Optimized biomimetic antireflection nanostructure for photovoltaic applications

摘要

Minimizing surface reflection loss is critical when designing high efficiency solar cells. In recent years, biomimetic antireflection nanostructures (such as moth-eye structures), with their extraordinary broadband and omnidirectional antireflection properties, have caught much attention. Single side biomimetic antireflection (AR) coatings show good performance in suppressing broadband reflection between air and glass interface. However, reflection from the interface between absorption layer and transparent window layer still remains. In this study, we proposed a double-side gradient-index nanostructure, and examined its reflection spectrum in comparison with different biomimetic nanostructures using a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation and effective medium theory (EMT). In order to minimize surface reflection, all abrupt interfaces were replaced by gradient-index biomimetic nanostructures, including air/glass interface and absorber/glass interface. Monolayer of silica spheres serve as double-side gradient-index nanostructures, partially immersed into photoabsorbing material. Spheres with diameter smaller than incoming light wavelength show excellent antireflection properties. From simulation results, in normal incidence, average reflection rate of optimized AR coating structure was lower to around 5% compared to originally above 25% within visible spectrum region (350nm - 850nm). Details of how to apply such biomimetic nanostructures in thin film solar cells were also discussed.