4.7 Article

Interface engineering of titanium oxide protected a-Si:H/a-Si:H photoelectrodes for light induced water splitting

Journal

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
Volume 389, Issue -, Pages 73-79

Publisher

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2016.07.074

Keywords

Photoelectrochemical cell; Amorphous silicon solar cell; Band alignment; Photoelectron spectroscopy

Funding

  1. DFG [SPP 1613]
  2. DFG Excellence Initiative Darmstadt Graduate School of Energy Science and Engineering [GSC 1070]
  3. Evonik Industries AG
  4. German Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the Project SusHy

Ask authors/readers for more resources

TiO2 is a common protection layer on semiconductor electrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting. We investigate the interface formation of TiO2 on amorphous silicon tandem solar cells by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In order to optimize the contact properties, we prepare TiOx interface layers with various oxygen content by reactive magnetron sputter deposition. We observe, that a TiOx interface layer can reduce the silicon oxide growth during the film deposition on the amorphous silicon, but it forms a non-ohmic contact. The electrochemical investigation shows, that the benefit due to the reduction of the silicon oxide is counteracted by the unfavorable contact formation of TiOx interface layers prepared with low oxygen content. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Multilayered Hematite Nanowires with Thin-Film Silicon Photovoltaics in an All-Earth-Abundant Hybrid Tandem Device for Solar Water Splitting

Felix Urbain, Pengyi Tang, Vladimir Smirnov, Katharina Welter, Teresa Andreu, Friedhelm Finger, Jordi Arbiol, Joan Ramon Morante

CHEMSUSCHEM (2019)

Article Physics, Applied

Solar vanadium redox-flow battery powered by thin-film silicon photovoltaics for efficient photoelectrochemical energy storage

Felix Urbain, Sebastian Murcia-Lopez, Nicole Nembhard, Javier Vazquez-Galvan, Cristina Flox, Vladimir Smirnov, Katharina Welter, Teresa Andreu, Friedhelm Finger, Joan Ramon Morante

JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS (2019)

Article Engineering, Electrical & Electronic

Optimizing Thermoelectric Power Factor in p-Type Hydrogenated Nano-crystalline Silicon Thin Films by Varying Carrier Concentration

E. Acosta, V. Smirnov, P. S. B. Szabo, J. Buckman, N. S. Bennett

JOURNAL OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS (2019)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Silicon Thin Films: Functional Materials for Energy, Healthcare, and IT Applications

Steve Reynolds, Katharina Welter, Vladimir Smirnov

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE (2019)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting using Adapted Silicon Based Multi-Junction Solar Cell Structures: Development of Solar Cells and Catalysts, Upscaling of Combined Photovoltaic-Electrochemical Devices and Performance Stability

Friedhelm Finger, Katharina Welter, Felix Urbain, Vladimir Smirnov, Bernhard Kaiser, Wolfram Jaegermann

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PHYSIKALISCHE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY & CHEMICAL PHYSICS (2020)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Upscaling high activity oxygen evolution catalysts based on CoFe2O4 nanoparticles supported on nickel foam for power-to-gas electrochemical conversion with energy efficiencies above 80%

Felix Urbain, Ruifeng Du, Pengyi Tang, Vladimir Smirnov, Teresa Andreu, Friedhelm Finger, Nuria Jimenez Divins, Jordi Llorca, Jordi Arbiol, Andreu Cabot, Joan Ramon Morante

APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL (2019)

Article Energy & Fuels

Optimization of Transparent Passivating Contact for Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

Malte Kohler, Manuel Pomaska, Alexandr Zamchiy, Andreas Lambertz, Weiyuan Duan, Florian Lentz, Shenghao Li, Vladimir Smirnov, Thomas Kirchartz, Friedhelm Finger, Uwe Rau, Kaining Ding

IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS (2020)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

A Bias-Free, Stand-Alone, and Scalable Photovoltaic-Electrochemical Device for Solar Hydrogen Production

Minoh Lee, Bugra Turan, Jan-Philipp Becker, Katharina Welter, Benjamin Klingebiel, Elmar Neumann, Yoo Jung Sohn, Tsvetelina Merdzhanova, Thomas Kirchartz, Friedhelm Finger, Uwe Rau, Stefan Haas

ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS (2020)

Article Energy & Fuels

Performance of Integrated Thin-Film Silicon Solar Cell-Based Water-Splitting Devices under Varying Illumination Angles and an Estimation of Their Annual Hydrogen Production

Katharina Welter, Jan-Philipp Becker, Friedhelm Finger, Wolfram Jaegermann, Vladimir Smirnov

Summary: This study investigated the impact of simulated outdoor illumination conditions on the functionality of photovoltaic-biased electrosynthetic systems for hydrogen production via solar water splitting. Results showed variations in solar-to-hydrogen efficiency and long-term performance evaluation based on different geographical locations. The use of different multijunction photovoltaic devices also played a role in annual solar hydrogen production.

ENERGY & FUELS (2021)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

In2O3:H-Based Hole-Transport-Layer-Free Tin/Lead Perovskite Solar Cells for Efficient Four-Terminal All-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells

Somayeh Moghadamzadeh, Ihteaz M. Hossain, Moritz Loy, David Benedikt Ritzer, Hang Hu, Dirk Hauschild, Adrian Mertens, Jan-Philipp Becker, Amir A. Haghighirad, Erik Ahlswede, Lothar Weinhardt, Uli Lemmer, Bahram Abdollahi Nejand, Ulrich W. Paetzold

Summary: This study demonstrates a significant increase in photocurrent for all-perovskite tandem solar cells by removing the hole-transport layer and using hydrogen-doped indium oxide electrodes. The IO:H-based solar cells achieved a higher power conversion efficiency compared to the commonly used ITO, highlighting the potential of utilizing this material in photovoltaic applications.

ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES (2021)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Understanding the Origin of Thermal Annealing Effects in Low-Temperature Amorphous Silicon Films and Solar Cells

Karen Wilken, Mehmet Guenes, Shuo Wang, Friedhelm Finger, Vladimir Smirnov

Summary: This study investigates the effects of prolonged postdeposition annealing on the performance of low-temperature fabricated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells. The current-voltage curves of the solar cells show substantial improvements upon annealing, primarily due to enhancements in the collection voltage. The deposition-induced modifications of the p-type layers have negligible contributions to the annealing behavior, while variations in the properties of the n-type and intrinsic layers significantly affect the annealing effect. The annealing effect mainly originates from changes in the electron mu tau-product in the intrinsic absorber layer, with a minor contribution from changes in the hole mu tau-products. Additionally, computer simulations accurately replicate the improvements in external quantum efficiency curves upon annealing by assuming an increase in the band mobilities of both electrons and holes.

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Optical and Electrical Loss Analysis of Thin-Film Solar Cells Combining the Methods of Transfer Matrix and Finite Elements

Mario Zinser, Tim Helder, Andreas Bauer, Theresa Magorian Friedlmeier, Julia Zillner, Jan-Philipp Becker, Michael Powalla

Summary: In order to improve the efficiency of thin-film solar cells, researchers conducted loss analyses and calculations. They utilized computer-aided modeling and numerical simulations to consider both electrical and optical effects, and predicted specific loss mechanisms using experimental data.

IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS (2022)

Article Energy & Fuels

Four-Terminal Perovskite/Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Tandem Solar Cells: Unveiling the Path to >27% in Power Conversion Efficiency

Thomas Feeney, Ihteaz M. Hossain, Saba Gharibzadeh, Fabrizio Gota, Roja Singh, Paul Fassl, Adrian Mertens, Ahmed Farag, Jan-Philipp Becker, Stefan Paetel, Erik Ahlswede, Ulrich W. Paetzold

Summary: This article presents a method to improve the efficiency of 4T perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells, achieving a PCE of 27.3% through systematic optimization of the top semi-transparent PSC. Improvements in light management through the optimization of anti-reflection coatings and the development of transparent conductive oxides that incur very low parasitic absorption are crucial for maximizing efficiency.

SOLAR RRL (2022)

Review Electrochemistry

Scalable Photovoltaic-Electrochemical Cells for Hydrogen Production from Water - Recent Advances

Minoh Lee, Stefan Haas, Vladimir Smirnov, Tsvetelina Merdzhanova, Uwe Rau

Summary: This review article provides an overview of the state-of-the-art in large-scale photovoltaic (PV)-driven water splitting for hydrogen generation. It covers the basic principles of water splitting, different types of PV-driven water splitting devices, recent advances in scalable PV-electrochemical water splitting devices, and cost predictions and challenges to be addressed.

CHEMELECTROCHEM (2022)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

CO2 Electroreduction To Syngas With Tunable Composition In An Artificial Leaf

Florentine L. P. Veenstra, Therese Cibaka, Antonio J. Martin, Daniel Weigand, Joachim Kirchhoff, Vladimir Smirnov, Tsvetelina Merdzhanova, Javier Perez-Ramirez

Summary: Artificial leaves can reduce carbon dioxide into syngas using solar power and have the flexibility to control the composition of the syngas by adjusting the electrolyte flow, which is beneficial for decentralized production.

CHEMSUSCHEM (2023)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Multifunctional continuous solid solution Na0.9Mg0.45Ti3.55O8-Na2Fe2Ti6O16: Preparation, characterization, magnetism, dual absorption, adsorption, and photocatalysis

Qi-Wen Chen, Ze-Qing Guo, Jian-Ping Zhou

Summary: Multifunctional continuous solid solutions NFMTO-x were successfully synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method by controlling the ratio of Mg and Fe. The NFMTO-x materials exhibited enhanced visible light response, effective adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, CO2 methanation capability, and easy recyclability due to their magnetic properties. This research provides a significant multifunctional material for water purification.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Review Chemistry, Physical

Critical advances in the field of magnetron sputtered bioactive glass thin-films: An analytical review

George E. Stan, Maziar Montazerian, Adam Shearer, Bryan W. Stuart, Francesco Baino, John C. Mauro, Jose M. F. Ferreira

Summary: Bioactive glasses have the ability to form strong bonds with tissues and release therapeutic ions. However, their biomechanical compatibility limits their use in load-bearing applications. The use of magnetron sputtering technology to fabricate BG coatings shows promise in improving their efficacy and potential for application.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Corrosion mode evaluation of Fe-based glassy alloys with metalloid elements by electrochemical noise (EN)

Zhaoxuan Wang, Zhicheng Yan, Zhigang Qi, Yu Feng, Qi Chen, Ziqi Song, Meng Huang, Peng Jia, Ki Buem Kim, Weimin Wang

Summary: The corrosion behavior of Fe-60 and Fe-83 ribbons in 0.6 M NaCl was studied. Fe-60 exhibited a local corrosion mode and formed a stable passivation film with higher corrosion resistance, while Fe-83 showed a combination of local and global corrosion modes and had lower corrosion resistance. Controlling the precipitation of nanocrystalline phases and increasing the POx content in the passivation film significantly improved the corrosion resistance of Fe-based glassy alloys.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Impacts of Zr content of HfZrOx-Based FeFET memory on resilience towards proton radiation

Hao-Kai Peng, Sheng-Yen Zheng, Wei-Ning Kao, Ting-Chieh Lai, Kai-Sheun Lee, Yung- Hsien Wu

Summary: This study investigates the effects of high energy/fluence proton radiation on the performance of HfZrOx-based FeFETs memory with different Zr content. The results show that the characteristics of FeFETs are influenced by proton radiation, and the extent of the influence depends on the Zr content. FeFETs with 50% Zr content exhibit minimal changes in memory window and demonstrate good endurance and retention performance.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Excellent crystalline silicon surface passivation by transparent conductive Al-doped ZnO/ITO stack

Zongyi Yue, Guangyi Wang, Zengguang Huang, Sihua Zhong

Summary: In this study, AZO and ITO films were successfully tuned as excellent passivation layers for c-Si surfaces, achieving effective minority carrier lifetime and outstanding optical properties through the optimization of annealing temperature and interfacial silicon oxide.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Hydrogen sensing capabilities of highly nanoporous black gold films

Martin Hruska, Jan Kejzlar, Jaroslav Otta, Premysl Fitl, Michal Novotny, Jakub Cizek, Oksana Melikhova, Matej Micusik, Peter Machata, Martin Vrnata

Summary: This paper presents a detailed study on the hydrogen sensing capabilities of highly nanoporous black gold films. The films exhibit fast response and recovery times at low temperatures. Different levels of nanoporosity were prepared and tested to investigate the sensing properties, and it was found that nanoporous black gold is suitable for hydrogen sensing. The sensitivity of the film depends on its nanoporosity.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Abnormal stability of hydrogenic defects and magnetism near the HSrCoO2.5(001) surface

Yupu Wang, Gaofeng Teng, Chun To Yiu, Junyi Zhu

Summary: In the study of BM-SCO and HSCO thin films, it was found that H vacancies tend to prefer sites near the external surface or oxygen vacancy channels (OVCs), while H interstitials prefer sites of oxygen on a layer that contains six-fold coordinated Co. These findings not only enrich the understanding of complex surface phenomena of defect formation but also provide an explanation for the reversibility during phase transformation.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Space variant fiber nanogratings induced by femtosecond laser direct writing

Jiafeng Lu, Linping Teng, Qinxiao Zhai, Chunhua Wang, Matthieu Lancry, Ye Dai, Xianglong Zeng

Summary: In this study, we achieved full control of fiber nanograting orientation by manipulating laser polarization, and tailored space variant fiber nanogratings, which expanded the diversity in fiber nanograting engineering.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Wetting mechanisms in the mass transfer process of CuSi3 droplets on the TC4 and 304SS multi-metal system controlled by the hybrid shielding gas atmosphere

Yibo Liu, Yujie Tao, Yue Liu, Qi Sun, Qinrong Lin, Kexin Kang, Qinghua Zhang, Qingjie Sun

Summary: This study investigates the wettability of the Ti-Cu-Fe multi-metal system, specifically the wetting behaviors of CuSi3 droplets on TC4 and 304SS plates. The results show that the CO2 + Ar gas atmosphere significantly affects interfacial mass transfer, thus influencing the wettability of the systems.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Size-regulated Co-doped hetero-interfaced 3D honeycomb MXene as high performance electromagnetic absorber with anti-corrosion performance

Jimei Liu, Fei Wang, Rong Guo, Yuqi Liu, Mengyu Zhang, Jaka Sunarso, Dong Liu

Summary: This study developed Co/MXene composites with anti-corrosion properties by varying the cobalt content. These composites exhibited remarkable electromagnetic absorption performance and high resistance to corrosion under various corrosive conditions. The study also revealed the mechanism of electron transfer from cobalt to MXene and the electromagnetic dissipation behavior originated from polarization loss alone.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Ultrafine Ru nanoparticles on nitrogen-doped CNT arrays for HER: A CVD-based protocol achieving microstructure design and strong catalyst-support interaction

Moujie Huang, Yongsong Ma, Jingbo Yang, Lingyun Xu, Hangqi Yang, Miao Wang, Xin Ma, Xin Xia, Junhao Yang, Deli Wang, Chuang Peng

Summary: Strong metal-support interactions (SMSIs) are important for enhancing catalytic activities and stability in thermal catalysis. This study demonstrates a method to create SMSIs in electrocatalysis using carbon nanotubes and Ru nanoparticles, resulting in excellent catalytic activity and stability.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Novel biphenylene as cisplatin anticancer drug delivery carrier; insight from theoretical perspective

Ravi Trivedi, Brinti Mondal, Nandini Garg, Brahmananda Chakraborty

Summary: This study explores the potential of biphenylene as a nanocarrier for the delivery of the anticancer drug cisplatin. It is found that biphenylene offers physical stability, rapid release rate, solubility, and bio-compatibilities compared to other nanocarriers. The adsorption of cisplatin on the surface of biphenylene involves charge transfer from cisplatin to biphenylene. The drug is shown to be released at body temperature in an acidic environment. Biphenylene also exhibits excellent cytotoxicity activity and cellular uptake of the drug. Overall, biphenylene shows promise as a potential nanocarrier for cisplatin delivery.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Platform for surface-enhanced Raman scattering in layered quantum materials

Hyun Jeong, Hyeong Chan Suh, Ga Hyun Cho, Rafael Salas-Montiel, Hayoung Ko, Ki Kang Kim, Mun Seok Jeong

Summary: In this study, a potential platform to enhance Raman scattering and increase the number of observable Raman modes in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) was proposed. The platform consisted of large-scale arrays of gold micropillars (MPs), which were able to enhance the Raman intensity of TMDs and make difficult-to-detect Raman modes observable. The platform showed great industrial advantages and wide applicability due to its low cost, simple process, large controllable area, and short process time.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Cyclotriphosphazene (P3N3) derived FeOx@SPNO-C core-shell nanospheres as peroxymonosulfate activator for degradation via non-radical pathway

Yasir Abbas, Shafqat Ali, Sajjad Ali, Waqar Azeem, Zareen Zuhra, Haoliang Wang, Mohamed Bououdina, Zhenzhong Sun

Summary: In this study, FeOx@SPNO-C core-shell nanospheres as a catalyst for degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) were successfully synthesized. The synergistic interaction between FeOx and SPNO-C, high carbon charge density, and the presence of C = O groups and N/Fe-Nx sites were found to be key factors for the enhanced degradation of SMX.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Hierarchical confinement of Prussian blue nanoparticles via NH2-MIL-88B (Fe): Rational design and electrocatalytic application

Qiaoting Yang, Yuxiao Gong, Yan Qian, Zhou-Qing Xiao, Serge Cosnier, Xue-Ji Zhang, Robert S. Marks, Dan Shan

Summary: This study proposes a hierarchical confinement strategy to design Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB NPs) with satisfactory electrocatalytic ability and stability. The catalytic synthesis of PB NPs is achieved through a hydrothermal process, and the as-prepared PB@NH2MIL exhibits efficient electronic transmission and enhanced electrocatalytic properties.

APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE (2024)