Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hugo G. Lemos, Rodrigo M. Ronchi, Guilherme R. Portugal, Jessica H. H. Rossato, Gurpreet S. Selopal, David Barba, Everaldo C. Venancio, Federico Rosei, Jeverson T. Arantes, Sydney F. Santos
Summary: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a promising technology for clean energy conversion. This study focuses on enhancing the efficiency of DSSCs by optimizing charge transport and non-radiative carrier recombination. The introduction of Ti3C2Tx MXene into the photoanode improves electron transport and increases the energy-to-current conversion of DSSCs.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abdullah Atilgan, Abdullah Yildiz
Summary: The development of novel bilayer photoanodes is crucial for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. In this study, a homojunction photoanode consisting of undoped and Ni-doped TiO2 layers was prepared. By tuning the location of the doped layer, the photoconversion efficiency was greatly improved. The bilayer structure enhanced light absorption, resulting in increased short circuit current and open-circuit voltage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
R. Krishnapriya, C. Nizamudeen, B. Saini, M. Sayem Mozumder, Rakesh K. Sharma, A. -H. I. Mourad
Summary: The facile synthesis and application of nano-sized semiconductor metal oxides for optoelectronic devices are challenging due to multi-step processes. Semiconductor oxides derived directly from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show promise for clean energy conversion and storage devices, with the potential to enhance light absorption in the visible region and improve overall performance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mehdi Ismail, Celine Olivier, Thierry Toupance
Summary: Anatase TiO2 photoanodes were modified with hydrothermally synthesized WO3 nanorods for DSSC applications. Two configurations were investigated, where the addition of WO3 nanorods in the TiO2 matrix showed better performance for front illumination, while the undercoat of WO3 nanorods on FTO substrate showed better performance for back illumination. The excellent electron mobility and specific nanorod shape of WO3 contributed to charge trapping and injection, reducing recombination and dark current, while the scattering nature of the WO3 nanorods undercoat was beneficial for light harvesting.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Muhammad Yasin, Muhammad Khan, Norah Alwadai, Munawar Iqbal
Summary: Nanorods of TiO2, Sn-doped TiO2, TiO2@Sn-TiO2 and Sn-TiO2@TiO2 were prepared and characterized using SEM, XRD and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the heterostructure film of Sn-TiO2@TiO2 had the smallest band gap and highest efficiency in DSSC among the four films.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Deepak Joshy, Soumya B. Narendranath, Yahya A. Ismail, Pradeepan Periyat
Summary: TiO2 nanomaterials have been widely studied as photoanode materials in dye-sensitized solar cells due to their non-toxicity, high electron transport rates, and fine tuneable band gap. This review focuses on the modification of TiO2 photoanodes through doping and morphological variations, and highlights the impact of various morphologies on photoanode design.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Amin Reza Zolghadr, Omid Estakhr, Maryam Heydari Dokoohaki, Hadi Salari
Summary: The study focuses on DSSCs based on bismuth tungstate as an electron conductor, addressing the appropriate nanostructure, comparison with titanium dioxide, morphology effects, and interactions of dye and electrolyte in the cells. Results showed poor performance of ruthenium-complex dye and highlighted the impact of surface charge on dye adsorption in Bi2WO6 DSSCs. The best performance was observed for Bi2WO6 nanoparticles synthesized at pH = 1, attributed to less negative surface charges.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dapeng Cao, Anchen Wang, Xiaohui Yu, Huiming Yin, Jingbo Zhang, Baoxiu Mi, Zhiqiang Gao
Summary: The study demonstrated that the use of compression and graphene incorporation in TiO2/graphene photoanodes for DSSCs significantly improves power conversion efficiency, transmittance, and resistance to cracking, making it suitable for use as the front unit in tandem solar cells.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
M. Rekha, Renuka Yadav, L. Cindrella
Summary: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with Ni1-xFexMnO3 (x=0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0) perovskite nanoparticles as photoanodes are investigated in this study. The synthesized perovskites exhibit impressive optical properties and suitable surface morphologies for DSSC application. Compared to pristine NiMnO3-based DSSCs, the DSSCs with iron-incorporated NiMnO3 photoanodes show increased power conversion efficiency (PCE). Among the materials studied, Ni0.2Fe0.8MnO3-based DSSC achieves the highest PCE of 0.79% and a high open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.95 V. The optimized stoichiometry of perovskite composition is attributed to the alignment of the conduction band edge with the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of N3 dye sensitizer. FeMnO3-based DSSC exhibits the highest VOC of 1.02 V. These findings provide a pathway for unconventional perovskite materials to be used as promising photoanodes in DSSCs, leading to increased VOC and PCE.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Nicola Sangiorgi, Riccardo Bendoni, Alex Sangiorgi, Lucrezia Aversa, Roberta Tatti, Roberto Verucchi, Alessio Adamiano, Monica Sandri, Anna Tampieri, Alessandra Sanson
Summary: The study investigates the use of titanium-doped hydroxyapatite (TiHA) as a photoanode material for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, with characterization of TiHA powders with varying titanium content. Results show high compatibility of TiHA with ruthenium-based dye molecules, and the highest efficiency was achieved with 15 wt% titanium-doped TiHA.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mehdi Ismail, Mohamed Mehdi Chebaane, Latifa Bousselmi, Orfan Zahraa, Celine Olivier, Thierry Toupance
Summary: TiO2 electrodes modified with different loadings of WO3 showed increased photocurrent density and decreased interface charge transfer resistance. However, all devices modified by WO3 exhibited lower photovoltaic performance compared to the TiO2 reference cell. The highest conversion efficiency was observed when WO3 was introduced into the TiCl4 pretreatment bath, optimizing semiconductor contact for improved charge transfer.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mian-En Yeoh, Kah-Yoong Chan, Hin-Yong Wong, Pei-Ling Low, Zi-Neng Ng, H. C. Ananda Murthy, Ruthramurthy Balachandran
Summary: Globally, the hydrothermal method is commonly used to synthesize TiO2 photoanodes for various applications, but it is often complex and difficult to follow. This study successfully developed a reinvented hydrothermal synthesis methodology, which demonstrated a mixed-phase TiO2 photoanodes without several intermediate hydrothermal steps. The DSSC devices fabricated using this methodology showed comparable and excellent power conversion efficiency (η=3.30%) to commercial TiO2-based DSSCs (η=3.81%). This preliminary study provides new perspectives on simplifying wet chemical synthesis techniques for TiO2 in the design of DSSCs.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kadhim Attafi, Andrew Nattestad, Hamzeh Qutaish, Min-Sik Park, Lok Kumar Shrestha, Katsuhiko Ariga, Shi Xue Dou, Jung Ho Kim
Summary: Many researchers in the development of Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are highlighting the importance of dye packing density, which can significantly affect the devices' photovoltaic efficiency. Solvothermally synthesized anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (SANP) show high efficiency in dye loading and light scattering, contributing to the overall performance improvement of the devices. The use of SANP in DSCs presents a promising approach to enhance the efficiency and performance of solar cells.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hany M. Abd El-Lateef, Mai M. Khalaf, Van-Duong Dao, Ibrahim M. A. Mohamed
Summary: This study investigates the electrochemical impedance analysis of synthesized TiO2 nanofibers as photoanodes. The morphological character, crystallinity, and chemical contents of the photoanode substrates were analyzed. The impact of N-doping on charge transfers was also studied.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Di Chen, Xiang Fu, Xiaolong Li, Yannan Qian
Summary: A bi-function TiO2:Yb3+/Tm3+/Mn2+-assisted double-layered photoanode was designed to improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. By introducing Mn2+ ions, smaller-sized TiO2:Yb3+/Tm3+/Mn(2+)nanospheres were formed, leading to improved performance of DSSCs. The double-layered photoanode exhibited higher power conversion efficiency and enhanced light scattering.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haibin Wang, Hao Zhang, Yan Huang, Haiyu Wang, Adnan Ozden, Kaili Yao, Huamin Li, Qianying Guo, Yongchang Liu, Alberto Vomiero, Yuhang Wang, Zhao Qian, Jun Li, Ziyun Wang, Xuhui Sun, Hongyan Liang
Summary: Elastic strains in metallic catalysts can enhance the selectivity for valuable multicarbon (C2+) products in carbon dioxide reduction (CO2R). However, the structure of catalysts often undergoes reconstruction under harsh conditions, leading to the loss of initial strain. In this study, a metal/metal oxide synthetic strategy is developed to introduce and maintain tensile strain in a copper/ceria heterostructure, resulting in improved C2+ selectivity and efficiency in CO2R.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kassa Belay Ibrahim, Tofik Ahmed Shifa, Paolo Moras, Elisa Moretti, Alberto Vomiero
Summary: A heterointerface catalyst with strong metal support interaction (SMSI) between WMn2O4 and TiO2 is designed for efficient and stable oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The engineered heterointerface exhibits a low onset overpotential and long-term durability.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Getachew Solomon, Mojtaba Gilzad Kohan, Raffaello Mazzaro, Matteo Jugovac, Paolo Moras, Vittorio Morandi, Isabella Concina, Alberto Vomiero
Summary: Hierarchical nanostructures composed of NiMoO4 nanorods surrounded by active MoS2 nanosheets on a nickel foam substrate were designed and showed excellent oxygen evolution reaction performance and charge storage capacity, suggesting promising applications in the catalysis field.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Getachew Solomon, Marco Lecca, Matteo Bisetto, Mojtaba Gilzad Kohan, Isabella Concina, Marta Maria Natile, Alberto Vomiero
Summary: Researchers have successfully reduced the photo-oxidation of Cu2O nanowires by growing a thin layer of TiO2 protective layer and an amorphous layer of VOx cocatalyst on them. The optimized photoelectrode exhibits excellent stability and high photocurrent density under simulated sunlight, demonstrating the potential of using earth-abundant materials for solar hydrogen production.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Letizia Liccardo, Matteo Bordin, Polina M. Sheverdyaeva, Matteo Belli, Paolo Moras, Alberto Vomiero, Elisa Moretti
Summary: Defect-engineered nanostructured TiO2 photocatalysts were obtained by hydrogenation strategy to extend its light absorption into the near-infrared region. The hydrogenation process enhanced the photocatalytic activity and resulted in significant degradation of organic pollutants.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Elnaz Afsharipour, Kirtiman Deo Malviya, Mohammadreza Montazeri, Ebrahim Mortazy, Ramin Soltanzadeh, Alireza Hassani, Federico Rosei, Mohamed Chaker
Summary: We designed, fabricated, and tested a humidity sensor based on an optical fiber-based evanescent wave probe. The fiber was bent into a U-shape and de-cladded, then coated with either Au or ZnO nanoparticles. Humidity is detected through the interaction in the surface plasmon resonance of the coated nanoparticles. The sensor showed high sensitivity and linearity over a wide range of humidity levels.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kassa Belay Ibrahim, Tofik Ahmed Shifa, Matteo Bordin, Elisa Moretti, Heng-Liang Wu, Alberto Vomiero
Summary: Confining Ni(OH)(2) nanoparticles in the vdW gaps of 2D exfoliated SnS2 (Ex-SnS2) accelerates water oxidation and ensures long-term stability in alkaline solutions. The oxidation states of Ni are found to be correlated with the rate of oxygen gas evolution, with the confined system exhibiting a higher rate compared to the unconfined system. The confinement effect contributes to the outstanding OER activity and stability of the catalyst.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nicolo Spigariol, Letizia Liccardo, Edlind Lushaj, Enrique Rodriguez-Castellon, Isabel Barroso Martin, Federico Polo, Alberto Vomiero, Elti Cattaruzza, Elisa Moretti
Summary: TiO2 thin films have photocatalytic properties and can degrade dyes and pollutants in water solutions. The use of nanostructures, such as TiO2 nanorod arrays, can enhance the photocatalytic activity by improving molecular adsorption and electronic transfer properties. By depositing a thin layer of sub-stoichiometric TiO2_x on top of the nanorod arrays, a vacancy doped homojunction is formed, leading to a lower band gap and enhanced photochemical activity. The photocatalytic activity was tested using methylene blue as the target molecule, and significant degradation was achieved under both UV and simulated solar light irradiation.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Pankaj Kumar, Shujie You, Alberto Vomiero
Summary: Semitransparent photovoltaic (STPV) solar cells have great potential for special applications such as windows, facades, and skylights. Researchers have developed STPVs using traditional thin-film solar cell technologies (amorphous-Si, CdTe, and CIGS) or emerging solar cells (organic, perovskites, and dye-sensitized). This review analyzes the device structure of state-of-the-art STPV devices and discusses approaches to maximize power conversion efficiency and average visible transmittance. Practical aspects such as electrode compatibility, buffer layer optimization, light management engineering, scale-up, and stability are also discussed.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiurong Li, Jiancang Chen, Xiujian Zhao, Alberto Vomiero, Xiao Gong
Summary: Organosilane-grafted carbon dots (Si-CDs) were synthesized by hydrothermal method and can be uniformly dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. Si-CDs/PVA thin-film LSCs exhibit excellent absorption in the UV spectral region and about 90% transmission in the visible range, with high stability and power conversion efficiency (PCE).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Love Karan Rana, Prabhjyot Kaur, Alborz Bavandsavadkouhi, Gurpreet Singh Selopal, Adam Duong
Summary: This research work describes the synthesis, characterization, and computational analysis of three novel coordination compounds. The compounds were found to be isostructural 1D coordination polymers and their chemical composition was confirmed using various analytical techniques. XPS and EDS analysis provided information about the chemical states of metal ions and the surrounding chemical environments. DFT studies were performed to analyze the HOMO-LUMO energy gaps and the total energy of metal-ligand coordination bonds in the compounds. Additionally, other characterization techniques such as NMR, IR, and PXRD were used.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gurpreet Singh Selopal, Omar Abdelkarim, Jasneet Kaur, Jiabin Liu, Lei Jin, Zhangsen Chen, Fabiola Navarro-Pardo, Sergei Manzhos, Shuhui Sun, Aycan Yurtsever, Hadis Zarrin, Zhiming M. Wang, Federico Rosei
Summary: In this study, the surface of 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanoflakes was engineered using a one-step in situ chemical functionalization approach. The surface-engineered h-BN nanoflakes were then dispersed on the surface of TiO2 to optimize the TiO2/QDs interface in optoelectronic devices. The photoelectrochemical devices based on TiO2-CNTs/F-h-BN/QDs showed a 46% improvement compared to the control device (TiO2/QDs) due to reduced trap and associated non-radiative carrier recombination. Additionally, QDs-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) using the optimized TiO2-CNTs/F-h-BN/QDs photoanode achieved an 18% improvement in photoconversion efficiency. This study highlights the potential and adaptability of surface-engineered 2D materials for optimizing interfaces in solar energy conversion and other emerging optoelectronic devices.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gurpreet Singh Selopal, Omar Abdelkarim, Jasneet Kaur, Jiabin Liu, Lei Jin, Zhangsen Chen, Fabiola Navarro-Pardo, Sergei Manzhos, Shuhui Sun, Aycan Yurtsever, Hadis Zarrin, Zhiming M. Wang, Federico Rosei
Summary: The surface of two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (2D h-BN) was chemically functionalized to optimize its properties for optoelectronic devices. This resulted in significant improvements in the performance of photocatalytic devices and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells, indicating the potential of surface-engineered 2D materials for solar energy conversion and other optoelectronic devices.
