AuAg bimetallic nonalloyed nanoparticles on a periodically nanostructured GaAs substrate for enhancing light trapping

Abstract

We present a light trapping structure consisting of AuAg bimetallic nonalloyed nanoparticles (BNNPs) on cone-shaped GaAs subwavelength structures (SWSs), combining the advantages of plasmonic structures and SWSs for GaAs-based solar cell applications. To obtain efficient light trapping in solar cells, the optical properties' dependence on the size and composition of the Ag and Au metal nanoparticles was systematically investigated. Cone-shaped GaAs SWSs with AuAg BNNPs formed from an Au film of 12 nm and an Ag film of 10 nm exhibited the extremely low average reflectance (R(avg)) of 2.43% and the solar-weighted reflectance (SWR) of 2.38%, compared to that of a bare GaAs substrate (R(avg), 37.50%; SWR, 36.72%) in the wavelength range of 300 to 870 nm.

Plasmon-Coupled Directional Emission from Soluplus-Mediated AgAu Nanoparticles for Attomolar Sensing Using a Smartphone

“…While this is the primary incentive behind this work, yet another feature is to coreduce Ag + and Au 3+ in a one-pot system to generate large NPs with alloy formation. This technique of alloying bimetallic Ag and Au has been explored for numerous applications, particularly with an aim for augmented light entrapment. − In this context, several novel methodologies have been developed to obtain AgAu hybrid nanoarchitectures presenting wide applications. , In light of this background, it is worth mentioning that this is the first report demonstrating the (i) utility of the soluplus polymer for fabrication of Ag, Au, and AgAu nanohybrids using simple UV-irradiation and (ii) importance of AgAu nanohybrids for addressing long-standing challenges in SPCE technology development.…”

Broadband absorption of nanostructured stainless steel surface fabricated by nanosecond laser irradiation

“…In this work, we emphasize the antireflection of metal surfaces. Many methods have been suggested to suppress the reflectivity of a metallic surface, such as to create quarterwavelength layer formation [22], plasmonic light trapping [23][24][25][26] and many other chemical coatings [4,26]. NPs deposited on a metal surface enhance light trapping due to induced scattering by surface plasmon resonances, whose efficiencies depend on the type of metal, size, and shape.…”

“…If the NPs are of single size deposited on a flat surface, then these are not effective over a broadband absorption due to backscattering losses. A combination of the two different metal NPs are deposited by electron beam evaporation, as subwavelength structures are utilized effectively to some extent to form broadband absorbing surfaces [25,27]. Most efficient broadband absorption from UV-visible to nearinfrared of any surface is still far from a practical reality with near-complete absorption.…”

“…Most efficient broadband absorption from UV-visible to nearinfrared of any surface is still far from a practical reality with near-complete absorption. A few experimental works have been reported regarding effective broadband absorbing surfaces in the infrared region [28][29][30] and in the UV-visible range [25,[27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]. The latest work reported by Brain et al showed a superefficient absorbing surface effective over UV to THz by growing the carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the aluminum metal surface [35].…”