broad bandwidth of the solar spectrum can be transmitted through metallic hole array structures. Although the light absorption region beneath the metal finger electrodes cannot generate a photocurrent, in this study, we employ the extraordinary transmission (EOT) phenomenon, due to SPR effects, to dramatically increase the degree of light harvesting below the metal electrodes and, thereby, improve the efficiency of the entire solar cell. Experimental data reveal that the excess photocurrent density was approximately 190% of the normal current density of a standard solar cell. Therefore, the negative effect of covering the absorption area with opaque metal finger electrodes can be minimized or eliminated completely by taking advantage of the SPR effect of the metal electrodes. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
SDGs
Other Subjects
Absorption areas; Absorption region; Experimental datum; Extraordinary transmission; Metallic hole arrays; Photocurrent density; Surface plasmon resonance effects; Three dimensional finite difference time domains; Electrodes; Finite difference time domain method; Light; Metals; Plasmons; Silicon solar cells; Time domain analysis; Surface plasmon resonance; electrode; finite difference method; fuel cell; optimization; renewable resource; silicon; solar power
Type
journal article