Article
Energy & Fuels
Jian Guo, Jiale Dong, Zhongqiang Wang, Peng Dong, Xiaoliang Wang, Liuqing Chen, Yingjuan Zhou, Yuying Hao, Hua Wang, Bingshe Xu
Summary: The development of an efficient electron extraction layer (EEL) by doping saccharin into the precursor of ZnO has proven to enhance the performance of polymer solar cells, leading to improved charge transport and collection processes, suppressed charge recombination loss, and increased light photon utilization.
Article
Polymer Science
Yiming Li, Jiaqing Liu, Ke Shui, Fan Xie, Xuan Li, Yi Lin, Zehua Zhou, Qing Zhang, Fengqi Guo, Lijun Li, Jinchong Xiao, Meng Wang, Chang-Qi Ma
Summary: In this study, a one-step protocol was developed to synthesize end-capped polymers with control over molecular weight. The research found a linear relationship between number-average molecular weight and weight-average molecular weight. The use of 4'-bromobenzo-18-crown-6 reduced end-group defects and improved the performance of the solar cells.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jian Xiong, Naresh Eedugurala, Yifang Qi, Wei Liu, Anthony R. Benasco, Qiqi Zhang, Sarah E. Morgan, Michael D. Blanton, Jason D. Azoulay, Qilin Dai
Summary: This study demonstrated the utilization of a narrow bandgap conjugated polymer as a passivation agent in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), leading to improved crystallinity and smoothness of the films, as well as enhanced efficiency and stability of the devices. The polymer interactions with Pb defects in the films played a crucial role in promoting these improvements.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Peiyao Xue, Jingming Xin, Guanyu Lu, Boyu Jia, Heng Lu, Guanghao Lu, Wei Ma, Ray P. S. Han, Xiaowei Zhan
Summary: This study investigated the performance evaluation parameters of semitransparent organic solar cells (ST-OSCs), namely, the average visible transmittance (AVT) and power conversion efficiency (PCE). By reducing the donor content, light absorption in the visible region can be decreased and the AVT values of ST-OSCs can be increased. However, a lower donor content affects exciton generation, exciton dissociation, and charge transport, thereby limiting the PCEs of the cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Le Wang, Feng Yu, Hong Zhao, Yufei Wang, Tianfu Gu, Wenyan Su, Quanbin Liang, Zhenfang Tang, Hongbin Wu, Lintao Hou
Summary: This study systematically investigates the performance loss reasons of fullerene and nonfullerene organic solar cells (OSCs) under different coating techniques, and finds that the ratio of charge recombination over charge extraction in blade-coated OSCs is very close to that in spin-coated devices, while there is a clear discrepancy between spray-coated and spin-coated OSCs. The fullerene system shows better tolerance to fab-scale coating methods compared to the nonfullerene system.
ORGANIC ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Ming Chen, Jiuxing Wang, Feifei Yin, Zhonglin Du, Laurence A. Belfiore, Jianguo Tang
Summary: The paper reviews recent advances in strategically integrating various QDs and their associated performance enhancement of OSCs and PSCs, emphasizing the device configuration, integration location, and physical mechanism of different QDs types, and briefly outlining the basic structures and operation principles of OSCs and PSCs.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hui Kang, Xuning Zhang, Xiaoyun Xu, Yanxun Li, Shilin Li, Qian Cheng, Liqing Huang, Yanan Jing, Huiqiong Zhou, Zaifei Ma, Yuan Zhang
Summary: By utilizing sequential film deposition, the open-circuit voltage loss in organic solar cells can be significantly reduced, leading to an increase in voltage. This promising strategy provides a solution to the issue of voltage loss in OSCs.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ying-Chu Chen, Hsuan-Ting Kuo, Radian Popescu, Yu-Kuei Hsu
Summary: This study proposed a novel heterojunction combining defective ZnO nanorods and Ag2S, achieving efficient photoelectrochemical reactions by enhancing the electron injection efficiency, and obtained outstanding photocurrent density.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Renjie Wang, Jionghua Wu, Shuping Wei, Jingwei Zhu, Minghuang Guo, Qiao Zheng, Mingdeng Wei, Shuying Cheng
Summary: This study developed an effective method of doping the rare earth element Gd in SnO2 for planar perovskite solar cells, which can passivate oxygen vacancy defects at the SnO2 interface, decrease surface energy, and optimize energy level matching between SnO2 and the perovskite layer, resulting in improved charge extraction and transport capabilities.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Washat Ware, Tia Wright, Yimin Mao, Shubo Han, Jessa Guffie, Evgeny O. Danilov, Jeromy Rech, Wei You, Zhiping Luo, Bhoj Gautam
Summary: Research shows that tuning aggregation in polymer blends can optimize charge generation, which is beneficial for the design of highly efficient organic photovoltaic devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Quan Liu, Sander Smeets, Sigurd Mertens, Yuxin Xia, Andrea Valencia, Jan D'Haen, Wouter Maes, Koen Vandewal
Summary: This study focused on polymer-small molecule blends and successfully reduced the nonradiative voltage losses of organic solar cells from typical values around 250 mV to an unprecedented value of 155 mV, while achieving high external quantum efficiency. The findings demonstrate the potential of organic material blends that combine excellent photovoltaic and electroluminescent properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuan Wang, Astha Sharma, The Duong, Hamidreza Arandiyan, Tingwen Zhao, Doudou Zhang, Zhen Su, Magnus Garbrecht, Fiona J. Beck, Siva Karuturi, Chuan Zhao, Kylie Catchpole
Summary: A low-cost material system using perovskite/Si tandem semiconductors and Ni-based earth-abundant catalysts was demonstrated for direct solar hydrogen generation, achieving a record 20% solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency. Realistic improvements in the perovskite cell could potentially lead to STH efficiencies of 25% and a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) below approximately $3 per kg.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rong Hu, Yurong Liu, Jun Peng, Jianjun Jiang, Mengyao Qing, Xiaochuan He, Ming-Ming Huo, Wei Zhang
Summary: In this study, the effect of fluorine substitution on photogenerated charge generation, transport, and recombination in polymer solar cells was investigated. The results revealed that fluorine substitution could enhance the exciton lifetime and increase the mobility of photogenerated charge in the polymer film. Furthermore, the energy level distribution in PTB7:PC71BM solar cells facilitated hole transport from the interface to the inner of the donor phase.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yufu Yu, Wuxi Tao, Linqiao Wang, Yang-Dan Tao, Zeyan Peng, Xiaolong Zheng, Changhao Xiang, Bin Zhao, Chang-Zhi Li, Songting Tan
Summary: This study develops low-cost and thickness-insensitive non-conjugated electron transporting layers for organic solar cells. PEDETA-DBO shows better photovoltaic performance, with the ability for electron acceptors to penetrate into the electrolyte network for efficient electron extraction, demonstrating desirable thickness-insensitive properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xi Chen, Shichun Long, Chunxi Wang, Fasen Chai, Luling Li, Pengfei Duan, Shi Li, Zhongmin Wan, Zhiguo Qu
Summary: A hybrid PEMFC multi-generation system model integrated with solar-assisted methane cracking is established. It consists of a disc type solar collector, PEMFC, and Organic Rankine cycle (ORC). Methane is cracked by solar energy to generate hydrogen, which provides power and heat. The waste heat and hydrogen are efficiently utilized to generate electricity through ORC and PEMFC. The system's performance is investigated by mapping the relationships between thermodynamic parameters and economic factors. The results show high exergy utilization factor, energy efficiency, and solar-chemical energy conversion efficiency. The system also achieves greenhouse gas emission reductions and low levelized cost of energy. After operation, significant GHG emission reduction and carbon recovery are achieved, promoting the popularization of PEMFC in zero energy buildings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anastasia Soultati, Francesca Nunzi, Azhar Fakharuddin, Apostolis Verykios, Konstantina K. Armadorou, Marinos Tountas, Stylianos Panagiotakis, Ermioni Polydorou, Asterios Charisiadis, Vasilis Nikolaou, Michael Papadakis, Georgios Charalambidis, Emmanouil Nikoloudakis, Konstantina Yannakopoulou, Xichang Bao, Chunming Yang, Alan D. F. Dunbar, Emmanuel Kymakis, Leonidas C. Palilis, Abd Rashid Bin Mohd Yusoff, Panagiotis Argitis, Athanassios G. Coutsolelos, Filippo De Angelis, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin, Maria Vasilopoulou
Summary: This study introduces functionalized boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) molecules as ultrathin interlayers at the absorber/electron transport layer interface, leading to enhanced performance and stability of the solar cells. Amino-functionalized BODIPY, with a high molecular dipole moment, achieves the highest power conversion efficiency in both organic and perovskite solar cells, and shows enhanced stability under continuous illumination and heating.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Optics
Marinos Tountas, Anastasia Soultati, Konstantina-Kalliopi Armadorou, Kalliopi Ladomenou, Georgios Landrou, Apostolis Verykios, Maria-Christina Skoulikidou, Stylianos Panagiotakis, Petros-Panagis Fillipatos, Konstantina Yannakopoulou, Alexander Chroneos, Leonidas C. Palilis, Abd Rashid Bin Mohd Yusoff, Athanassios G. Coutsolelos, Panagiotis Argitis, Maria Vasilopoulou
Summary: Researchers improve the performance of perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) by modulating the surface properties and interface energetics of the electron transport layer and passivating defects in the perovskite matrix. These improvements result in PeLEDs with enhanced nanomorphology, radiative recombination, high radiance, external quantum efficiency, reduced efficiency roll-off, and prolonged lifetime.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-PHOTONICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dimitra Kourti, Anastasia Kanioura, Theodore Manouras, Maria Vamvakaki, Panagiotis Argitis, Margarita Chatzichristidi, Sotirios Kakabakos, Panagiota Petrou
Summary: This study synthesized a polymer with guided cell adhesion and growth functionality and successfully developed a method to create stripe patterns on silicon substrates using photolithography. Smooth muscle cells grown on these patterned substrates exhibited a contractile phenotype, indicating the influence of patterned substrates on cell phenotype.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ermioni Polydorou, Maria Verouti, Anastasia Soultati, Konstantina-Kalliopi Armadorou, Apostolis Verykios, Petros-Panagis Filippatos, George Galanis, Konstantina Tourlouki, Nikos Kehayias, Ioannis Karatasios, Navaratnarajah Kuganathan, Alexander Chroneos, Vassilis Kilikoglou, Leonidas C. Palilis, Panagiotis Argitis, Dimitris Davazoglou, Azhar Fakharuddin, Abd Rashid Bin Mohd Yusoff, Maria Vasilopoulou
Summary: This study successfully deposited fluorine-doped tantalum pentoxide at room temperature using a low-cost method. The material exhibited excellent performance as a hole extraction and electron blocking layer in organic solar cells and improved efficiency and stability when deposited as nanoparticles on the electron transport layer.
ORGANIC ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nikolaos Tzoganakis, Boxu Feng, Michalis Loizos, Konstantinos Chatzimanolis, Miron Krassas, Dimitris Tsikritzis, Xiaodong Zuang, Emmanuel Kymakis
Summary: In this study, an azulene-pyridine molecule (AzPy) is introduced in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to enhance their power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability. The PCE is improved by depositing a thin layer of AzPy on top of the hole charge transport layer (HTL), which enhances the perovskite layer formation, light absorption, and reduces nonradiative recombination while protecting the perovskite from degradation. The stability of the devices is increased by replacing the hydrophilic bathocuproine (BCP) with the more hydrophobic AzPy, resulting in PSCs that retain 90% of their initial PCE for over 1200 hours under ambient conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zoi Georgiopoulou, Apostolis Verykios, Kalliopi Ladomenou, Katerina Maskanaki, Georgios Chatzigiannakis, Konstantina-Kalliopi Armadorou, Leonidas C. C. Palilis, Alexander Chroneos, Evangelos K. K. Evangelou, Spiros Gardelis, Abd. Rashid bin Mohd Yusoff, Athanassios G. G. Coutsolelos, Konstantinos Aidinis, Maria Vasilopoulou, Anastasia Soultati
Summary: In this study, carbon nanodots are shown to play a beneficial role as electron transport materials in OLEDs and OSCs. The properties of both pristine and nitrogen-functionalized carbon dots are systematically studied using various techniques to uncover their energetic alignment and interaction with the organic semiconductor's emissive layer. The results reveal significant improvements in the current and luminescent characteristics of the OLED devices, mainly due to a decrease in electron injection barrier. The power conversion efficiency of the OSCs using carbon dots as cathode interfacial layers also increases by nearly 10% compared to the reference device. The use of low-cost solution-processed materials in OLEDs and OSCs has the potential for widespread implementation in large-area applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fotini Vrettou, Panagiota Petrou, Sotirios Kakabakos, Panagiotis Argitis, Katarzyna Gajos, Andrzej Budkowski, Margarita Chatzichristidi
Summary: Copper-free click chemistry and photolithography were used for site-directed immobilization of biomolecules on modified surfaces. Different surface modification approaches were tested and the one with epoxy resin and rabbit gamma-globulins showed the highest fluorescence signal. The surfaces were analyzed using ToF-SIMS to confirm the success of click reaction. Photolithography was demonstrated to define areas for site-directed immobilization of biomolecules.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Nectarios Vidakis, Markos Petousis, Amalia Moutsopoulou, Vassilis Papadakis, Mariza Spiridaki, Nikolaos Mountakis, Chrysa Charou, Dimitris Tsikritzis, Emmanuel Maravelakis
Summary: In this research, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was evaluated as a reinforcement agent in material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM) to develop nanocomposites with improved mechanical performance. Fillers of up to 4.0 wt.% were introduced into polylactic acid (PLA) and polyamide 12 (PA12) matrices. Various mechanical tests and analyses were conducted to thoroughly characterize the nanocomposites. The results showed enhanced mechanical properties for filler concentrations between 2.0 and 3.0 wt.%, expanding the potential applications of PTFE in MEX AM.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nectarios Vidakis, Panagiotis Mangelis, Markos Petousis, Nikolaos Mountakis, Vassilis Papadakis, Amalia Moutsopoulou, Dimitris Tsikritzis
Summary: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) nanocomposites with Titanium Nitride (TiN) nanoparticles were developed using Material Extrusion (MEX) Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) methods. Mechanical tests and morphological characterization were conducted to investigate the effect of TiN nanoparticles on the mechanical performance and surface characteristics of the nanocomposites. The inclusion of 6 wt. % of TiN nanoparticles significantly improved the mechanical properties of the ABS/TiN composites, including flexural modulus of elasticity and toughness.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nikolaos Tzoganakis, Dimitris Tsikritzis, Konstantinos Chatzimanolis, Xiaodong Zhuang, Emmanuel Kymakis
Summary: The most widely used hole-transport layer (HTL) material for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is still Spiro-OMeTAD, which requires heavy doping with Li-TFSI. However, the long-term stability and performance of PSCs are often impacted by the residual insoluble dopants and Li+ diffusion. An alternative low-cost HTL material called X60 has attracted attention, but it also requires doping with Li-TFSI and faces the same problems. In this study, we propose using a lithium-free dopamine called EMIM-TFSI as a dopant for X60, resulting in a high-quality HTL with improved conductivity and stability.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Petros-Panagis Filippatos, Anastasia Soultati, Nikolaos Kelaidis, Dimitris Davazoglou, Maria Vasilopoulou, Charalampos Drivas, Stella Kennou, Alexander Chroneos
Summary: Tin dioxide (SnO2) is extensively used for high-temperature sensing applications. This study investigates the impact of unintentional doping from precursors and intrinsic defects on the properties of SnO2 sensors. Experimental methods including sol-gel and spin-coating were used to synthesize low-cost SnO2 thin films, while theoretical simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) were conducted to examine the changes in electronic properties. The findings indicate that doping has a significant influence on gas sensor performance as well as the overall properties of SnO2.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Baodan Zhao, Maria Vasilopoulou, Azhar Fakharuddin, Feng Gao, Abd. Rashid Bin Mohd Yusoff, Richard H. Friend, Dawei Di
Summary: Perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have shown great potential for display and lighting applications with external quantum efficiencies exceeding 20% for various colors. However, the majority of internally generated photons are trapped in the devices and lose energy through lossy channels, suggesting the need for effective light management strategies. By analyzing the intrinsic optical properties of perovskite materials and the extrinsic properties related to device structures, this Review highlights the possibility of substantially exceeding the conventional limits of planar organic LED devices and suggests new approaches for achieving ultrahigh efficiencies in perovskite LEDs.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anastasia Soultati, Maria Verouti, Ermioni Polydorou, Konstantina-Kalliopi Armadorou, Zoi Georgiopoulou, Leonidas C. Palilis, Ioannis Karatasios, Vassilis Kilikoglou, Alexander Chroneos, Athanassios G. Coutsolelos, Panagiotis Argitis, Maria Vasilopoulou
Summary: Two gallium porphyrins were synthesized and used as an electron cascade in ternary organic bulk heterojunction films. The energy levels of the gallium porphyrins matched well with those of the polymer donor and fullerene acceptor, forming an efficient cascade system. The ternary organic solar cells using the gallium porphyrins showed enhanced efficiency, except at high concentrations where the nanomorphology of the films was affected. The best performing devices also exhibited improved photostability.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Konstantinos Rogdakis, Konstantinos Chatzimanolis, George Psaltakis, Nikolaos Tzoganakis, Dimitris Tsikritzis, Thomas D. Anthopoulos, Emmanuel Kymakis
Summary: In this study, a three-terminal mixed-halide perovskite memristive device with gate-tunable synaptic functions operating at low potentials is demonstrated. The device shows extended endurance and state retention, and the channel conductance can be modulated by applying a VG potential, reducing the operating electric field required.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nikolaos Tzoganakis, Konstantinos Chatzimanolis, Emmanuel Spiliarotis, George Veisakis, Dimitris Tsikritzis, Emmanuel Kymakis
Summary: The addition of the organic salt octylammonium bromide (OABr) regulates the crystallization, strain, and defects of the perovskite film, improving efficiency and stability. The optimized OABr treated devices reduced non-radiative losses by 43.6%, resulting in a Voc of 1.16V and efficiency up to 20.4%. These devices also showed improved stability, retaining 80% of their initial performance for over 1400 hours under ambient conditions.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
