Theoretical modeling of reflectance and scattering properties of nanostructured glass surfaces for solar cells applications

This work investigates the reflectance properties of nanostructured glass surfaces modeled as random monolayers of air spheres embedded in a glass matrix. The study employs three analytical models: the Maxwell-Garnett Model (MGM), the 2D Dipole Model (2-DMM), and the Coherent Scattering Model (CSM). All models predicted a decrease in reflectance due to the nanostructuring of the glass surface. This decrease in reflectance is particularly significant, reaching up to almost 20% across the entire visible spectrum, for nanostructures with 15% surface coverage and crater radii of 50nm. Each model’s suitability, advantages, and limitations are discussed in the context of varying particle sizes and surface coverages.