Article
Electrochemistry
M. I. Khalil, R. Bernasconi, A. Lucotti, A. Le Donne, R. A. Mereu, S. Binetti, J. L. Hart, M. L. Taheri, L. Nobili, L. Magagnin
Summary: In this study, Earth-abundant and non-toxic Kesterite-based Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film solar cells were successfully fabricated on flexible Molybdenum (Mo) foil substrates using an electrodeposition-annealing route. Various characterization techniques confirmed the almost phase-pure CZTS formation after sulfurization. The flexible CZTS solar device achieved a 0.55% power conversion efficiency on Mo foil, representing the first prototype of its kind produced without surface modification of the substrate.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongjun Chen, Meng Zhang, Thanh Tran-Phu, Renheng Bo, Lei Shi, Iolanda Di Bernardo, Jueming Bing, Jian Pan, Simrjit Singh, Josh Lipton-Duffin, Tom Wu, Rose Amal, Shujuan Huang, Anita W. Y. Ho-Baillie, Antonio Tricoli
Summary: Metal halide perovskite solar cells with an appropriate bandgap and high output voltage can directly drive solar water splitting, but their sensitivity to moisture affects their application in integrated devices. Using earth-abundant metals as co-catalysts can improve the efficiency of low-cost H-2 production.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Rehan, Ara Cho, Inyoung Jeong, Kihwan Kim, Asmat Ullah, Jun-Sik Cho, Joo Hyung Park, Yunae Jo, Sung Jun Hong, Seung Kyu Ahn, SeJin Ahn, Jae Ho Yun, Jihye Gwak, Donghyeop Shin
Summary: To demonstrate flexible and tandem device applications, a low-temperature CZTSe deposition process combined with efficient alkali doping was developed. High-quality CZTSe films were grown at 480 degrees C by single co-evaporation, applicable to polyimide (PI) substrate. The studies showed that the alkali distribution in CZTSe can be precisely controlled by optimizing the Na and K doping, which significantly reduced the bulk defect density and improved the efficiency of CZTSe devices.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
C. Marchi, G. Panzeri, L. Pedrazzetti, M. Khalil, A. Lucotti, J. Parravicini, M. Acciarri, S. Binetti, L. Magagnin
Summary: Cu-Zn-Sn (CZT) is co-electrodeposited onto a flexible Mo substrate using an alkaline bath, resulting in CZTS film. Characterization studies show good quality of the thin films, and the photoelectrode tests demonstrate a high photocurrent density.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sadanand, Pravin Kumar Singh, Shambhavi Rai, Pooja Lohia, D. K. Dwivedi
Summary: This article presents the modeling outcomes of novel and third-generation heterojunctions thin-film solar cells, focusing on the performance and optimization methods of promising photovoltaic absorber materials such as CZTS, CuSbS2, and CuSbSe2. Further analysis and study of band alignment, material parameters, and device characteristics aim to improve the efficiency and reproducibility of these solar cells.
Article
Electrochemistry
Martin Rozman, Andraz Mavric, Gregor Kravanja, Matjaz Valant, Amirhossein Pakseresht
Summary: This study presents a low-cost, flexible, and durable electrochromic tape that uses common kitchen-grade aluminum foil as electrodes. The tape is capable of showing two color states and has excellent durability due to its inverted sandwich architecture without the need for a transparent counter electrode. It can be used in various applications, including color changing clothes and adaptive camouflage.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Begum Unveroglu, Giovanni Zangari
Summary: The photovoltaic performance of CZTS film solar cells grown using different electrolytes was studied. CZTS layers with Zn-rich and Cu-poor regions showed higher efficiency, while regions with excess Sn-rich and Cu-rich resulted in the presence of secondary phases.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sampad Ghosh, Samira Yasmin, Jannatul Ferdous, Bidyut Baran Saha
Summary: The effect of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as a buffer layer on the parameters of CZTS-based solar cell devices was explored. The proposed structure of graphene/MoS2/CZTS/Ni exhibited enhanced solar cell performance.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
D. Prasad, G. Anitha, L. Megalan Leo, Atul Kumar
Summary: Despite advancements in PV physics, PV has not surpassed conventional energy due to cost, toxicity, and stability concerns. This study focuses on CuFeO2 as a potential low-cost, high-efficiency solar cell material, with theoretical modeling and analysis indicating its promising photovoltaic performance.
OPTICAL AND QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. S. Rahman, S. Islam, A. Khandaker, T. Hossain, M. J. Rashid
Summary: This study introduces a bilayer CZTS/Si absorber structure to replace the conventional single CZTS absorber layer based solar cell, leading to an enhanced efficiency. By optimizing the thickness and doping concentrations of both layers, as well as varying parameters like defect density and operating temperature, the efficiency of the solar cell was significantly improved to 18.30%.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Congjun Cao, Tianning Yang, Guangxue Chen
Summary: Although dye-sensitized solar cells have a lower price compared to other solar cells, they still contain high-cost materials. By using hibiscus leaching solution and carbon black-silver electrodes, low-cost dye-sensitized solar cells were prepared with good open-circuit voltage, current density, and fill factor.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shailendra Kumar Dwivedi, Santosh K. Tripathi, D. C. Tiwari, Atendra S. Chauhan, Prabhat K. Dwivedi, N. Eswara Prasad
Summary: This paper reports the preparation of crystalline CZTS thin films by the sol-gel method, followed by sulphurization, and the fabrication of cadmium-free solar cells. The study found that double metal oxide layers can improve the photovoltaic parameters of the solar cell.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Farheen F. Jaldurgam, Zubair Ahmad, Farid Touati
Summary: This article focuses on recent research directions in studying advanced nanostructured materials for thermoelectric generator applications that are cost-effective and low-toxic. The evaluation of high-performance nanostructured thermoelectric materials from sustainable sources, the discussion of enhancing material properties, and the proposal for future directions are the main highlights of this study.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Elyazid El Mahboub, Ahmed El Hichou, Mohammed Mansori
Summary: Thin films of copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) were synthesized using sol-gel method and coated on glass substrates by spin coating. The formation of kesterite structure of CZTS was confirmed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The composition analysis revealed the formation of Cu-poor and Zn-rich samples. The bandgap of CZTS was determined by transmittance and reflectance results, and a high absorption coefficient was observed. Theoretical simulation using the obtained parameters showed an efficiency of 10.55% in a CZTS/Zn(S,O)/ZnO:i solar cell.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pooja Semalti, Vikash Sharma, Meenakshi Devi, Pathi Prathap, Naval Kishor Upadhyay, Shailesh Narain Sharma
Summary: Immobilized CZTS nanoparticles with crystalline, single-phased, monodispersed and electrically passivated properties were successfully synthesized using a hot injection technique with unique combination of coordinating ligands and solvents. CZTS is considered as a valuable material for photo-voltaic/catalytic applications due to its distinctive properties. The surface-ligand engineering rendered CZTS nanocrystals hydrophilic for photocatalysis studies of organic pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xu Zhang, Ji Li, Peiyao Xiao, Yetong Wu, Yuxiang Liu, Yujiu Jiang, Xiangzhuo Wang, Xiaolu Xiong, Tinglu Song, Junfeng Han, Wende Xiao
Summary: Researchers achieved controlled synthesis of VSe2 2D flakes on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and found that belt-shaped VSe2 flakes with higher edge density exhibit superior catalytic performance. Even after loading metal atoms, the VSe2 flakes maintain higher conductivity.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Xu Zhang, Xiaowei Xing, Ji Li, Xianglin Peng, Lu Qiao, Yuxiang Liu, Xiaolu Xiong, Junfeng Han, Wenjun Liu, Wende Xiao, Yugui Yao
Summary: This study demonstrates the controllable growth of alpha-Bi4Br4 thin films consisting of nanowires using molecular beam epitaxy technique. The morphology of the nanowires is found to depend on the growth temperature and BiBr3 flux. The research also shows the saturable absorption property of the thin films and their potential application in pulsed fiber lasers.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Huihan Li, Xiaolu Xiong, Fei Hui, Dongliang Yang, Jinbao Jiang, Wanxiang Feng, Junfeng Han, Junxi Duan, Zhongrui Wang, Linfeng Sun
Summary: This article summarizes the optimized dry transfer methods for the fabrication of high-quality 2D material heterostructures with optimized interfaces. The dry transfer techniques, featuring clean and sharp interfaces, have been demonstrated to eliminate contamination and other issues encountered in wet transfer processes. These transfer techniques not only contribute to new physical phenomena but also enable novel optoelectronic applications.
Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Junfeng Han, Wende Xiao, Yugui Yao
Summary: This article reviews the recent progress in the study of the topological properties of bismuth halogenides, including theoretical calculations, experimental verifications, and the superconducting phase transition under pressure. The researchers expect to discover non-trivial superconductivity, room-temperature quantum transport effects, and potential applications in quantum devices.
ADVANCES IN PHYSICS-X
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Shanshan Li, Chao Sun, Ling Zhang, Junfeng Han, Hanbo Yang, Suhao Gao, Linrong He, Peiyao Zhang, Xin Lu, Xiaoming Shu, Guochun Wang
Summary: Patients with myositis who have anti-NXP2 antibodies may present with different phenotypes and prognoses, with some patients not exhibiting rashes during disease progression and others experiencing dysphagia and interstitial lung disease. Hierarchical cluster analysis also identified two distinct patient clusters, with one cluster characterized by younger age of onset, subcutaneous calcification, and the other cluster associated with a higher frequency of ILD, lower lymphocyte levels, and higher serum ferritin levels, and worse prognosis.
JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xiaolu Xiong, Peng Zhu, Shanshan Li, Yujiu Jiang, Yurong Ma, Qingfan Shi, Xu Zhang, Xiaoming Shu, Zhiwei Wang, Linfeng Sun, Junfeng Han
Summary: A study explores the feasibility of using a flexible Bi2Se3 tape electrode (BTE) as an efficient bioplatform for HIV-1 DNA detection by loading Au nanoparticles. The resulting biosensor shows outstanding performance with a wide linear range, low detection limit, excellent selectivity, reproducibility, and stability, outperforming other hybrid biosensors. This is attributed to the intrinsic surface state of Bi2Se3 topological insulator in facilitating electron transfer.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhixiang Si, Qi Yuan, Spark Wang, Dongying Li, Ruijiang Hong, Junfeng Han, Limei Cha
Summary: The influences of Na doping content on the microstructure and electrical performance of CIGS solar cell were investigated. Na was found to reduce the thickness of MoSe2 layer, decrease series resistance, and improve fill-factor. Additionally, Na affected the distribution of Ga, leading to the formation of a strong back surface field and reducing carrier recombination, thus improving the efficiency of CIGS cells.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yan Sun, Shuting Xu, Zheqi Xu, Jiamin Tian, Mengmeng Bai, Zhiying Qi, Yue Niu, Hein Htet Aung, Xiaolu Xiong, Junfeng Han, Cuicui Lu, Jianbo Yin, Sheng Wang, Qing Chen, Reshef Tenne, Alla Zak, Yao Guo
Summary: This study presents a nano-electro-mechanical-opto system embedded in multiwall tungsten disulfide nanotubes, which exhibits a unique form of in-plane van der Waals sliding ferroelectricity due to the combination of superlubricity and piezoelectricity. The multiwall tungsten disulfide nanotubes can be used as photovoltaic random-access memory, enabling programmable photovoltaic effect. Additionally, a complete artificial vision system that performs detection, processing, memorizing, and powering functions is integrated into the nanotube devices, allowing for self-driven image recognition.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yujiu Jiang, Peng Zhu, Jinge Zhao, Shanshan Li, Yetong Wu, Xiaolu Xiong, Xu Zhang, Yuxiang Liu, Jiangyue Bai, Zihang Wang, Shiqi Xu, Minxuan Wang, Tinglu Song, Zhiwei Wang, Weizhi Wang, Junfeng Han
Summary: In this work, a facile and label-free electrochemical biosensor based on intrinsic topological insulator (TI) Bi2Se3 and peptide was designed for the detection of immune checkpoint molecules. The biosensor showed stable and sensitive electron transport due to the robust surface states of Bi2Se3 with low electronic noise. The peptide served as a suitable recognition unit for immune checkpoint molecules, as it could be easily synthesized and chemically modified, and had good biocompatibility and bioavailability. The designed peptide/Bi2Se3 biosensor demonstrated a linear detection range from 3.6 x 10-10 mg mL-1 to 3.6 x 10-5 mg mL-1 and a detection limit of 1.07 x 10-11 mg mL-1. It also exhibited good selectivity and stability.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yetong Wu, Peng Zhu, Yujiu Jiang, Xu Zhang, Zhiwei Wang, Bingteng Xie, Tinglu Song, Fulai Zhang, Aiqin Luo, Shanshan Li, Xiaolu Xiong, Junfeng Han
Summary: In this study, an electrochemical aptasensor based on the topological material Bi2Se3 was developed for sensitive IFN-gamma quantification. The sensor showed a wide linear relation and a low limit of detection. It also exhibited excellent specificity and stability, and had comparable performance to the ELISA method for detecting real serum samples. This work demonstrates the great potential of electrochemical aptasensors based on topological materials in clinical determination.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junfeng Han, Pengcheng Mao, Hailong Chen, Jia-Xin Yin, Maoyuan Wang, Dongyun Chen, Yongkai Li, Jingchuan Zheng, Xu Zhang, Dashuai Ma, Qiong Ma, Zhi-Ming Yu, Jinjian Zhou, Cheng-Cheng Liu, Yeliang Wang, Shuang Jia, Yuxiang Weng, M. Zahid Hasan, Wende Xiao, Yugui Yao
Summary: The bulk-boundary correspondence in topological quantum materials is studied using mid-infrared absorption micro-spectroscopy and pump-probe micro-spectroscopy. The results show a strong absorption from the boundary states while the bulk absorption is suppressed by the insulating gap. The boundary absorption exhibits polarization anisotropy and a significantly longer carrier lifetime compared to most topological materials, attributed to the linear dispersion nature of the boundary states. These findings demonstrate the optical bulk-boundary dichotomy in a topological material and provide a methodology for studying topological optoelectronics.
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Si-Li Wu, Zhi-Hui Ren, Yu-Qi Zhang, Yong-Kai Li, Jun-Feng Han, Jun-Xi Duan, Zhi-Wei Wang, Cai-Zhen Li, Yu-Gui Yao
Summary: Gate-tunable transport in exfoliated Bi4Br4 nanobelts is reported for the first time. Two-frequency Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations are observed at low temperatures, with the low- and high-frequency parts corresponding to the three-dimensional bulk state and two-dimensional surface state, respectively. Furthermore, ambipolar field effect is realized with a longitudinal resistance peak and a sign reverse in the Hall coefficient. These successful quantum oscillation measurements and gate-tunable transport lay a foundation for further investigation of novel topological properties and room-temperature quantum spin Hall states in Bi4Br4.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaolu Xiong, Kangjie Yin, Jiangyue Bai, Peng Zhu, Jing Fan, Xu Zhang, Qingfan Shi, Yao Guo, Zhiwei Wang, Dashuai Ma, Junfeng Han
Summary: Controlling the assembly of DNA on a suitable electrode surface is challenging but important for biosensors and disease diagnosis. In this study, DNA was assembled on a modified topological insulator Bi2Se3 and an electrochemical biosensor was developed for detecting COVID-19 biomarker DNA. The biosensor showed a wide linear detection range and low limit of detection. The combination of Bi2Se3 and the ODA layer improved the sensitivity of the biosensor. The ordered DNA/ODA/Bi2Se3 electrode surface has great potential for biosensing and disease diagnosis.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaowei Xing, Yuxiang Liu, Junfeng Han, Wenjun Liu, Zhiyi Wei
Summary: The low damage threshold of saturable absorption devices is a challenge for the stable operation of passive mode-locked lasers. Various technologies have been developed to resist high-energy irradiation of ultrafast lasers, but they also increase the complexity of laser construction. This paper proposes a new research idea of optimizing optical transmittance to address the low-damage threshold problem.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yaguang Dong, Sai Mu, Xun Guo, Junfeng Han, Junxi Duan, Nannan Jia, Yunfei Xue, Ke Jin
Summary: The transport properties of refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) with body-centered cubic structures are investigated using experiments and first-principles calculations. The measured residual electrical resistivities are high and vary from 35 to 100 mu Omega cm. In contrast to face-centered cubic structures, lattice distortion plays a significant role in determining the transport properties of RHEAs. The temperature dependence of resistivity in RHEAs is smaller compared to 3d-transition metal HEAs at similar resistivity values, and there is a difference in the compositional dependence of thermal and electrical conductivity.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2023)
