Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thomas Defferriere, Dino Klotz, Juan Carlos Gonzalez-Rosillo, Jennifer L. M. Rupp, Harry L. Tuller
Summary: The study shows that grain boundary resistance in solid ionic conductors can be decreased by illuminating with above-bandgap light. Experimental results demonstrate the increase in grain boundary conductance of a 3 mol% Gd-doped ceria thin film by approximately 3.5 times at 250 degrees C, with the reduction of activation energy from 1.12 to 0.68 eV under illumination. The discovered opto-ionic effect could potentially contribute to the development of new electrochemical storage and conversion technologies, as well as fast and contactless control or diagnosis of ionic conduction in polycrystalline solids.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zachary F. Lustig, Tushar Shimpi, Amit Munshi, Akash Shah, Blake Hill, Walajabad S. Sampath
Summary: This study investigated the effects of CuCl treatment process parameters on the performance of CdSexTe1-x/CdTe graded absorber photovoltaic devices. A statistically designed experiment was conducted to determine the significance of several factors, and regression models and mathematical prediction expressions were generated. Two out of the eight CuCl processing conditions yielded devices with an efficiency of 19%+, revealing new highly effective doping conditions for CuCl.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tursun Ablekim, Joel N. Duenow, Craig L. Perkins, John Moseley, Xin Zheng, Thomas Bidaud, Berengere Frouin, Stephane Collin, Matthew O. Reese, Mahisha Amarasinghe, Eric Colegrove, Steve Johnston, Wyatt K. Metzger
Summary: By using large CdSeTe grains at the absorber/emitter interface, intragrain passivation in the absorber layer, and chemical passivation by forming nanoscale oxidized tellurium species at the transparent conducting oxide interface, the carrier lifetime in CdTe solar cells has significantly increased to values exceeding 200 ns.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Thomas Fiducia, Ashley Howkins, Ali Abbas, Budhika Mendis, Amit Munshi, Kurt Barth, Walajabad Sampath, John Walls
Summary: Cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells achieve high efficiencies through passivation of grain boundaries and grain interior defects. The use of selenium alloying in Cd(Se-x,Te1-x) material further improves the passivation effect, providing new possibilities for efficiency improvement and cost reduction in solar electricity.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hafiz Tariq Masood, Shoaib Anwer, Syed Awais Rouf, Asif Nawaz, Tariq Javed, Tariq Munir, Lianxi Zheng, Wang Deliang
Summary: By utilizing hydrothermally synthesized WO3 nanosheets, a unique thin-film back contact was designed for CdTe solar cells, replacing traditional Cu contacts. The energy barrier at the WO3/CdTe interface was significantly reduced, resulting in improved performance of CdTe thin-film solar cells with WO3 NSs as a buffer layer.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mamoona Riffat, Hassan Ali, H. A. Qayyum, M. Bilal, Tanvir Hussain
Summary: Solar-driven hydrogen production using a photocatalyst is the most effective method, and hydrogen is the most suitable renewable energy source. The efficiency of hydrogen production is low, but it can be enhanced by using a suitable photocatalyst. This study deposited ZnO thin films on CdTe thin films to form ZnO/CdTe heterostructure thin films as photoelectrodes for water splitting. The results showed that ZnO/CdTe heterostructure thin films have better photocurrent response and charge transfer compared to pure ZnO and CdTe thin films.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thuraisamykurukkal Thivakarasarma, Adikari Arachchige Isuru Lakmal, Buddhika Senarath Dassanayake, Dhayalan Velauthapillai, Punniamoorthy Ravirajan
Summary: This study focuses on fabricating efficient CdS/CdTe thin-film solar cells by using thermally evaporated CuI as the hole-transporting material. The results show that CdS/CdTe solar cells with CuI as the hole-transporter have higher power conversion efficiency and stability compared to those with conventional Cu back contacts.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Manni Chen, Zhipeng Zhang, Zesheng Lv, Runze Zhan, Huanjun Chen, Hao Jiang, Jun Chen
Summary: Polycrystalline Ga2O3 nanostructure-based thin films were prepared and characterized for their microstructure, optical properties, and photodetector performance. Annealed Ga2O3 thin films exhibited larger grains, shorter UV absorption wavelength, low dark current, and high responsivity rejection ratio. The fast response of the photodetector was attributed to the reduced defects and grain boundaries in the annealed Ga2O3 thin film.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Darius Kuciauskas, Siming Li, John Moseley, David Albin, Chungho Lee, Arthur Louis Onno, Zachary Charles Holman
Summary: Cd(Se)Te solar cells have potential for increasing voltage, with voltage losses mainly attributed to nonradiative recombination quantified by carrier lifetime and radiative efficiency. The majority of voltage losses are found to be due to recombination in the absorber bulk, with front interface recombination having a larger impact within the first few nanoseconds after excitation. Time-resolved photoluminescence experiments can be used to assess the relative contributions of different recombination rates.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Camellia Doroody, Kazi Sajedur Rahman, Tiong Sieh Kiong, Nowshad Amin
Summary: This study investigates the integrability of different alternatives of CdS as the potential window layers in CdTe thin film solar cells. The results show that the incorporation of oxygen and CdZnS enhances the photo-current collection and improves the performance of the cells. However, carrier recombination affects the stability of the CdZnS layer. The proposed CdS:O window layer improves the conversion efficiency, Jsc, Voc, and FF. The experimental results validate the findings of the simulation.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Deborah L. McGott, Craig L. Perkins, Matthew O. Reese
Summary: One of the main challenges in the research of cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells is their low open-circuit voltage (V-OC) of approximately 800-900 mV, despite the theoretical possibility of V-OC > 1 V. Improvements in the opto-electronic properties of the absorber material suggest that the interfaces become limiting factors. NREL has developed a novel technique to cleave polycrystalline CdTe device stacks at the front interface, allowing for characterization and manipulation of this important region. This technique has led to key scientific discoveries and practical applications in flexible, low-cost solar cells with a high power-to-weight ratio.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Antonio Arce-Plaza, F. J. Sanchez-Rodriguez, Maykel Courel, Rene Perez-Cuapio, J. A. Alvarado, J. Roque, M. Ortega-Lopez
Summary: A novel process for CdTe synthesis and deposition in solar cells technology was introduced, resulting in enhanced performance and reduced production costs. The photovoltaic devices manufactured using this process showed improved properties, as demonstrated by various characterization techniques and J-V analysis.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Osama Ayadi, Reem Shadid, Abdullah Bani-Abdullah, Mohammad Alrbai, Mohammad Abu-Mualla, NoorAldeen Balah
Summary: Solar photovoltaic (PV) is the fastest growing renewable energy technology in terms of installed capacity worldwide. A study conducted on a solar field in Jordan for six years found that different PV technologies have varying performance indicators, with the Mono South system achieving the highest efficiency and the Thin-film south system recording the lowest efficiency.
Article
Physics, Applied
Rong Wang, Mu Lan, Su-Huai Wei
Summary: Recent studies have shown that alloying with CdSe can improve the performance and lifetime of CdTe-based solar cells. Se has the ability to passivate deep GB defect levels in CdTe, reducing carrier recombination and enhancing solar cell performance.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Waqas Farooq, Muhammad Ali Musarat, Javed Iqbal, Syed Asfandyar Ali Kazmi, Adnan Daud Khan, Wesam Salah Alaloul, Abdullah O. Baarimah, Ashraf Y. Elnaggar, Sherif S. M. Ghoneim, Ramy N. R. Ghaly
Summary: This paper presents a numerical modeling study on thin-film organic solar cells with distributed Bragg reflector pairs, showing that implementing three DBR pairs can significantly enhance power conversion efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sergey Yu. Ketkov, Sheng-Yuan Tzeng, Elena A. Rychagova, Anton N. Lukoyanov, Wen-Bih Tzeng
Summary: Metallocenes, including methylcobaltocene, play important roles in various fields of chemistry. The ionization energy and vibrational structure of (Cp ')(Cp)Co can be influenced by introducing methyl substituents. The mass-analyzed threshold ionization spectrum and DFT calculations provide accurate information about the properties and transformations of (Cp ')(Cp)Co.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Qifeng Mu, Jian Hu
Summary: Polymer mechanochemistry has experienced a renaissance due to the rapid development of mechanophores and principles governing mechanochemical transduction or material strengthening. It has not only provided fundamental guidelines for converting mechanical energy into chemical output, but also found applications in engineering and smart devices.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Da Hye Yang, Francesco Ricci, Fredrik L. Nordstrom, Na Li
Summary: Through systematic evaluation of the oiling-out behavior of procaine, we identified both stable and metastable liquid-liquid phase separation, and established phase diagrams to assist in rational selection of crystallization strategies.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vikki Anand Varma, Simmie Jaglan, Mohd Yasir Khan, Sujin B. Babu
Summary: Designing engineering structures like nanocages, shells, and containers through self-assembly of colloids is a challenging problem. This work proposes a simple model for the subunit, which leads to the formation of monodispersed spherical cages or containers. The model with only one control parameter can be used to design cages with the desired radius.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hainan Jiang, Yaolong He, Xiaolin Li, Zhiyao Jin, Huijie Yu, Dawei Li
Summary: The cycling lifespan and coulombic efficiency of lithium-ion batteries are crucial for high C-rate applications. The Li-ion concentration plays a crucial role in determining the mechanical integrity and structural stability of electrodes. This study focuses on graphite as the working electrode and establishes an experimental system to investigate the mechanical properties of composite graphite electrode at different C-rates. Considering the effect of Li-ion concentration in stress analysis is found to be significant.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhiye Wang, Yunchuan Li, Mingjun Sun
Summary: This study investigates the influence of intramolecular pi-pi interactions on the electronic transport capabilities of molecules. By designing and analyzing three pi-conjugated molecules, the researchers observe that different pi-conjugated structures have varying effects on electron transport. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for designing single-molecule electronic devices with multiple electron channels based on intramolecular pi-pi interactions.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuandong Xu, Haoyang Feng, Chaoyang Dong, Yuqing Yang, Meng Zhou, Yajun Wei, Hui Guo, Yaqing Wei, Jishan Su, Yingying Ben, Xia Zhang
Summary: Hollow MoS2 cubes and spheres were successfully synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method with the hard template method. The hollow MoS2 cubes exhibited higher specific capacitance and energy density compared to the hollow MoS2 spheres. The symmetrical supercapacitors assembled with these hollow structures showed good performance and high capacity retention after multiple cycles. These findings suggest that controlling the pore structure and surface characteristics of MoS2 is crucial for enhancing its electrochemical properties.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ainhoa Oliden-Sanchez, Rebeca Sola-Llano, Joaquin Perez-Pariente, Luis Gomez-Hortiguela, Virginia Martinez-Martinez
Summary: The combination of photoactive molecules and inorganic structures is important for the development of advanced materials in optics. In this study, bulky dyes were successfully encapsulated in a zeolitic framework, resulting in emission throughout the visible spectrum.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miaomiao Zhang, Cunyuan Pei, Qiqi Xiang, Lintao Liu, Zhongxu Dai, Huijuan Ma, Shibing Ni
Summary: The design of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays a crucial role in improving the electrochemical performance of anode materials. In this study, lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB) is used as an electrolyte additive to form a protective SEI film on Li3VO4 (LVO) anodes. The addition of LiDFOB results in a dense, uniform, stable, and LiF-richer SEI, which enhances the Li-ion storage kinetics. The generated SEI also prevents further decomposition of the electrolyte and maintains the morphology of LVO anodes during charge/discharge processes. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of LiDFOB as a multi-functional additive for LiPF6 electrolytes and provides insights into SEI construction for high-performance LVO anodes.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
B. V. Andryushechkin, T. V. Pavlova, V. M. Shevlyuga
Summary: The atomic structure of the Ag(111)-p(4 x 4)-O phase was reexamined and two phases with the same periodicity were discovered. It was demonstrated that the accepted Ag6 model is incompatible with high-resolution oxygen-sensitive STM images.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. L. Romo-Avila, D. Marquez-Ruiz, R. A. Guirado-Lopez
Summary: In this study, we used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the interaction between model graphene oxide (GO) nanostructures and chlorine monoxide ClO. We aimed to understand the role of this highly oxidizing species in breaking C-C bonds and forming significant holes on GO sheets. Our results showed that C-C bonds in a single graphene oxide sheet can be broken through a simple mechanism involving the dissociation of two chemically attached ClO molecules. The formation of carbonyl groups and holes on the GO surface was also observed. This study provides important insights into the degradation of carbon nanotubes and the stability of GO during the myeloperoxidase (MPO) catalytic cycle.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alberto Garcia-Fernandez, Birgit Kammlander, Stefania Riva, Hakan Rensmo, Ute B. Cappel
Summary: In this study, the X-ray stability of five different lead halide perovskite compositions (MAPbI3, MAPbCl3, MAPbBr3, FAPbBr3, CsPbBr3) was investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy. Different degradation mechanisms and resistance to X-ray were observed depending on the crystal composition. Overall, perovskite compositions based on the MA+ cation were found to be less stable than those based on FA+ or Cs+. Metallic lead formation was most easily observed in the chloride perovskite, followed by bromide, and very little in MAPbI3. Multiple degradation processes were identified for the bromide compositions, including ion migration, formation of volatile and solid products, as well as metallic lead. CsBr was formed as a solid degradation product on the surface of CsPbBr3.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Timofei Rostilov, Vadim Ziborov, Alexander Dolgoborodov, Mikhail Kuskov
Summary: The shock-loading behavior of nanomaterials is investigated in this study. It is found that shock compaction waves exhibit a distinct two-step structure, with the formation of faster precursor waves that travel ahead of the main compaction waves. The complexity of the shock Hugoniot curve of the tested nanomaterial is described, and the effect of initial porosity on the compressed states is demonstrated.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sergey S. Nikitin, Alexander D. Koryakov, Elizaveta A. Antipinskaya, Alexey A. Markov, Mikhail V. Patrakeev
Summary: The stability of La1/3Sr2/3Fe1-xMnxO3-delta, a perovskite-type oxide, under reducing conditions is dependent on the manganese content. Increasing the manganese content leads to a decrease in stability. The behavior of iron and manganese in the oxide shows distinct differences, which can be attributed to the difference in the enthalpy of oxidation reactions. Additionally, the change in the La/Sr ratio affects the concentration of iron and manganese ions.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mosayeb Naseri, Shirin Amirian, Mehrdad Faraji, Mohammad Abdur Rashid, Maicon Pierre Lourenco, Venkataraman Thangadurai, D. R. Salahub
Summary: Inspired by the successful transfer of freestanding ultrathin films of SrTiO3 and BiFeO3, this study assessed the structural stability and investigated the electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of a group of two-dimensional perovskite-type materials called perovskenes. The findings revealed that these materials are wide bandgap semiconductors with potential application in UV shielding. Moreover, they exhibit better electrical and thermal conductivity at high temperatures, enabling efficient power generation in thermoelectric devices.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2024)