Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
He Zhang, Jiayun Feng, Fangyuan Sun, Dongyan Zhou, Ge Cao, Shang Wang, Xuanyi Hu, Jingxuan Ma, Fengyu Su, Yanqing Tian, Yanhong Tian
Summary: A self-driven and energy-saving Ni anode-based electrochromic device (ECD) using Prussian blue as electrochromic material is developed. It can be colored by solar energy during the day and spontaneously bleach at night using the internal redox potential, without any extra energy input. Compared to ECDs with high Ni2+ or high K+ concentration in the electrolyte, the Ni-based ECD with equal amount of K+ and Ni2+ exhibits higher optical contrast, faster coloration response time, and better stability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Fang Huajing, Zhao Zetian, Wu Wenting, Wang Hong
Summary: Electrochromic materials play a crucial role in optoelectric functional materials, while the traditional rigid electrochromic devices face challenges that hinder their development. Flexible electrochromic devices have become a research hotspot due to their foldability and wearability, with the key lying in materials selection and performance improvement.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Toka Hatem, Maryam G. Elmahgary, Rami Ghannam, Mohamed A. Ahmed, Sameh O. Abdellatif
Summary: Dye-sensitized solar cells have great potential in low-cost and self-powered nano/micro-scale applications due to their advantages such as low fabrication costs and lead-free structure. This study attempts to boost the conversion efficiency by narrowing the energy band gap of the active layer. The fabricated cell shows promising results with an overall harvested power density of 8.6 mW/cm(2) for various low-power sensing applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sabine Josten, Tillmann Koehler, Frank Marlow
Summary: Light-weight dye-sensitized solar cells were successfully fabricated on stainless steel meshes made of different materials, showing a voltage shift and hysteresis in the J-V characteristics. A large capacitance of 171 mu F/cm2 was found to describe this effect, with only small differences identified between the stainless steel types used for the mesh.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bin Deng, Yanan Zhu, Xiaowei Wang, Jinlin Zhu, Manyu Liu, Mingqiang Liu, Yaowu He, Caizhen Zhu, Chaohong Zhang, Hong Meng
Summary: This project aims to design a smart window that responds to both electricity and heat, achieving energy efficiency, privacy preservation, and enhanced decorative attributes. By using a novel electrochromic material design and optimizing electrochromic devices, high-performance ECDs with fast color-switching speed and significant transmittance modulation are obtained. Additionally, a thermochromic gel electrolyte is created to provide excellent thermal insulation and further enhance the window's performance. Overall, this work showcases a prospective design pathway for the development of next-generation ultrafast-switching, and energy-efficient intelligent windows.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Akula Surya Teja, Abhishek Srivastava, Jena Akash Kumar Satrughna, Manish Kumar Tiwari, Archana Kanwade, Subhash Chand Yadav, Parasharam M. Shirage
Summary: Natural dye-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have advantages in cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness, but their efficiency is lower than synthetic dye-based DSSCs and standard Si-solar cells. This review aims to improve the parameters and selection strategy for fabricating DSSCs using natural dyes as sensitizers. It also discusses the impact of plant components and various methods and elements on the overall performance of DSSC devices.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Yi Di, Tianshi Qin
Summary: In this study, dispersed Ni species over the surface of plasmonic TiN nanocrystals (TiN@Ni) were manufactured using a wetness impregnation method. The bifunctional TiN@Ni nanocrystals combined with monolayer MXene to form a continuous conductive matrix, serving as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), resulting in enhanced electrocatalytic performance and power conversion efficiency.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Luca Lavagna, George Syrrokostas, Lucia Fagiolari, Julia Amici, Carlotta Francia, Silvia Bodoardo, George Leftheriotis, Federico Bella
Summary: A new photoelectrochromic system has been proposed in this study, with improved device performance achieved by replacing key components, including using graphene nanoplatelets to replace platinum for the counter electrode, and choosing a copper-based redox pair to replace the iodine-based mediator. Compared to traditional designs, this system exhibits higher performance and long-term stability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wanzhong Li, Ting Bai, Guoxing Fu, Qianqian Zhang, Jingbing Liu, Hao Wang, Yuying Sun, Hui Yan
Summary: This review provides comprehensive guidance on developing high-performance FECDs, introducing core components and flexible features, summarizing recent advances in FECD construction, and discussing challenges faced and corresponding solutions proposed.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Jeanet Conradie
Summary: This mini review briefly discusses the developments on the application of polypyridyl-based copper complexes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Copper complexes can be used as dye sensitizers and/or as redox mediators in DSSCs. The abundance and low cost of copper make it a cheaper and non-toxic alternative to the commonly used iodide/triiodide electrolyte redox couple and the expensive and rare ruthenium-based dyes.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Muhammad Yasin, Muhammad Khan, Norah Alwadai, Munawar Iqbal
Summary: Nanorods of TiO2, Sn-doped TiO2, TiO2@Sn-TiO2 and Sn-TiO2@TiO2 were prepared and characterized using SEM, XRD and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the heterostructure film of Sn-TiO2@TiO2 had the smallest band gap and highest efficiency in DSSC among the four films.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jin-Long Wang, Si-Zhe Sheng, Zhen He, Rui Wang, Zhao Pan, Hao-Yu Zhao, Jian-Wei Liu, Shu-Hong Yu
Summary: Inspired by the concept of galvanic cell, a self-powered flexible electrochromic device has been developed by integrating Ag/W18O49 nanowire film with an Al sheet. This device, requiring no external power source, can generate enough driving force through the combination of Ag nanowire film and Al sheet, showing great potential for future applications in flexible electrochromic smart windows.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fahmid Kabir, Serajum Manir, Md. Mossaraf Hossain Bhuiyan, Sikandar Aftab, Hamidreza Ghanbari, Amirhossein Hasani, Mirette Fawzy, G. L. Thushani De Silva, Mohammad Reza Mohammadzadeh, Ribwar Ahmadi, Amin Abnavi, Abdelrahman M. Askar, Michael M. Adachi
Summary: This article focuses on the instability of natural dye-based dye-sensitized solar cells, dividing it into physical and chemical instabilities, and presents various mechanisms to improve cell stability. The review provides insights into enhancing technologies that significantly boost the performance of DSSCs.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dongyun Ma, Alice Lee-Sie Eh, Sheng Cao, Pooi See Lee, Jinmin Wang
Summary: By combining complementary EC nanocomposites of manganese dioxide (MnO2) and Prussian blue (PB), a wide-spectrum modulated EC device has been developed, which not only enhances energy savings but also achieves fast switching responses and high coloration efficiency. This new strategy provides a promising approach for designing high-performance energy-saving EC smart windows.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruitong Song, Guoping Li, Yueyan Zhang, Bin Rao, Shanxin Xiong, Gang He
Summary: This study reported a series of electrochromic composites consisting of chalcogenoviologen-based ionic liquids and ferrocene-based ionic liquids, showing multiple colors, fast switching times, high color contrast ratio, good reversibility, and cycle stability. These composites can be used to make smart windows and flexible display devices, providing new possibilities for intelligent life.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Feixiang Bian, Jiage Yu, Wenlong Song, Hui Huang, Chu Liang, Yongping Gan, Yang Xia, Jun Zhang, Xinping He, Wenkui Zhang
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2020)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luoting Zhou, Wenkui Zhang, Yangfeng Wang, Sheng Liang, Yongping Gan, Hui Huang, Jun Zhang, Yang Xia, Chu Liang
JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiage Yu, Kun Wang, Wenlong Song, Hui Huang, Chu Liang, Yang Xia, Jun Zhang, Yongping Gan, Feng Wang, Wenkui Zhang
Summary: A low temperature MgH2-AlCl3-SiO2 melt system was developed to efficiently synthesize high purity battery grade nano-Si with superior electrochemical performance, providing new insights into the effects of nanoscale particle size on the performance of Si anode.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Hui Huang, Gangfeng Yang, Jiage Yu, Jun Zhang, Yang Xia, Kun Wang, Chu Liang, Yongping Gan, Xinping He, Wenkui Zhang
Summary: The SnS@TPC composite fabricated by a supercritical CO2 method demonstrates impressive cycling stability and rate performance, which is attributed to the composite effect between TPC and nanocrystalline SnS.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yang Xia, Qiang Ren, Chengwei Lu, Jing Zhu, Jun Zhang, Chu Liang, Hui Huang, Yongping Gan, Xinping He, Dongmin Zhu, Zhen Xiao, Wenkui Zhang
Summary: A new graphene/TiO2 decorated N-doped carbon foam as a three-dimensional current collector for high loading sulfur cathodes is proposed, providing enough space for active sulfur and strong polysulfide confining ability. The 3D porous conductive structure allows rapid mass mobilization and boosts electron transfer kinetics, leading to a remarkable capacity of 788 mA h g(-1) for the sulfur cathode after 100 cycles with a high sulfur loading of 7.4 mg cm(-2). This work offers insights for multifunctional current collectors in thick sulfur cathodes for Li-S batteries.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Xiao, Yao Li, Wenkui Zhang, Hui Huang, Yongping Gan, Jun Zhang, Chu Liang, Qinzhong Mao, Peng Liao, Yanxian Jin, Yang Xia
Summary: This study proposes a modified polypropylene separator with a multi-functional coating layer to overcome the challenges faced by lithium-sulfur batteries, such as low active material utilization, capacity degradation, cycling lifespan, and rate capability. The designed separator significantly improves the battery's specific capacity, capacity retention, and rate capability.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yang Xia, Peng Cai, Yaning Liu, Jing Zhu, Rui Guo, Wenkui Zhang, Yongping Gan, Hui Huang, Jun Zhang, Chu Liang, Xinping He, Zhen Xiao
Summary: An electrothermal film with sandwich-like structure composed of hybrid conductive fillers and polymer matrix has been fabricated, demonstrating low voltage operation, superior response feature, high electrothermal conversion efficiency, stability, and potential for practical applications.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chao Zheng, Jun Zhang, Yang Xia, Hui Huang, Yongping Gan, Chu Liang, Xinping He, Xinyong Tao, Wenkui Zhang
Summary: The research reveals the self-healing behavior of Argyrodite Li6PS5Cl material when used as both the electrolyte and cathode, which is closely related to the electrochemical window and can be controlled by adjusting the charge-discharge voltage range. This self-healing mechanism, involving reversible Li6PS5Cl decomposition and reciprocating lithium growth, is crucial for sulfide-based solid-state electrolytes and guides the interface modification and material design of all-solid-state lithium batteries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cheng Wang, Tianqi Yang, Wenkui Zhang, Hui Huang, Yongping Gan, Yang Xia, Xinping He, Jun Zhang
Summary: The researchers designed hydrogen-bonded polyethylene oxide composite solid electrolytes that can enhance both the ionic conductivity and mechanical strength through the formation of an interconnected network. By adjusting the composition ratio, they overcame the issues of poor film forming and low mechanical strength.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Yang Xia, Xiaohang Ren, Zhen Xiao, Yongping Gan, Jun Zhang, Hui Huang, Xinping He, Qinzhong Mao, Guoguang Wang, Wenkui Zhang
Summary: A core-shell structure LiNi0.9-Co0.1O2@LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 composite is proposed to enhance the structure stability and thermal stability under high-voltage application, showing excellent electrochemical performance and promising potential for practical application in high energy density lithium-ion batteries.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Zhen Xiao, Rui Guo, Xinping He, Yongping Gan, Jun Zhang, Hui Huang, Wenkui Zhang, Bingjia Wang, Yi Han, Yang Xia
Summary: This study successfully develops a thin electric heating film composed of highly thermally stable polybenzimidazole (PBI) and low-cost carbon black nanoparticles (Super P) that significantly increases the maximum working temperature under relatively low applied voltage.
JOURNAL OF ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yaning Liu, Zhen Xiao, Wenkui Zhang, Hui Huang, Jun Zhang, Yongping Gan, Xinping He, Bingjia Wang, Yi Han, Yang Xia
Summary: In this study, glass fiber reinforced graphite/carbon black@polyethersulfone composites were developed to significantly increase the maximum working temperature of electrothermal materials. The composites showed excellent electric heating performance and stable maximum working temperatures under low applied voltages.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zexing Liu, Jiayu Yang, George Leftheriotis, Hui Huang, Yang Xia, Yongping Gan, Wenkui Zhang, Jun Zhang
Summary: Energy consumption in buildings, especially for heating, cooling, and lighting, is a crucial sector globally. To reduce energy consumption, smart windows that can change their optical and thermal properties have been considered as a promising technology. In this study, a multifunctional smart window was designed using a complementary structure of tungsten oxide and Prussian blue thin films, powered by an integrated dye-sensitized solar cell. The window exhibited adjustable optical modulation and temperature regulation, with energy-storage ability and excellent durability, presenting potential applications in modern buildings.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fengkai Zuo, Yu Ding, Jun Zhang, Pan Xiong, Ping Wu, Hongsen Li
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shuai Ruan, Wenjie Xin, Chen Wang, Wangjun Wan, Hui Huang, Yongping Gan, Yang Xia, Jun Zhang, Xinhui Xia, Xinping He, Wenkui Zhang
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a carbon-based flexible lithium-ion supercapacitor positive material using supercritical fluid technology, which improved the interface compatibility and enhanced the electrochemical performance of composite materials. The material exhibited excellent supercapacitive and lithium storage properties in sulfuric acid and lithium sulfate electrolytes.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)