Article
Energy & Fuels
Kunal J. Tiwari, Sergio Giraldo, Marcel Placidi, Axel Gon Medaille, Angelica Thomere, Shahaboddin Resalati, Edgardo Saucedo, Zacharie Jehl Li-Kao
Summary: The potential of tandem solar cells combining two chalcopyrite absorbers was evaluated using numerical modeling and optical optimizations, suggesting significant progress can be made by utilizing a pure CuGaSe2 absorber with an optimized back contact containing an ultrathin transition metal oxide interlayer. By doubling the bottom subcell current in the optimum top subcell configuration, a challenging yet clear pathway for the future realization of tandem solar cells based on chalcopyrite absorbers is offered.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
T. Sanjana, M. Anantha Sunil, Habibuddin Shaik, K. Naveen Kumar
Summary: Oxygen flow rate significantly influences the properties and bandgap of cuprous oxide thin films during the preparation process. Various characterization tools were used to study the structure, morphology, elemental composition, and optical characteristics of the films. The bandgap of the deposited thin films falls within the range suitable for thin-film solar cell applications.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
A. Lakshmanan, Zachariah C. Alex, S. R. Meher
Summary: In this study, Cu2O thin films were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering at different substrate temperatures, and their structural, optical, and electrical properties were investigated for potential use as solar cell absorber layers. The films exhibited p-type conductivity with an optical band gap ranging from 1.82 to 2.07 eV.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
R. Mouacher, T. Seddik, B. Rezini, Bakhtiar Ul Haq, M. Batouche, G. Ugur, S. Ugur, A. Belfedal
Summary: The thallium substitution effect on the structural, electronic, and optical properties of AgGaS2 chalcopyrite-type material is investigated using first-principles approaches. It is found that thallium substitution decreases the band gap energy and increases the carrier mobility of AgGaS2. Additionally, thallium substitution improves the optical properties of AgGaS2 by enhancing its refractive index and absorption in the visible light region.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Boubaker Youbi, Youssef Lghazi, Mohammed Ait Himi, Aziz Aynaou, Jihane Bahar, Chaimaa El Haimer, Abdessamad Ouedrhiri, Ahmed Sahlaoui, Itto Bimaghra
Summary: Zinc telluride (ZnTe) is a promising material for optoelectronic and photovoltaic device applications due to its optimal characteristics in terms of environmental compatibility, abundance, and photoactivity. This study revealed that the electrodeposition of ZnTe on an indium tin oxide substrate is a quasi-reversible reaction controlled by diffusion, following the nucleation and growth mechanism proposed by Scharifker and Hill. The crystallographic structure of the ZnTe films was found to be cubic, and the films exhibited good homogeneity. Optical measurements showed a direct energy gap of 2.39 eV for the deposited films.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Aubin JC. M. Prot, Michele Melchiorre, Felix Dingwell, Anastasia Zelenina, Hossam Elanzeery, Alberto Lomuscio, Thomas Dalibor, Maxim Guc, Robert Fonoll-Rubio, Victor Izquierdo-Roca, Gunnar Kusch, Rachel A. Oliver, Susanne Siebentritt
Summary: The article discusses the achievement of record efficiency in chalcopyrite-based solar cells using a gallium gradient and reveals non-radiative recombination issues at the back contacts of industrial absorbers. The study proposes a model where discrete bandgap phases interlace to form an apparent gradient throughout the thickness of the absorber.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mirella Al Katrib, Lara Perrin, Emilie Planes
Summary: The electrodeposition technique is explored as a powerful and cost-effective method for fabricating high-quality perovskite layers on large substrates. In this study, the electrodeposition of PbO2 is used as a first step to elaborate MAPbI(3) perovskite layers. Two conversion routes are considered, and an in-depth study of the microstructure, morphology, and key properties of the perovskite layers is conducted. Perovskite solar cells are also developed using the electrodeposited active layers.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hina Pervaiz, Zuhair S. Khan, Nadia Shahzad, Nisar Ahmed, Qasim Jamil
Summary: CuInS2 semiconductor nanoparticles were synthesized via co-precipitation method and films were deposited on a conductive substrate using electrophoretic deposition technique. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and photovoltaic analysis for structural, morphological, optical, and elemental analysis.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xiaoshuang Lu, Bin Xu, Xiatong Qin, Ye Chen, Pingxiong Yang, Junhao Chu, Lin Sun
Summary: The study investigated the effects of PHT process on the quality of CZTS/CdS heterojunction and device performance, revealing that PHT process can promote element interdiffusion, increase Cu deficiency on CZTS surface, raise free carrier density, enhance CdS crystallization quality, and ultimately obtain a higher quality heterojunction.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ranjith P. Kumar, U. Basavaraju, Harish C. Barshilia, Bikramjit Basu
Summary: The article introduces the research results related to developing tandem ceramic coatings for photo-thermal conversion applications, aiming to improve the solar absorptance and thermal stability by adding double layer antireflection coating. The study also investigates the gradient in refractive indices of individual layers, showing that the coatings exhibit good thermal stability within certain temperature and time ranges.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
A. Kathalingam, S. Valanarasu, Sivalingam Ramesh, Heung Soo Kim, Hyun-Seok Kim
Summary: Cd1-xZnxTe thin films with different zinc concentrations were prepared using electrodeposition technique with optimized parameters. The grown alloy films exhibited polycrystalline structure with direct band gaps varying based on zinc concentration. Solar cells fabricated using these alloy films showed increased efficiency with higher zinc concentration.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jinutda Engsuwan, Sulawan Kaowphong, Reungruthai Sirirak, Nawapong Chumha
Summary: CuInS2 nanostructures were successfully synthesized using a cyclic microwave irradiation method without the need for activated solvents or capping reagents. Different crystal structures of CuInS2 were obtained with prolonged irradiation time, and their antimicrobial activities were investigated.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Martin C. Eze, Godwin Ugwuanyi, Meng Li, Hyginus U. Eze, Guillermo M. Rodriguez, Alex Evans, Victoria G. Rocha, Zhe Li, Gao Min
Summary: This study investigated the optimization of sputtering parameters for fabricating highly efficient perovskite solar cells using magnetron sputtering, achieving a high conversion efficiency of 18.35% and excellent device performance. Sputtering power was identified as the most critical factor that needs to be carefully controlled to minimize damage to the hole transport layer, demonstrating the potential for producing efficient perovskite solar cells through careful optimization of sputtering parameters.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Khan Sobayel Bin Rafiq, M. Mottakin, Ghulam Muhammad, Kuaanan Techato, Kamaruzzaman Sopian, Md. Akhtaruzzaman
Summary: This study models and optimizes the fabrication process of CsGeI3-based perovskite solar cells, and finds that a thickness of 700 nm is ideal. The proposed structure exhibits lower activation energy and higher thermal stability. The quantum efficiency is high in the visible light wavelength range.
JAPANESE JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Haifa A. Alyousef, A. M. Hassan, Hesham M. H. Zakaly
Summary: Copper nitride (Cu3N) thin films were produced on glass substrates through reactive dc magnetron sputtering (dcMS) without external heat treatment. The effects of substrate positions and film thicknesses were investigated on the structure and optical properties of Cu3N thin films. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-vis-NIR spectrophotometry were used to analyze the films. The films exhibited a cubic crystal structure with a dominant orientation along the (100) plane, uniform and smooth surface morphologies, transmittance above 70% in the visible region, and optical bandgap values ranging from 2.29 to 2.49 eV. The nonlinear optical qualities of Cu3N thin films were also discussed.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
R-A. Becerra-Arciniegas, R. Narducci, G. Ercolani, E. Sgreccia, L. Pasquin, M. L. Di Vona, P. Knauth
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2020)
Article
Electrochemistry
Luca Pasquini, Raul-Andres Becerra-Arciniegas, Riccardo Narducci, Emanuela Sgreccia, Vincent Gressel, Maria-Luisa Di Vona, Philippe Knauth
Article
Engineering, Chemical
P. Knauth, L. Pasquini, R. Narducci, E. Sgreccia, R-A Becerra-Arciniegas, M. L. Di Vona
Summary: This study examines the effective mobility of hydroxide, chloride, and fluoride ions in various anion exchange membranes with a backbone of polysulfone or poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene)oxide. The concentration dependence of effective mobility is used to derive porosity, tortuosity, and percolation thresholds, as well as to plot ionic conductivity against hydration number. The linear relationships between effective ion mobility and concentration for different ionomers suggest specific boundary conditions experienced by mobile ions near immobile grafted counter-ions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Luca Pasquini, Botagoz Zhakisheva, Emanuela Sgreccia, Riccardo Narducci, Maria Luisa Di Vona, Philippe Knauth
Summary: Proton-conducting ionomers are widely used in electrochemical energy storage devices, and their properties are influenced by operating conditions. This study examined the hydrolytic stability, conductivity, and mechanical behavior of different proton exchange membranes in phosphate buffer solution. The results indicate that membrane stability can be adjusted by altering casting solvent or procedures, and NafionTM membranes exhibit different behavior compared to SPEEK membranes.
Article
Electrochemistry
Luca Pasquini, Maria Luisa Di Vona, Emanuela Sgreccia, Olim Ruzimuradov, Philippe Knauth
Summary: Thin-films of cation-conducting PSS and anion-conducting PVBTMA were electrochemically deposited in various configurations, including single layer deposition, sequential deposition for bipolar membrane, and co-deposition for ampholytic membrane. The structures and microstructures of the thin films were investigated using NMR spectroscopy, optical and SEM. Impedance spectroscopy revealed a high resistance for the bipolar membrane and low conductivity for the ampholytic membrane.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emanuela Sgreccia, Maria Luisa Di Vona, Simonetta Antonaroli, Gianfranco Ercolani, Marco Sette, Luca Pasquini, Philippe Knauth
Summary: Nanocomposite anion exchange membranes were prepared based on poly(sulfone trimethylammonium) chloride, with hybrid semi-interpenetrating silica networks containing a large amount of quaternary ammonium groups. The degradation behavior, mechanical properties, and ion conduction activation energy were studied, showing that composite materials prepared using a mixture of precursors exhibited better alkaline resistance and ion exchange capacity.
Review
Polymer Science
Emanuela Sgreccia, Riccardo Narducci, Philippe Knauth, Maria Luisa Di Vona
Summary: This review summarizes the literature on composite anion exchange membranes containing an organo-silica network formed by sol-gel chemistry, discussing their key requirements and potential future research directions in various applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raul Andres Becerra-Arciniegas, Riccardo Narducci, Gianfranco Ercolani, Luca Pasquini, Philippe Knauth, Maria Luisa Di Vona
Summary: In this study, the synthesis of a copolymer of poly(vinylbenzylchloride-co-hexene) grafting N,N-dimethylhexylammonium groups was reported to investigate the effect of an aliphatic backbone without ether linkage on the ionomer properties. The results showed that ionomers without ether bonds exhibited good alkaline stability and lower sensitivity, making them potential binders in fuel cell electrode formulations.
Review
Polymer Science
Riccardo Narducci, Emanuela Sgreccia, Philippe Knauth, Maria Luisa Di Vona
Summary: Hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFC) are clean energy conversion devices that present an attractive alternative to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) due to their advantages of not using noble metals like platinum and their increasing interest in recent years. However, the low durability of anion exchange membranes (AEM) in basic conditions limits their large-scale use. Composite AEM with different fillers, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and silica nanoparticles, have been used to enhance fuel cell performance and stability, with filler functionalization being a key factor in successful property improvement. Recent progress in mechanical properties, ionic conductivity, and fuel cell performances of composite AEM is critically reviewed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ashwini Reddy Nallayagari, Emanuela Sgreccia, Maria Luisa Di Vona, Luca Pasquini, Florence Vacandio, Philippe Knauth
Summary: In this research, the combination of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQD), a hydroxide-ion conducting ionomer based on polysulfone (PSU) and polyaniline (PANI) was studied for high-performance nanostructured electrodes in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solution. The results showed that N-CQD improved the reduction currents of the electrodes, and PSU-TMA + PANI + GAH-Oct fibers exhibited the best electrocatalytic activity with the lowest slope and most positive half-wave potential. Long-term cycling tests indicated the evolution of the microstructure of the nanocomposite ORR electrode in the mass transport limited region.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivan Vito Ferrari, Luca Pasquini, Riccardo Narducci, Emanuela Sgreccia, Maria Luisa Di Vona, Philippe Knauth
Summary: This short review summarizes the improvements on biological fuel cells (BioFCs) with or without ionomer separation membrane. The benefits of BioFCs include the capability to derive energy from waste-water and organic matter, the possibility to use bacteria or enzymes to replace expensive catalysts such as platinum, and the lower environmental impact. Although BioFCs have lower electrochemical performances compared to classical fuel cells, they could become a green solution in the perspective of sustainable development and the circular economy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Riccardo Narducci, Raul Andres Becerra-Arciniegas, Luca Pasquini, Gianfranco Ercolani, Philippe Knauth, Maria Luisa Di Vona
Summary: In this study, a new ionomer was synthesized with a backbone lacking alkaline-labile C-O-C bonds and quaternary ammonium groups grafted on long side chains. The ionomer was obtained through metalation reaction and chain introduction steps. The successful functionalization of the product was confirmed by H-1-NMR spectroscopy. When blended with other polymers, the ionomer exhibited higher water uptake and ionic conductivity.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ashwini Reddy Nallayagari, Emanuela Sgreccia, Luca Pasquini, Marco Sette, Philippe Knauth, Maria Luisa Di Vona
Summary: Composite electrocatalytic electrodes made from B-N co-doped carbon quantum dots and various anion exchange ionomers are studied for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline solutions. The quantity and positions of dopants in the carbon quantum dots are found to be crucial for the electrocatalytic performance, and ionomers with long side chains exhibit the highest activity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luca Pasquini, Maxime Sauvan, Riccardo Narducci, Emanuela Sgreccia, Philippe Knauth, Maria Luisa Di Vona
Summary: This article proposes a method to stabilize ionomer membranes by introducing electrospun mats of inexpensive PPSU polymer. Characterization data shows improved stability of the membranes in phosphate buffer and distilled water.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Papa K. K. Kwarteng, Suanto Syahputra, Luca Pasquini, Florence Vacandio, Maria Luisa Di Vona, Philippe Knauth
Summary: The protection of zinc anodes in zinc-air batteries using PVBTMA thin films was found to reduce corrosion, zinc dendrite formation, and improve cyclability and battery efficiency. The PVBTMA layer exhibited selective anion transport, high interface quality, and high ionomer stiffness. The coated batteries showed stable open-circuit voltage and discharge capacity, although degradation was observed in the miniaturized batteries due to air cathode clogging and electrolyte drying or carbonation.
