Structure-Function Tailoring of Plasmonic Nanomaterials for Thin-Film Photovoltaics

Thin-film solar cells offer advantages in cost and flexibility compared with traditional silicon-based photovoltaics. However, the limited active layer thickness and low near-bandgap absorption efficiency result in significant photon loss and reduced efficiency. Plasmonic nanomaterials, through excitation of surface plasmon resonance (SPR), offer a powerful strategy to enhance light harvesting and charge separation. A systematic framework connecting the design of such nanomaterials to device performance remains lacking. This review clarifies the material‑oriented mechanisms of plasmon‑enhanced light management and surveys recent advances in thin‑film and tandem solar cells integrated with metallic nanostructures. Specifically, an in-depth investigation is carried out on the precise manipulation of light, including localized, lattice coupling, and propagating modes, through the geometric arrangements of metallic nanostructures. Furthermore, we highlight the critical roles of advanced micro/nano fabrication techniques in enabling large-scale production and artificial intelligence in optimizing structural design, while also envisioning their potential applications in smart building systems and electrochromic devices.