Rational Design of Plasmonic Metal Nanostructures for Solar Energy Conversion

Abstract

Plasmonic metal nanostructures, possessing unique surface plasmon resonance properties, show excellent capabilities for light trapping and coupling. On this basis, various plasmonic metal nanostructures offer extraordinary opportunities to promote the conversion efficiency of solar energy to electric energy, hydrogen energy or thermal energy, and so on. In this review article, we highlight a number of recent research achievements on the rational design of plasmonic metal nanostructures so as to maximize the utilization of the entire solar spectrum. Compared with single metal nanoparticles, multiplex (such as multicompositions, sizes, or shapes) nanoparticle structures emphasize advantages in broadening the absorption range and improving light-utilization efficiency. This review concludes with discussions regarding challenges in this research field and proposals of prospects for future directions.