New PMMA-InP/ZnS nanohybrid coatings for improving the performance of c-Si photovoltaic cells

Abstract

Abstract Luminescent down-shifting (LDS) nanohybrid films are considered a potential solution to match the absorption spectrum of photovoltaic (PV) cells with the AM1.5 solar spectrum. LDS films were prepared by spin-coating polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) doped with indium phosphide/zinc sulfide (InP/ZnS) quantum dots (QDs). The effect of doping concentration was investigated using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that all PMMA LDS nanohybrid films were amorphous and exhibited thermal and chemical stability for all the doping concentrations of QDs. The optimal doping concentration was 0.06 wt%, demonstrating a tunable emission of the highest fluorescence quantum yield of 92% and the lowest reabsorption effect. This film showed the maximum enhancement of the efficiency of c-Si PV cells by 24.28% due to the down-conversion of ultraviolet A (UVA) portion of solar spectrum (320–400 nm) to match the sensitivity of c-Si PV cells. The implications of these results are significant for advancing affordable and clean energy in alignment with important sustainable development goals.