Enhancement in photovoltaic properties of silicon solar cells by surface plasmon effect of palladium nanoparticles

•The crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells need efficient light absorption to achieve high efficiencies.•To attain this aim, the surface plasmon of palladium nanoparticles are suggested to be used.•The result shown a decrease in the optical losses which can explain the improved photovoltaic properties.

This work presents the surface Plasmon effect of Palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) on the photovoltaic properties of silicon solar cells. Pd NPs were deposited on the p-type silicon base of the n+/p junction using a chemical deposition method in an aqueous solution containing Palladium (II) Nitrate (PdNO3)2 and Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH) followed by a thermal treatment at 500 °C under nitrogen atmosphere. Chemical composition and surface morphology of the treated silicon base were examined by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The effect of the deposited Pd NPs on the electrical properties was evaluated by the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and current–voltage (I–V) measurements. The results indicate that the formation of the Pd NPs is accompanied by an enhanced light absorption and improved photovoltaic parameters.