ABSTRACT
A review of the different strategies based on nanostructures for light harvesting and increasing the efficiency in next-generation solar cells is presented. Progress in thin-film solar cells, particularly organic solar cells, is emphasized. Advances in simulation tools and modeling based on Poisson's equation and the continuity equations, and predicting both optical and electrical properties, are described. Photonic crystals are shown to increase the lifetime of photons in thin-film solar cells, and the inclusion of plasmonic metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is shown to enhance the optical field in active materials. Quantum nanowires (NWs) and other quantum structures are also discussed as new paths to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic devices.
