Ag/MgO Nanoparticles via Gas Aggregation Nanocluster Source for Perovskite Solar Cell Engineering

Abstract

Nanocluster aggregation sources based on magnetron-sputtering represent precise and versatile means to deposit a controlled quantity of metal nanoparticles at selected interfaces. In this work, we exploit this methodology to produce Ag/MgO nanoparticles (NPs) and deposit them on a glass/FTO/TiO2 substrate, which constitutes the mesoscopic front electrode of a monolithic perovskite-based solar cell (PSC). Herein, the Ag NP growth through magnetron sputtering and gas aggregation, subsequently covered with MgO ultrathin layers, is fully characterized in terms of structural and morphological properties while thermal stability and endurance against air-induced oxidation are demonstrated in accordance with PSC manufacturing processes. Finally, once the NP coverage is optimized, the Ag/MgO engineered PSCs demonstrate an overall increase of 5% in terms of device power conversion efficiencies (up to 17.8%).

Plasmonic porous micro- and nano-materials based on Au/Ag nanostructures developed for photothermal cancer therapy: challenges in clinicalization

“…Therefore, they need to be protected and enclosed by an inert and transparent shell in some cases. 82 AuNPs with an almost analogous shape have similar LSPR peak positions. However, based on the diversity of their practical modifications, many of them will exhibit a red or blue shift.…”

Gas-phase synthesis of nanoparticles: current application challenges and instrumentation development responses

“…For instance, Kumar et al fabricated size-selected Pd nanoportals on underlying Mg films and, having used Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations for the proof-of-concept, investigated the hydrogen flux through the nanoportals 42 (the same simple concept was utilised later for single-nanoparticle electrochemistry 43 ). Second, tailoring optical properties via the integration of nanoparticles was proposed for solar thermal collectors, which promise >90% light energy absorption, 44 as well as perovskite- 45 and silicon- 46 based solar cells. These demonstrations showcase how the high degree of deposition parameter control during nanoparticle inert-gas condensation can be utilised for fine-tuning plasmonic absorption properties.…”

Morphology and Optical Properties of Gas-Phase-Synthesized Plasmonic Nanoparticles: Cu and Cu/MgO

“…In particular, it has been proved that the power conversion efficiency of the device can increase [13,14]. Generally, the metals employed for synthesizing plasmonic NPs are Au and Ag [15]. While Au NPs are robust in environmental conditions, Ag ones can be contaminated because of oxidation in atmosphere, so they need to be shielded or encapsulated in transparent and inert shells [12,15].…”

“…Generally, the metals employed for synthesizing plasmonic NPs are Au and Ag [15]. While Au NPs are robust in environmental conditions, Ag ones can be contaminated because of oxidation in atmosphere, so they need to be shielded or encapsulated in transparent and inert shells [12,15]. On the other hand, the main advantage of Ag NPs is the reduced cost of the raw material.…”

“…This method has been successfully tested on Ag NPs co-deposited with MgO [37] and CaF 2 [38]. Ag/MgO NPs produced in this way were also deposited on the porous TiO 2 layer of perovskite solar cells, giving rise to an increase in PCE by 5% [15]. Although Cu NPs/MgO systems have been previously studied, MgO has mainly been used as an inert substrate [3,21,34,35] In this study, Cu NPs and Cu/MgO NPs were generated with a magnetron-assisted gas aggregation source (GAS), and they were co-deposited with MgO by making use of reactive thermal evaporation of Mg in O 2 .…”