The Use of Core-Shell Nanoparticles in Photovoltaics

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report (Previous Reviewer 1)

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript has been improved quite a bit. Yet is still not well comprehensive. For the core-shell nanoparticles fabrication methods, I would suggest the authors make thorough search, please also include laser-ablation method detailed in the most recent paper https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106147 

By the way, please also check all the references carefully for example ref.190 is quite different with the rest without title.

Author Response

Comment 1: The manuscript has been improved quite a bit. Yet is still not well comprehensive. For the core-shell nanoparticles fabrication methods, I would suggest the authors make thorough search, please also include laser-ablation method detailed in the most recent paper https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106147 

Reply 1:  We have expanded Section 2.2.1 to include discussions on the fabrication of the Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquids (PLAL) synthesis method. Specifically, we have incorporated information on block copolymer lithography combined with seeded-shell growth techniques. This addition highlights the importance of these methods in achieving spatially controlled and uniform core-shell structures, which are crucial for applications in photonic and electronic devices. Furthermore, we have added a paragraph detailing the PLAL technique, emphasising its advantages as a surfactant-free, high-purity synthesis method for core-shell nanoparticles. This addition is supported by recent literature (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2025.106147. We trust that these additions address thereviewer’s comment and enhance the comprehensiveness of our review.

Comment 2: By the way, please also check all the references carefully for example ref.190 is quite different with the rest without title

Reply 2: All references have been carefully double-checked and revised for consistency. Specifically, reference 190 has been updated to include the missing title, and formatting across the entire reference list has been standardized to match the rest of the manuscript.

Reviewer 2 Report (Previous Reviewer 2)

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have already addressed all my comments, no more added. 

Author Response

Comments 1: The authors have already addressed all my comments, no more added. 

Reply 1: We sincerely thank the reviewer for their constructive feedback and for acknowledging our revisions. We are glad that all comments have been addressed to your satisfaction.

Reviewer 3 Report (New Reviewer)

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In the manuscript, core-shell plasmonic nanoparticles are reviewed as material for applications in photovoltaics. They are shown to improve the efficiency and performance of organic, perovskite, dye-sensitized, and inorganic solar cells by enhancement light absorption and charge carrier transport in the PV devices. The review can be of interest to the community involved in the design of both nanoparticles and solar cells.

Comments:

1. In the title, it should be clarified that nanoparticles are "plasmon nanoparticles".
2. In lines 164 and 165, it is noted that the materials “Improve light scattering and charge transport, contributing to enhanced PV of device performance”, while these properties are not considered in Ref 64.
3. Line 215: The term "foregoing" is inappropriate.
4. Data with a higher improvement in the performance of solar cells is recommended to be added to Table 1. For example, in Fig. 3d the effect of nanoparticles on the efficiency of organic solar cells is more pronounced than in the organic PV device in Table 1.

Author Response

Comments 1: In the title, it should be clarified that nanoparticles are "plasmon nanoparticles".

Response 1: Thank you for the suggestion. We have chosen to keep the title as "The Use of Core-Shell Nanoparticles in Photovoltaics" to maintain a broader scope, as the review also briefly touches on other types of core-shell nanoparticles beyond plasmonic ones. However, we have clearly emphasized the focus on plasmonic nanoparticles in the abstract and throughout the manuscript to ensure clarity for the reader.

Comments 2: In lines 164 and 165, it is noted that the materials “Improve light scattering and charge transport, contributing to enhanced PV of device performance”, while these properties are not considered in Ref 64.

Response 2: Thank you for the observation. The sentence in lines 164–165 was intended to provide a general example of how core-shell nanoparticles are often used to enhance light scattering and charge transport in photovoltaic applications. While these specific properties are not the focus of Ref. 64, the reference was cited to support the broader context of core-shell nanoparticle applications. To avoid confusion, we have revised the text to clarify that the performance enhancements mentioned are general benefits commonly reported in the literature, not necessarily in Ref. 64.

Comments 3: Line 215: The term "foregoing" is inappropriate.

Response 3: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree that the term "foregoing" was inappropriate in this context. The sentence has been revised to improve clarity and accuracy. The sentence is revised to "In the following sections, we present examples of enhanced performance in organic solar cells achieved by incorporating core-shell structures into the device architecture."

Comments 4: Data with a higher improvement in the performance of solar cells is recommended to be added to Table 1. For example, in Fig. 3d the effect of nanoparticles on the efficiency of organic solar cells is more pronounced than in the organic PV device in Table 1.

Response 4: Thank you for the suggestion. We have updated Table 1 to include the data from Figure 3d, which demonstrates a higher improvement in the performance of organic solar cells upon incorporating core-shell nanoparticles. This change ensures the table more accurately reflects the most impactful results discussed in the manuscript.

Reviewer 4 Report (New Reviewer)

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have summarized the results from a number of current publications on the core-shell nanoparticles applications in the field of photovoltaics. Unfortunately, there are a lot of mistakes and inconsistencies in the text which may mislead the reader. In particular, is it stated in the Abstract that ‘This paper reviews the use of plasmonic and magneto-plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles in PV applications’, while a lot examples are given that have nothing to do with plasmonics. Moreover, the review contains a number of vague, unsound, difficult to interpret statement as well as nonstandard terms. This review may be published only after major revisions specified in the attached file.  

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

We thank the reviewer for their detailed and critical evaluation of our manuscript. We acknowledge the concerns raised regarding inconsistencies, vague statements, and terminology. In response, we have thoroughly revised the manuscript to improve clarity, consistency, and scientific soundness.

Specifically, we have:

• Carefully reviewed and corrected vague or unclear statements.

• Removed or clarified any nonstandard terms.

• Ensured that examples included align with the stated focus in the abstract.

• Revised sections where the connection to plasmonic or magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles was unclear or insufficiently justified.

A detailed point-by-point response to each comment is provided in the attached rebuttal document, where we summarize the reviewers’ comments and outline the corresponding revisions made to the manuscript.

We appreciate the reviewer’s feedback, which has helped us significantly improve the quality of our review.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 4 Report (New Reviewer)

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors considerably improved the manuscript. Nevertheless, I still have several comments. The review article is expected to guide the reader in the literature giving him a clear picture of physical phenomena used in the reviewed area of research. From this point of view, I cannot understand why the authors insist on ‘the use of … magneto-plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles in PV applications’ (line #14, #54, #397). The text devoted to this theme (3.4.2. Heat Management) is unsatisfactory. Indeed, Fe₃O₄ is ferrimagnetic material. On the other hand, how this property is used in photovoltaics is not properly described. This section is to be rewritten completely or excluded altogether. The detailed comments are given in the attached file.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Comments 1: The authors considerably improved the manuscript. Nevertheless, I still have several comments. The review article is expected to guide the reader in the literature giving him a clear picture of physical phenomena used in the reviewed area of research. From this point of view, I cannot understand why the authors insist on ‘the use of … magneto-plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles in PV applications’ (line #14, #54, #397). The text devoted to this theme (3.4.2. Heat Management) is unsatisfactory. Indeed, Fe₃O₄ is ferrimagnetic material. On the other hand, how this property is used in photovoltaics is not properly described. This section is to be rewritten completely or excluded altogether. The detailed comments are given in the attached file.

Response 1: We sincerely thank the reviewers for this constructive comment. In response, we have completely removed the section discussing magneto-plasmonic core–shell nanoparticles (previously Section 3.4.2, Heat Management) from the manuscript, as well as all related references and mentions throughout the text. Specifically, we have excluded references to magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles in the abstract (line #14) and the introduction (line #54), among others. These changes have been clearly highlighted in the revised manuscript to assist in review. We appreciate the reviewer’s insightful observation, which helped us enhance the focus and clarity of the review.

This manuscript is a resubmission of an earlier submission. The following is a list of the peer review reports and author responses from that submission.

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper reviews plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles for PV application. It’s worth investigation, yet many of the contents are a bit cliched. Quite a few parts just some data without discussion on what, why, how. Especially the major challenges fall on the high cost and low controllability as they claimed “Current synthesis methods, such as chemical reduction and seed-mediated growth, are costly and lack precise control over the general patterning and the regularity of the NP arrays, which makes large-scale production very difficult at the moment” . The solutions section is more like an introduction, too brief and short. Why not focus on the real challenge and solution part? At the moment I do not think the solution part really solve the challenges. More importantly, there are no continuous flow synthesis or template-assisted

approaches in reference [183]. Please carefully check all your references! I would recommend a major revision.

Author Response

Comments: This paper reviews plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles for PV application. It’s worth investigation, yet many of the contents are a bit cliched. Quite a few parts just some data without discussion on what, why, how. Especially the major challenges fall on the high cost and low controllability as they claimed “Current synthesis methods, such as chemical reduction and seed-mediated growth, are costly and lack precise control over the general patterning and the regularity of the NP arrays, which makes large-scale production very difficult at the moment” . The solutions section is more like an introduction, too brief and short. Why not focus on the real challenge and solution part? At the moment I do not think the solution part really solve the challenges. More importantly, there are no continuous flow synthesis or template-assisted approaches in reference [183]. Please carefully check all your references! I would recommend a major revision.

Response:

We have made significant revisions to the "Challenges and Future Directions" section to improve its depth, clarity, and relevance. Specifically, we have:

1. Expanded Discussion of Challenges:
   We have provided a more comprehensive analysis of the challenges, including specific issues related to scalability, material stability, environmental concerns, synthesis methods, and material compatibility. This includes detailed discussions of the high costs and low controllability of the current synthesis methods (e.g., chemical reduction and seed-mediated growth), as highlighted in your comment. We also discuss the limitations of environmental stability and compatibility of plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles with photovoltaic systems.
2. Enhanced Solutions Section:
   The solutions section has been substantially revised to directly address the challenges discussed. We have linked each proposed solution explicitly to the corresponding challenge, ensuring that the solutions are no longer introductory but instead provide actionable strategies. For instance, we now discuss template-assisted and continuous flow synthesis methods as promising approaches for addressing scalability and cost issues. These methods are explored in greater depth to highlight their feasibility and their potential to overcome existing limitations.
3. Inclusion of Specific Examples and Strategies:
   To make the solutions section more robust, we have incorporated detailed examples and strategies. These additions clarify how each proposed solution addresses the identified challenges, making the section less theoretical and more practical.
4. Revised References:
   We carefully reviewed and updated the references to ensure their accuracy and relevance. The reference [183], which was identified as not containing the mentioned synthesis approaches, has been removed. Additionally, we have added new references (179–211) to support the expanded discussions and provide a more comprehensive context for the challenges and solutions.

We believe these extensive revisions will address your concerns and significantly improve the clarity, depth, and overall quality of the manuscript.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper reviews using plasmonic and magneto-plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles in PV applications through various experimental validations. The authors describe advancements in the design and control of core-shell nanoparticles' properties and highlight their integration into various solar cells based on their ability to fine-tune optical, electronic, and chemical properties. This work could be accepted after minor revisions.

 

1. The performance improvement data description is limited. It is recommended that quantitative data, such as a summary table, be added, as this will be more intuitive.

 

2. It is beneficial to understand the importance of this work; some references could be cited, such as 10.3390/nano12193295, 10.1016/j.surfin.2023.102680, 10.1021/acsami.3c07422.

 

3. The pictures, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6, are not clear enough. Please increase the resolution of the images.

 

4. The references have some formatting problems; please check them.

Author Response

Comment 1: The performance improvement data description is limited. It is recommended that quantitative data, such as a summary table, be added, as this will be more intuitive.

Response 1:

To provide a more intuitive and comprehensive overview of the performance improvements, we have added a summary table that consolidates the quantitative data discussed in the manuscript. This table highlights key metrics such as efficiency enhancements, material stability improvements, and other relevant parameters observed with the integration of plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles in photovoltaic devices. We believe this addition makes the data more accessible and allows for easier comparison across studies.

Table 1. Summary of Performance Enhancements with Plasmonic Core-Shell Nanoparticles in Photovoltaic Devices

Device	Type of core-shell Nanoparticles	Improvements in Efficiency	Reference
Organic Solar Cells	Ag@TiO₂	From 7.66% to 7.88%	[77]
Perovskite Solar Cells	Au@SiO₂	From 11.44% to 14.57%	[188]
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells	Ag@PVP	From 7.04% to 7.9%	[211]

Comment 2: It is beneficial to understand the importance of this work; some references could be cited, such as 10.3390/nano12193295, 10.1016/j.surfin.2023.102680, 10.1021/acsami.3c07422.

Response 2:

We have cited the suggested references (10.3390/nano12193295, 10.1016/j.surfin.2023.102680, 10.1021/acsami.3c07422) in the revised manuscript. These references have been incorporated into the discussion to provide additional context and support for the significance of the work, particularly regarding advancements in nanoparticle design, control, and their impact on PV applications. Note that the references have been added as numbers 138–140 in the updated reference list.

Comment 3: The pictures, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6, are not clear enough. Please increase the resolution of the images.

Response 3: The resolution of Figures 1 and 6 has been improved to ensure they are clear and of high quality. This enhancement should make the visual content more legible and effective in conveying the key concepts discussed in the manuscript.

Comment 4: The references have some formatting problems; please check them.

 

Response 4: We have carefully reviewed and corrected the formatting of all references to ensure consistency and adherence to the journal’s guidelines.

We trust that these revisions address your concerns and improve the overall quality of the manuscript.

 

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript is an updated review of plasmonic and magneto-plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles in PV applications.

It synthetically describes advancements in the design and control over their properties. Their ability to finely tune optical, electronic, and chemical properties is highlighted concerning the integration into various solar cells.

Gaps in the current research are identified concerning synthesis methods and stability assessments while promising new developments are pointed out.

The manuscript can be accepted in its present form

Author Response

Comments: The manuscript is an updated review of plasmonic and magneto-plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles in PV applications.

 

It synthetically describes advancements in the design and control over their properties. Their ability to finely tune optical, electronic, and chemical properties is highlighted concerning the integration into various solar cells.

 

Gaps in the current research are identified concerning synthesis methods and stability assessments while promising new developments are pointed out.

 

The manuscript can be accepted in its present form.

 

Response:

Thank you for your positive feedback and for acknowledging the strengths of the manuscript. We are glad that the review effectively highlights the advancements, gaps, and promising developments in the field of plasmonic and magneto-plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles for photovoltaic applications. We appreciate your recommendation for acceptance in its present form.

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

the manuscript has been improved quite a bit yet it still needs more details. It would be better to enrich the solution part on how and why? It claims to solve the problem and then why we do not see these application in the industry? Therefore, please get more details into the solution part.

Author Response

Comments: The manuscript needs more details, especially regarding the solutions section. It should clarify why these solutions have not yet been adopted in the industry.

Response: We appreciate this insightful suggestion and have thoroughly expanded the solutions section to address the challenges and barriers to industrial application of core-shell nanoparticles (NPs). Specifically, we have:

 

1. Added a Detailed Discussion: We incorporated the following into the solutions section. This addition systematically explains the barriers to industrial adoption, including:

• Cost-Benefit Trade-offs: Discussing the high costs of techniques like ALD and lithographic patterning.
• Technical Challenges: Highlighting the difficulties in achieving uniformity and scalability.
• Lack of Standardization: Identifying inconsistencies between laboratory results and industrial applications.
• Environmental Regulations: Outlining the impact of regulatory restrictions on material selection.
• Market Dynamics: Describing the competitive landscape of the PV industry and its influence on the adoption of new technologies.

2. Revised the Solutions Section:We integrated the above points into the discussion of each proposed solution. For instance:

• In Scalable Synthesis Techniques, we acknowledged the high costs and technical hurdles that currently limit methods like continuous flow synthesis from scaling to industrial levels.
• In Improving Long-term Stability, we addressed the expense of ALD for robust shell materials and proposed potential cost-effective alternatives.

3. Cited New References: We have included additional references ([192-223]) to support our expanded discussion and substantiate our claims about technical and market challenges.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf