Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ali El-Rayyes, Mohamed R. Elmorsy
Summary: Four novel dyes were developed as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and compound 8 showed the highest performance. Co-sensitization of compound 8 with the standard N719 dye improved the photovoltaic performance of N719 and achieved a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to the standard dye.
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohamed R. Elmorsy, Fatma H. Abdelhamed, Safa A. Badawy, Ehab Abdel-Latif, Ayman A. Abdel-Shafi, Mohamed A. Ismail
Summary: This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of six novel 2,2'-bithiophene-based organic compounds that can serve as co-sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells based on TiO2. The compounds were designed to enhance the performance of metal-based N3, and absorption and fluorescence measurements confirmed their chemical structures. The co-sensitizer 5a exhibited the longest absorption and emission wavelengths, indicating the impact of the para methoxy group. The performance of the co-sensitizers mixed with N3 was better than N3 alone, with improvements in short current density and open circuit voltage. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed the charge transfer resistance at the TiO2/dye/electrolyte interface, and theoretical calculations based on density functional theory supported the experimental findings. These results suggest that the compounds have great potential as efficient co-sensitizers for DSSCs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pawel Gnida, Pawel Jarka, Pavel Chulkin, Aleksandra Drygala, Marcin Libera, Tomasz Tanski, Ewa Schab-Balcerzak
Summary: The impact of various TiO2 nanostructures on the properties of photoanodes and the photovoltaic parameters of dye-sensitized solar cells was investigated. It was found that the addition of nanotubes to the photoanode resulted in the highest UV-Vis absorption, indicating a higher number of sensitizer molecules anchored to the titanium dioxide. This led to the highest power conversion efficiency in the solar cells containing nanotubes and a mixture of dyes with a co-adsorbent.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fang Xu, Kun Gong, Dongzhi Liu, Lichang Wang, Wei Li, Xueqin Zhou
Summary: The aggregation of organic molecules plays a crucial role in determining the photoelectric properties of devices. This study investigates the effects of aggregation and solvent regulation on the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The results show that the aggregation of two dyes has completely opposite effects on device performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shanmuganathan Venkatesan, Yun-Yu Chen, Hsisheng Teng, Yuh-Lang Lee
Summary: This study demonstrates a quick dye adsorption process using electrochemical methods, reducing the fabrication time of dye-sensitized solar cells. The electrodes prepared using constant potential methods show high performance in DSSCs with high efficiencies and low dark current densities.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rokas Jasiuunas, Vidmantas Jasinskas, Huotian Zhang, Tanvi Upreti, Feng Gao, Martijn Kemerink, Vidmantas Gulbinas
Summary: The study reveals the relationship between the occupation of low-energy states and carrier transport in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells based on fullerene and nonfullerene acceptors. It shows that the occupation of low-energy states strongly depends on blend materials and the effective electric field, influencing carrier mobility on the microsecond time scale. The initial mobility, determined by carrier relaxation within the high-energy part of the distributed density of states, decreases with time independently of the low-energy state population.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Anurag Roy, M. J. S. Mohamed, M. A. Gondal, Tapas K. Mallick, Asif Ali Tahir, Senthilarasu Sundaram
Summary: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) can achieve enhanced performance by engineering the materials at the interface of different device components. The most commonly used photosensitizers for DSSCs are Ru (II) polypyridyl-based synthetic dyes, but they are expensive. This study explores the use of natural and metal-free organic dyes as alternatives to synthetic dyes, and introduces Cu-doped CdS as a co-sensitizer to improve light-harvesting. The introduction of Cu leads to a broad absorption range and enhances optical interaction with the N719 dye, resulting in improved photocurrent density and overall performance of the DSSC.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
A. Amini, M. S. Zakerhamidi, S. Khorram
Summary: The effect of Ar and N-2 plasma sheath on the crystalline structure and optoelectronic properties of ZnO and TiO2 thin films was investigated in this study to improve electronic coupling in dye-sensitized solar cells. Ar plasma had a stronger electric field compared to N-2 plasma, resulting in larger crystalline changes. The enhancements in electronic coupling were attributed to reductions in Zn2+/dye complexes and H-bonds for Zn-N719 and Ti-N719, respectively.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Karina Portillo-Cortez, Ana Martinez, Monserrat Bizarro, Mario F. Garcia-Sanchez, Frank Guell, Ateet Dutt, Guillermo Santana
Summary: In this study, zinc oxide nanowires with different aspect ratios were fabricated using the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process. The nanowires exhibited high crystalline quality, vertical orientation, and good density distribution, making them suitable for potential applications as photoelectrodes. Furthermore, the optical properties of the nanowires were enhanced by the presence of N719 dye and gold nanoparticles.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Safa A. Badawy, Ehab Abdel-Latif, Ahmed A. Fadda, Mohamed R. Elmorsy
Summary: This study investigates the photovoltaic performance of four triphenylamine organic sensitizers and compares them to the conventional ruthenium-based sensitizer N719. The results show that SFA-7, a sensitizer used in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications, exhibits higher photovoltaic efficiency and total conversion efficiency compared to N719, mainly due to higher short-circuit photocurrents and larger open-circuit voltages, as well as enhanced ability to fill the gaps on the surface of the TiO2 semiconductor.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Anees A. Ansari, M. K. Nazeeruddin, Mohammad Mahdi Tavakoli
Summary: The article discusses the application of UCNPs in DSSCs, including energy transfer, morphology, crystal structure, coupling, and ways to increase photovoltaic current. The factors influencing emission efficiency and photovoltaic current are also explained. Additionally, it is proposed that UCNPs and their surface functionalities significantly enhance photovoltaic current, offering a beneficial guide for the use of lanthanide-doped UCNPs in material synthesis and optoelectronic system construction.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
David Ndaleh, Ravinder Kaur, Abigail Hogue, Jared H. Delcamp
Summary: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are a promising third-generation solar cell technology, especially in low light intensity situations. This study focuses on a cross-conjugated double-donor-pi bridge-acceptor dye architecture for high-photocurrent DSC devices. The dyes were characterized using theoretical calculations, absorption spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry experiments. Photovoltaic performance of the DSC devices was evaluated through current density-voltage curves and incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency measurements.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
D. N. David Ndaleh, Dinesh Nugegoda, Jonathon Watson, Hammad Cheema, Jared H. Delcamp
Summary: The study examines the use of four high photocurrent NIR-absorbing metal-free organic sensitizers with varying nitrogen-based donor groups in dye-sensitized solar cell devices. By comparing the performance of dyes with different donor groups, the researchers found that balancing donor size and dye loadings is critical for achieving higher performances in DSC dyes, particularly in accessing low energy photons near 900 nm.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sahil Gasso, Aman Mahajan
Summary: This study developed a competent substitute for platinum counter electrode and characterized its properties and performance.
CHEMICAL PHYSICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jinping Wang, Yuzheng Lu, Naveed Mushtaq, M. A. K. Yousaf Shah, Sajid Rauf, Peter D. Lund, Muhammad Imran Asghar
Summary: A novel spinel-structured LaFe2O4 demonstrated high ORR electro-catalytic activity through a self-doping strategy. It showed excellent ORR activity in a PCFC at temperatures ranging from 350 to 500 degrees C. The high activity was attributed to the easy release of oxide and proton ions and improved synergistic incorporation abilities of multivalent Fe3+/Fe2+ and La3+ ions. A fuel cell using LaFe2O4 as a cathode achieved a high-power density of 806 mW/cm2 at 500 degrees C. Spectroscopic and calculations methods were used to screen the potential application of LaFe2O4 as a cathode material.
JOURNAL OF RARE EARTHS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Kerttu Aitola, Gabriela Gava Sonai, Magnus Markkanen, Joice Jaqueline Kaschuk, Xuelan Hou, Kati Miettunen, Peter D. Lund
Summary: This paper reviews the literature on solar cell encapsulation, covering both commercial solar cells like silicon and thin film solar cells, as well as emerging types such as organic solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, and perovskite solar cells. The focus is specifically on the encapsulation of perovskite solar cells as the newest contender in the field. The paper provides a comprehensive summary of the literature on perovskite solar cell encapsulation, offering a handy handbook for designing encapsulation and long-term stability experiments. Additionally, the paper discusses additional functionalities of encapsulants, such as improving optical properties and using biobased materials for sustainable manufacturing.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
De Nguyen, Mai Thi Nguyen, Thuy Thanh Doan Nguyen, Vu Tan Huynh, Binh Phuong Nhan Nguyen, Phuong Tuyet Nguyen
Summary: This study investigates the effects of two new electrolyte additives on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells. The results show that these additives can improve both the open circuit voltage and the short circuit current, making them promising options for future production and commercialization.
JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Elina Ilen, Farid Elsehrawy, Elina Palovuori, Janne Halme
Summary: This study systematically investigates the laundry durability of solar cells embedded in textiles. The results show that the textile encapsulated solar cells can maintain their efficiency after 50 cycles of laundry. This study is of great practical significance for promoting the development of textile-integrated solar energy harvesting.
RESEARCH JOURNAL OF TEXTILE AND APPAREL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. A. K. Yousaf Shah, Yuzheng Lu, Naveed Mushtaq, Muhammad Yousaf, Peter D. Lund, Muhammad Imran Asghar, Bin Zhu
Summary: Reducing the operational temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) is important for enhancing their durability and lifetime. A new electrolyte layer made of gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) was synthesized using a wet chemical co-precipitation technique, demonstrating impressive fuel cell performance, high ionic conductivity, and better stability at a low temperature of 450 degrees C. This study suggests the possibility of designing new electrolytes for advanced low-temperature fuel cell technology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
M. A. K. Yousaf Shah, Yuzheng Lu, Naveed Mushtaq, Muhammad Yousaf, Muhammad Akbar, Sajid Rauf, Yiwang Dong, Peter D. Lund, Bin Zhu, Muhammad Imran Asghar
Summary: This study focuses on designing a Co/Fe-SrTiO3 semiconductor perovskite as an electrolyte membrane to enhance its ionic conduction. Through surface-enriched O-vacancies, the doped Co/Fe lowers the Fermi level, leading to improved ionic conductivity. The designed electrolyte exhibits high ionic conductivity (0.19 S/cm) and enables a fuel cell to achieve a maximum power density of 1016 mW/cm2 at 520 degrees C. The surface doping of Co/Fe facilitates enriched surface channels for quick ion transportation with lower activation energy, making it a suitable approach for developing advanced materials for wide bandgap semiconductors with high ionic conductivity for next-generation CFCs.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Salvia Sajid, Lilia Hernandez Salas, Maria Rafiq, Torben Lund, Mikkel Girke Jorgensen, Bent Honore, Lars Porskaer Christensen, Paul Robert Hansen, Henrik Franzyk, Osman Mirza, Bala Krishna Prabhala
Summary: Membrane transport proteins play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by facilitating the transport of various molecules across the cell membrane. Overexpression of these proteins has been shown to alter the metabolomic and proteomic profiles of host cells. In this study, we investigated the physiological consequences of overexpressing the membrane transport protein YdgR from E. coli in two different strains. We observed significant differences in the metabolomics and proteomics profiles between cells expressing functional YdgR and attenuated YdgR. The findings suggest a potential role of YdgR in the transport of proline-containing tripeptides.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Torben Lund, Maria Yohanna Kulkova, Rosa Jersie-Christensen, Tove Atlung
Summary: Enzymes carrying Iron-Sulfur (Fe-S) clusters play important cellular roles, and their biogenesis is complex. The IBA57 protein is essential for the assembly and insertion of [4Fe-4S] clusters in mitochondria. YgfZ is the bacterial counterpart of IBA57, but its specific role in Fe-S cluster metabolism is unknown. YgfZ is required for the activity of the MiaB enzyme, which thiomethylates tRNAs. RimO, a homologue of MiaB, thiomethylates a conserved aspartic acid in ribosomal protein S12. Our study shows that RimO activity is dependent on YgfZ but independent of growth temperature, providing insights into the role of auxiliary 4Fe-4S clusters in Radical SAM enzymes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Tung Thanh Ngo, Uyen Tu Thi Doan, Quyen Truc Thi Vo, Truong Lam Huynh, Nam Hoang Vu, Hanh Kieu Thi Ta, Le Thi Mai Hoa, Yoshiyuki Kawazoe, Phuong Tuyet Nguyen, Ngoc Kim Pham
Summary: In this study, a thin film of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI(3)) was used as a switching layer in metal/MAPbI(3)/FTO devices, with Ag and Cr used as active and inert top electrodes, respectively. The Ag/MAPbI(3)/FTO structure displayed digital bipolar resistive switching (RS) behavior, while the Cr/MAPbI(3)/FTO device displayed analog RS behavior. Density functional theory simulations indicated that the different behaviors may be due to the interaction between the iodine vacancy defect and the metal contact properties. The findings suggest that organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite has potential for data storage.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Farid Elsehrawy, Bettina Blomstedt, Elina Ilen, Elina Palovuori, Janne Halme
Summary: Integrating solar cells into textiles for wearable electronics requires careful optimization for energy efficiency and aesthetic appearance. This study systematically investigates the optical properties of knitted textiles as visually concealing covers for textile-integrated solar cells. By studying 175 knitted samples using optical characterization methods, the researchers developed metrics to evaluate solar cell performance and visual appearance, enabling the optimization of textiles based on desired characteristics. The findings demonstrate a design compromise between solar cell performance and concealment, with 23 samples out of 175 identified as the best in performance and concealment.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elena S. Akulenko, Mahboubeh Hadadian, Annukka Santasalo-Aarnio, Kati Miettunen
Summary: Photovoltaic development should be guided by the circular economy, but currently it is not. Perovskite photovoltaics face challenges in profitable recycling due to environmental directives. This study investigates the profitability of noble metals recovery in wasted perovskite solar cells and shows that substrates and device architecture play significant roles. It emphasizes the importance of eco-design to ensure successful recycling and recovery of critical materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Torben Lund, Wesley Allan Paskett, Lasse H. Hojgard, Rasmus Neerup-Jensen
Summary: A solar pavilion with 248 semi-transparent DSC modules measuring 30 x 30 cm each was constructed at Roskilde University campus in 2016. After 5 years of operation, two representative modules from the south and north sides were removed and their electrical performance relative to new modules was evaluated. The results showed that the south module experienced an 85% decrease in efficiency, while the north module had a 34% decrease after 5 years. Both modules showed dye degradation, with the south module having a 73% degradation and the north module having a 50% degradation.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
De Nguyen, Ha-Phuong Thi Ngo, Anh-Tho Ngoc Vo, Phuong Tuyet Nguyen
Summary: Increasing demands for sustainable dye-sensitized solar cells drive the search for affordable and less volatile electrolyte additives. Urea and acetamide were explored as alternatives to the commonly used 4-tert-butylpyridine. Urea and acetamide demonstrated improved stability and performance in DSC devices, making them suitable replacements for hazardous chemicals like 4-tert-butylpyridine.
JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sanaz Zarabi Golkhatmi, Peter D. Lund, Muhammad Imran Asghar
Summary: Inkjet printing is a fabrication technique that can tailor the electrode microstructure of solid oxide fuel cells. By optimizing ink composition and characteristics, and comparing with drop-casting, it was found that inkjet printing can provide hierarchical porous microstructure, increase reaction sites, and significantly improve fuel cell performance.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)