Article
Energy & Fuels
Aycan Atli, Abdullah Yildiz
Summary: An opaque platinum film as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells demonstrates enhanced reflectivity, smaller resistance, and excellent adhesion properties. As a result, the DSSC with the opaque platinum film achieves a higher electrical power conversion efficiency compared to the transparent platinum film under the same conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
G. Syrrokostas, K. Bhorkar, L. Sygellou, V. Dracopoulos, G. Leftheriotis, S. N. Yannopoulos
Summary: In this study, it is demonstrated that PtSe2 films, prepared by soft selenization of pre-deposited Pt, are highly efficient counter electrodes (CEs) in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Devices based on PtSe2 achieve better photoconversion efficiency (9.5±1.2%) compared to those using bare Pt CE (9.18±0.21%), even with lower Pt loading. The improved performance of PtSe2 CEs is attributed to the higher availability of catalytic active sites and more effective mechanism of interfacial electron transfer.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shuang Lu, Mingzhu Chen, Yinglin Wang, Rong Li, Jun Lin, Xintong Zhang
Summary: The study demonstrates a method to improve the conductivity and catalytic performance of MoS2 synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) using reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The MoS2/rGO hybrids combine the abundant active sites of MoS2 with the excellent conductivity of rGO to reduce electron transfer resistance at the CE/electrolyte interface, leading to increased efficiency and stability. This scalable and simple strategy shows potential for synthesizing efficient materials in various electrochemical applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Andi Zhao, Shiqi Huang, Jianting Huang, Ping Hu, Haijuan Mao, Caiyun Chen, Yafeng Li, Mingdeng Wei
Summary: Pt nanoparticles are deposited on nickel foam via a mild displacement reaction at room temperature, producing efficient and flexible Pt counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). By prolonging the reaction time, the catalytic activities of the Pt counter electrode can be enhanced. The approach is facile and can be scaled up for large production of efficient flexible counter electrodes in DSSCs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinyu Wang, Qingxiao Zhang, Wen Wang, Hui Zhang, Jie Wang, Qun Yang, Xueqin Zuo, Guang Li, Shaowei Jin
Summary: In this study, a hydrothermal method combined with phosphate annealing was used to successfully prepare a MoO2/MoP heterostructure, which showed excellent electrical conductivity and catalytic activity. The DSSC fabricated with MoO2/MoP achieved a higher conversion efficiency compared to MoO2 and platinum.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Li-Jiao Ma, Jia-Bin Shi, Gang Wang, Zi-Zhuo Fu, Yang-Hong Wu, Bing-Xin Lei, Zhen-Fan Sun
Summary: The study successfully developed a mirror-like NiCo2S4/TiO2 CE with high reflectance ability, which can achieve a higher photoelectric conversion efficiency in DSSCs compared to traditional Pt CE.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Junning Qian, Qingyi Lu, Feng Xu, Guohang He, Jiangbin Xia
Summary: Through rational molecular design, two triarylmethane compounds were synthesized and made into counter electrodes. The prepared PTDM nanosphere showed excellent electrocatalytic performance in dye-sensitized solar cells, achieving a high power conversion efficiency.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Pooja A. Mithari, Avinash C. Mendhe, Swapnil S. Karade, Babasaheb R. Sankapal, Sujata R. Patrikar
Summary: The simple chemical bath deposition method successfully prepared MoS2 nanoflakes/MWCNTs thin-film composite material as the counter electrode in DSSCs, significantly increasing the photovoltaic conversion efficiency. The synergistic effect of the two materials resulted in improved electrocatalytic activity and lower charge transfer resistance at the CE/electrolyte interface.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Paul K. Ngumbi, Simon W. Mugo, James M. Ngaruiya, Sebusi Odisitse, Cecil K. King'ondu
Summary: The study investigated the plasmonic influence of gold nanoparticles on the performance of graphene-platinum nano-composite counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells. The results showed that the synergy of graphene and gold nanoparticles in the platinum-based counter electrodes could significantly enhance the efficiency of the solar cells.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nadia Shahzad, Lutfullah, Tahira Perveen, Diego Pugliese, Sirajul Haq, Nusrat Fatima, Syed Muhammad Salman, Alberto Tagliaferro, Muhammad Imran Shahzad
Summary: Efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness are the prime challenges in research of materials for solar cells. This study explores carbon nanotubes as alternative counter electrode materials for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and discusses various classes of carbon nanotube-based counter electrode materials comprehensively. The properties associated with these materials are analyzed and compared. Additionally, this study includes a brief overview of materials for other components of DSSCs.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xueman Gao, Zhitao Shen, Gentian Yue, Yueyue Gao, Chen Dong, Rong Liu, Jihuai Wu, Furui Tan
Summary: The CoP/CoMoP2 composite CE designed with a sodium molybdate-assisted strategy showed better performance in DSSCs compared to traditional Pt and CoP CEs, achieving an impressive power conversion efficiency of 8.69%.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Chang Xu, Xuan Zhao, Mengyao Sun, Jingyuan Ma, Mingxing Wu
Summary: Two typical 2D layered MXenes, Ti3C2 and V2C, were synthesized as counter electrode catalysts in dye-sensitized solar cells, with Ti3C2 demonstrating superior performance over V2C. By optimizing the etching time of Ti3C2 and postprocessing with KOH aqueous solutions, the power conversion efficiency of the device was significantly improved. The high catalytic behavior of Ti3C2 is attributed to its 2D layer structure, making it a potential candidate as a noble metal electrode alternative.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Pooja A. Mithari, Avinash C. Mendhe, Suraj R. Sankapal, Sujata R. Patrikar, Babasaheb R. Sankapal
Summary: Bi2Se3 nanoparticles were anchored on multiwalled carbon nanotubes using the SILAR method to create a nanohybrid composite electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell applications. The well-optimized composite showed superior performance compared to bare MWCNTs and Bi2Se3, thanks to the synergistic electrochemical active sites between Bi2Se3 and MWCNTs. The composite electrode also exhibited enhanced stability and efficient charge transfer in the DSSC.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
S. Kannan, P. Thamaraiselvan, K. A. Rameshkumar, P. Maadeswaran, M. Gomathi
Summary: By preparing MoTe2/g-C3N4 thin films on FTO glass substrate, the CE in DSSCs can achieve higher power conversion efficiency and exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shanmuganathan Venkatesan, Dornauli Manurung, Hsisheng Teng, Yuh-Lang Lee
Summary: Different methods were used to fabricate PEDOT/Pt and PEDOT-Pt composite films as counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. It was found that PEDOT/Pt film exhibited the highest efficiency, while the PEDOT-Pt film showed the lowest efficiency. X-ray analysis revealed that Pt in the PEDOT/Pt film maintained a crystalline structure with slight interaction with PEDOT, while Pt in the PEDOT-Pt film was amorphous. The crystalline Pt and its interaction with PEDOT were identified as the key factors contributing to the high efficiencies of the corresponding cells.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Sultan Irshad, Yabin Hao, Naila Arshad, Muneerah Alomar, Liangyou Lin, Xiuqiang Li, Swelm. Wageh, Omar A. Al-Hartomy, Abdullah G. Al-Sehemi, Van-Duong Dao, Hao Wang, Xianbao Wang, Han Zhang
Summary: This study reports a highly efficient solar evaporator with improved evaporation rate and resistance to salt accumulation. The system is achieved by depositing Fe3O4@PPy nanospheres on a self-floating cellulose evaporator and optimizing the positive charge density of R-NH+ groups. It also demonstrates the capability to generate electricity from solar energy.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nam-Anh Tran, Nguyen Thi Hien, Nguyen Minh Hoang, Hai-Linh Thi Dang, Do Quang Huy, Tran Van Quy, Nguyen Thi Hanh, Ngoc Hung Vu, Van-Duong Dao
Summary: Carbon dots (CDs) have gained significant attention in recent years due to their excellent properties. Their applications in various fields such as energy conversion and storage, photovoltaics, biomedical, and environmental treatment have been explored. This progress report summarizes the recent achievements in the synthesis and applications of CDs in environmental treatment and protection, including pollutant detection, adsorption, degradation, solar-to-steam generation system, separation membranes, and antibacterial and anti-fungal activities. The future opportunities and challenges in developing CDs applications for environmental issues are also discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Nguyen Minh Hoang, Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Le Thi Phuong Thao, Nam-Anh Tran, Dao Thi My Hanh, Phan Thi Lan Huong, Quang-Duy Dao, Le Tu, Ho Xuan Nang, Van-Duong Dao
Summary: We present a facile method for the synthesis of dual-emission carbon dots (DE-CDs) and study the effect of reaction temperature on their morphology and optical properties. The prepared DE-CDs exhibit two emission peaks at 430 and 520 nm, and the reaction temperature has a significant impact on their morphology and fluorescence properties. The intensity ratio between the main peak at 430 nm and the sub-peak at 520 nm can be manipulated by varying the reaction temperature, which is beneficial for various applications.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xuyan Liu, Lei Sun, Ngoc Hung Vu, Dang Thi Hai Linh, Phan Thi Dien, Le Thi Hoa, Do Thi Lien, Ho Xuan Nang, Van-Duong Dao
Summary: LiFePO4/carbon/graphene (LFP/C/G) composites were synthesized through a solvothermal method. The combination of graphene and carbon coating resulted in improved electrochemical properties of LFP/C/G composites compared to LFP/C-15 and LFP/G-5. Particularly, LFP/C/G with a graphene content of 15% exhibited the highest initial discharge specific capacity and a high capacity retention rate after cycling, proving the promising technique of co-modification with graphene and carbon coating for LFP improvement.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hoang Nguyen Minh, Ngoc Nguyen Thi Bich, Huong Phan Thi Lan, Huyen Phan Thi Thanh, Duy Dao Quang, Van-Duong Dao, Tu Le Tuan
Summary: Herein, dual-emission carbon dots (DE-CDs) were synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal method. DE-CDs exhibited two well-separated peaks at 433 and 513 nm under ultraviolet excitation. The prepared DE-CDs offer selective detection of Fe3+ ions via inner filter effect (IFE) and Pb2+ ions via aggregation-induced enhancement (AIE). The obtained DE-CDs showed a good affinity for both Fe3+ and Pb2+ ions in the presence of various interfering ions. The limits of detection were 0.797 ppm and 4.739 ppm for Pb2+ and Fe3+, respectively. The finding reveals the huge potential of DE-CDs for the selective detection of multiple targets in one solution.
JOURNAL OF FLUORESCENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Pham Thi Lan Huong, Nguyen Van Quang, Nguyen Thi Huyen, Ha Thu Huong, Duong Anh Tuan, Manh Trung Tran, Quang Vinh Tran, Ta Ngoc Bach, Nguyen Tu, Van-Duong Dao
Summary: ZnO/Fe3O4 heteronanostructures exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity under both UV and visible light, with up to 99.7% degradation efficiency for methylene blue. The enhancement could be explained by electron transfer.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ba Thong Trinh, Hanjun Cho, Deunchan Lee, Oleksii Omelianovych, Taehun Kim, Sy Khiem Nguyen, Ho-Suk Choi, Hongki Kim, Ilsun Yoon
Summary: A simple in situ method is introduced to fabricate Au nanoparticles on cellulose filter papers as dual-functional substrates for solar-to-steam (STS) generation and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensing. The substrates exhibit high solar absorption and achieve a stable evaporation rate under sunlight illumination. Enriched SERS hotspots between AuNPs endow the substrates with the ability to detect chemical contamination in water, and the purified water can be analyzed using SERS for confirmation.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Sultan Irshad, Naila Arshad, M. Sohail Asghar, Yabin Hao, Muneerah Alomar, Shaohui Zhang, Jian Zhang, Jinming Guo, Iftikhar Ahmed, Naveed Mushtaq, M. A. K. Yousaf Shah, Laila Noureen, S. Wageh, Omar A. Al-Hartomy, Abul Kalam, Van-Duong Dao, Hao Wang, Xianbao Wang, Han Zhang
Summary: This study provides a systematic review of the recent advancements in the application of emerging 2D materials in solar-driven interfacial evaporation systems, aiming to promote the utilization of underutilized auxiliary energy sources in future integrated water, energy, and environmental systems. The research discusses the latest progress in 2D photothermal materials, including structural optimization strategies, modulation of photothermal performances, and hybrid applications in thermoelectricity, salt recovery, and hydrogen production. The challenges and future perspectives of 2D emerging materials and their hybrid evaporation structures are also mentioned.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Naila Arshad, Muhammad Sultan Irshad, Muneerah Alomar, Jinming Guo, M. Sohail Asghar, Naveed Mushtaq, M. A. K. Yousaf, Uzma Ghazanfar, Matiullah Shah, Xianbao Wang, Yabin Hao, Lien Thi Do, Van-Duong Dao, Hao Wang, Zhengbiao Ouyang, Han Zhang
Summary: Solar-driven water purification technology using advanced functional nanomaterials achieves efficient water evaporation and thermoelectric generation, exhibiting excellent salt resistance and thermal insulation properties, with potential applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Van Toan Nguyen, Duy Khoe Dinh, Nguyen M. C. H. P. Lan, Quang Hung Trinh, Md. Mokter Hossain, Van-Duong Dao, Young Sun Mok
Summary: This paper explores the formation and role of reactive species in the degradation of MEK using plasma catalysis in a honeycomb monolith reactor. Various experiments were conducted with different discharge gases and a novel method was introduced to identify the reactive species and their contributions. The study found that O atoms play a dominant role in the plasma catalytic removal of MEK and oxygen activation from surface chemisorption contributes mainly to MEK oxidation. The proposed reaction mechanisms were based on the analysis of byproducts.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ngoc Hung Vu, Hong Ha Thi Vu, Ho Xuan Nang, Phan Thi Dien, Le Thi Hoa, Won Bin Im, Vu Thu Ha, Luu Anh Tuyen, Nguyen Quang Hung, Van-Duong Dao
Summary: The conflicting roles of F doping on the electrochemical performance of layered-spinel Li1.2Mn0.75Ni0.25O2-zFz (z = 0, 0.05, 0.1) cathode materials are studied. F doping content affects the phase ratio and leads to different effects on the cathode. When z = 0.05, it improves cycle stability but reduces cathode capacity. However, increasing F doping to z = 0.1 results in the best cycle stability with high capacity retention.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Minh Hoang Nguyen, Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Hoang Van Huy, Quang Duy Dao, Tuan Tu Le, Hai-Linh Thi Dang, Nam-Anh Tran, Vu Quang Minh, Tran Van Tan, Do Thi Lien, Nguyen Thi Khanh Huyen, Van-Duong Dao
Summary: Water purification by solar distillation using carbonaceous materials as sorption layer is a green and promising approach. In this study, carbon spheres and carbon dots were synthesized and used to construct a closed water treatment system. The carbon spheres acted as solar-thermal membranes for water harvesting and purification of Fe3+ ions, while the carbon dots were used to determine the Fe3+ ions in water. The system showed a high evaporation rate and efficient treatment of Fe3+ ions. The work represents a significant step forward in the field of closed water treatment systems.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hoang Hiep, Pham Tuan Anh, Van-Duong Dao, Dang Viet Quang
Summary: TiO2 nanoparticles grafted on lightweight fired clay were used as a floating photocatalyst to remove herbicide 2,4-D from water. Experimental results showed that 60.2% of 2,4-D could be decomposed in 250 min under UV light with the TiO2-grafted floating photocatalyst. The floating photocatalysts can degrade approximately 50% 2,4-D in 250 min under sunlight and the degradation efficiency is stable for cycles. The study highlights the potential and greener approach of using floating photocatalysts for removing herbicide contaminants in water.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Van Tan Tran, Van-Duong Dao, Huu-Quang Nguyen, Lemma Teshome Tufa, Jaebeom Lee, Van-Tuan Hoang, Anh-Tuan Le
Summary: This study introduces a novel, selective, and straightforward paper-based colorimetric sensing platform for the detection of chloride ions in water. The method utilizes magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles and is based on the chemical reaction between silver ions and chloride ions. The assay demonstrates high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability, making it applicable for chloride analysis in various technological fields.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Top Khac Le, The-Hung Mai, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, Dimitra Vernardou, Van-Duong Dao, Vinoth Kumar Ponnusamy, Chandra Sekhar Rout, Phuong V. Pham
Summary: Graphene has gained attention for solar energy harvesting due to its unique features. However, limitations such as band gapless molecular orbitals, vulnerability to oxidation, and toxic properties hinder its widespread adoption. Researchers have explored methods to improve graphene/Si-based solar cells by doping with ionic liquids and optimizing the interface between graphene and silicon. Despite progress, challenges including low Schottky barrier height, transfer techniques, and high lateral resistivity still need to be addressed.
