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
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bandana Ranamagar, Isaac Abiye, Fasil Abebe
Summary: The Rhodamine-6G derivative Rhd and its metal complexes with aluminum and chromium ions were synthesized and characterized using UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated with Rhd and the metal complexes, and their solar-to-electric power efficiencies were determined through current-density measurements and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The Rhd and Cr3+-sensitized solar cell showed the highest solar to electric power efficiency at 0.16%.
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
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
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
Chemistry, Physical
Wen-Feng Lai, Pei-Ling Chao, Xin-Yu Lin, Yin-Pei Chen, Jih-Hsin Liu, Tz-Feng Lin, Wei-Chou Hsu, Chia-Yi Huang
Summary: In this study, a one-dimensional protrusive TiO2 strip array was fabricated using chemical and physical methods. A porous semiconductor layer was coated on the strip array. The results showed that the DSSC with the TiO2 strip array had a higher energy conversion efficiency, which can be attributed to the large surface area of the protrusive structure and its specific electron transport paths.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mustafa Tokay, Akeem Adeyemi Oladipo, Mehmet Kusaf
Summary: This study reports the impact of adding varying loadings of NZF nanoparticles into a TiO2 photoanode on the performance of DSSCs sensitized with natural and commercial dye molecules. The findings show that NZF greatly improves the photoconversion efficiency of the DSSCs, with the greatest improvement observed at an optimum loading of 50% w/w. The improved performance can be attributed to higher dye loading, improved electron transportation, and reduced electron recombination rates.
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
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Chih Chiang, Chia-Rong Lee, Chia-Yi Huang
Summary: A 90-nm-thick TiO2 grid was fabricated using photolithography, sputtering, and lift-off process. A nanoporous film was deposited on the TiO2 grid, which induced a protrusive structure. Experimental results showed that introducing the TiO2 grid into a dye-sensitized solar cell increased its power conversion efficiency by 25%. This improvement can be attributed to the large surface area and directional electron transport channels of the protrusive structure.
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
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang-Hong Wu, Kai-Yan Yuan, Yan-E He, Heng Wu, Li-Jiao Ma, Gang Wang, Xiao-Dong Qiao, Bing-Xin Lei, Zhen-Fan Sun, Zhao-Qing Liu
Summary: Waxberry-like mixed-phase TiO2 hollow microstructures (WMTHMs) are controllably prepared and exhibit excellent light scattering capacity and high cell efficiency, attributed to the radially aligned nanorods and efficient electron transport.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
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)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bingyu Lei, Neil Robertson
Summary: A new method for the immobilization of TiO2 mesocrystals has been developed in this study. The immobilized TiO2 possesses high dye pickup capability and optimal electron transport ability, making it suitable for dye-sensitized solar cells.
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
Ming Chen, Qinnan Zhou, Jiantao Zai, Asma Iqbal, TsegayeTadesse Tsega, Boxu Dong, Xuejiao Liu, Yuchi Zhang, Changyu Yan, Liang Zhao, Ali Nazakat, E. SharelPeisan, CheeTongJohn Low, Xuefeng Qian
Summary: Phosphorus-doped yolk-shell Si@C materials were prepared to improve the stability and power of silicon anodes, resulting in increased Coulombic efficiency, high capacity retention, and great rate capability. Pairing these anodes with commercial activated carbon and LiFePO4 cathode led to the assembly of high power density lithium-ion capacitor and lithium-ion full cell, showing good rate performance. This work provides an effective way to further enhance power density and stability in energy storage devices.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xuejiao Liu, Zhixin Xu, Asma Iqbal, Ming Chen, Nazakat Ali, CheeTongJohn Low, Rongrong Qi, Jiantao Zai, Xuefeng Qian
Summary: The incorporation of GOPS in Si/PEDOT:PSS electrodes improved the interface compatibility between Si and PEDOT:PSS, leading to the formation of a stable artificial SEI. The optimized electrode showed enhanced cycling performance and rate capability, maintaining 1000 mAh g(-1) for nearly 800 cycles under limited electrolyte. The full battery assembled with NCM 523 cathode achieved a high energy density of 520 Wh kg(-1) and exhibited good stability.
NANO-MICRO LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiaojiao Guo, Maoyu Wang, Liang Xu, Xiaomin Li, Asma Iqbal, George E. Sterbinsky, Hao Yang, Miao Xie, Jiantao Zai, Zhenxing Feng, Tao Cheng, Xuefeng Qian
Summary: Inspired by the nitrogen fixation process on MoFe nitrogenase, asymmetrical coordinated Fe grafted onto 1T MoS2 successfully reacted with water and dinitrogen at room temperature, producing ammonia with a yield of 12.5% in mole. The activation, fixation, and reduction of dinitrogen were confirmed by isotopically labeled experiments, and the specific coordination environment of grafted Fe in Fe-Mo-S was determined by X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis. The enriched electron nature and asymmetrical coordination of Fe in Fe-Mo-S materials play a critical role in the bioinspired activation of N-2 at ambient condition.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wenqian Li, Changyu Yan, Yuedan Zhu, Heng Tian, Jinhai Hu, Asma Iqbal, E. Peisan, Jiantao Zai, Xuefeng Qian
Summary: In this study, genetic tri-level hierarchical SnO2 microstructures were successfully synthesized, exhibiting high sensitivity and excellent gas-sensing response to ethanol.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hytham Elbohy
Summary: Electrolyte additives like 5-aminovaleric acid and 5-aminovaleric acid hydrochloride can enhance device performance in DSSCs, but their effects on hysteresis phenomena differ.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuchi Zhang, Wenjing Li, Yucai Cao, Ming Chen, Wenqian Li, Jiantao Zai, Asma Iqbal, Rongrong Qi, Xuefeng Qian
Summary: An efficient synthesis of 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was achieved using a continuous-flow system with a redox mediator I-/I-2 and inexpensive graphite felt (GF) electrode. The method demonstrated high selectivity and potential for large-scale production of DFF.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuchi Zhang, Dui Ma, Zhifei Chen, Asma Iqbal, Jinhai Hu, Ming Chen, Xuejiao Liu, Tsegaye Tadesse Tsega, Hira Fazal, Ping Xu, Fei Tao, Jiantao Zai, Xuefeng Qian
Summary: The study introduces a highly-efficient renewable electrochemical system that can fix atmospheric CO2 into biomass chemicals and selectively oxidize a broad range of chemicals. By utilizing Fe2CoSe4 electrocatalysts and KI as the oxidant, overpotential and energy consumption can be significantly reduced.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ming Chen, Liang Zhao, Xiaomin Li, Xuejiao Liu, Jiantao Zai, Rongrong Qi, Xuefeng Qian
Summary: By encapsulating FeF2 nanoparticles in polymer gelatin and confining the conversion reaction in a localized nanosized space, the FeF2@100%G-40%P electrodes exhibit improved kinetics, good cyclic stability, and high rate performance.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wenqian Li, Jia-Wei Zhao, Changyu Yan, Boxu Dong, Yuchi Zhang, Wenjing Li, Jiantao Zai, Gao-Ren Li, Xuefeng Qian
Summary: By fabricating a Ag nanoparticles/laser-induced-graphene (LIG) heterointerface, the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzene is effectively improved with reduced overpotential and enhanced selectivity. Furthermore, the combination of electrochemical reduction of nitrobenzene and electrochemical oxidative polymerization of aniline provides a novel method for removing nitrobenzene. These strategies highlight the significance of heterointerfaces in efficient electrocatalysts.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nazakat Ali, Saghir Abbas, Yucai Cao, Hira Fazal, Jun Zhu, Chin Wei Lai, Jiantao Zai, Xuefeng Qian
Summary: In this study, a wood-based solar steam generation device was designed and fabricated by loading Cu3SnS4 onto wood substrates. The device exhibited enhanced light absorption and high steam generation efficiency, enabling efficient evaporation of water under sunlight.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yuchi Zhang, Asma Iqbal, Jiantao Zai, Wenqian Li, Hongran Guo, Xiang Meng, Wenjing Li, Ibrahim ul Islam, Zhiling Xin, Xuefeng Qian
Summary: This study developed an economical and highly selective electrochemical strategy for styrene epoxidation using AHGF electrodes, showcasing great potential for industrial applications.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hytham Elbohy, Hiroo Suzuki, Takeshi Nishikawa, Thiri Htun, Kosei Tsutsumi, Chiyu Nakano, Aung Ko Ko Kyaw, Yasuhiko Hayashi
Summary: This study investigates the impact of benzophenone (BP) on the performance and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells. The results show that BP significantly enhances the power conversion efficiency and improves the stability of the cells stored under ambient air.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hytham Elbohy, Abdel-Menem Elnemr, Ahmed M. Ghander, Ibrahim A. El-Sayed
Summary: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) suffer from reduced power conversion efficiency due to electron recombination with triiodide (I-3(-)) ions at the photoanode/electrolyte interface. Organic additives and inorganic oxide nanoparticles have been explored to reduce recombination and improve efficiency. In this study, aluminum-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (AZO NPs) were investigated as an inorganic additive with ionic adsorption properties. The addition of AZO NPs significantly decreased recombination, increased open circuit voltage (V-OC) and fill factor (FF) values, and reduced hysteresis. The presence of AZO NPs also resulted in a negative shift in the Fermi level, indicating improved electron lifetime at the TiO2/electrolyte interface. Our findings suggest that AZO NPs have potential as an effective inorganic additive for improving DSC performance.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abdel-Menem Elnemr, A. M. Ghander, Ibrahim A. El-Sayed, Hytham Elbohy
Summary: The addition of molybdenum tri-oxide (MoO3) to the electrolyte in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) effectively prevents recombination reactions at the photoanode/electrolyte interface, leading to improved power conversion efficiency.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Behzad Bahrami, Sally Mabrouk, Ashim Gurung, Khan Mamun Reza, Hytham Elbohy, Rajesh Pathak, Gopalan Saianand, Nirmal Adhikari, Ashish Dubey, Sheikh Ifatur Rahman, Quinn Qiao
Summary: Perovskite solar cells are popular due to their low cost and high efficiency, with a new 3D model based on kinetic Monte Carlo method being developed to improve PV performance.
ADVANCED ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH
(2021)
