Plasmonically Enhanced Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

The unique absorption and scattering properties of metallic (typically silver or gold) nanoscale structures are dominated by their localized surface plasmon resonances, leading to strongly confined electromagnetic fields and unprecedented control over light at the nanoscale. The scattering properties of metal nanoparticles have recently been used to trap light within thin film inorganic solar cell devices to increase the effective optical density of the absorbing layer. Enhanced local fields have been utilized to enhance the photo-absorption cross-section of dye molecules in dye-sensitized solar cells. Here we will review the current state of the art in plasmon-enhanced dye-sensitized solar cells and comment on the challenges that must be addressed for the realization of next generation devices.