Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junwei Liu, Kaihu Xian, Long Ye, Zhihua Zhou
Summary: Lead chalcogenide colloidal quantum dot solar cells show excellent performance but face challenges in reducing open-circuit voltage loss, with research focusing on exploring strategies to decrease V-oc losses and achieve higher conversion efficiencies.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ping Fan, Guo-Jie Chen, Shuo Chen, Zhuang-Hao Zheng, Muhammad Azam, Nafees Ahmad, Zheng-Hua Su, Guang-Xing Liang, Xiang-Hua Zhang, Zhi-Gang Chen
Summary: This research successfully prepares well-crystallized Sb2Se3 thin films with the desired orientation and large crystal grains by controlling the orientation of the Sb2Se3 precursor and utilizing CSS and selenization methods, which further improves the efficiency of Sb2Se3 thin-film solar cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Chao Chen, Kanghua Li, Jiang Tang
Summary: This article presents the major milestones in the development of antimony selenide thin film solar cells, including their selection and application, device structure, processing methods, orientation control, defect studies, and methods for defect passivation. The article also discusses the application of this technology in flexible devices and its future prospects.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fangling Mu, Zhen Liu, Wei Zi, Yang Cao, Xiaoman Lu, Yanlei Li, Zhiqiang Zhao, Zhenyu Xiao, Nian Cheng
Summary: By utilizing CZTS nanoparticles as a hole-transport layer, the back interface carrier recombination in Sb2Se3 solar cells can be effectively suppressed, leading to a significant improvement in carrier collection efficiency and ultimately achieving a champion efficiency of 6.06% in the n-i-p Sb2Se3 solar cells.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jian-Min Wu, Yan-Ping Lv, Jin-Zeng Wang, Liu Yang, Fang Wang, Hao Wu, Xiao-Hong Xu
Summary: Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has attracted significant research interest as a promising photovoltaic thin-film absorber material. This study demonstrates the effective enhancement of CdS film properties through ultraviolet ozone (UVO) treatment, including crystallinity, transmittance, and conductivity, resulting in improved overall device performance. The UVO treatment is a simple, low-cost, and fast process, making it highly applicable in the future.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohammed Abdelhameed, Mostafa F. Abdelbar, Mohamed Esmat, Wipakorn Jevasuwan, Naoki Fukata
Summary: This study investigates the hole-injection characteristics of dopant-free vanadium oxide (VOx) semiconductor thin films. The crystal structure of solution-processable VOx films changes with different annealing atmospheres. The VOx films show effective hole-injection properties due to their high work function, wide band gap, and presence of oxygen deficiencies. The vacuum-annealed VO2-x (B) film exhibits the best hole-injection ability. The use of VOx films as hole-injection layers has significant implications for the development of low-cost and durable electronics and optoelectronics devices.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yogesh Singh, Sanju Rani, Shashi, Rahul Parmar, Raman Kumari, Manoj Kumar, A. Bala Sairam, Mamta, V. N. Singh
Summary: Compounds like SnS, GeSe, and Sb2Se3, which consist of metalloid/metallic cations and chalcogen anions, have significantly impacted thin film photovoltaic materials as absorbers. Chalcogenide-based solar cells, especially those based on Sb2Se3, have shown improved performance and stability, with an efficiency of 9.2%. These cells are becoming comparable to c-Si cell-based solar cells and CIGS thin film chalcogenide-based solar cells. The main features of this technology for industrial applications include stoichiometric studies, low cost, high throughput, process tolerance, and efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Remigijus Juskenas, Arnas Naujokaitis, Audrius Drabavicius, Vidas Pakstas, Deividas Vainauskas, Rokas Kondrotas
Summary: Researchers have successfully fabricated compact and pinhole-free ultra-thin absorber layers in Sb2Se3 solar cells using optimized vapour transport deposition (VTD) method. The experimental results demonstrate that even the absorber layers as thin as 400 nm possess high absorption capabilities and show promising potential for ultra-thin solar cell applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ping Luo, Tahir Imran, Dong-Lou Ren, Jun Zhao, Ke-Wen Wu, Yu-Jia Zeng, Zheng-Hua Su, Ping Fan, Xiang-Hua Zhang, Guang-Xing Liang, Shuo Chen
Summary: Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) is a highly promising photovoltaic material that has excellent optoelectronic properties and is cost-effective and eco-friendly. However, the use of toxic CdS as an electron transport layer (ETL) in efficient Sb2Se3 solar cells hinders their commercialization. In this study, a green Cd-free ETL of SnOx was introduced using atomic layer deposition, and a post-annealing treatment was designed to optimize the functional layers and heterojunction interface properties. This engineering strategy improved the performance of the SnOx ETL, modified the Sb2Se3/SnOx heterojunction, and enhanced the quality of the Sb2Se3 light absorber layer, leading to improved carrier separation and transport and reduced non-radiative recombination. The resulting Cd-free Mo/Sb2Se3/SnOx/ITO/Ag thin-film solar cell achieved an efficiency of 7.39%, setting a record for Cd-free substrate structured Sb2Se3 solar cells. This work provides a viable strategy for the development and practical applications of environmentally friendly Sb2Se3 photovoltaic devices.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shuo Chen, Muhammad Ishaq, Wei Xiong, Usman Ali Shah, Umar Farooq, Jingting Luo, Zhuanghao Zheng, Zhenghua Su, Ping Fan, Xianghua Zhang, Guangxing Liang
Summary: The performance of thermally deposited Sb2Se3 solar cells is limited by recombination, leading to a deficit in open-circuit voltage. The incorporation of S in the Sb2Se3 absorber layer and its diffusion at the interface through vapor transport deposition process improves the junction quality, reduces recombination loss, and enhances V(OC). This research provides guidance for improving the efficiency of Sb2Se3 solar cells.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Al Amin, Xiaomeng Duan, Jacob Wall, Kausar Ali Khawaja, Wenjun Xiang, Lin Li, Feng Yan
Summary: The structural heterostructured CdS buffer layer can promote the vertical growth of Sb2Se3 nanoribbons, resulting in improved device efficiency of the solar cells. The improved buffer/absorber interface and reduced interface defects and recombination loss contribute to the efficiency enhancement. This new strategy provides a way to regulate the crystal growth of Sb2Se3 nanoribbons and further improve the efficiency of low-dimensional chalcogenide thin film solar cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yufan Liu, Bin Li, Xiaoyang Liang, Tao Liu, Shufang Wang, Zhiqiang Li
Summary: This study improves the performance of Sb2Se3 solar cells by preparing CdS:O buffer layers and using CBD-CdS to repair interface damage. Optimizing the composition and phase of the composite buffer allows for the achievement of wide band-gap buffer layers and improvement in device spectra response and JSC, VOC parameters.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yan Li, Kang Wang, Dingwang Huang, Lintao Li, Jiahua Tao, Nabil Ahmed Abdel Ghany, Feng Jiang
Summary: Solar water splitting using a highly efficient Sb2Se3 photocathode modified with a Cd(x)Zn(1-x)S() layer is reported in this study. The research offers an effective strategy for fabricating Sb2Se3-based photocathodes to efficiently produce hydrogen via solar water splitting. Additionally, a tandem device with a Pt/CdxZn1-xS/Sb2Se3 photocathode and BiVO4 photoanode showed notable stability for over 8.5 hours without obvious degradation, demonstrating a new direction for achieving durable and high-efficiency materials for overall solar water splitting.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chuan-Hui Cheng, Meng Li, Hang-Qi Song, Wen-Hui Li, Jing Leng, Wenming Tian, Rongrong Cui, Chunyi Zhao, Shengye Jin, Weifeng Liu, Shulin Cong
Summary: The organic small molecule N,N'-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)benzidine (NPB) is found to induce the crystallization of Sb2Se3 film during annealing treatment, improving crystal quality and extending carrier lifetime. Introduction of an NPB buffer layer suppresses bulk and interface recombination, leading to improved performance in the fabricated solar cell. The addition of the NPB buffer layer significantly enhances power conversion efficiency in the solar cell.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Abdelmajid El Khalfi, Malika Ouhadou, Ilham Rais, Fouad Essahlaoui, Md. Ferdous Rahman, Mustapha Sahal, Lahoucine Elmaimouni, Abdellah Benami
Summary: This study investigates the performance of the Al/n-ITO/n-CdS/p-Sb2Se3/p-CuS/Ni solar cell using the SCAPS-1D software. Various factors such as layer thickness, doping, defect density, and capture cross section are examined to understand their impact on the cell's performance. The introduction of a new hole transport layer, CuS, improves the efficiency of the solar cell by blocking electrons and reducing carrier recombination.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. N. Vijayaraghavan, J. Wall, L. Li, G. Xing, Q. Zhang, F. Yan
MATERIALS TODAY PHYSICS
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xing Zhang, Dian Li, Yiliang Liao, Yufeng Zheng
Summary: The influence of graphene oxide (GO) on the selective laser melting (SLM) of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb (at.%, Ti-4822) was investigated using three-dimensional (3D) focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) tomography. Results showed that the addition of 0.3 wt.% GO refined the microstructure and improved manufacturability of SLMed Ti-4822, with reduced defects and increased volume fraction of gamma phase. This study provides experimental evidence that GO can enhance the SLM process of Ti-4822.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dian Li, Xing Zhang, Wenrui Zhao, H. Darlene Merrill, Noah T. Meyer, Stoichko Antonov, Yiliang Liao, Yufeng Zheng
Summary: The research investigates the hierarchical alpha microstructure in metastable beta Ti-5553 alloy, with findings showing that the presence of high-index {10 9 3}(beta) type deformation twins can assist in the formation of hierarchical alpha microstructure. Different treatments can achieve refined alpha microstructure or super-refined alpha microstructure in Ti-5553, while the pre-formed deformation twins in the beta matrix lead to the generation of hierarchical alpha microstructure. It is observed that alpha phase precipitates from the twin boundary and grows along it, resulting in alpha sub-layers and fine-scale alpha precipitates forming within the beta twin structure.
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. N. Vijayaraghavan, Jacob Wall, Harigovind G. Menon, Xiaomeng Duan, Liping Guo, Al Amin, Xiao Han, Lingyan Kong, Yufeng Zheng, Lin Li, Feng Yan
Summary: Although perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved revolutionary progress in power conversion efficiency, long-term stability and low-cost manufacturing are still challenges for commercialization. The use of NiOx as a hole transport layer can improve device performance due to the low quality of the carbon/perovskite interface, with electrospun NiOx fibers being an effective solution. NiOx has been successfully introduced as an interfacial layer to study its impact on device performance and interface modification.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Xing Zhang, Dian Li, Yufeng Zheng, Pouya Shojaei, Mohamed Trabia, Brendan O'Toole, Dong Lin, Leslie Mushongera, Yiliang Liao
Summary: This study successfully achieved the in-situ fabrication of nano-Ti5Si3 reinforced TMNC coatings using a nanoparticle-mediated approach. The optimized TMNC showed crack-free and ultrahigh strength characteristics, with significant improvements in surface microhardness, indentation modulus, indentation yield strength, and wear rate.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jacob M. M. Wall, Feng Yan
Summary: This article reviews several key sputtering parameters for the deposition of ScxAl1-xN, including target design, sputtering atmosphere, sputtering power, and substrate temperature. These parameters play a crucial role in achieving satisfactory films with desired stoichiometry and film thickness, as well as impacting the crystal quality and surface characteristics of the deposited films. The goal of this paper is to analyze the impacts of these sputtering parameters in detail and provide some overarching themes to assist future researchers in optimizing their sputtering processes for optimum results.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Qingyu Pan, Monica Kapoor, Sean Mileski, Dian Li, Jingfan Yang, Yufeng Zheng, John Carsley, Xiaoyuan Lou
Summary: This study investigates the phase transformations and microstructure evolution of 3104 alloy fabricated by direct energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM) under different thermal conditions. The mechanical properties of the alloy are compared to those of direct-chill (DC)-cast counterparts. The high cooling rate in DED results in an ultrafine cellular structure with dominant alpha-Al (Fe, Mn)-Si particles and Al6(Fe, Mn) particles. The distribution of particles is found to be inhomogeneous, with ultrafine particles inside the melt pool and coarsened particles at the heat-affected zone (HAZ). The conventional Al6(Fe, Mn) to alpha-Al (Fe, Mn)-Si phase transformation is barely observed during the post-DED heat treatments. Additionally, no dispersoid formation is observed during the heat treatments. The DED 3104 alloy exhibits slightly higher ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and ductility compared to DC-Cast counterparts, thanks to the high density of particles and characteristic cellular structure. The use of a preheated substrate during deposition results in microstructure and phase transformations in DED 3104 that are closer to those observed in DC-Cast 3104.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Siddharth Sradhasagar, Omkar Subhasish Khuntia, Srikanta Biswal, Sougat Purohit, Amritendu Roy
Summary: In this study, machine learning models were developed to predict the bandgap and its character of double perovskite materials, with LGBMRegressor and XGBClassifier models identified as the best predictors. These models were further employed to predict the bandgap of novel bismuth-based transition metal oxide double perovskites, showing high accuracy, especially in the range of 1.2-1.8 eV.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei Shuai, Haoran Xu, Baoyang Luo, Yihui Huang, Dong Chen, Peiwang Zhu, Gang Xiao
Summary: In this study, a hybrid model based on numerical simulation and deep learning is proposed for the optimization and operation of solar receivers. By applying the model to different application scenarios and considering multiple performance objectives, small errors are achieved and optimal structure parameters and heliostat scales are identified. This approach is not only applicable to gas turbines but also heating systems.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mubashar Ali, Zunaira Bibi, M. W. Younis, Muhammad Mubashir, Muqaddas Iqbal, Muhammad Usman Ali, Muhammad Asif Iqbal
Summary: This study investigates the structural, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of the BaCuF3 fluoroperovskite using the first-principles modelling approach. The stability and characteristics of different cubic structures of BaCuF3 are evaluated, and the alpha-BaCuF3 and beta-BaCuF3 compounds are found to be mechanically stable with favorable optical properties for solar cells and high-frequency UV applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dong Le Khac, Shahariar Chowdhury, Asmaa Soheil Najm, Montri Luengchavanon, Araa mebdir Holi, Mohammad Shah Jamal, Chin Hua Chia, Kuaanan Techato, Vidhya Selvanathan
Summary: A novel recycling system is proposed in this study to decompose and reclaim the constituent materials of organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs). By utilizing a one-step solution process extraction approach, the chemical composition of each layer is successfully preserved, enabling their potential reuse. The proposed recycling technique helps mitigate pollution risks, minimize waste generation, and reduce recycling costs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Peijie Lin, Feng Guo, Xiaoyang Lu, Qianying Zheng, Shuying Cheng, Yaohai Lin, Zhicong Chen, Lijun Wu, Zhuang Qian
Summary: This paper proposes an open-set fault diagnosis model for PV arrays based on 1D VoVNet-SVDD. The model accurately diagnoses various types of faults and is capable of identifying unknown fault types.
