Article
Energy & Fuels
Aycan Atli, Abdullah Yildiz
Summary: An opaque platinum film as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells demonstrates enhanced reflectivity, smaller resistance, and excellent adhesion properties. As a result, the DSSC with the opaque platinum film achieves a higher electrical power conversion efficiency compared to the transparent platinum film under the same conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Electrochemistry
Samia Belhousse, Fatma-Zohra Tighilt, Khaled Hamdani, Ibtissam Aouali, Samir Benouart, Naima Belhaneche, Kahina Lasmi, Amar Manseri, Sabrina Sam
Summary: In this work, a poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) (PProDOT)-based counter electrode (CE) was successfully fabricated. The thickness of the PProDOT CE was controlled by the polymerization time. The surface morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measurements were used to characterize the polymer films. The electrocatalytic activity of the PProDOT CEs was investigated in a specific electrolyte.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana Belen Munoz-Garcia, Iacopo Benesperi, Gerrit Boschloo, Javier J. Concepcion, Jared H. Delcamp, Elizabeth A. Gibson, Gerald J. Meyer, Michele Pavone, Henrik Pettersson, Anders Hagfeldt, Marina Freitag
Summary: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (DSPECs) have seen a revival in recent years as they offer unique properties such as low cost, non-toxic materials, colorfulness, transparency, and efficiency in low light conditions. This review covers advancements in DSC technology over the past decade, including theoretical studies, characterization techniques, materials, applications, and commercialization efforts by various companies.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad, A. K. Pandey, Nasrudin Abd Rahim, Navid Aslfattahi, Yogendra Kumar Mishra, Bushra Rashid, R. Saidur
Summary: This study investigated the use of MXene as a replacement for TCO and Pt in DSSC, achieving higher conversion efficiency than the standard CE at the optimal thickness. The MXene-based CE demonstrated high conductivity, abundant catalytic sites, and superior catalytic activity towards the electrolyte.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi-June Huang, Prasanta Kumar Sahoo, Dung-Sheng Tsai, Chuan-Pei Lee
Summary: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been extensively studied and developed as a potential renewable power source due to their low cost, low energy-intensive processing, and high compatibility. However, the high cost and rarity of platinum (Pt) as a catalyst in traditional DSSCs has led to the research and development of Pt-free electro-catalysts to further reduce manufacturing costs.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
G. Syrrokostas, K. Bhorkar, L. Sygellou, V. Dracopoulos, G. Leftheriotis, S. N. Yannopoulos
Summary: In this study, it is demonstrated that PtSe2 films, prepared by soft selenization of pre-deposited Pt, are highly efficient counter electrodes (CEs) in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Devices based on PtSe2 achieve better photoconversion efficiency (9.5±1.2%) compared to those using bare Pt CE (9.18±0.21%), even with lower Pt loading. The improved performance of PtSe2 CEs is attributed to the higher availability of catalytic active sites and more effective mechanism of interfacial electron transfer.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Govind Sharma, Chandan Dawo, Komal Mulchandani, Uttam K. Kumawat, R. K. Singhal, Chhagan Lal
Summary: Impedance and modulus spectroscopy were used to study the charge carrier dynamics of N719 dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Significant changes were observed in the low-frequency regime under both light-off and illumination conditions. The N719 DSSC exhibited high performance with a JSC of 10.89 mA/cm2, a VOC of 0.672 V, a fill-factor of 0.65, and a photoconversion efficiency of 4.81%. The Nyquist plots showed small arcs at higher frequencies and large arcs at lower frequencies, indicating deviation from ideal Debye relaxation. The dielectric relaxation followed the interfacial polarization of Maxwell-Wagner type, possibly due to grain boundary effects. Comparative analysis revealed localized carrier relaxation in this N719 DSSC, correlated with conductivity hopping process.
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Philipp G. Gruetzmacher, Michael Schranz, Chia-Jui Hsu, Johannes Bernardi, Andreas Steiger-Thirsfeld, Lars Hensgen, Manel Rodriguez Ripoll, Carsten Gachot
Summary: The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PEB and PUB as sensitizers of dye-sensitized solar cells is investigated using first-principles calculations. Different adsorption models are constructed for PEB/PUB on the TiO2 surface, and their geometrical configurations and electronic properties are optimized. The obtained PCEs confirm the credibility of the current method and predict that PUB and PEB are promising candidate sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yogendra Nath Chouryal, Rahul Kumar Sharma, Neeraj Tomar, Neelam Yadav, Heera Lal Kewat, Ishfaq Abdullah Wani, Sandeep Nigam, Praveen Kumar Surolia, Sri Sivakumar, Pushpal Ghosh
Summary: This study reports on the synthesis of phase pure, cubic BaGdF5:Er/Yb-doped nanocrystals using ionic liquids, which can be used as an absorption layer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to enhance solar energy conversion efficiency. Bright-green and red emissions were observed from the nanoparticles. The DSSCs with BaGdF5:Er3+(1%)/Yb3+(10%)/TiO2 absorption layer achieved the highest photon conversion efficiency of 7.75% and current density of 15.9 mA/cm2, showing a significant enhancement compared to those with only TiO2 layer.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Subashini Gnanasekar, Andrews Nirmala Grace
Summary: The nanostructure of titanium nitride was studied and synthesized as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells, showing electrocatalytic activity comparable to platinum CE. The TiN NFB CE demonstrated high power conversion efficiency and stability, indicating potential application in replacing costly platinum CEs in large area DSSCs.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fengjuan Miao, Fuchen Chu, Bingcheng Sun, Bairui Tao, Peng Zhang, Yu Zang, Paul K. Chu
Summary: This study presents the design and fabrication of a photoanode composed of Au/SnS/TiO2 sensitized with natural dye for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). By calcination, a layer of spherical nano-TiO2 is prepared, and a layer of nano-SnS is deposited on the TiO2 photoanode using the continuous ion layer adsorption reaction (SILAR). The sensitized Au nanoparticles exhibit enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects and electron trapping ability, resulting in improved electron mobility and reduced electron recombination in the DSSC.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jacqueline M. Cole, Ulrich F. J. Mayer
Summary: This feature article discusses the fundamental use of materials-characterization methods in determining the structural information of the dye-TiO2 interface in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). It introduces various techniques for obtaining specific structural information on the interface, such as dye anchoring, dye aggregation, and molecular dye orientation. The article emphasizes the importance of acquiring such information for DSC design guidelines and the validation process of design-to-device pipelines.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Govind Sharma, Saurabh K. Saini, Komal Mulchandani, Amarnath Bheemaraju, Chhagan Lal
Summary: Natural dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are cost-effective and have a simple fabrication process. The choice of dyes significantly affects their performance. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on the photophysics and excited state dynamics of natural dyes used in DSSCs, highlighting the need for further investigation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suruthi Priya Nagalingam, Andrews Nirmala Grace
Summary: This study focuses on the fabrication of a poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) decorated MXene composite electrode and tests its performance as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells. The results show that the composite electrode exhibits good electrocatalytic activity and charge transfer kinetics in the iodide/triiodide electrolyte, surpassing the performance of traditional counter electrodes. The 15-day stability investigation demonstrates that the composite electrode has good corrosion resistance. Therefore, the composite electrode shows potential as a substitute for platinum.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Feng-Lin Xing, Zhi-Hong Zhang, Chuan-Lu Yang, Mei-Shan Wang, Xiao-Guang Ma
Summary: The power conversion efficiency of PEB and PUB as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells was investigated using first-principles calculations. The results showed high PCE values for PUB and PEB, indicating their potential as candidate sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells.
Article
Electrochemistry
Abdul Qayoom Mugheri, Shaista Khan, Ali Asghar Sangah, Aijaz Ahmed Bhutto, Muhammad Younis Laghari, Nadeem Ahmed Mugheri, Asif Ali Jamali, Arsalan Ahmed Mugheri, Nagji Sodho, Abdul Waheed Mastoi, Aftab Kandhro
Summary: Green hydrogen has the potential to transition to a pollution-free energy infrastructure. This study proposes a solution to produce hydrogen during the photoelectrochemical process, offering greater stability and control over chemical reactions. Techno-economic assessments show the efficiency and economic feasibility of co-producing value-added chemicals to enhance green hydrogen production.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Danpeng Cheng, Wuxin Sha, Qigao Han, Shun Tang, Jun Zhong, Jinqiao Du, Jie Tian, Yuan-Cheng Cao
Summary: LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 (NCM) is a critical cathode material for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The aging of cathode/electrolyte interfaces leads to capacity degradation and long-term cycle instability. A novel neural network model called ACGNet is developed to predict electrochemical stability windows of crystals, allowing for high-throughput screening of coating materials. LiPO3 is identified as a promising coating material with high oxidation voltage and low cost, which significantly improves the cycle stability of NCM batteries. This study demonstrates the accuracy and potential of machine learning in battery materials.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
P. Mohana, R. Yuvakkumar, G. Ravi, S. Arunmetha
Summary: This study successfully fabricates a non-noble CuO/NiO/rGO nanocomposite and investigates its electrocatalytic performance for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline environment. The experimental results demonstrate that the electrocatalyst exhibits high activity and good stability, offering a new synthetic approach for sustainable energy production.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Qiong Qu, Jing Guo, Hongyu Wang, Kai Zhang, Jingde Li
Summary: In this study, a bifunctional electrode host design consisting of carbon nanofibers implanted ordered porous Co-decorated Al2O3 supported on carbon nanotube film (CNTF) was proposed to address the shuttling effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and dendrite formation of metal lithium anode in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The electrode exhibited excellent conductivity, efficient confinement of LiPSs, and catalytic conversion performance, resulting in high initial capacity and good capacity retention during cycling. As an anode, the electrode showed excellent Li+ diffusion performance and uniform lithium growth behavior, achieving a dendrite-free lithium electrode. The flexible pack cell assembled from these electrodes delivered a specific capacity of 972 mAh g(-1) with good capacity retention.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Hong Zhang, Jin-Peng Yu, Chen Chen, Cheng-Yong Shu, Guang-Yu Xu, Jie Ren, Kai Cui, Wen-Fang Cai, Yun-Hai Wang, Kun Guo
Summary: Spray coating of acetylene black nanoparticles onto stainless steel mesh can enhance its biofilm formation ability and current density, making it a promising electrode material for microbial electrochemical systems. The spray coating method is simple, cost-effective, and suitable for large-size stainless steel electrodes.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Binpeng Hou, Jingjin Chen, Li-Hong Zhang, Xiaowen Shi, Zizhong Zhu
Summary: The electrochemical performance of Li1.20Mn0.44Ni0.32Co0.04O2 and its oxygen-deficient phase Li1.20Mn0.44Ni0.32Co0.04O1.83 was studied through first-principles calculations. The results show that the oxygen-deficient phase has a higher theoretical capacity but lower voltage platform and higher chemical activity compared to the pristine phase.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Yating Du, Sayoko Shironita, Daisuke Asakura, Eiji Hosono, Yoshitsugu Sone, Yugo Miseki, Eiichi Kobayashi, Minoru Umeda
Summary: This study investigates the effect of high- and low-temperature environments on the charge-discharge performance of a Li-ion battery. The deterioration mechanisms of the battery at different temperatures are analyzed through various characterization techniques. The results indicate that the battery performance deteriorates more significantly at a low-temperature environment of 5 degrees C compared to higher temperatures. The understanding of the deterioration mechanisms can contribute to the development of safer battery usage methods.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Si-Si Shi, Zhi-Xiang Yuan, Fei Zhang, Ping Chen
Summary: In this study, a new nano-electrocatalyst was prepared, which exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of NO2- to ammonia in a neutral electrolyte, potentially due to the synergistic enhancement between Co3O4-x and Co.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Berna Dalkiran, Havva Bekirog
Summary: This study reports the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) based on ethylene glycol and urea as low-cost and green electrolytes for enhancing electrochemical detection of natural antioxidants. The study successfully developed a disposable and effective electrochemical sensing platform for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and gallic acid (GA) using NaOH nanorods on a pencil graphite electrode. The proposed electrode showed improved analytical performance, with higher peak currents and shifted oxidation potentials in DES compared to BR buffer medium.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Sijun Ren, Jianguo Huang
Summary: In this study, a novel bio-inspired nanofibrous WO3/carbon composite was synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. The three-dimensional network structure of the composite alleviated the volume expansion of WO3 nanorods and enhanced the charge-transport kinetics. The optimized composite exhibited superior lithium storage properties.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Zhilong Zheng, Yu Chen, Hongxia Yin, Hengbo Xiao, Xiangji Zhou, Zhiwen Li, Ximin Li, Jin Chen, Songliu Yuan, Junjie Guo, Haibin Yu, Zhen Zhang, Lihua Qian
Summary: This study found that interstitial Zn cations in CoMoO4 can modulate the dissolution kinetics of Mo cations and improve the OER performance. The interstitial Zn cations can prevent the dissolution of Co cations at high potential, enhancing the durability of the catalyst.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Xiaobo Lin, Shern R. Tee, Debra J. Searles, Peter T. Cummings
Summary: Molecular dynamics simulations using the constant potential method were used to investigate the charging dynamics and charge storage of supercapacitors. The simulations revealed that the water-in-salt electrolyte exhibited the highest charge storage and significantly higher capacitance on the negative electrode. The varying contributions of different electrode regions to supercapacitor performance were also demonstrated.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Wiktoria Lipinska, Vita Saska, Katarzyna Siuzdak, Jakub Karczewski, Karol Zaleski, Emerson Coy, Anne de Poulpiquet, Ievgen Mazurenko, Elisabeth Lojou
Summary: The spatial distribution of enzymes on electrodes is important for bioelectrocatalysis. In this study, controlled spatial distribution of gold nanoparticles on Ti nanodimples was achieved. The efficiency of enzymatic O2 reduction was found to be influenced by the size of the gold nanoparticles and their colocalization with TiO2. The highest stability of enzymatic current was observed with the largest gold nanoparticles.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Tariq M. Al-Hejri, Zeenat A. Shaikh, Ahmed H. Al-Naggar, Siddheshwar D. Raut, Tabassum Siddiqui, Hamdan M. Danamah, Vijaykumar V. Jadhav, Abdullah M. Al-Enizi, Rajaram S. Mane
Summary: This study explores a promising self-growth approach for the synthesis of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) nanosponge-balls on the surface of a nickel-foam (NiF) electrode. The modified NiF electrode, named Ni(OH)2@NiF, shows distinctive nanosponge-ball morphology and demonstrates excellent energy storage capability and electrocatalytic performance in both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Rafael Del Olmo, Gregorio Guzman-Gonzalez, Oihane Sanz, Maria Forsyth, Nerea Casado
Summary: The use of Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) is becoming increasingly extensive, and it is important to optimize the devices to achieve their maximum practical specific capacity. In this study, mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) binders based on PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT: PDADMA-TFSI were developed for Li-ion cathodes, and their performance was compared with conventional formulations. The influence of electrode formulations, including the addition of conducting carbon and an Organic Ionic Plastic Cristal (OIPC), was also analyzed. The proposed binders showed improved performance compared to conventional formulations with different electrolyte types and active materials.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)