Using Plasmonic Metal Nanoparticles to Enhance Solar Cell Efficiency – Bangladesh Making Significant Progress in Renewable Energy Technology

The booming economy of Bangladesh in recent times has created a significant need for energy. Consequently, the increasing demand for power generation has led Bangladesh to become more reliant on fossil fuels. This paper highlights the current situation of the power sector in Bangladesh, proposes practical steps that can be taken to tackle the increasing energy demands and discusses the current state of research taking place in Bangladesh regarding the development of photovoltaic solar cells and the potential for thin-film solar cells to effectively harness solar energy. The use of different kinds of plasmonic metal nanoparticles (NPs) such as core-shell NPs, NP dimers made of metallic alloys and hybrid bow-tie shaped NPs with thin-film solar cells are discussed. These nanoparticles are found to significantly improve the efficiency of thin-film solar cells. The societal, environmental, and health impact of shifting from traditional fossil fuel-based energy resources towards harnessing renewable energy, primarily solar energy using thin-film solar cells is also discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion on the economic sustainability of using such proposed high efficiency thin-film solar cells so that such technologies may help lead Bangladesh towards a cleaner, greener and more secure future.