Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ehsan Shaghouli, Nosrat Granpayeh, Negin Manavizadeh
Summary: A combined structure of silver fractal-like nano-particles and leaky wave nanoantennas is proposed for ultra-thin silicon solar cells. The nano-cuboid pattern embedded in the anti-reflective coating enhances photon absorptions by utilizing different optical modes and increases the electric field in the upper region of the absorber layer. The hybrid plasmonic mode in the optical nanoantenna structure focuses and directs incoming light, improving photon absorptions at long wavelengths.
RESULTS IN PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mahmoud H. Elshorbagy, Pablo A. Sanchez, Alexander Cuadrado, Javier Alda, Oscar Esteban
Summary: Incorporating an optimized nano-dimer structure into a-Si:H ultra-thin solar cells can significantly enhance the deliverable short-circuit current and reduce the total reflectance by about 50%. The nano-dimer structure made of high-index refractive material like GaP plays a key role in efficiently scattering light and increasing absorption in the active layer.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Qian Chen, Jian Chen, Aidi Ren, Wei Wang, Zhixiang Huang, Lixia Yang, Xianliang Wu, Xianling Liang
Summary: The study proposes a metal solar-cell phased array antenna composed of 36 units with a rectangular grid. The antenna is made up of leaf-shaped metal radiators, feeding and ground probes, a solar cell, and a metal ground. The solar cell is located on the metal ground, and the radiators are hollowed out to reduce shadow area. The antenna has a wide working bandwidth, a high phase scanning angle, high aperture efficiency, and high output power compared to a pure solar cell. This scalable antenna can be used for CubeSats.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yi Xu, Baowei Gao, Axin He, Tongzhou Zhang, Jiasen Zhang
Summary: The study presents and experimentally demonstrates a cross-layered all-optical 3D router using optical slot antenna pairs to achieve nanoscale footprint routing, enabling arbitrary direction routing of plasmonic signals between different layers. This configuration paves the way for future research and applications of high integration density 3D plasmonic circuits.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohammadreza Rohaninezhad, Meysam Jalali Asadabadi, Changiz Ghobadi, Javad Nourinia
Summary: In this study, a transparent super wideband CPW antenna was designed and built with the combination of solar panels for use in wireless communication equipment and systems that require mobile power. The antenna demonstrated high transparency and conductivity, and performed well in terms of frequency range and performance parameters testing.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Qian Chen, Zichao Li, Wei Wang, Zhixiang Huang, Xianling Liang, Xianliang Wu
Summary: This study proposes a broadband dual-polarized solar cell phased array antenna that utilizes crisscross distributed metal-meshed tie-shaped dipoles and circular metal-meshed patches to extend the operational bandwidth. It has high aperture efficiency and output power ratio. The antenna is suitable for self-sustained 5G wireless communication system for sub-6 GHz applications.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ANTENNAS AND PROPAGATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Inzamam Ahmad, Shakir Ullah, Jalal Ud Din, Sadiq Ullah, Waseem Ullah, Usman Habib, Salahuddin Khan, Jaume Anguera
Summary: This article presents a broadband optical nano-antenna with high gain and directionality, suitable for optical communication and sensing applications, as well as optical energy harvesting.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hongen Li, Yizhi Hu, Hao Wang, Qi Tao, Yonggang Zhu, Yue Yang
Summary: A composite light-trapping structure is proposed in this study, utilizing a double-layer antireflection coating on the upper surface and Ag hemispheres on the substrate to enhance full-spectrum light absorption. The light-trapping effects remain efficient over different thicknesses of the active layer, with the short-circuit current density (J(sc)) of thin-film solar cells approaching the theoretical limit with the optimized structure.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ming Yuan, Si Liu, Hong Li, Yifeng Gao, Shui Yu, Yaming Yu, Lingyi Meng, Wen Liu, Jiaoxia Zhang, Peng Gao
Summary: Solar cells are renewable green energy sources that can address environmental pollution and the scarcity of fossil fuels, making them of great interest to scientists. The use of surface plasmon resonance to enhance solar device performance is a promising concept. In this study, gold nanorods were introduced into the perovskite active layer to form composites, resulting in improved short circuit current density, filling factor, and power conversion efficiency. The plasmon resonance effect enhances the light-harvesting ability of the perovskite layer, leading to increased carrier formation and reduced carrier recombination.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Mohammed S. G. Hamed, Jude N. Ike, Genene Tessema Mola
Summary: A Cd-doped ZnO nano-composite was synthesized and incorporated into a thin film organic solar cell to enhance photon harvesting. The nano-composite formed different sized nano-structures that improved optical absorption and charge transport in the solar cell. The power conversion efficiency of the solar cell increased by 84% compared to the reference cell.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chang-gui Lu, Xue-fang Hu, Ze-rong Yuan, Yi-ping Cui
Summary: This paper presents a numerical method for nanoparticle transport using the optical force field over a plasmonic Au antenna array. By sequentially changing traps, nanoparticles can be handed off between adjacent traps and trapped and transferred stably. The method shows promising applications in biochemical diagnoses and high-accuracy optical manipulation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ahmed Ali, Heesu Wang, Jaejin Lee, Yeong Hwan Ahn, Ikmo Park
Summary: This paper presents an ultra-low-profile copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) based solar cell integrated antenna with a high form factor, utilizing a ground-radiation antenna design method. The tiny slot etched from the solar cell increases the form factor, and the compact structure covers the entire ISM band with good frequency coverage and performance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Optics
Abdulrahman Mesgin Balow, Mehdi Khatir, Nasrin Amiri
Summary: A novel plasmonic nano-antenna array with stepped strips at the edge of contact electrodes is proposed for improved performance in optical-to-terahertz conversion efficiency. Simulations show that this photoconductive antenna can efficiently transmit light to LT GaAs substrate under an optical pump power of 50 mW without any reflection, generating an optical current of 215 nA and achieving broadband terahertz detection over the 0.1-8 THz frequency range with significant improvement over previous structures.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
M. N. Kateb, S. Tobbeche
Summary: Thin film silicon solar cells based on triple junction design have shown improved conversion efficiency up to 20.3% through optimizing subcell thicknesses and band gaps. Reduction of defects in the a-Si:H top cell is crucial for enhancing the performance of the solar cells. This numerical investigation provides valuable insights for optimizing and developing thin film silicon solar cells.
OPTICAL AND QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Saman Khabbat Ezzulddin, Sattar Othman Hasan, Mudhaffer Mustafa Ameen
Summary: In this article, a graphene-based plasmonic microstrip antenna is designed and simulated for terahertz applications. Different dielectric substrate materials are tested, and it is found that quartz substrate provides suitable radiation performance. The antenna's performance is further improved by increasing the substrate height to achieve tri-band radiation mode. The overall radiation performance of the proposed antennas is compared with previous studies, showing reliable progress in terms of antenna size and bandwidth.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chong Liu, Yuzhao Yang, Cuiling Zhang, Shaohang Wu, Liyu Wei, Fei Guo, Gowri Manohari Arumugam, Jinlong Hu, Xingyuan Liu, Jie Lin, Ruud E. Schropp, Yaohua Mai
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cuiling Zhang, Shaohang Wu, Leiming Tao, Gowri Manohari Arumugam, Chong Liu, Zhen Wang, Shusheng Zhu, Yuzhao Yang, Jie Lin, Xingyuan Liu, Ruud E. I. Schropp, Yaohua Mai
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ishaan Lohia, Samuel Ahearn, Joseph Franjieh, Marcel Di Vece
Summary: The ultra-black skin of the deep-sea dragonfish is made up of small pigment particles that effectively absorb light to prevent detection from bioluminescent predators or prey. By studying the Mie resonance responses of dragonfish pigment particles, researchers uncovered the exact mechanism responsible for the ultra-black skin. The nanophotonic mechanisms suggested in this study could have broader applications in photovoltaic light management designs and immunometric detection based on light extinction.
JOURNAL OF NANOPARTICLE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Diana Nelli, Cesare Roncaglia, Samuel Ahearn, Marcel Di Vece, Riccardo Ferrando, Chloe Minnai
Summary: This study investigates the dependence of growth shape of PtPd alloy nanocrystals on their composition through a combined experimental-theoretical approach. The results demonstrate a bimodal size distribution of PtPd nanoalloys, with Pd-rich nanocrystals presenting rounded shapes and Pt-rich ones exhibiting sharp tips. Molecular dynamics simulations and excess energy calculations reveal that the growth structures are out of equilibrium, and the growth simulations accurately reflect the experimental results at the atomic level. Additionally, optical absorption properties are calculated for PtPd nanoalloys of the same shapes and sizes grown in the experiments.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elisa Vitiello, Courtney H. Schreiber, Emma X. Riccardi, Jack G. Nedell, Edoardo Bellincioni, Jacopo Parravicini, Simona O. Binetti, Alessandro Podesta, Cristina Lenardi, Fabio Pezzoli, Marcel Di Vece
Summary: Germanium quantum dots are a promising material for various applications, with the presence of hydrogen helping to reduce defects and improve optical performance. This research provides insights into the fabrication and characterization of a-Ge:H quantum dots for potential use in quantum dot solar cells.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiaoyang Liang, Zhiqiang Li, Xingyuan San, Tao Liu, Yufan Liu, Kai Shen, Shufang Wang, Ruud E. Schropp, Yaohua Mai
Summary: Low-symmetric and structurally anisotropic materials, such as antimony selenide and analogues, have attracted research interest for their distinctive properties. Growth of monocrystalline Sb2Se3 nanorod arrays (NRAs) along the [hkT] orientation on polycrystalline surfaces is achieved under different growth conditions. Solar cells based on the [Ha]-oriented Sb2Se3 NRAs exhibit high power conversion efficiency and quasi-omnidirectional light absorption characteristics.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Albert Tarancon, Vincenzo Esposito, Marc Torrell, Marcel Di Vece, Jae Sung Son, Poul Norby, Sourav Barg, Patrik S. Grant, A. Vogelpoth, S. Linnenbrink, M. Brucki, T. Schopphoven, A. Gasser, Elif Persembe, Dionysia Koufou, Simon Kuhn, Rob Ameloot, Xu Hou, Kurt Engelbrecht, Christian R. H. Bahl, Nini Pryds, Jie Wang, Costas Tsouris, Eduardo Miramontes, Lonnie Love, Canhai Lai, Xin Sun, Martin Ryhl Kaern, Gennaro Criscuolo, David Bue Pedersen
Summary: The energy transition is a significant challenge and driving force for the scientific community. 3D printing offers great potential to automate the manufacturing of energy devices, improving performance and efficiency while reducing resource waste.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhaoteng Duan, Xiaoyang Liang, Yang Feng, Haiya Ma, Baolai Liang, Ying Wang, Shiping Luo, Shufang Wang, Ruud E. I. Schropp, Yaohua Mai, Zhiqiang Li
Summary: This study reports the fabrication of compact Sb2Se3 films using injection vapor deposition, resulting in high crystallinity and minimal defects, which leads to improved energy conversion efficiency in solar cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cong Liu, Shaohang Wu, Yanyan Gao, Yang Feng, Xinlong Wang, Yifei Xie, Jianzha Zheng, Hongbing Zhu, Zhiqiang Li, Ruud E. Schropp, Kai Shen, Yaohua Mai
Summary: This study successfully fabricates high-efficiency antimony selenosulfide solar cells using co-sublimation method and avoids toxic materials, such as cadmium compounds. By designing a graded bandgap profile for the absorber layer, the power conversion efficiency is further improved.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Christopher A. Owen, Alessandro Podesta, Cristina Lenardi, Shima Kadkhodazadeh, Marcel Di Vece
Summary: Hydrogen is an attractive energy carrier due to its abundance, environmental friendliness, and highest known gravimetric energy density. Storing hydrogen as a magnesium hydride maximizes volumetric energy density and is an efficient and economically viable approach. However, the high temperature required for hydrogen release from magnesium has been a challenge. This study demonstrates a photo-stimulated hydrogen desorption method using magnesium nanoparticles, providing an effective and simple way for reversible hydrogen storage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yanyan Gao, Chong Liu, Yi Xie, Rilang Guo, Xuqi Zhong, Huanxin Ju, Li Qin, Peng Jia, Shaohang Wu, Ruud E. Schropp, Yaohua Mai
Summary: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using a nanosecond pulse laser to fabricate high-efficiency perovskite solar modules by reducing the heat-affected zone and improving the interconnection quality to overcome CTM efficiency losses.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cuiling Zhang, Chong Liu, Yanyan Gao, Shusheng Zhu, Fang Chen, Boyuan Huang, Yi Xie, Yaqing Liu, Mengen Ma, Zhen Wang, Shaohang Wu, Ruud E. Schropp, Yaohua Mai
Summary: Indoor photovoltaics (IPVs) are promising for powering the Internet of Things. The power conversion efficiency depends on the match between indoor light spectra and the band gap of the light absorbing layer. Metal-halide perovskites, with tunable band gaps, show potential but high bromine content leads to low open-circuit voltage (V-OC). By introducing iodine-rich compounds, the V-OC of perovskite IPVs can be increased up to 1.05 V under 1000 lux illumination, setting a record efficiency of 36.36%.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaoyang Liang, Yang Feng, Wei Dang, Hao Huang, Xinhua Wang, Yingnan Guo, Kai Shen, Ruud E. I. Schropp, Zhiqiang Li, Yaohua Mai
Summary: Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) shows promise as a material for flexible and lightweight photovoltaic applications due to its unique one-dimensional crystal structure and low-temperature growth techniques. The introduction of a lead selenide (PbSe) transition layer at the buried back-contact interface improves the crystalline quality of Sb2Se3 and enhances hole extraction, resulting in a record efficiency of 8.43% for flexible Sb2Se3 photovoltaics.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Giacomo Nadalini, Francesca Borghi, Paolo Piseri, Marcel Di Vece
Summary: Quantum dot solar cells can harvest the full spectrum of the sun by using layers of quantum dots made from the same semiconductor but of different sizes. This study investigates a germanium quantum dot solid without protective shells or ligands, and explores how quantum confinement is preserved in highly connected ensembles.
PHYSICA E-LOW-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS & NANOSTRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chunsheng Guo, Xiaoyang Liang, Tao Liu, Yufan Liu, Lin Yang, Weidong Lai, Ruud E. I. Schropp, Dengyuan Song, Yaohua Mai, Zhiqiang Li
