Copper nanoparticles: Synthesis methods and its light harvesting performance

Abstract

The metallic nanoparticles have a unique optical property known as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) which can be utilized to enhance the light harvesting performance in solar cells. Efficiency of the solar cell strongly depends on various deposition methods, band structure, light absorption and electronic properties of the material being used. The noble metals (Au, Ag, and Cu) have the ability to support surface plasmon resonance and can be used to enhance the efficiency of a solar cell. Cu being cheap and more abundant in nature is being utilized on a large scale for the fabrication of the solar cells. This paper reviews the different chemical methods used for the deposition of Cu nanoparticles and their utilization in plasmonic solar cell. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.