Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Danish Khan, Zahid Ali, Danyal Asif, Manoj Kumar Panjwani, Idris Khan
Summary: Solar power generation is important among renewable energy resources, with a focus on improving the efficiency and stability of thin-film solar cells, including organic solar cells which are cost-effective and versatile. Carbon nanotubes are being incorporated into organic solar cells to enhance performance, utilizing ultrasound dispersion and covalent functionalization for improved solubility.
AIN SHAMS ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Abid Ali, Mehmet Kazici, Sinem Bozar, Muhammad Adeel Asghar, Norah Alwadai, Cihangir Kahveci, Munawar Iqbal, Azhar Ahmad, Bahadir Keskin, Muhammad Shahbaz, Murat Kaleli, Salih Akyurekli, Serap Gunes
Summary: This work presents a facile and innovative method for inserting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as sheets within poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as an efficient hole transport layer (HTL) in an inverted polymer solar cell. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) improved from 2.14% to 3.69% with the insertion of special patterned CNTs sheets, increasing short circuit current density and fill factor. The successful insertion of CNTs without destructive impact on their structure was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Facile modification of anode materials with improved device performance will help scale-up production of low-cost, stable, and efficient polymer solar cells.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mustafa K. A. Mohammed, Ali K. Al-Mousoi, Sangeeta Singh, Anjan Kumar, M. Khalid Hossain, Sinan Q. Salih, P. Sasikumar, Rahul Pandey, Anuja A. Yadav, Zaher Mundher Yaseen
Summary: This study used multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the hole transport layer in carbon-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). An optimized efficiency of 13.7% was achieved experimentally for the MWCNTs-based device. Through numerical simulations, different parameters were thoroughly investigated and a high-performance carbon-based PSC was designed with a VOC of 1.100 V, JSC of 19.192 mA/cm2, efficiency of 18.3%, and FF of 86.62%.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Haijun Bin, Kunal Datta, Junke Wang, Tom P. A. van der Pol, Junyu Li, Martijn M. Wienk, Rene A. J. Janssen
Summary: Interface engineering for hole extraction in organic solar cells has received little attention, but this study shows that by fine-tuning the chemical structure of carbazole-based self-assembled monolayers, improved performance can be achieved compared to the archetypal PEDOT:PSS material.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Edigar Muchuweni, Bice S. Martincigh, Vincent O. Nyamori
Summary: Carbon-based materials such as graphene have unique optoelectronic properties that make them appealing for use in organic solar cells, potentially replacing the commonly used indium tin oxide anodes. Recent advancements have increased power conversion efficiency from around 0.63% to over 16.00%, with potential to approach the efficiency of silicon-based solar cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yoshiyuki Murakami, Fumitaka Ishiwari, Kazumasa Okamoto, Takahiro Kozawa, Akinori Saeki
Summary: The impact of EB radiation on the performance of PSCs was studied, revealing a decrease in power conversion efficiency while the photoconductivities of individual layers remained intact. Significant dedoping of the HTM layer was observed, which could be partially restored through exposure to short-wavelength light. This study demonstrates the resilience of perovskite against EB and sheds light on the degradation mechanism of overall PSC performance.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhu Zhang, Dewang Li, Shirong Wang, Yanhou Geng, Hongli Liu
Summary: Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with dopant-free hole transporting layers (HTLs) have been extensively studied due to their hydrophobicity and stability, but their power conversion efficiency (PCE) is lower than that of conventionally doped Spiro-OMeTAD due to low carrier mobility and poor interfacial hole extraction. In this study, a triphenylamine groups grafted triphenylene derivative (T-6TPA) was designed as a dopant-free HTL, which resulted in a high hole mobility of 2.06 x 10-3 cm2V- 1s- 1. The use of an anti-solvent dripping (An) strategy for T-6TPA infiltration increased the PCE from 18.5% to 20.3%, surpassing another additive doping strategy (Ad-strategy, 19.3%). The hydrophobicity and high glass transition temperature of T-6TPA also provided excellent moisture and thermal stabilities over a long period of time. This work emphasizes the importance of designing highly hole-mobile materials and optimizing the interfacial network for charge transport.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
David Becker-Koch, Miguel Albaladejo-Siguan, Yvonne J. Hofstetter, Olga Solomeshch, Darius Pohl, Bernd Rellinghaus, Nir Tessler, Yana Vaynzof
Summary: Efficiency of PbS quantum dot solar cells has increased, with potential for industrial applications. The use of organic layers like PTAA can improve efficiency while avoiding stability issues associated with EDT and MoO3 layers.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Vu Khac Hoang Bui, Thang Phan Nguyen, Yung-Sheng Yen
Summary: The development of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and tide, has been driven by the massive energy consumption and depletion of fossil fuels. Among them, solar cells, particularly silicon solar panels, have achieved significant progress and are widely used in various applications. To further advance the application of solar cells, the development of flexible solar cells, such as layered casting solar cells (LCSCs), is highly demanded. Organic solar cells (OSCs), perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and dye-sensitive solar cells (DSSCs) are promising types of LCSCs that can be applied to different surfaces. LCSCs offer cost-effectiveness, scalability, high efficiency, and stability. The different layers of an LCSC, including hole transport layers (HTLs), play a crucial role in the overall structure and performance of a solar cell. This review summarizes recent advancements in inorganic, organic, and organometallic HTLs for solar cells, highlighting perspectives and challenges for their development and improvement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yeasin Khan, Yohan Ahn, Ju Hwan Kang, Azmat Ali, Yu Jung Park, Bright Walker, Jung Hwa Seo
Summary: Interfacial layers play an important role in controlling the band structure and performance of perovskite solar cells. This study demonstrates the use of anionic polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) polyelectrolytes as p-type interfacial layers in perovskite solar cells. The formation of interfacial dipoles effectively modifies the work function of PEDOT:PSS and the Fermi energy of the CH3NH3PbI3 layer, resulting in improved electron blocking and hole extracting characteristics at the anode.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Silvia Collavini, Andrea Cabrera-Espinoza, Juan Luis Delgado
Summary: Organic polymers as additives play a crucial role in perovskite solar cells, improving device performance and stability. Understanding the functionality and chemical properties of polymers in solar cells is important for the future design of polymeric materials suitable for PSCs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David Garcia Romero, Lorenzo Di Mario, Feng Yan, Carolina Mishell Ibarra-Barreno, Suhas Mutalik, Loredana Protesescu, Petra Rudolf, Maria Antonietta Loi
Summary: The interfaces between the photoactive layer and the transport layers play a critical role in determining the efficiency and stability of organic solar cells. This study reveals that a commercially available colloidal SnO2 dispersion leads to suboptimal interfaces and poor stability. Removing potassium ions as stabilizing ligands improves the interfaces and enhances the efficiency and stability of the solar cells.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ubaid Khan, Tahseen Iqbal, Mehreen Khan, Rongguang Wu
Summary: By introducing a double electron transport layer (DETL), the energy loss in perovskite solar cells was effectively mitigated, resulting in an improved energy conversion efficiency of 15.22%. The best performance was achieved with an optimized thickness of ZnO layer reaching 210 nm.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alem Araya Meresa, Tae-won Lee, Solin Lee, Felix Sunjoo Kim, Kwangyong Park
Summary: Three novel tetraaryldiamines were synthesized and applied as an interlayer in PTB7-Th:PC71BM solar cells. The results showed that they could enhance the power conversion efficiency and external quantum efficiency of the cells, as well as improve their environmental stability.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sadeer M. Majeed, Duha S. Ahmed, Mustafa K. A. Mohammed
Summary: The research successfully improved the PCE of MAPbI(3)-based PSCs using an additive engineering approach. The additive enhanced the crystallinity of the perovskite layer, reducing surface defects and carrying out recombination rate at the interface. This led to an improvement in charge transport process and overall stability of the solar cells.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Edwin T. Mombeshora, Patrick G. Ndungu, A. L. Leigh Jarvis, Vincent O. Nyamori
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2017)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Edwin T. Mombeshora, Vincent O. Nyamori
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2017)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Edwin T. Mombeshora, Annegret Stark
Summary: Graphene oxide (GO) has favorable characteristics for a number of applications, particularly in electronic devices. Utilizing GO as carbocatalysts or catalyst supports is an active research area, with emerging reports for biorefinery-related conversions. The unique and tuneable nature of GO-based materials presents a tremendous opportunity for efficient biomass conversion and value creation.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Kudzai Mugadza, Edwin T. Mombeshora, Annegret Stark, Patrick G. Ndungu, Vincent O. Nyamori
Summary: This study evaluated the electrochemical performance of cellulose-based multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as electrode materials after different treatment protocols. The results showed that treatment methods affect the specific capacitance, cycle stability, and electrochemical properties of the materials.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Ekemena O. Oseghe, Samson O. Akpotu, Edwin T. Mombeshora, Adewale O. Oladipo, Lucy M. Ombaka, Bianca B. Maria, Azeez O. Idris, Gcina Mamba, Lwazi Ndlwana, Olushola S. Ayanda, Augustine E. Ofomaja, Vincent O. Nyamori, Usisipho Feleni, Thabo T. Nkambule, Titus A. M. Msagati, Bhekie B. Mamba, Detlef W. Bahnemann
Summary: This article critically reviews various applications and prospects of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanomaterials in fields such as biomedicine, sensors, energy conversion and storage, hydrogen production, and photocatalytic degradation. It also discusses the theoretical aspects, attributes, current trends/challenges, and future considerations of g-C3N4 nanostructures in energy and environmental applications. It is believed that this review will provide readers and researchers with comprehensive knowledge and inspire the synthesis of novel g-C3N4-based materials for diverse fields.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Edwin T. Mombeshora, Annegret Stark
Summary: This study investigated the effects of KMnO4 and NaNO3 weight ratios on the oxidation of carbon nanoplatelets, showing that different ratios of reagents had significant impacts on the oxygen content and carbon/oxygen ratio. The distribution of oxygen-containing groups on the surfaces of carbon nanoplatelets was found to vary with different weight ratios of reagents.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Edigar Muchuweni, Edwin T. Mombeshora, Bice S. Martincigh, Vincent O. Nyamori
Summary: Carbon-based materials, particularly graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), with their unique optoelectronic properties, show great potential as alternatives to expensive traditional materials in new-generation photovoltaic devices. The band gap of g-C3N4 can be tuned through various approaches, and its incorporation into new-generation solar cell layers has led to significant improvements in device performance and stability. Recent advancements in g-C3N4-based materials have the potential to accelerate the development of highly efficient and sustainable new-generation photovoltaic devices, bridging the gap with commercially available silicon solar cells.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Edwin T. Mombeshora, Edigar Muchuweni, Matthew L. Davies, Vincent O. Nyamori, Bice S. Martincigh
Summary: The study demonstrated the successful use of metal-organic chemical vapor deposition to coat multiwalled carbon nanotubes with anatase titanium dioxide, inducing pseudocapacitive charge storage characteristics on a carbon-based electrode. The 10 wt.% TiO2 TiO2-MWCNT material exhibited the best capacitive behavior due to the synergistic effect of the two components. The MOCVD synthesis method showed high potential in improving physicochemical processes favorable in electrical energy storage.
ENERGY SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Edwin T. Mombeshora
Summary: Graphene has favorable characteristics, but there are economic issues with current synthesis methods. Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is a suitable alternative that addresses these issues. This study compares the effects of different reduction protocols on RGO synthesis and provides a better understanding of defect intensity and conductivity. Solvothermal reduction using nucleophilic solutions, particularly ammonia, shows the most reductive effect and enhances the reduction process. Solvent properties play a dynamic role in solvothermal reduction and electronic property tailoring of RGO. This research provides a cost-effective and practical approach to solve conductivity issues and tailor the physicochemical properties of graphene derivatives.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Edwin T. Mombeshora, Edigar Muchuweni
Summary: Technological advancements have resulted in a higher demand for functional materials that meet various needs. Carbon-based materials, specifically reduced graphene oxide (RGO), have the potential to fulfill this requirement due to their renewable nature, low-temperature synthesis, and biodegradability. Furthermore, RGO has several advantageous properties, including lightweight, nontoxicity, flexibility, tunable band gap, high electrical conductivity, low cost, and scalable synthesis protocols. However, the numerous possible structures of RGO and evolving synthesis procedures pose challenges. This article provides a summary of the historical breakthroughs in understanding RGO's structure and recent state-of-the-art synthesis protocols from 2020 to 2023, highlighting the importance of tailoring physicochemical properties and reproducibility for realizing RGO's full potential in sustainable, environmentally friendly, low-cost, and high-performing materials.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Edigar Muchuweni, Edwin T. Mombeshora, Cosmas M. Muiva, T. Stephen Sathiaraj
Summary: Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have gained significant attention as energy sources for portable electronic devices, and efforts to improve their performance have focused on developing low-cost electrode materials with high reversible capacity. This review highlights the use of graphene-based materials to enhance the cycling life and rate capability of LIBs.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Edwin T. Mombeshora, Edigar Muchuweni, Rodrigo Garcia-Rodriguez, Matthew L. Davies, Vincent O. Nyamori, Bice S. Martincigh
Summary: This review focuses on the application potential of graphene derivative-based materials in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). By composite formation and enhancing charge transport, graphene derivatives can improve the performance and stability of PSCs, thus driving their commercial viability.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Edwin T. Mombeshora, Patrick G. Ndungu, Vincent O. Nyamori
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2017)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Edwin T. Mombeshora, Patrick G. Ndungu, Vincent O. Nyamori
NEW CARBON MATERIALS
(2017)