Review
Chemistry, Physical
Michele De Bastiani, Anand S. Subbiah, Maxime Babics, Esma Ugur, Lujia Xu, Jiang Liu, Thomas G. Allen, Erkan Aydin, Stefaan De Wolf
Summary: Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are high-efficiency and low-cost photovoltaic devices that enhance stability and energy yield by collecting light from both the sunward and rear side.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Onkar S. Game, Timothy Thornber, Fernando Cepero-Mejias, Luis C. Infante-Ortega, Mustafa Togay, Elena J. Cassella, Rachel C. Kilbride, Robert H. Gordon, Nic Mullin, Rachael C. Greenhalgh, Patrick J. M. Isherwood, J. Michael Walls, J. Patrick A. Fairclough, David G. Lidzey
Summary: Integrating photovoltaic devices onto carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer substrates can create strong materials that also generate electrical power. The fabrication of triple-cation perovskite n-i-p solar cells onto planarized carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer substrates is demonstrated, with devices having a transparent top ITO contact and a wrinkled SiO2 interlayer to prevent cracking. These devices have a maximum power conversion efficiency of 14.5% and a specific power of 21.4 W g(-1), making them suitable for mobile power applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuan Gao, Renxing Lin, Ke Xiao, Xin Luo, Jin Wen, Xu Yue, Hairen Tan
Summary: This research explores the optimization strategy for constructing monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cells and answers the questions of current match and minimizing current-mismatching loss through numerical simulations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Yan, Cuili Zhang, Han Li, Xueliang Yang, Lu Wan, Feng Li, Kaifu Qiu, Jianxin Guo, Weiyuan Duan, Andreas Lambertz, Wanbing Lu, Dengyuan Song, Kaining Ding, Benjamin S. Flavel, Jianhui Chen
Summary: The stability of the organic layer in the organic passivated carbon nanotube/silicon solar cell is a challenge, with CNTs providing an additional path for water molecules to the interface leading to instability. With simple encapsulation, a record power conversion efficiency of 22% and stable photovoltaic performance can be achieved, pointing towards a new direction for high-performance/low-cost photovoltaics in the future.
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bo Chen, Zhenhua Yu, Arthur Onno, Zhengshan Yu, Shangshang Chen, Jiantao Wang, Zachary C. Holman, Jinsong Huang
Summary: This paper reports on a bifacial all-perovskite tandem structure that achieves an equivalent efficiency of 29.3% under a back-to-front irradiance ratio of 30. By embedding a light-scattering micrometer-sized particle layer and using a nonacidic hole transport layer, the efficiency of semitransparent Pb-Sn cells is increased from 15.6% to 19.4%, enabling the fabrication of efficient bifacial all-perovskite tandem devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Joel Troughton, Sebastian Neubert, Nicola Gasparini, Diego Rosas Villalva, Jules Bertrandie, Akmaral Seitkhan, Sri Harish Kumar Paleti, Anirudh Sharma, Michele De Bastiani, Erkan Aydin, Thomas D. Anthopoulos, Stefaan De Wolf, Rutger Schlatmann, Derya Baran
Summary: Monolithically stacked tandem solar cells offer the opportunity to absorb more solar radiation with reduced energy loss, with carefully adjusted bandgaps to avoid competition for photons. Two-terminal tandem solar cells using wide bandgap amorphous silicon and narrow bandgap NFA bulk-heterojunction show high power conversion efficiencies exceeding 15%, with interface engineering allowing for stability across a wide range of light intensities. The addition of an inorganic silicon subcell enhances operational stability and reduces light-stress on the bulk heterojunction, addressing a longstanding challenge in organic photovoltaic research.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sara Almenabawy, Yibo Zhang, Andrew Flood, Rajiv Prinja, Nazir P. Kherani
Summary: The usage of ultrathin flexible silicon foil can further extend the functionality of silicon in building and vehicle-integrated photovoltaics. In this study, inverted pyramid photonic crystals are carved on silicon to enhance its absorption of near-infrared light. The results show that a small mesa width of 35 nm can achieve high optical performance, and even after removing over 90% of the silicon from thick Si wafers, high optical absorption is still observed.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhaoheng Ling, Mohamad Insan Nugraha, Wisnu Tantyo Hadmojo, Yuanbao Lin, Sang Young Jeong, Emre Yengel, Hendrik Faber, Hua Tang, Freideiric Laquai, Abdul-Hamid Emwas, Xiaoming Chang, Temur Maksudov, Murali Gedda, Han Young Woo, Iain Mcculloch, Martin Heeney, Leonidas Tsetseris, Thomas D. Anthopoulos
Summary: Molecular doping is an important technique for enhancing the efficiency of high-performance organic photovoltaic systems (OPVs), but the number of known n-type dopant molecules is still limited. In this study, two n-type dopants were synthesized and incorporated into a ternary hybrid material photovoltaic system, and it was found that these dopants significantly enhanced the performance of the system, demonstrating their potential and mechanism.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lei-Ming Yu, Jia-Xiu Man, Tao Chen, Deying Luo, Juan Wang, Hannan Yang, Yong-Biao Zhao, Hai Wang, Yu Yang, Zheng-Hong Lu
Summary: The study demonstrates that PV panels can be colored by modifying the optical refractive index of the PEDOT:PSS films, with proper doping material selection being crucial. By utilizing polymer/Si heterojunction test cells, researchers successfully developed silicon heterojunction solar cells with colors across the entire visible spectrum while maintaining high power conversion efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dmitry Bogachuk, Ryuki Tsuji, David Martineau, Stephanie Narbey, Jan P. Herterich, Lukas Wagner, Kumiko Suginuma, Seigo Ito, Andreas Hinsch
Summary: In this study, seven different types of natural and synthetic graphite particles were compared for their integration into the cathode of carbon-based perovskite solar cells. Analyzing the crystallinity and charge transfer resistance of graphite revealed that scaly graphite showed the best performance in terms of conductivity and charge transfer resistance, leading to enhanced power conversion efficiency in the solar cells. The overall efficiency of the C-PSCs with scaly graphite was further demonstrated by their exceptional moisture stability under ambient conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Xueying Chang, Zhiyin Yang, Ailun Huang, Yuto Katsuyama, Cheng-Wei Lin, Maher F. El-Kady, Chenxiang Wang, Richard B. Kaner
Summary: Research has shown that the cycling stability of composite electrodes based on aniline trimers and carbon nanotubes can be enhanced by establishing covalent bonding between the two materials. Additionally, higher porosity improves electron/ion transfer and the ability to adapt to volumetric changes, resulting in higher conductivity and extended cycle life.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad Dehghanimadvar, Renate Egan, Nathan L. Chang
Summary: This study presents a cost model that evaluates the opportunity for local photovoltaic (PV) module assembly in a competitive global market, incorporating important supply-chain aspects such as trade and logistics costs. The analysis demonstrates that with economies of scale and sufficient demand, locally assembled modules from imported materials can compete with the price of imported modules.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jacek Wojtkiewicz, Marek Pilch
Summary: This article presents theoretical calculations of electronic and optical properties for 35 finite Carbon NanoTubes (CNTs) and discusses the possibility of using CNTs as an active layer in organic solar cells. The study finds that CNTs have a large exciton diffusion length, making them suitable for constructing high-efficiency OSCs. Additionally, the parallel ordering of CNTs maximizes the advantage of the large exciton length. Therefore, this research contributes to improving the efficiency of OSCs.
COMPUTATIONAL AND THEORETICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gilbert Annohene, Gary Tepper
Summary: The study found that crystallizing perovskite films in supercritical CO2 can significantly improve moisture stability, especially for films processed at 50 degrees C. However, the stability improvement is negligible for films processed at 100 degrees C.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peter C. Sherrell, Marco Fronzi, Nick A. Shepelin, Alexander Corletto, David A. Winkler, Mike Ford, Joseph G. Shapter, Amanda V. Ellis
Summary: Many atomically thin 2D materials exhibit strong piezoelectric effects, showing potential in areas such as pressure sensing, piezocatalysis, piezotronics, and energy harvesting. The ability for different 2D crystals to stack and form complex heterostructures expands the possibilities for applications in the field.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miharu Eguchi, Muxina Konarova, Nagy L. Torad, Te-An Chang, Dun-Yen Kang, Joe Shapter, Yusuke Yamauchi
Summary: The gas barrier film, made from water and layered aluminosilicates, exhibits moderate permeance due to capillary flow and high adhesion. It is particularly effective in preserving fresh produce with low respiration rates, blocking oxygen transfer and microorganisms, and preventing gas leakage by tightly adhering to the produce surface.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alexander Corletto, Alireza Hosseinmardi, Pratheep Kumar Annamalai, Darren J. Martin, Joseph G. Shapter
Summary: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanocellulose can be combined to enable high-resolution, R2R-compatible printing of conductive patterns, offering a new approach for fabricating next-generation electronic devices.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexander Corletto, Amanda V. Ellis, Nick A. Shepelin, Marco Fronzi, David A. Winkler, Joseph G. Shapter, Peter C. Sherrell
Summary: Layered 2D crystals, with their unique properties and diversity, have great potential in energy conversion and harvesting devices. The synchronous multisource energy conversion enabled by these crystals offers a game-changing approach to device production and utilization in the future.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Purevlkham Myagmarsereejid, Munkhjargal Bat-Erdene, Abdulaziz S. R. Bati, Batjargal Sainbileg, Michitoshi Hayashi, Joseph G. Shapter, Yu Lin Zhong, Munkhbayar Batmunkh
Summary: Modifying light-harvesting materials through doping and functionalization can enhance the efficiency and stability of solar cells. In this study, sulfur-functionalized 2D MXene nanosheets were synthesized and used as doping agents in Sb2S3 light absorbers for solar cells. The best-performing device fabricated in ambient air showed significant performance enhancement compared to cells fabricated in a glovebox filled with an inert gas.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nguyen Xuan Sang, Tran Thi Ly Na, Luu Thi Lan Anh, Pham Thi Thuy, Nguyen Tri Tuan, Tran Thanh Tung, Anh Tuan Trong Tran, Quoc Hue Pho, Cameron James Shearer, Dusan Losic
Summary: This study systematically investigates the visible light-photocatalytic performance of synthesized ZnO/Gr composite materials with different Gr content under various conditions. The presence of graphene in the composites enhances their photocatalytic activity compared to pure ZnO under sunlight irradiation. The highest photodegradation efficiency is achieved when the content of Gr is 1 wt%, reaching approximately 94%. This enhancement is attributed to the increased visible light absorption and the reduction of bandgap value in the hybridized composite. The investigation of scavenger substances suggests that holes contribute as the reactive agent in the photodegradation process.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanieh Mousavi, Thomas D. Small, Shailendra K. Sharma, Vladimir B. Golovko, Cameron J. Shearer, Gregory F. Metha
Summary: The UV light photocatalytic activity of an Au101NC-AlSrTiO3-rGO nanocomposite was evaluated for H-2 production. The nanocomposite showed significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to Au101NC-AlSrTiO3 and AlSrTiO3, resulting in a 12-fold and 64-fold increase in H-2 production rate, respectively. The enhanced activity was attributed to the small particle size and high loading of Au101NC, achieved through non-covalent binding to rGO.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Nurfina Yudasari, I. Kadek Hariscandra Dinata, Cameron J. Shearer, Paula H. Blanco-Sanchez, Wildan P. Tresna, Isnaeni, Maria M. Suliyanti, Herri Trilaksana
Summary: ZnO nanorods -Ag (ZnO NRs-Ag) were fabricated using a hydrothermal technique and Ag deposition, with the concentration of Ag controlled by varying deposition time. Photocatalytic testing showed that ZnO NRs-Ag with 5 min Ag PLD duration exhibited the best activity and stability for Rhodamine 6G degradation. Additionally, degradation kinetics constant (kapp) was determined for all samples using Langmuir-Hinshelwood model.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Selengesuren Suragtkhuu, Suvdanchimeg Sunderiya, Solongo Purevdorj, Munkhjargal Bat-Erdene, Batjargal Sainbileg, Michitoshi Hayashi, Abdulaziz S. R. Bati, Joseph G. Shapter, Sarangerel Davaasambuu, Munkhbayar Batmunkh
Summary: Atomically thin Ti3C2Tx (MXene) nanosheets with rich termination groups are used as a solid support to host rhenium (Re) nanoparticles for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The Re@Ti3C2Tx electrocatalyst exhibits promising catalytic activity with low overpotential and excellent stability compared to pristine Ti3C2Tx. The presence of Re greatly enhances the electrocatalytic activity of MXene nanosheets.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
LePing Yu, Lyu Xu, Cameron Shearer, XiaoHong Zhou, Lu Lu
Summary: The demands for high energy density and long-term stability in lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) for portable electronics and electric vehicles have led to research on integrating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into various components of LSBs. Although CNTs do not directly contribute to the specific capacity, their auxiliary roles in providing a conductive and mechanically reinforced framework are significant for regulating the electrochemical reaction, charge transport, and mass transfer in the system. This paper discusses current challenges in LSBs and their corresponding CNT-based solutions, evaluates the potential for commercializing CNT-involved LSBs, and provides future research directions for further improving device performance.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Norhayati Abu Bakar, Joseph G. Shapter
Summary: Strategies for controlling anisotropic metal nanostructures have been developed for their potential in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing. Silver substrates have been shown to be powerful tools for trace chemical analysis. In this work, star-shaped silver nanostructures were synthesized and used as SERS substrates for the detection of neonicotinoid pesticides. These substrates showed good reproducibility, reusability, and stability in SERS enhancement, enabling detection at low concentrations. The distribution of these nanostructures on the surface allowed for excellent reproducibility of the detection with a low relative standard derivation (RSD) of SERS intensity of 8%. This work establishes a platform for ultrasensitive detection of pollutants at very low levels without extensive pre-processing.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ning Chen, Daniel Tune, Florian Buchholz, Razvan Roescu, Miro Zeman, Olindo Isabella, Valentin D. Mihailetchi
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness and stability of Nafion polymer edge passivation in n-type interdigitated back contact (IBC) solar cells. Different edge types and cutting techniques are evaluated, and it is found that thermal laser separation (TLS) and mechanical cleaving enable good repassivation on both emitter and back surface field (BSF) edges. The impact of edge repassivation on cell performance is assessed, and an efficiency improvement is observed for cells with emitter edges but not for cells with BSF edges. The stability of the Nafion repassivation in real-world conditions is also evaluated, revealing its stability in ethylvinylacetate (EVA) encapsulants but not in polyolefin elastomer (POE).
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2023)
Review
Physics, Applied
Tran Thanh Tung, Ana L. C. Pereira, Erik Poloni, Minh Nhat Dang, James Wang, Truong-Son Dinh Le, Young-Jin Kim, Quoc Hue Pho, Md J. Nine, Cameron James Shearer, Volker Hessel, Dusan Losic
Summary: The research community has seen a surge in the exploration of graphene-related two-dimensional materials (GR2Ms) for innovative applications and emerging technologies. However, there is still a challenge in finding simple, low-cost, sustainable, and environmentally friendly methods to manufacture large quantities of high-quality GR2Ms. To overcome this challenge, the top-down irradiation approach has proven to be an effective and eco-friendly technology for scalable exfoliation and processing of GR2Ms, leading to new properties for emerging applications.
APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Norhayati Abu Bakar, Nur Nazhifah Yusoff, Farah Shahadah Nor Azmi, Joseph George Shapter
Summary: Early monitoring of infectious diseases is crucial for human health, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is rapidly growing as a powerful diagnostic tool that meets these requirements. SERS can significantly amplify the Raman signal of target molecules by more than 10^6 through the adsorption of molecules on plasmonic nanostructured surfaces. This review provides an overview of the use of gold and silver nanoparticles in SERS substrate designs and their development in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Munkhjargal Bat-Erdene, Purevlkham Myagmarsereejid, Abdulaziz S. R. Bati, Jiadong Qin, Yu Lin Zhong, Joseph G. Shapter, Munkhbayar Batmunkh
Summary: In this study, surface-oxidized antimonene sheets were prepared using a liquid-phase exfoliation method and found to possess unique surface chemistry that allows it to form photoactive light absorbers. The fabricated solar cells exhibited high power conversion efficiency and excellent operational stabilities.
