Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mamoona Riffat, Hassan Ali, H. A. Qayyum, M. Bilal, Tanvir Hussain
Summary: Solar-driven hydrogen production using a photocatalyst is the most effective method, and hydrogen is the most suitable renewable energy source. The efficiency of hydrogen production is low, but it can be enhanced by using a suitable photocatalyst. This study deposited ZnO thin films on CdTe thin films to form ZnO/CdTe heterostructure thin films as photoelectrodes for water splitting. The results showed that ZnO/CdTe heterostructure thin films have better photocurrent response and charge transfer compared to pure ZnO and CdTe thin films.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Aparna Ukarande, Maruti V. Salve, Shweta Chaure, O. I. Olusola, T. M. W. J. Bandara, M. Furlani, B. -e. Mellander, M. A. K. L. Dissanayake, I. Albinsson, Nandu B. Chaure
Summary: In this study, CdTe thin films were successfully grown using a wet-chemical electrochemical technique in an aqueous bath. The effect of bath temperature on the properties of the sample and the optoelectronic performance of the solar cell devices was investigated. The annealed sample exhibited a polycrystalline cubic crystal structure of CdTe with the desired grain size and stoichiometry. The solar cell device showed a relatively high fill factor and efficiency.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ali Ciris
Summary: This study investigated the impact of locational CdCl2 treatment on the MgZnO/CdS stacks. The application of CdCl2 to either the inter-face or the top-surface improved the grain structure of the stacks, while CdCl2 applied to both surfaces led to a porous structure. CdS and MgZnO absorption edges were observed in all stacks, along with emission bands relating to defect transitions in the MgZnO and CdS layers. The refractive index values decreased with CdCl2 treatment. The results suggest that local CdCl2 treatment has a clear effect on the structural and optical properties of MgZnO/CdS stacks.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
A. F. M. Anhar Uddin Bhuiyan, Zixuan Feng, Hsien-Lien Huang, Lingyu Meng, Jinwoo Hwang, Hongping Zhao
Summary: Single alpha-phase (AlxGa1-x)(2)O-3 thin films were successfully grown on m-plane sapphire substrates via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, demonstrating high quality and uniformity. The influence of growth parameters on film properties was further investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed to characterize the aluminum content and bandgaps, with the band alignment at heterojunctions also studied.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing Zhou, Xueying Tian, Rui Chen, Weitao Chen, Xin Meng, Xinyu Guan, Jianan Wang, Sanwan Liu, Fumeng Ren, Shasha Zhang, Yiqiang Zhang, Zonghao Liu, Wei Chen
Summary: This study utilized an ultra-thin functional hydrophobic polymer, Parylene C, to enhance the operational lifetime of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The Parylene C film, which was applied as a surface finish using chemical vapor deposition, provided tunnel contact and protected the perovskite layer. The Parylene C film reduced surface defects and hindered hole migration, resulting in improved efficiency and long-term stability of PSCs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xueqiang Xiang, Li-Heng Li, Chen Chen, Guangwei Xu, Fangzhou Liang, Pengju Tan, Xuanze Zhou, Weibing Hao, Xiaolong Zhao, Haiding Sun, Kan-Hao Xue, Nan Gao, Shibing Long
Summary: In this study, high-quality β-Ga2O3 films were epitaxially grown using MOCVD with different donor concentrations, and their shallow donor states were investigated. The unintentional doping effects were found to have a significant impact on the donor states, and a method to reduce the unintentional doping effect was proposed.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nowshad Amin, Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Zeid Abdullah ALOthman
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of deposition pressure on the formation of CdTe thin films grown on ultra-thin glass substrates at high temperature using the CSS technique. The results showed that low pressure (1-5 Torr) led to maximum grain growth in CdTe films, while the film thickness and optical properties varied with different deposition pressures.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. F. M. Anhar Uddin Bhuiyan, Zixuan Feng, Lingyu Meng, Hongping Zhao
Summary: The study systematically investigates the effects of growth parameters on the structural and surface morphological properties of beta-(AlxGa1-x)(2)O-3 thin films grown via MOCVD on (010) beta-Ga2O3 substrates. It is found that a higher [TMAl]/[TEGa + TMAl] molar flow ratio results in higher Al incorporation in the films, while higher growth temperature leads to lower growth rates with substantial surface roughening. Increasing chamber pressure lowers growth rates and Al incorporation in the AlGaO films, indicating a narrower MOCVD growth window as the Al composition increases.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anna L. Pellegrino, Francesca Lo Presti, Emanuele Smecca, Salvatore Valastro, Giuseppe Greco, Salvatore Di Franco, Fabrizio Roccaforte, Alessandra Alberti, Graziella Malandrino
Summary: Copper oxide thin films were successfully synthesized via MOCVD method by controlling fabrication conditions to selectively produce different phases of the thin films. This approach is industrially attractive, reliable, and fast for producing large-area thin films with fine control over composition and surface uniformity.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
C. Doroody, K. S. Rahman, H. N. Rosly, M. N. Harif, K. Sopian, S. F. Abdullah, N. Amin
Summary: This study compared the structural, morphological, and electrical characteristics of CdTe thin films grown on UTG substrates via CSS and RF magnetron sputtering. The results suggest that CdTe films grown by CSS may be favorable for solar cell applications.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yasser T. Alharbi, Firoz Alam, Khaled Parvez, Mohamed Missous, David J. Lewis
Summary: This paper outlines the synthesis of bournonite using a discrete molecular precursor strategy and characterizes the material through various techniques. The synthesized bournonite powders and thin films were found to exhibit an orthorhombic crystal structure and an optical band gap energy close to the theoretical value. The study provides insights into the potential of bournonite as a candidate material for photovoltaic energy conversion.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Raju Nandi, Pravin S. Pawar, KrishnaRao Eswar Neerugatti, Jae Yu Cho, Seongheon Kim, Seong Ho Cho, Yun Seog Lee, Jaeyeong Heo
Summary: The study reports the highest cell efficiency and short-circuit current density for α-SnSe thin-film solar cells grown via vapor-transport-deposition. It shows that the grain size and surface roughness greatly influence the shunt properties of the device, with significantly large shunt losses detected in cases of both small and extremely large grains.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kai Qi, Shihao Fu, Yuefei Wang, Yurui Han, Rongpeng Fu, Chong Gao, Jiangang Ma, Haiyang Xu, Bingsheng Li, Aidong Shen, Yichun Liu
Summary: Mixed-phase (InxGa1_x)2O3 films were fabricated by excessive doping of In in Ga2O3 and controlling different precursor weight ratios of monoclinic Ga2O3 and cubic In2O3. These films exhibited coexistence of monoclinic (InxGa1_x)2O3 (& beta;-IGO) and cubic (InxGa1_x)2O3 (c-IGO). The photodetector based on (InxGa1_x)2O3 with a Ga2O3: In2O3 ratio of 10: 1 showed high sensitivity to solar-blind radiation with ultralow dark current and large responsivity and detectivity. The proposed alloying method has potential for future photoelectric devices.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lianping Chen, Yuanhong Gao, Yibin Chen, Jun Cao
Summary: The influence of europium on the structure and luminescent properties of CaWO4 thin films was investigated, and the sputtering yields of different compounds were studied. The results showed that the compositions of the deposits matched those of the targets, and the lattice constants increased under certain conditions. The preferential growth along a specific crystal plane also increased due to the substitution of Ca2+ with Eu2+. Doping of Eu led to improved photoluminescence performance of the films.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shreyash Hadke, Menglin Huang, Chao Chen, Ying Fan Tay, Shiyou Chen, Jiang Tang, Lydia Wong
Summary: Chalcogenide semiconductors have excellent optoelectronic properties for use in solar cells, with a focus on emerging binary, ternary, and quaternary chalcogenides. The review analyzes their performance metrics, electronic band structure, and point defect characteristics, while also discussing potential pathways for practical applications in solar energy harvesting.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Jalalian-Khakshour, C. O. Phillips, L. Jackson, T. O. Dunlop, S. Margadonna, D. Deganello
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shafiul Monir, Giray Kartopu, Vincent Barrioz, Dan Lamb, Stuart J. C. Irvine, Xiaogang Yang, Yuriy Vagapov
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2020)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Simone M. P. Meroni, Katherine E. A. Hooper, Tom Dunlop, Jenny A. Baker, David Worsley, Cecile Charbonneau, Trystan M. Watson
Article
Energy & Fuels
Anthony Lewis, Joel R. Troughton, Benjamin Smith, James McGettrick, Tom Dunlop, Francesca De Rossi, Adam Pockett, Michael Spence, Matthew J. Carnie, Trystan M. Watson, Cecile Charbonneau
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
N. Wint, A. D. Malla, N. Cooze, T. Savill, S. Mehraban, T. Dunlop, J. H. Sullivan, D. Penney, G. Williams, H. N. McMurray
Summary: The addition of germanium reduces corrosion in zinc-aluminium-magnesium alloys by forming Mg2Ge crystals. A 58% decrease in mass loss rate was achieved at high germanium content (1.8 wt.%), indicating that Mg2Ge crystals act as reservoirs for Mg2+ ions.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Stuart Cairns, Sampriti Chaudhuri, Gabriel Sigmund, Iain Robertson, Natasha Hawkins, Tom Dunlop, Thilo Hofmann
Summary: This study shows that amending biochar with wood ash significantly enhances the immobilization of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd by an order of magnitude. The addition of wood ash increases pH and causes precipitation of minerals, leading to dominant mechanisms of metal immobilization through precipitation and ion exchange. Wood ash amended biochar proves to be a sustainable and cost-effective option for removing heavy metals from motorway runoff.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tom Dunlop, Owen Kesteven, Francesca De Rossi, Pete Davies, Trystan Watson, Cecile Charbonneau
Summary: This study investigates the impact of carbon ink on the infiltration of perovskite into active layers in carbon perovskite solar cells. Through the use of broad beam ion milling, infiltration defects related to carbon flake orientation were revealed, showing between a 2% and 100% inactive area within the cells. Understanding and addressing these defects is crucial for improving the performance of solar cells for mass manufacturing.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jamie Williams, Christian Griffiths, Tom Dunlop, Eifion Jewell
Summary: Hydrophobicity on steel-based metallic surfaces reduces corrosion and debris buildup, thus improving substrate performance. The study investigated the development of zinc stearate and silicon dioxide coatings on hot-dipped galvanised zinc-coated steel substrates, resulting in superhydrophobicity. Optimal processing conditions produced a contact angle of 146 degrees within a 120-min processing window, reducing processing time by 67% compared to previous literature. The study also proved that micro silicon dioxide can replace nano silicon dioxide without affecting the coating's contact angle performance. Additionally, the coating demonstrated a 3-fold reduction in oxide buildup compared to uncoated galvanized steel in accelerated exposure tests.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David Beynon, Ershad Parvazian, Katherine Hooper, James McGettrick, Rahul Patidar, Tom Dunlop, Zhengfei Wei, Peter Davies, Rodrigo Garcia-Rodriguez, Matt Carnie, Matthew Davies, Trystan Watson
Summary: In this study, a fully R2R printable device architecture of perovskite photovoltaics is successfully fabricated using a low-temperature device structure and R2R-compatible solution formulations. The n-i-p device structure of SnO2/perovskite/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/carbon is employed to achieve an ohmic contact and overcome interlayer incompatibilities and recombination losses. The results show that the small-scale device efficiencies reach 13-14%, matching the device performance of evaporated gold electrodes. Furthermore, the entirely R2R-coated perovskite prototype demonstrates a significant breakthrough with over 10% stabilized power conversion efficiency and long-term stability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Craig Underwood, Dan Lamb, Stuart Irvine, Simran Mardhani, Abdelmadjid Lassakeur
Summary: The increasing demand for power in spacecraft and the potential for space-based solar power stations has led to the development of large area, lightweight solar photovoltaic arrays with higher power output. Swansea University's Centre for Solar Energy Research has been researching a new solar cell technology based on thin-film cadmium telluride, which offers high efficiency and low cost. Flight results from a CubeSat experiment have shown the feasibility of this technology for space applications.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
C. Worsley, D. Raptis, S. M. P. Meroni, R. Patidar, A. Pockett, T. Dunlop, S. J. Potts, R. Bolton, C. M. E. Charbonneau, M. Carnie, E. Jewell, T. Watson
Summary: The study demonstrates that adding methanol solvent can improve the performance and reproducibility of perovskite solar cell precursors based on gamma-valerolactone, achieving higher power conversion efficiency. This not only enhances stability, but also showcases the potential application of green solvent engineering in the development of novel photovoltaics.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexander James Doolin, Rhys Gareth Charles, Catherine S. P. De Castro, Rodrigo Garcia Rodriguez, Emmanuel Vincent Pean, Rahul Patidar, Tom Dunlop, Cecile Charbonneau, Trystan Watson, Matthew Lloyd Davies
Summary: The study introduces a green solvent selection method that achieves deposition of perovskite films without DMF, leading to improved crystal quality and photovoltaic device efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhengfei Wei, Thomas O. Dunlop, Peter J. Heard, Cecile Charbonneau, David A. Worsley, Trystan Watson
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shahriyar Safat Dipta, Md Habibur Rahaman, Walia Binte Tarique, Ashraful Hossain Howlader, Ayush Pratik, John A. Stride, Ashraf Uddin
Summary: Implementing a double-sided passivation approach can enhance the performance of n-i-p structured PSCs and improve the stability and photovoltaic properties of the cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Daniel Ourinson, Andreas Brand, Andreas Lorenz, Marwan Dhamrin, Sebastian Tepner, Michael Linse, Nathalie Goettlicher, Kosuke Tsuji, Jonas D. Huyeng, Florian Clement
Summary: This work presents two approaches to reduce the amount of silver on the rear side of M2-sized industrial iTOPCon solar cells. The Cu-based approach shows promise with similar power conversion efficiency compared to the conventional approach, while the Al-based approach exhibits some limitations but demonstrates the potential of such type of contact for iTOPCon solar cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abasifreke Ebong, Donald Intal, Sandra Huneycutt, Thad Druffel, Ruvini Dharmadasa, Kevin Elmer, Apolo Nambo
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful metallization of a PERC silicon solar cell using screen-printable copper (Cu) paste. The Cu paste contains antioxidant additives and diffusion inhibitors to prevent oxidation and diffusion of Cu. The Cu-printed cells achieved an efficiency of 19% and showed no Cu diffusion after characterization tests. The long-term stability and effectiveness of the Cu diffusion barrier were also confirmed.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Senami Zogbo, Wilfried Favre, Olivier Bonino, Marie-Estelle Gueunier-Farret
Summary: Measuring specific contact resistivity (pc) is crucial for interface engineering in high efficiency solar cells. The Transfer Length Method (TLM) is commonly used for evaluating layer sheet resistance (Rsheet) and pc, but it is not suitable for metal/Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) interface evaluation in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cells. This study investigates the parameters that restrict current confinement within the TCO, including mid-gap trap density (Dit) at the a-Si:H/c-Si interface and the activation energy (Ea = Ec - EF) variation of a-Si:H contact layers.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jean-Baptiste Charpentier, Philippe Voarino, Julien Gaume
Summary: The phenomenon of ribbon lengthening in PV modules exposed to thermal cycling is not well explained in the literature. In this study, a three layers model is proposed to explain this effect, and the predictions of the model are validated through finite element method simulations and experiments. The results show that the model predictions are consistent with the indirect measurements, but not with the direct measurements. Additionally, it is inferred that the encapsulant plays a role after the solder failure.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jean-Baptiste Charpentier, Philippe Voarino, Julien Gaume
Summary: This study investigates the problematic ribbon lengthening observed in PV modules exposed to high amplitude thermal cycling. A simplified system model is proposed and accurate predictions are obtained using the Finite Element Method. The results show that the thickness of the encapsulant has a substantial impact on the lengthening of the ribbons.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. Catalan-Gomez, E. Martinez Castellano, M. Schwarz, M. Montes Bajo, L. Dorado Vargas, A. Gonzalo, A. Redondo-Cubero, A. Gallego Carro, A. Hierro, J. M. Ulloa
Summary: This study investigates the use of core-shell gallium nanoparticles as functional light scatterers on solar cells. By optimizing the nanoparticle size, the short-circuit current of the solar cells is significantly improved. The underlying physical mechanism is studied through optical measurements and simulations, and a method to reduce the plasmonic effect of the nanoparticles is demonstrated.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. Gamel, G. Lopez, A. M. Medrano, A. Jimenez, A. Datas, M. Garin, I. Martin
Summary: In this study, a highly reflective ohmic contact to p-type c-Ge material is demonstrated, which can improve the efficiency of thermophotovoltaic devices. The experimental results show that this contact can simultaneously meet the requirements of good back surface passivation, low electrical resistivity, and high reflectivity. Moreover, simulations suggest that implementing these back contacts has the potential to achieve conversion efficiencies comparable to high-efficiency c-Ge TPV cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hongyang Wei, Qing Xu, Dongchu Chen, Min Chen, Menglei Chang, Xiufang Ye
Summary: This study prepared solar selective absorption films based on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) photonic crystals using a unique electrodeposition method. The Co-Ag electrodeposited film exhibited superior solar selective absorption properties and thermal stability.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ankit Kumar, Ankit Chauhan, Jordi Llobet, Helder Fonseca, Patricia C. Sousa, Carlos Calaza, Gil Shalev
Summary: This study found that decorating subwavelength arrays with SiO2 quasi-nanolenses (qNL arrays) can enhance the absorption of the solar spectrum. Optical absorption mechanisms in qNL arrays were investigated using near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM), revealing that the enhancement is a result of the combination of effective antireflection coating, increased optical interactions between adjacent dielectrics for elevated light trapping, and strong light concentration due to the presence of qNLs.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. Pingel, T. Wenzel, N. Goettlicher, M. Linse, L. Folcarelli, J. Schube, S. Hoffmann, S. Tepner, Y. C. Lau, J. Huyeng, A. Lorenz, F. Clement
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential to reduce silver consumption in highly efficient SHJ cells through fine-line screen printing using low temperature paste with various screens. The results show that using finer mesh allows for narrower grid fingers and lower resistance, leading to improved cell efficiency. Simulation results indicate that module wire configuration is crucial for reducing silver consumption.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xibo He, Jun Qiu, Wei Wang, Yicheng Hou, Yong Shuai
Summary: This paper proposes a novel phase change material with high thermal conductivity and stability for fast photo-thermal conversion and storage. The experimental results demonstrate excellent durability and stability of the phase change material, with good performance in thermal conductivity and thermal storage efficiency.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qingyuan Liu, Lin Wang, Zheng Liu, Guohua Liu
Summary: A new evaporating structure consisting of liquid marble with tunable nanowire array is proposed to enhance solar evaporation. The experiments show that the liquid marble with nanowire array exhibits outstanding evaporation performance, which has significant implications for seawater desalination or wastewater treatment.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hao Liu, Qiming Liu, Jinpei Liu, Yonggang Zhao, Yingjie Yu, Yue An, Ganghui Wei, Yanzheng Li, Yujun Fu, Junshuai Li, Deyan He
Summary: Moisture in the air is identified as the main cause of performance degradation in organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells. Exposure to air leads to the growth of thin oxide layer on the interface and the formation of silver sulfide, increasing the series resistance and decreasing the fill factor, thus degrading the cell performance.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
E. Blanco, P. Martin, M. Dominguez, P. Fernandez-Palacios, I. Lombardero, C. Sanchez-Perez, I. Garcia, C. Algora, M. Gabas
Summary: This study addresses the lack of optical parameters for p-type Ge wafers by determining the complex refractive indices of commercial Ge wafers with varying doping levels. The obtained data successfully reproduces the critical points associated with interband transitions and absorption features below the bandgap. The refractive indices were validated through experimental measurements and solar cell simulations.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)