Light-trapping strategy for PEDOT:PSS/c-Si nanopyramid based hybrid solar cells embedded with metallic nanoparticles

In this article, we have investigated the combined role of nanopyramid (NP) array and metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in enhancing the light trapping ability and improving the photo-absorption of PEDOT:PSS/c-Si Hybrid Solar Cells (HSCs) using a 3D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. A parametric optimization of the essential geometrical parameters of NPs and MNP is performed based on short circuit current density (J(sc)). The optimization result reveals that maximum J(sc) of 35.91 mA/cm(2) is achievable with top textured NP (without MNPs) which is 24.38% higher than the planar counterpart. However, the absorption spectrum is broadened with the insertion of Al MNP at rear side of the HSC. This is also accompanied by almost two fold increase in J(sc) to 41.71 inA/cm(2) which is 44.47% higher the planar HSCs. The photovoltaic parameters such as J(sc), V-oc, PCE and Fill Factor (FF) are calculated using the DEVICE software for NP and NP embedded with Al MNPs based c-Si Solar Cells. The physics at the interface of inorganic nanostructure and organic material layer is thoroughly described. In addition to this, we have tried to decode the underlying physics for the enhancement of photon absorption in nanopyramidal structures and MNPs structures through an extensive analysis of the photo generation rate, electric field intensity, power absorption profiles, PCE and FF of nanopyramidal, nanopyramidal with MNP and planar HSCs.