Fabrication of composite structures for full spectrum photon management in solar energy utilization.

• A preparation method of composite nanostructures in full spectrum utilization. • Solar energy utilization is improved by disordered structures and film coatings. • Composite nanostructure exhibits an excellent polarization isotropy. Photovoltaic thermoelectric (PV-TE) coupling is an effective way to improve and expand solar energy utilization. The full spectral utilization of sunlight by a solar cell can be realized if the photonic active material absorbs light with the energy below its bandgap while the thermoelectric component absorbs the rest. This paper demonstrates the preparation of an ultra-broadband photon management structure for crystalline silicon cells for incorporation into PV-TE systems. This structure consisting of different nanostructures combined with thin-film layers is capable of reducing the device reflectivity and, thus, improving solar energy utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]