Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guislain Hector, Jako S. Eensalu, Atanas Katerski, Herve Roussel, Odette Chaix-Pluchery, Estelle Appert, Fabrice Donatini, Ilona Oja Acik, Erki Kaerber, Vincent Consonni
Summary: The dimensional optimization of ZnO/TiO2/Sb2S3 core-shell nanowire heterostructures was studied and it was found that an optimal intermediate thickness of the Sb2S3 shell results in the highest solar cell efficiency.
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
D. Nagamalleswari, Y. B. Kishore Kumar, V. Ganesh
Summary: CuSbS2 thin films deposited at 260 degrees Celsius exhibit chalcostibite structure, with a band gap close to the optimal 1.5eV for highest theoretical photovoltaic conversion efficiency, making them suitable for solar cell applications.
PHYSICA B-CONDENSED MATTER
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Logu Thirumalaisamy, Soundarrajan Palanivel, Karthikeyan Jeyakumar, Sethuraman Kunjithapatham, Trystan Watson, Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu
Summary: This work demonstrates an increase in electrical mobility and absorption coefficient in spray pyrolysis-deposited CuInS2 (CIS) thin films through ruthenium (Ru) doping, and for the first time, utilizes it as an efficient absorber layer in superstrate photovoltaic cells. The structural modifications caused by Ru doping result in enhanced optical properties, and the Ru-doped CIS films exhibit higher electrical and photo responses compared to pristine CIS films. Solar cells fabricated using the Ru-doped CIS films show an overall increase in power conversion efficiency.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
F. Ynineb, M. Khammar, S. Guitouni, A. Hafdallah, N. Attaf, M. S. Aida
Summary: CZTS thin films were successfully deposited on glass substrate using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) technique with different copper concentrations. The choice of USP method and copper concentration plays a crucial role in the stoichiometry, band gap, and conductivity of sprayed CZTS thin films. A nearly stoichiometric CZTS film with a desirable band gap of 1.51 eV was obtained at a copper concentration of 0.015 M, making it suitable for application as an absorber layer in photovoltaic solar cells.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sucheta Sengupta, Rinki Aggarwal, Manoj Raula
Summary: Heterojunction (HJ) thin-film II-VI solar cells are emerging as alternatives to traditional silicon solar cells, offering improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Chemical bath deposition (CBD) is gaining renewed interest as a method to deposit the constituent layers, as it allows for preservation of their properties. However, the growth conditions have a strong influence on the morphology and properties of the resultant films, particularly at the interface. Inappropriate or alloyed interfaces can lead to the formation of pinholes, affecting the electric field and reducing efficiency.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Beyza Tonbul, Hilal Aybike Can, Tayfur Ozturk, Hasan Akyildiz
Summary: The study aimed to tailor the properties of AZO thin films for transparent heater applications, investigating the effects of various parameters on the microstructure, electrical, optical properties, and heating/deicing behaviors of the films. The optimized heater showed good sheet resistance and transmittance, with a maximum achievable surface temperature of 76 degrees C and efficient ice/water removal. The AZO heater exhibited high thermal resistance and stable and reversible heating behavior.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sabina Rahaman, M. Anantha Sunil, Monoj Kumar Singha, Kaustab Ghosh
Summary: This study demonstrates the fabrication of a heterojunction Cu₂SnS₃/ZnS photovoltaic cell using a cost-effective method, achieving an efficiency of 0.5% with optimized p and n layers. Temperature control and material composition optimization played key roles in enhancing the optical properties of the films for solar cell applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ravindra Naik Bukke, Narendra Naik Mude, Jinbaek Bae, Jin Jang
Summary: Thin-film transistor (TFT) is an essential device for driving the next level of digital transformation in future electronics. This study focuses on the systematic study of amorphous gallium oxide (a-Ga2O3) and its application in nanocrystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) TFTs, demonstrating improved mobility and stability.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
K. Jeganath, Sajan D. George, M. S. Murari, Y. Raviprakash
Summary: The study focused on the structural and compositional inhomogeneity between the surface and bulk region of CZTS thin film using a wet chemical etching process. Results showed a reduction in crystallinity and Cu-Zn ordering in the etched-CZTS thin film, providing insights into improving device performance.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
J. R. Ramos-Serrano, S. Alcantara-Iniesta, M. Acosta-Osorno, Ma Estela Calixto
Summary: This work explores the piezoelectric response of ZnO thin films deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis with a preferential orientation at the c-axis. The results show that higher temperatures lead to improved crystalline film quality and grain size. The angular distribution of the crystals on the substrate plane deviates slightly from the normal at higher temperatures. Moreover, a prototype based on ZnO thin films was fabricated to measure the piezoelectric response, and samples with better crystallinity and high resistivity exhibit the most intense measured piezoelectric voltage.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maryam Hashemi, Seyed Mohammad Bagher Ghorashi, Fariba Tajabadi, Nima Taghavinia
Summary: We introduce an effective method for doping copper indium sulfide selenide (CISSe) with different alkali metals by pre-depositing an alkali chloride layer. The alkali chloride layer is sprayed onto the substrate surface before spray pyrolysis deposition of copper indium disulfide (CIS) films and selenization. The alkali-doped CISSe films prepared by the pre-deposition method show improved film compactness and larger grain size compared to undoped films. The alkali atoms with larger size result in wider band gap of CISSe film.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abeer Salah, Ahmed M. Saad, Ahmed A. Aboud
Summary: The pure and Co-doped ZnO thin films were studied with different levels of Co doping. The grain size increased with Co doping, optical band gap showed changes, and the dispersion transitioned from anomalous to normal upon Co doping. The doped materials exhibited reverse saturable absorption and negative nonlinear refraction.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Moez Hajji, Mejda Ajili, Neila Jebbari, Antonio Garcia Loreiro, Najoua Turki Kamoun
Summary: In this study, CuO-ZnO coupled oxide thin films were successfully deposited on glass substrates for the first time using spray pyrolysis technique. The effects of different synthesis conditions on the properties of the thin films, including structure, morphology, optical, and electrical properties, were investigated. The results showed that the molar ratio had a significant impact on the optical and electrical properties of the thin films. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the coupled oxide thin films was found to be superior to that of the pure oxides, achieving a photodegradation efficiency of 99% under sunlight illumination.
Article
Optics
C. J. Pereyra, L. Campo, E. Navarrete-Astorga, A. Cuevas, R. Romero, D. Ariosa, R. Henriquez, E. Munoz, F. Martin, J. R. Ramos-Barrado, E. A. Dalchiele, R. E. Marotti
Summary: The optical properties of ZnO nanorod arrays were investigated using total transmittance and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. A model based on the Mie theory for cylinders was implemented to understand the observed scattering phenomena, showing good agreement with experimental results.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minghao Zhao, Junsheng Yu, Lijuan Fu, Youwei Guan, Hua Tang, Lu Li, Jiang Cheng
Summary: Selenylation significantly improved the efficiency of CuSbS2 solar cells by effectively doping Se into the lattice and reducing carrier recombination centers. The substitution rate of Se was very high (>39%), and the selenized device showed a much higher efficiency of 0.90% compared to the simply annealed device (0.46%), demonstrating the promising potential of this technique.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jako S. Eensalu, Kaia Tonsuaadu, Ilona Oja Acik, Malle Krunks
Summary: In this study, antimony ethyl xanthate proved to be suitable for the deposition of pure phase crystalline Sb2S3 thin films via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. Adding thiourea or thioacetamide to the spray solution prevented the oxidation of the growing Sb2S3 layer during deposition at various temperatures. The key to producing conformal crystalline Sb2S3 thin films with the desired properties was the post-growth heat treatment in vacuum.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guislain Hector, Jako S. Eensalu, Atanas Katerski, Herve Roussel, Odette Chaix-Pluchery, Estelle Appert, Fabrice Donatini, Ilona Oja Acik, Erki Kaerber, Vincent Consonni
Summary: The dimensional optimization of ZnO/TiO2/Sb2S3 core-shell nanowire heterostructures was studied and it was found that an optimal intermediate thickness of the Sb2S3 shell results in the highest solar cell efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pierre Gaffuri, Tatjana Dedova, Estelle Appert, Mati Danilson, Adrien Baillard, Odette Chaix-Pluchery, Frank Guell, Ilona Oja-Acik, Vincent Consonni
Summary: Water pollution is a major ecological threat, and ZnO nanowires are being developed for heterogeneous photocatalysis as a solution. The addition of Al and Ga dopants, as well as thermal annealing, have been found to enhance the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanowires, with the activity depending on the nature of the dopants.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zengjun Chen, Tatjana Dedova, Nicolae Spalatu, Natalia Maticiuc, Marin Rusu, Atanas Katerski, Ilona Oja Acik, Thomas Unold, Malle Krunks
Summary: An efficient photocatalytic system based on ZnO nanorod/NiO core-shell heterostructure was developed, achieving a record methylene blue degradation efficiency of about 70%. The investigation on the chemical composition and band alignment at the ZnONR/NiO interface reveals the importance of optimizing these properties for enhanced catalytic activity, and the degradation mechanism of methylene blue was discussed.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Thomas Dittrich, Jekaterina Sydorenko, Nicolae Spalatu, Norbert H. Nickel, Arvo Mere, Malle Krunks, Ilona Oja Acik
Summary: The efficient photocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants requires the separation and transfer of photogenerated holes towards the surface, while minimizing the transfer of photogenerated electrons. This research article presents a comprehensive study on the synthesis control of charge separation and the understanding of charge kinetics and trapping passivation mechanisms at the surfaces of TiO2 thin films. By adjusting the amount of a specific precursor, the charge transfer towards the TiO2 surface can be controlled, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic decomposition of organic pollutants.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sreekanth Mandati, Nimish Juneja, Atanas Katerski, Raitis Grzibovskis, Aivars Vembris, Tatjana Dedova, Nicolae Spalatu, Artiom Magomedov, Smagul Karazhanov, Vytautas Getautis, Malle Krunks, Aiste Jegorove, Ilona Oja Acik
Summary: Fluorene-based hole transport materials (HTMs) with terminating thiophene units are explored for Sb2S3 solar cells for the first time. These HTMs have simplified synthesis processes and high yields, making them economically viable compared to conventional expensive hole conductors. The study demonstrates that the thiophene unit-linked HTMs can be successfully used in ultrasonic spray-deposited Sb2S3 solar cells, achieving efficiencies in the range of 4.7-4.9% and an average visible transmittance (AVT) of 30-33% (400-800 nm), outperforming cells fabricated using conventional P3HT.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Tanel Jalakas, Andrii Chub, Dmitri Vinnikov, Nicolae Spalatu, Viktoria Gudkova, Malle Krunks, Arvo Mere, Allan Lahi, Andre Lindvest
Summary: The article describes the practical application of energy-producing solar roadway in Estonia. It discusses the challenges faced during the research and design process and highlights the successful development of the solar roadway concept. The testing period has validated the feasibility of the concept and provided valuable experience for scientists and engineers.
2022 IEEE 63TH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ON POWER AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING OF RIGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY (RTUCON)
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jekaterina Sydorenko, Arvo Mere, Malle Krunks, Marina Krichevskaya, Ilona Oja Acik
Summary: This study focuses on the development of low-material-quantity, transparent, anatase TiO2 nanoparticle free thin films as photocatalytic materials and their photocatalytic activity under UV-A and VIS light for indoor air pollution control, showing promising potential for VOC removal.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mykhailo Koltsov, Robert Krautmann, Atanas Katerski, Natalia Maticiuc, Malle Krunks, Ilona Oja Acik, Nicolae Spalatu
Summary: We conducted a systematic investigation on the effects of two-step post-deposition treatments (PDTs) on TiO2 buffer layers for Sb2Se3 photovoltaics. Our study found that vacuum annealing can effectively reduce carbon species in TiO2 films and improve device performance through a subsequent air annealing step.
FARADAY DISCUSSIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nimish Juneja, Sreekanth Mandati, Atanas Katerski, Nicolae Spalatu, Sarune Daskeviciute-Geguziene, Aivars Vembris, Smagul Karazhanov, Vytautas Getautis, Malle Krunks, Ilona Oja Acik
Summary: The application of Sb2S3 solar cells is limited by their low power conversion efficiency and the use of expensive hole transport materials. By using V1236 as a novel HTM instead of P3HT, the efficiency and transparency of solar cells can be improved.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Jako S. Eensalu, Kaia Tonsuaadu, Jasper Adamson, Ilona Oja Acik, Malle Krunks
Summary: The thermal decomposition of tris(O-ethyldithiocarbonato)-antimony(III) was studied using various analytical techniques to accurately identify the reaction products and intermediates formed in different atmospheres.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shahriyar Safat Dipta, Md Habibur Rahaman, Walia Binte Tarique, Ashraful Hossain Howlader, Ayush Pratik, John A. Stride, Ashraf Uddin
Summary: Implementing a double-sided passivation approach can enhance the performance of n-i-p structured PSCs and improve the stability and photovoltaic properties of the cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Daniel Ourinson, Andreas Brand, Andreas Lorenz, Marwan Dhamrin, Sebastian Tepner, Michael Linse, Nathalie Goettlicher, Kosuke Tsuji, Jonas D. Huyeng, Florian Clement
Summary: This work presents two approaches to reduce the amount of silver on the rear side of M2-sized industrial iTOPCon solar cells. The Cu-based approach shows promise with similar power conversion efficiency compared to the conventional approach, while the Al-based approach exhibits some limitations but demonstrates the potential of such type of contact for iTOPCon solar cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abasifreke Ebong, Donald Intal, Sandra Huneycutt, Thad Druffel, Ruvini Dharmadasa, Kevin Elmer, Apolo Nambo
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful metallization of a PERC silicon solar cell using screen-printable copper (Cu) paste. The Cu paste contains antioxidant additives and diffusion inhibitors to prevent oxidation and diffusion of Cu. The Cu-printed cells achieved an efficiency of 19% and showed no Cu diffusion after characterization tests. The long-term stability and effectiveness of the Cu diffusion barrier were also confirmed.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Senami Zogbo, Wilfried Favre, Olivier Bonino, Marie-Estelle Gueunier-Farret
Summary: Measuring specific contact resistivity (pc) is crucial for interface engineering in high efficiency solar cells. The Transfer Length Method (TLM) is commonly used for evaluating layer sheet resistance (Rsheet) and pc, but it is not suitable for metal/Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) interface evaluation in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cells. This study investigates the parameters that restrict current confinement within the TCO, including mid-gap trap density (Dit) at the a-Si:H/c-Si interface and the activation energy (Ea = Ec - EF) variation of a-Si:H contact layers.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jean-Baptiste Charpentier, Philippe Voarino, Julien Gaume
Summary: The phenomenon of ribbon lengthening in PV modules exposed to thermal cycling is not well explained in the literature. In this study, a three layers model is proposed to explain this effect, and the predictions of the model are validated through finite element method simulations and experiments. The results show that the model predictions are consistent with the indirect measurements, but not with the direct measurements. Additionally, it is inferred that the encapsulant plays a role after the solder failure.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jean-Baptiste Charpentier, Philippe Voarino, Julien Gaume
Summary: This study investigates the problematic ribbon lengthening observed in PV modules exposed to high amplitude thermal cycling. A simplified system model is proposed and accurate predictions are obtained using the Finite Element Method. The results show that the thickness of the encapsulant has a substantial impact on the lengthening of the ribbons.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. Catalan-Gomez, E. Martinez Castellano, M. Schwarz, M. Montes Bajo, L. Dorado Vargas, A. Gonzalo, A. Redondo-Cubero, A. Gallego Carro, A. Hierro, J. M. Ulloa
Summary: This study investigates the use of core-shell gallium nanoparticles as functional light scatterers on solar cells. By optimizing the nanoparticle size, the short-circuit current of the solar cells is significantly improved. The underlying physical mechanism is studied through optical measurements and simulations, and a method to reduce the plasmonic effect of the nanoparticles is demonstrated.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. Gamel, G. Lopez, A. M. Medrano, A. Jimenez, A. Datas, M. Garin, I. Martin
Summary: In this study, a highly reflective ohmic contact to p-type c-Ge material is demonstrated, which can improve the efficiency of thermophotovoltaic devices. The experimental results show that this contact can simultaneously meet the requirements of good back surface passivation, low electrical resistivity, and high reflectivity. Moreover, simulations suggest that implementing these back contacts has the potential to achieve conversion efficiencies comparable to high-efficiency c-Ge TPV cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hongyang Wei, Qing Xu, Dongchu Chen, Min Chen, Menglei Chang, Xiufang Ye
Summary: This study prepared solar selective absorption films based on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) photonic crystals using a unique electrodeposition method. The Co-Ag electrodeposited film exhibited superior solar selective absorption properties and thermal stability.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ankit Kumar, Ankit Chauhan, Jordi Llobet, Helder Fonseca, Patricia C. Sousa, Carlos Calaza, Gil Shalev
Summary: This study found that decorating subwavelength arrays with SiO2 quasi-nanolenses (qNL arrays) can enhance the absorption of the solar spectrum. Optical absorption mechanisms in qNL arrays were investigated using near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM), revealing that the enhancement is a result of the combination of effective antireflection coating, increased optical interactions between adjacent dielectrics for elevated light trapping, and strong light concentration due to the presence of qNLs.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. Pingel, T. Wenzel, N. Goettlicher, M. Linse, L. Folcarelli, J. Schube, S. Hoffmann, S. Tepner, Y. C. Lau, J. Huyeng, A. Lorenz, F. Clement
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential to reduce silver consumption in highly efficient SHJ cells through fine-line screen printing using low temperature paste with various screens. The results show that using finer mesh allows for narrower grid fingers and lower resistance, leading to improved cell efficiency. Simulation results indicate that module wire configuration is crucial for reducing silver consumption.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xibo He, Jun Qiu, Wei Wang, Yicheng Hou, Yong Shuai
Summary: This paper proposes a novel phase change material with high thermal conductivity and stability for fast photo-thermal conversion and storage. The experimental results demonstrate excellent durability and stability of the phase change material, with good performance in thermal conductivity and thermal storage efficiency.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qingyuan Liu, Lin Wang, Zheng Liu, Guohua Liu
Summary: A new evaporating structure consisting of liquid marble with tunable nanowire array is proposed to enhance solar evaporation. The experiments show that the liquid marble with nanowire array exhibits outstanding evaporation performance, which has significant implications for seawater desalination or wastewater treatment.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hao Liu, Qiming Liu, Jinpei Liu, Yonggang Zhao, Yingjie Yu, Yue An, Ganghui Wei, Yanzheng Li, Yujun Fu, Junshuai Li, Deyan He
Summary: Moisture in the air is identified as the main cause of performance degradation in organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells. Exposure to air leads to the growth of thin oxide layer on the interface and the formation of silver sulfide, increasing the series resistance and decreasing the fill factor, thus degrading the cell performance.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
E. Blanco, P. Martin, M. Dominguez, P. Fernandez-Palacios, I. Lombardero, C. Sanchez-Perez, I. Garcia, C. Algora, M. Gabas
Summary: This study addresses the lack of optical parameters for p-type Ge wafers by determining the complex refractive indices of commercial Ge wafers with varying doping levels. The obtained data successfully reproduces the critical points associated with interband transitions and absorption features below the bandgap. The refractive indices were validated through experimental measurements and solar cell simulations.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
