Metal nanostructures for solar cells

While the use of metal during the initial stages of development of photovoltaic (PV) technology was not as prevalent, research predating solar cells and development of analytical techniques and technologies has meant that metals have become an essential portion of the solar energy revolution. The fight toward achieving great energy conversion efficiencies is essential for ensuring the viability of solar cells as an alternative source of energy, and thus in this regard the advent of metallic nanostructures in increasing optical absorptions of PV cells have become instrumental. From the use of materials such as gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) to being used as back reflectors and efficient contacts, metals are now considered vital to PV development. One metal nanostructure-based technology in particular has attracted scientists from all parts of the world —plasmonic solar cells. The aim of this chapter is to identify and establish the key metal nanostructure technologies that have been prevalent in PVs. A greater focus will be provided toward plasmonic nanostructures, as recent trends in research show a significant shift in interest toward this field.