The future of photovoltaics lies in plasmonic solar cells
Solar energy is one of the main sources of renewable energy in Italy. However, the high costs and complexity of the production process for current photovoltaic systems make it inaccessible to households and businesses.
A study published in the journal Small by researchers at Sapienza University, in collaboration with the CNR Institute of Crystallography and BEAM Engineering for Advanced Measurements Co. (USA), has led to the development of efficient, eco-friendly and less expensive solar cells as an alternative to traditional silicon-based ones.
‘This photovoltaic system uses hybrid heterostructures based on gold and silver nanoparticles as photosensitising agents,’ says Luciano De Sio of Sapienza University, coordinator of the study. ‘Their unique geometry and combination of metals promote excellent absorption of sunlight in the visible and near-infrared spectrum.’
The new devices offer excellent photoelectric stability thanks to a negligible increase in temperature that does not affect system performance. By connecting several solar cells in series, it is possible to increase their performance to such an extent that they can replace a standard battery and power an electronic device, such as a laboratory chronometer, allowing it to function correctly.
The results show a technology based entirely on the chemical and physical properties of advanced nanomaterials, constituting an alternative and promising line of research that could lead to a new generation of photovoltaic devices that are more efficient, sustainable and easily integrated into various applications, to support the power supply of field hospitals, mobile laboratories and the energy needs of the population.
The research was carried out with the support of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research projects, ‘Next-Generation Liquid Crystal Devices with Integrated Advanced Plasmonic Solar Cells,’ and the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, ‘SPS-G5759, NANO-LC; SPS-G7425, CLC-BIODETECT.’
F. Zaccagnini, S. Valdivieso, I. Bavasso, M. P. Bracciale, N. Tabiryan, F. Petronella, L. De Sio. “Photovoltaic Cells Using Broadband Plasmon-Sensitized Nanostructures.” Small (2025):
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202509735
Further Information
Luciano De Sio - Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies