Development of UV-Plasmon-Active Nanoparticulate for Enhanced Solar Energy Harvesting

An innovative approach to develop metal nanoparticulate, particularly layer of ultrapure Aluminium (Al) nanoparticles has been proposed in this current proposal. Although ligh...ht trapping has been reported in silicon (Si)-based nanostructures, incorporation of plasmonic nanoparticles brings the bliss of nanoplasmonics that has been an emerging trend in next generation of solar cell technologies. Preliminary experiments have revealed that noble metal nanoparticles such as silver and gold nanoparticles can be achieved on the substrates. The process developed recently at the Interdisciplinary Research Center of Renewable Energy and Power Systems (IRC-REPS) was defined to be generic. It was speculated that various metal nanoparticles would be fabricated on different substrates for application-oriented specific demands. The following sequential steps are foreseen for the accomplishment of the proposed scope of work: 1. In the first phase of the work, based on the patents (US9773931, US9772290 and US9745645) granted to IRC-REPS, a revised and improvised strategy will be implemented to develop layer of Al nanoparticles that can be suitable for thin film solar cell. Ultrathin layer of Al nanoparticles will be fabricated on substrate by magnetron sputtering technique using automatic sputter coater available at IRC-REPS facility. 2. In the second phase of the work, experimental parameters will be controlled to optimize the features of as-fabricated Al nanoparticles followed by optical, structural and topographical characterizations. 3. In the third phase of the work, custom design “Aluminium nanoparticles on substrate” system will be modelled and simulated by finite difference time domain (FDTD) analysis to understand light trapping effect. Optical characteristics, particularly absorption depth profile, electromagnetic field, Poynting energy flux and exciton generation rate distributions for such custom designed nanostructures will be extracted and correlated to solar cell performances. Model parameters will be varied according to experimental observations. 4. In the final phase, if the time permits, a prototype on Si-based single heterojunction solar cell will be developed using such nanoparticles-embedded layer and performance assessment will be carried out with reference to conventional heterojunction solar cells. The current proposal aligned well with the national missions and innovation goals as articulated by the Interdisciplinary Research Center of Renewable Energy and Power Systems (IRC-REPS) as well as King Fahd University of Petroleum (KFUPM) towards a reliable and sustainable transition of renewable energy as per the “Vision 2030” of the Kingdom. Facilities and resources available at IRC-REPS will provide support for the successful completion of the proposed scope of work. The expertise and knowledge gained during the project will be of great help for developing further avenues of improving other types of existing nanotechnology-based solar cell technologies, as well as local expertise in this area of research.