Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ikhtiar Ahmad, Rashida Jafer, Syed Mustansar Abbas, Nisar Ahmad, Ata-ur-Rehman, Javed Iqbal, Shahid Bashir, Ammar A. Melaibari, Muhammad Haleem Khan
Summary: In this study, cobalt-reduced graphene oxide co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized to enhance the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The newly synthesized material showed improved photovoltaic properties, with higher short circuit current density and overall power conversion efficiency.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
R. Sasikala, M. Kandasamy, S. Suresh, V. Ragavendran, V. Sasirekha, N. Pugazhenthiran, S. Murugesan, S. Alex Pandian, M. N. M. Ansari, J. Mayandi
Summary: A simple chemical reduction process was used to prepare a nanocomposite of strontium titanate perovskite nanoparticles (SrTiO3 NPs) embedded in reduced graphene oxide (RGO-SrTiO3 NC). The RGO-SrTiO3 NC exhibited an optical band gap of 3.24 eV and a significantly lower crystallite size (31.69 nm) compared to SrTiO3 NPs (56.93 nm). The presence of RGO in the RGO-SrTiO3 NC was confirmed by Raman investigation, and modification of SrTiO3 by RGO was revealed by XPS analysis. The DSSC fabricated using the RGO-SrTiO3 NC photoanode showed an enhanced efficiency of 5.42% compared to SrTiO3 NPs (2.59%) due to the highly conducting RGO.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mahmoud Hezam, Mohammed Qasi Alsubaie, Ahmad Algarni, Hamid Ghaithan, Joselito Labis, Mohammad Alduraibi
Summary: This study demonstrates the tuning of ZnO nanosheet-nanowire morphology by adjusting the NaOH concentration in a low-temperature chemical bath, resulting in a variety of nano/microstructures with different sizes and aspect ratios. Photoluminescence spectra were mainly influenced by violet emission from Zn interstitial related defects formed during growth. In dye-sensitized solar cells, ZnO nanosheets with a thickness of 30-40 nm exhibited superior performance in terms of J-V characteristics and transport dynamics.
CHEMICAL PHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sanjay Kumar Swami, Neetesh Kumar, Daniela R. Radu, Sung Woon Cho, Jongsu Lee
Summary: In this study, a post-lithium (Li) treatment on TiO2 films was performed to enhance the optoelectronic features and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The Li treatment reduced defects and improved the crystallinity of the TiO2 films. DSSCs fabricated using Li-treated TiO2 films as photoanodes showed a performance improvement of approximately 20% and a PCE of 10.5%, compared to the control DSSC with a PCE of 8.7%. The enhanced performance was attributed to improved structural properties, efficient charge transport, and suppression of recombination due to the passivation of trap states.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ramarajan Ramanathan, Michael Zinigrad, Dhivyaprasath Kasinathan, Ranjith Kumar Poobalan
Summary: This study focuses on synthesizing composite materials based on Zn2SnO4 as photoanodes for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), aiming to improve the power conversion efficiency. The synthesized composite materials exhibit better optical and structural properties, leading to higher performance compared to the pristine material.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naveen Kumar Panneer, Chandrakala Venkatraman, Neena Bachan, Jothi Jeyarani Wilson, Merlin Arnold Edwin, Antony Robinson Jesudasan, Merline Shyla Joseph
Summary: The manuscript describes the fabrication and characterization of an eco-friendly dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using aluminium-doped tin oxide nanoparticles. The doped nanoparticles showed improved optical and electrical properties compared to the undoped ones. The study also investigated the crystal structure, particle size, and photoconductivity of the nanoparticles using analytical tools such as X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscope. The results demonstrate the potential of Al-doped SnO2 nanoparticles for efficient and environmentally safe photovoltaic applications.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
M. Sheeba Gnana Selvi, G. V. Vijayaraghavan, B. Janarthanan, K. Inbarajan
Summary: Graphene oxide was synthesized and decorated with silver (Ag) nanoparticles. Natural dye was extracted from the Caesalpinia pulcherrima flowers and impregnated into TiO2 coated FTO substrate to act as a sensitizer. The Ag decorated Graphene Oxide (GO) with natural dye impregnated TiO2 coated FTO was used as the photoanode of a solar cell. The performance of the dye sensitized solar cell was analyzed in terms of electron transfer and diffusive process, using the redox couple of I-/I-3(-) and graphene coated FTO substrate as electrolyte and counter electrode. The solar cell with Ag/GO demonstrated a higher efficiency of 1.43185% compared to that of GO alone with an efficiency of 0.2763%.
OPTICAL AND QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fengjuan Miao, Bingcheng Sun, Bairui Tao, Yanchun Wang, Paul K. Chu
Summary: This paper demonstrates the application of a novel ternary nanocomposite MoS2/Ag/TiO2 photoanode in high efficiency plasma dye sensitive solar cell. The ternary nanocomposite MoS2/Ag/TiO2 was successfully synthesized without any hazardous substances. The addition of MoS2 improves the light absorption ability and electron transfer rate of the photoanode, leading to a significant enhancement in the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the dye sensitive solar cell.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brishty Deb Choudhury, Chen Lin, Sk Md Ali Zaker Shawon, Javier Soliz-Martinez, Hasina Huq, Mohammed Jasim Uddin
Summary: The study presents an improved photoanode with hierarchical microstructure of photoactive TiO2, along with the deposition of plasmonic nanoparticle Ag using photoreduction method. The branched structure of the photoanode increases dye loading, while Ag nanoparticles play multiple roles in enhancing light-to-current conversion efficiency. This novel design shows remarkably higher photon conversion efficiency compared to traditional structures.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ayesha Siddika, Munira Sultana, M. S. Bashar, Samia Tabassum, Shahin Aziz, Md Aftab Ali Shaikh
Summary: Two different fabrication methods (Doctors blade and Screen print) were used to prepare photoanodes, and the effects of three ruthenium based dyes (N3, N749 and Z907, as well as their mixed dye) on dye sensitized solar cells were investigated. The mixed dye showed the highest efficiency in harvesting a wider range of solar lights compared to individual dyes, leading to improved overall power conversion efficiencies of DSSCs.
Article
Energy & Fuels
I. Ibrahim, H. N. Lim, N. W. K. Wan, N. M. Huang, S. P. Lim, W. Busayaporn, H. Nakajima
Summary: This study achieved significant enhancement of dye-sensitized solar cells' performance by constructing a special structured photoanode and incorporating a reflective layer, leading to improvements in power conversion efficiency and short-circuit current density.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yu-Hsun Nien, Yi-Ting Wu, Jung-Chuan Chou, Chih-Sung Ho, Chih-Hsien Lai, Po-Yu Kuo, Zhen-Rong Yong, Yu-Che Lin, Ruei-Hong Syu
Summary: The effects of PbTiO3 and PbTiO3/TiO2 NFs on the characteristics of the photoanode of DSSC were studied. The results showed that they can improve the photovoltaic characteristics of DSSC, with the DSSC modified by PbTiO3/TiO2 NFs exhibiting better photoelectric conversion efficiency.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRON DEVICES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Xiaojie Yang, Liwei Cai, Li Zhao, Zuhong Li, Congcong Wu, Junmei Sun, Zihui Liang, Shimin Wang
Summary: By synthesizing graphene oxide, upconversion luminescent material, and porous hollow titanium dioxide microspheres to couple with commercial P25, the light-harvesting and photoelectric performance of dye sensitized solar cells can be improved, with the power conversion efficiency reaching as high as 9.41% using the optimized photoanode structure.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Zakaria Bouzid, Yasmine Halimi
Summary: The aim of this study was to realize and characterize Gratzel cells based on a natural dye sensitizer. The eucalyptus globulus extract was used as a photosensitizer and the dye was isolated from eucalyptus leaves using ethanol and acetic acid as solvents. The best-performing components were selected for the assembly of the dye-sensitized solar cells. The highest performance was achieved with the eucalyptus dye used on the diluted TiO2 layer, suggesting its potential for improving the efficiency of DSSCs.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
A. Soundarya Mary, K. B. Bhojanaa, P. Murugan, A. Pandikumar
Summary: Various compositions of CaxBa1-xSnO3 perovskite materials were synthesized by hydrothermal method, with Ca0.1Ba0.9SnO3 showing better efficiency in DSSC. The CBM of Ca0.1Ba0.9SnO3 is mainly distributed by Sn 5s states, providing high electronic mobility.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Haoting Zhao, Ruxia Yang, Yang Li, Gang Liu, Yuming Lu, Jianfeng Tang, Sam Zhang, Guannan Li
JOURNAL OF MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hui Li, Ying-Jie Gao, Shuo-Huang Yuan, Dong-Sing Wuu, Wan-Yu Wu, Sam Zhang
Summary: High-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) was used to deposit ITO/Ag/ITO (IAgI) and ITO/Cu/ITO (ICuI) sandwiched films with good crystallinity and smooth surfaces on flexible substrates at room temperature, showing high optical transmittance and low sheet resistance. The films achieved high figure of merit values, indicating the potential of HiPIMS in depositing transparent conductive films for flexible optoelectronic devices.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Xunwang Shi, Xiuhan Yu, Caiwen Nie, Fengji Li, Sam Zhang
Summary: By precisely controlling the deposition time of AlN color films, films with different colors can be prepared on Si substrates. As the thickness changes, the film exhibits seven colors, and color overlap occurs once the thickness exceeds a certain value.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yujie Chen, Dengke Chen, Xianghai An, Yin Zhang, Zhifeng Zhou, Song Lu, Paul Munroe, Sam Zhang, Xiaozhou Liao, Ting Zhu, Zonghan Xie
Summary: The emergence of multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) brings great promise for high performance metallic materials. This study reports a new deformation mechanism of mechanically-induced dual phase transformations in the CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy, showing the potential for enhancing the mechanical properties of advanced alloys.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hui Li, Chun-Han Wu, Yi-Cheng Liu, Shuo-Huang Yuan, Zong-Xian Chiang, Sam Zhang, Ren-Jang Wu
Summary: In this study, a WO3-TiO2 composite was fabricated as a hydrogen gas sensing element, showing high response, short recovery time, and mesoporous structure. The material exhibited good stability and repeatability, with a potential for practical applications as a hydrogen sensing element.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jonathan Y. S. Leung, Ivan Nagelkerken, Jennifer C. A. Pistevos, Zonghan Xie, Sam Zhang, Sean D. Connell
Summary: Ocean acidification and warming have an impact on the mechanical properties of shark teeth, but when combined together, the durability of teeth increases. The teeth are mainly made of fluorapatite, with increased fluoride content under acidified seawater, which may enhance the durability of the teeth.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ka-Te Chen, Chia-Hsun Hsu, Shi-Cong Jiang, Lu-Sheng Liang, Peng Gao, Yu Qiu, Wan-Yu Wu, Sam Zhang, Wen-Zhang Zhu, Shui-Yang Lien
Summary: The effects of plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition fabricated Ta-doped TiO2 thin films on film structure and electronic properties are investigated. Ta-doping improves crystal structure stability and passivates material defects, leading to improved film quality. The annealing process enhances electron transport for perovskite solar cells, resulting in increased fill factor and conversion efficiency.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRON DEVICES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yiman Zhao, Shunian Chen, Yujie Chen, Shuai Wu, Wenling Xie, Weiqing Yan, Shu Wang, Bin Liao, Sam Zhang
Summary: The study found that higher N2 gas flow rates promote higher N content in the coatings, resulting in a transformation to a face-centered-cubic (FCC) phase; the high N content allows the coating to exhibit superior hardness and excellent wear and corrosion resistance properties.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Zengjie Zhou, Guannan Li, Xin Gong, Yuming Lu, Jianfeng Tang, Sam Zhang
Summary: A novel Te-doped 0.7BiFe1_xTexO3-0.3BaTiO3 ceramics with enhanced ferroelectric properties were designed and synthesized. The introduction of Te reduced the Fe2+ concentration and improved the insulating performance. The Te-induced structure distortion resulted in a large remnant polarization and relaxed ferroelectric behavior.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wenling Xie, Yiman Zhao, Shunian Chen, Bin Liao, Sam Zhang, Qingsong Hua, Guangyu He
Summary: The AlN monolayer and (Al/AlN)5 multilayer coatings were deposited on AZ31 magnesium alloys using filtered cathodic vacuum arc technology. The AlN monolayer had a dense structure with some holes at the coating/substrate interface. The (Al/AlN)5 multilayer exhibited a compact layered structure with interrupted holes by the Al/AlN interface. Both AlN monolayer and (Al/AlN)5 multilayer showed excellent corrosion resistance, with low corrosion current densities of 1.91 x 10-6 and 1.11 x 10-6 A/cm2 respectively. The improved corrosion resistance of the (Al/AlN)5 multilayer can be attributed to its denser layered structure, better adhesion strength, crack propagation resistance, and deformation coordination between coating and substrate during corrosion.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinghong Cai, Qiang Yang, Yao Tong, Sam Zhang, Min Wang
Summary: A novel method for the detection and inactivation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) based on first-principles method is presented. The adsorption and inactivation of AFB1 on g-C3N5 nanotubes with the OH group was achieved. The introduction of the OH group destroys the C=C bond of AFB1 and forms a new substance AFB1-9-hydroxy (AFB1-OH), resulting in the inactivation of AFB1 toxicity.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Meng Wang, Jiayu You, Cunyun Xu, Jun Dong, Chuanyao Luo, Qunliang Song, Sam Zhang
Summary: The article introduces a simple method to improve the performance of Q-2D perovskite solar cells by adding 3D perovskite powder to the precursor solution. This enables the formation of a uniform and closely connected heterostructure with distributed large-n phases, thereby promoting charge transfer.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yujie Chen, Xianghai An, Zhifeng Zhou, Jisheng Ma, Paul Munroe, Sam Zhang, Zonghan Xie
Summary: The study discusses the preparation of a novel medium-entropy nitride using magnetron sputtering, which exhibits excellent hardness, fracture toughness, and damage tolerance. The unique microstructure and mechanisms of the new nitride open up a new frontier for the development of damage-tolerant MPENs for application under extreme loading conditions.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yujie Chen, Xianghai An, Sam Zhang, Feng Fang, Wenyi Huo, Paul Munroe, Zonghan Xie
Summary: This study investigated the effect of lamellar orientation on the deformation behavior of eutectic high entropy alloy at the micrometer scale, revealing the different plasticity behaviors of two laminate orientations. The findings enhance understanding of the mechanical size effect in small-scale crystalline materials, providing a critical dimension for the development of high-performing materials used for nano- or micro-electromechanical systems.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chuanyao Luo, Guannan Li, Lijia Chen, Jun Dong, Miao Yu, Cunyun Xu, Yanqing Yao, Meng Wang, Qunliang Song, Sam Zhang
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2020)
