Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingming Song, Lingen Zhang, Caoyu Yang, Zhenming Xu
Summary: This study introduces a new method for recycling pure metals from CIGS solar cells through sequential electrodeposition, achieving efficient and environmentally friendly metal recovery. Experimental results show that copper and indium electrodeposition can achieve 100% separation with high efficiency, while gallium performs better at a pH of 2.5.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rouhollah Khosroshahi, Mehdi Dehghani, Nastaran A. Tehrani, Nima Taghavinia, Mojtaba Bagherzadeh
Summary: The synthesis and deposition of high-quality CIS and CIGS films were studied, and it was found that by optimizing the selenization process, pinhole-free CIGS films with large grains could be successfully obtained.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sanjay R. Dhage, Brijesh Singh Yadav, Golu Kumar Jha, Amol C. Badgujar
Summary: A simple and relatively less toxic single-step atmospheric selenization method was introduced to prepare high-quality CIGS thin-film absorbers. The results demonstrated high efficiency and reproducibility, paving the way for developing monolithically integrated prototype modules.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qianqian Gao, Shengjie Yuan, Zhengji Zhou, Dongxing Kou, Wenhui Zhou, Yuena Meng, Yafang Qi, Litao Han, Sixin Wu
Summary: The incorporation of a Cu-rich CIGS layer at the bottom of the CIGS precursor film significantly improves crystallinity and reduces trap state density, leading to more efficient charge generation and transfer in solution-processed CIGS solar cells.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Sunil Suresh, Alexander R. Uhl
Summary: Photovoltaic technologies provide a sustainable solution to increasing energy demands, with chalcopyrite thin-film solar cells exhibiting high efficiency but typically fabricated using vacuum deposition methods. Research is shifting towards solution processing techniques to improve material usage, increase throughput, and lower commercialization barriers, but performance of current devices falls short of vacuum-processed counterparts.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gi Soon Park, SeungJe Lee, Da-Seul Kim, Sang Yeun Park, Jai Hyun Koh, Da Hye Won, Phillip Lee, Young Rag Do, Byoung Koun Min
Summary: Ultrathin solar cells (UTSCs) have attracted attention due to their low-cost production and potential applications. To achieve high efficiency, passivation of the rear-interface is crucial, especially for thinner absorbers. This study introduces amorphous TiO2 layers as passivating contacts for solution-processed UTSCs, which not only passivate defective rear-interfaces but also provide excellent electrical conduction. The amorphous nature of TiO2 layers enables desirable ohmic conduction over the entire area without any contact openings.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Seon Hong Mun, Yuseong Jang, R. B. V. Chalapathy, Byung Tae Ahn, Jin Hyung Ahn, Jeong Woo Park, Kihwan Kim, Jae Ho Yun
Summary: By designing a precursor with a rich Se layer on top and a deficient Se layer on the bottom, it is possible to achieve a CIGS film with a non-zero Ga surface and the desired slope, leading to enhanced cell performance.
CURRENT APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Sueon Lee, Si Hyung Lee, Nuri On, Jae Kyeong Jeong
Summary: For portable and low-power flexible devices, metal-oxide (M - O) materials provide high performance, superior stability, and a low-cost printing process for mass production. This study investigated the effect of solution stirring temperature and H2O2 loading on lanthanum zirconium oxide (LZO) dielectric films, resulting in improved properties with increasing stirring temperature, such as low leakage current, high-breakdown electric field, and high permittivity. The synergetic interaction of oxygen radicals introduced by H2O2 during deep ultraviolet photochemical annealing played a key role in enhancing the structural and electrical properties of LZO dielectric films for printed flexible electronics.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yoav Shoshani, Tal Weinstein, Zahava Barkay, Eli Jerby
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of using localized microwave-heating (LMH) for sequential metal-powder solidification in additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing applications. The study focuses on a continuous lateral LMH process, similar to laser scanning in powder beds. LMH solidification in bronze powder is achieved at a scanning rate of approximately 1 mm³/s using 0.25 kW microwave power. The study evaluates the capabilities and limitations of the LMH scanning concept for metal-powder solidification and discusses the potential feasibility of a solid-state LMH-AM technology.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Moataz Abdulhafez, Joshua Line, Mostafa Bedewy
Summary: This study introduces a new method for controlled self-folding of shape memory polymer sheets based on laser heat treatment, which can produce complex 3D geometries. The results demonstrate the potential of this method for creating high-quality folds with good scalability.
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Anna Skorupska-Stasiak, Dominika Bystranowska, Jozef Ba Tran, Artur Krezel, Andrzej Ozyhar
Summary: This study investigated the structural and biochemical properties of the C-terminal half of Nucb2 and found that its product, nesfatin-3, had completely different properties from its precursor protein. Despite their similarities, nesfatin-3 is likely to play different roles in physiological processes and have different effects on tissue function, metabolism, and its regulation. The results of this study clearly demonstrated that nesfatin-3 possesses divalent metal ion binding properties that were not found in the nucleobindin-2 precursor protein.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Zonghua Liu, Tomoko Takahashi, Dhugal Lindsay, Thangavel Thevar, Mehul Sangekar, Hiromi Kayama Watanabe, Nicholas Burns, John Watson, Blair Thornton
Summary: Digital holographic microscopy is essential for measuring the distribution, characteristics, and dynamics of marine microscale plankton and other particulate matter. The compact, in-line digital holographic microscope demonstrated in the article allows large-volume and high-resolution recording of marine particles, improving the differentiation of different types of marine particles and identifying behaviors of live plankton.
IEEE JOURNAL OF OCEANIC ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yuan Xiaoping, Chen Yanyu, Shi Hui
Summary: An improved image dehazing algorithm based on dark channel prior and haze-line prior is proposed in this research to address the issue of image dehazing distortion caused by inaccurate estimation of atmospheric light value and transmission in existing algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm surpasses current algorithms in terms of subjective visual effect and objective data.
LASER & OPTOELECTRONICS PROGRESS
(2022)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Teemu Harkonen, Emma Hannula, Matthew T. Moores, Erik M. Vartiainen, Lassi Roininen
Summary: We propose a statistical model for narrowing line shapes in spectroscopy. Our model uses linear combinations of Lorentzian or Voigt functions to approximate the line shapes. We introduce a log-Gaussian Cox process to represent the peak locations, providing uncertainty quantification for the line narrowing. Our Bayesian formulation allows for robust and explicit inclusion of prior information as probability distributions for model parameters. We validate our method using simulation study and apply it to a mineralogical Raman spectrum.
FOUNDATIONS OF DATA SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Thanapat Sangkharat, Surangsee Dechjarern
Summary: Wall thickness is a crucial parameter for spinning products, and measuring it accurately is important for ensuring product strength. However, current methods for measuring thickness are offline and require cutting the cross section of the spun part. This study proposed an online thickness measurement method using a mandrel-less spinning machine and a line laser measurement system. Experimental results showed that the line laser measurement system accurately estimated the wall thickness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jose Rosa, Mikko J. Heikkila, Mika Sirkia, Saoussen Merdes
Summary: This study reports the fabrication of red Y2O3:Eu thin film phosphors and multilayer structure Y2O3:Eu-based electroluminescent devices by atomic layer deposition at 300 degrees C. The results show a polycrystalline structure of the films and emission above 570 nm, with red electroluminescent devices achieving luminance up to 40 cd/m(2) at a driving frequency of 1 kHz and an efficiency of 0.28 Lm/W. The research demonstrates the potential applications of these red electroluminescent devices.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Janardan Dagar, Gopinath Paramasivam, Carola Klimm, Markus Fenske, Christof Schultz, Rutger Schlatmann, Bert Stegemann, Eva Unger
Summary: Optimizing the top-contact composition is crucial for addressing the operational stability of perovskite mini-modules. Cu/Au metal-bilayer top electrodes can improve efficiency, but metal flaking may cause short-circuits between cells. This work highlights the importance of fine-tuning the materials used in perovskite solar modules to enhance long-term stability and commercial viability.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hasan A. Yetkin, Tim Kodalle, Tobias Bertram, Alejandra Villanueva-Tovar, Marin Rusu, Reiner Klenk, Bernd Szyszka, Rutger Schlatmann, Christian A. Kaufmann
Summary: The degradation behavior of chemical bath deposited (CBD) CdS-buffered CIGSe thin-film solar cells under thermal stress in ambient air and vacuum was investigated. Severe degradation was observed after annealing at 300 degrees C independent of the atmosphere. Pronounced Cd diffusion into the CIGS absorber layer and Na-induced acceptor states in the front contact were identified as major degradation mechanisms.
PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sonya Calnan, Rory Bagacki, Fuxi Bao, Iris Dorbandt, Erno Kemppainen, Christian Schary, Rutger Schlatmann, Marco Leonardi, Salvatore A. Lombardo, R. Gabriella Milazzo, Stefania M. S. Privitera, Fabrizio Bizzarri, Carmelo Connelli, Daniele Consoli, Cosimo Gerardi, Pierenrico Zani, Marcelo Carmo, Stefan Haas, Minoh Lee, Martin Mueller, Walter Zwaygardt, Johan Oscarsson, Lars Stolt, Marika Edoff, Tomas Edvinsson, Ilknur Bayrak Pehlivan
Summary: The PECSYS project focuses on demonstrating a solar-driven electrochemical hydrogen generation system with a large area, high efficiency, and reasonable cost. It involves developing thermally integrated PV electrolyzers and studying the direct coupling of PV modules to achieve sustained high efficiency for hydrogen generation.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Quiterie Emery, Marko Remec, Gopinath Paramasivam, Stefan Janke, Janardan Dagar, Carolin Ulbrich, Rutger Schlatmann, Bernd Stannowski, Eva Unger, Mark Khenkin
Summary: Perovskite solar cells have great potential for next-generation photovoltaics, but their long-term stability under ambient conditions is a major obstacle to commercialization. Different encapsulation strategies are being developed to improve stability, with varying effectiveness under different testing conditions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sinju Thomas, Tobias Bertram, Christian Kaufmann, Tim Kodalle, Jose A. Marquez Prieto, Hannes Hempel, Leo Choubrac, Wolfram Witte, Dimitrios Hariskos, Roland Mainz, Romain Carron, Jan Keller, Pablo Reyes-Figueroa, Reiner Klenk, Daniel Abou-Ras
Summary: In this study, the impacts of effective band-gap energy, electron diffusion length, and Ga/In gradient on the Gaussian broadening of parameters describing the EQE onset of thin-film solar cells were evaluated. The results show that the total standard deviation sigma(total) can be separated into contributions from these material properties and a residual component sigma(residual). It is demonstrated that a flat band-gap with no compositional gradient in the CIGSe absorber is essential to obtain the lowest sigma(total) values and thus result in lower recombination losses and gains in V-oc.
PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Erno Kemppainen, Rory Bagacki, Christian Schary, Fuxi Bao, Iris Dorbandt, Stefan Janke, Quiterie Emery, Bernd Stannowski, Rutger Schlatmann, Sonya Calnan
Summary: The study investigates the thermal transfer and its effects in an up-scaled thermally photovoltaic electrolyzer (PV EC) with a heat exchanger (HE) made of low-cost materials. The thermal coupling of PV and EC enhances device performance by reducing temperature differences. These devices can generate hydrogen on the rooftops of small-to-medium-sized nonindustrial buildings. Outdoor testing, using real-time monitoring, shows that under peak irradiance of approximately 880 W m(-2), the devices produce hydrogen at rates of approximately 120 mL min(-1) with HE and approximately 110 mL min(-1) without HE, corresponding to solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies of about 8.5% and 7.8%, respectively. The HE is beneficial at irradiance levels above approximately 500 W m(-2) due to cyclic device operation. However, under lower irradiance levels, pumping previously heated electrolyte through the HE reduces device performance. Despite this, the HE increases cumulative hydrogen production (approximately 800 L from both devices), indicating the potential for improving PV EC operation even with modest heat transfer rates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ivona Kafedjiska, Igal Levine, Artem Musiienko, Natalia Maticiuc, Tobias Bertram, Amran Al-Ashouri, Christian A. Kaufmann, Steve Albrecht, Rutger Schlatmann, Iver Lauermann
Summary: The performance of five hole-transporting layers (HTLs) in single-junction perovskite and Cu(In, Ga)Se-2 (CIGSe)-perovskite tandem solar cells was investigated. Among them, NiOx:Cu+SAM was found to be the most suitable HTL for the monolithic CIGSe-perovskite tandem devices. It exhibited superior interfacial charge-carrier dynamics and achieved a power-conversion efficiency of 23.4%, V-oc of 1.72V, and a fill factor of 71%.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
G. A. Farias-Basulto, C. Ulbrich, R. Schlatmann, R. Klenk
Summary: This paper presents the use of multiple linear regressions (MLR) to assess the stability and performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules. The MLR method condenses large amounts of data gathered over time into a few predictors, allowing for the comparison of jV parameters under infrequently encountered conditions. The results show that the MLR method is able to accurately reproduce the original input parameters and provide reliable monthly parameter averages.
JAPANESE JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Angelika Harter, Silvia Mariotti, Lars Korte, Rutger Schlatmann, Steve Albrecht, Bernd Stannowski
Summary: Nano-textured surfaces are explored for optimizing the optical characteristics of monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. Different textured silicon surfaces are developed using commercial additives and their performance in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) and SHJ-perovskite tandem solar cells is discussed. The nano-textured surfaces exhibit comparable or higher efficiencies than standard textured surfaces in single junctions, and they are compatible with solution-processed perovskite top cells, yielding a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell efficiency of >28% on both sides of a nano-textured bottom cell.
PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
I Kafedjiska, G. Farias Basulto, F. Ruske, N. Maticiuc, T. Bertram, C. A. Kaufmann, R. Schlatmann, I Lauermann
Summary: We propose monolithic copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (Cu(In,Ga)Se-2, CIGSe)-perovskite tandem solar cells with NiOx:Cu as a hole-transporting layer (HTL) transferred in air or N-2. The tandem with N-2-transferred NiOx:Cu + SAM achieves a champion efficiency of 23.2%, V-oc of 1.69 V, and FF of 78.3%. Air-transferred NiOx:Cu + SAM samples exhibit V-oc and FF losses, while those without SAM have heavy shunts. Exposure to air leads to loss in Ni2+ species, changes in NiOx:Cu's work function and valence band maxima, negatively impacting the tandems' V-oc and FF. Various morphological defects are detected in tandems with poor performance, originating from defects in the bottom CIGSe cell or cracking/delaminating of the perovskite top cell. The NiOx:Cu + SAM HTL bi-layer can decouple the growth of the top device from the rough, defect-rich and defect-tolerant bottom device, enabling high-performing devices.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Noor Titan Putri Hartono, Hans Koebler, Paolo Graniero, Mark Khenkin, Rutger Schlatmann, Carolin Ulbrich, Antonio Abate
Summary: Stability issues are a critical challenge for perovskite solar cells towards commercialisation. The authors analyse a large dataset of operational ageing data and find a correlation between maximum power conversion efficiency and its relative loss. Higher efficiency cells also show higher stability, as observed through a statistical analysis and the use of machine learning.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Christof Schultz, Markus Fenske, Janardan Dagar, Guillermo A. Farias Basulto, Andreas Zeiser, Andreas Bartelt, Cornelia Junghans, Rutger Schlatmann, Eva Unger, Bert Stegemann
Summary: This study investigates the use of nanosecond and picosecond laser pulses for patterning CIGSe and metal halide perovskite solar cell absorber layers. The results show that the laser pulses lead to material modification in the vicinity of the scribed lines for CIGSe, but not for perovskite absorber layers. Numerical calculations suggest that this effect is due to the lower thickness of the perovskite layer and the higher laser fluence required for perovskite ablation. The unaffected edge regions in perovskite enable a reduction of the dead area width and an increase in power conversion efficiency and fill factor.
MATERIALS TODAY-PROCEEDINGS
(2022)
