Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Joao Pedro F. Assuncao, Hugo G. Lemos, Jessica H. H. Rossato, Gabriel L. Nogueira, Joao V. M. Lima, Silvia L. Fernandes, Rafael K. Nishihora, Ricardo V. Fernandes, Sidney A. Lourenco, Diego Bagnis, Sydney F. Santos, Carlos F. O. Graeff
Summary: In this study, the use of Ti3C2Tx MXene as a PMMA additive was explored to improve the efficiency and long-term stability of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The inclusion of MXene in the passivation layers enhanced the photovoltaic parameters of the cells, reducing trap state densities and promoting the extraction of photo-generated carriers. The electrical properties of MXene and the improved wettability of the PMMA:MX interface contributed to the improved performance. Additionally, the hydrophobic characteristics and passivation features of the PMMA:MX layer resulted in more stable PSCs, maintaining a high efficiency even after prolonged exposure to heat and light.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Akbar Ali Qureshi, Sofia Javed, Azhar Fakharuddin, Muhammad Aftab Akram, Lukas Schmidt-Mende
Summary: This study reports the use of high-purity natural hematite (α-Fe2O3) as the electron extraction layer (EEL) in triplecation perovskite (CsFAMA) solar cells. The results show that the α-Fe2O3 EEL has high mobility and low trap density, and exhibits excellent performance in PSCs. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence studies confirm the high crystallinity and fast carrier extraction of α-Fe2O3.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jiming Wang, Zhizhao Cai, Dongxu Lin, Ke Chen, Lichen Zhao, Fangyan Xie, Rui Su, Weiguang Xie, Pengyi Liu, Rui Zhu
Summary: Researchers utilized Ti3C2Tx MXene as the electron transport layer and conducted surface modification through oxygen plasma treatment. The treatment broke some Ti-C bonds, generating abundant Ti-O bonds and altering the surface properties of MXene, resulting in reduced trap states and improved electron transport. Contact angle and topography measurements were used to investigate the surface tension of MXene and the morphology of corresponding perovskite.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Elaine Teixeira Veiga, Silvia Leticia Fernandes, Carlos Frederico de Oliveira Graeff, Andre Sarto Polo
Summary: The study focused on the preparation of TiO2 compact layers using the Layer-by-Layer technique for perovskite solar cells, showing that optimal thickness and a balance between electrical resistance and electron recombination can enhance cell performance.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Matej Hvojnik, Julius Vida, Tomas Homola, Michaela Pavlickova, Michal Hatala, Katarina Tomanova, Milan Mikula, Pavol Gemeiner
Summary: This study compared rapid ambient air atmospheric plasma treatment with time-consuming standard cleaning procedure for FTO substrates, and found that the rapid plasma treatment was as effective as standard cleaning. The highest efficiency was achieved with combined standard cleaning and 10-second plasma treatment. XPS and Raman measurements confirmed that both standard and plasma treatment significantly reduced organic residues and contamination on FTO surfaces, improving the overall quality of TiO2 blocking layers and the performance of the whole solar device.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruihan Yuan, Bing Cai, Yinhua Lv, Xiang Gao, Jinwen Gu, Zhenghui Fan, Xinhang Liu, Chi Yang, Mingzhen Liu, Wen-Hua Zhang
Summary: In this study, low-temperature processed SnO2/NbOx nanocrystals were reported as efficient electron transport materials (ETMs) for planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs), achieving an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.01% with remarkable device stability. The NbOx layer passivates defects, promotes charge extraction, and improves perovskite film crystallinity, leading to enhanced device performance. This work provides a facile approach for low-temperature processed ETMs with boosted carrier extraction ability, offering excellent efficiency and stability for planar PSCs.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jinbao Zhang, Yichuan Ding, Guochen Jiang, Austin C. Flick, Ziyi Pan, William J. Scheideler, Oliver Zhao, Justin P. Chen, Li Yang, Nicholas Rolston, Reinhold H. Dauskardt
Summary: The study demonstrates a cost-effective ultrasonic spray coating technique for fabricating large-area electron transport layers for planar PSCs, showing improved performance and stability. The technology not only enhances the power conversion efficiency but also maintains most of the initial performance after long-term storage.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ubaid Khan, Tahseen Iqbal, Mehreen Khan, Rongguang Wu
Summary: By introducing a double electron transport layer (DETL), the energy loss in perovskite solar cells was effectively mitigated, resulting in an improved energy conversion efficiency of 15.22%. The best performance was achieved with an optimized thickness of ZnO layer reaching 210 nm.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lei Gao, Yong Zhang, Xin Wei, Ting Zheng, Weijie Zhao, Xinhai Zhang, Junpeng Lu, Zhenhua Ni, Hongwei Liu
Summary: Organic-inorganic halide perovskites are promising materials for high-performance photovoltaics. The regulatory mechanisms of the performance of perovskites have been investigated through potassium iodide doping, which includes passivating surface states, regulating carrier recombination and transport by varying different trap states, and effectively restraining defect penalty. Under the optimal doping concentration, a significant increase in conductivity and radiative efficiency is achieved.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matej Hvojnik, Anna Maria Popovicova, Michaela Pavlickova, Michal Hatala, Pavol Gemeiner, Jarmila Muellerova, Katarina Tomanova, Milan Mikula
Summary: This study focuses on the preparation and optimization of a thin and faultless compact sol-gel blocking layer, and its application in printed C-PSCs. The addition of 0.06 M TiCl4 into TiAcAc precursor resulted in the highest efficiency of 7.8% achieved by the solar cells. The functional layers of printed C-PSC were characterized using various techniques and correlations were found between the blocking layer conductivity, nano-roughness, optical band gap and the solar cell efficiency.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qixin Zhuang, Huaxin Wang, Cong Zhang, Cheng Gong, Haiyun Li, Jiangzhao Chen, Zhigang Zang
Summary: In this study, an ion diffusion-induced double layer doping strategy was reported to improve the electric properties and stability of PSCs, leading to a higher power conversion efficiency of 21.31% and improved ambient stability compared to control devices. This work demonstrates a simple and effective method to advance the development of perovskite photovoltaics.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pramila Patil, Ashakiran Maibam, Sushil S. Sangale, Dilpreet Singh Mann, Hyun-Jung Lee, Sailaja Krishnamurty, Sung-Nam Kwon, Seok-In Na
Summary: Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising photovoltaic devices due to their excellent properties and ease of processing. However, their efficiency is still lower than the theoretical limits due to losses caused by the charge transport layer and perovskite. In this study, an interface engineering strategy using functional molecules and chemical bridges was applied to reduce the losses. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was introduced as a functional interface layer between PCBM and ZnO, serving as a chemical bridge connecting the two. This improved the interfacial charge transport and device performance, resulting in a high PCE of 21.21% and excellent stability.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jin Peng, Qiaofeng Wu, Hongming Hou, Taotao Hu, Yue Huang, Xudong Cai, Wenjie Luo, Xin Chen, Hua Yu
Summary: The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of inverted perovskite solar cells is mainly affected by the energy level mismatch and unfavorable interfacial reaction between nickel oxide (NiOx) and organic cations of the perovskite. This study introduces interlayer engineering using dual-functional alkaline hypophosphite to address these issues. The use of alkaline hypophosphite increases the valence band maximum of NiOx, aligning the energy band of perovskite solar cells with the best energy level matching using sodium hypophosphite. Additionally, the deposition of alkaline sodium hypophosphite on NiOx reduces the proportion of Ni3+, slowing down the degradation of the perovskite layer caused by the reaction with organic cations. The treated devices show improved open-circuit voltage and retain high efficiency for a prolonged period under ambient conditions, demonstrating a feasible and effective strategy for the fabrication of efficient and air-stable inverted perovskite solar cells.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongliang Bai, Dexu Zheng, Shaoan Yang, Fengyang Yu, Xuejie Zhu, Lei Peng, Likun Wang, Jishuang Liu, Dong Yang, Shengzhong (Frank) Liu
Summary: The defects formed by halide ion escape and the wettability of the perovskite absorber are important factors limiting the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, a series of ionic organic modulators containing halide anions were designed to prevent defect formation and improve the surface tension of the perovskite absorber. It was found that the modulator containing Br anions was the most effective in reducing charge recombination and promoting carrier transfer. Additionally, this modulator improved the hydrophobicity of the perovskite surface. As a result, the efficiency of PSCs using the Br-containing modulator increased to 23.32% from the control device's efficiency of 21.08%. The unencapsulated PSCs with the modulator also showed excellent stability, retaining 75.42% of their initial efficiency after 28 days of storage in air with about 35% humidity, compared to the control device's 44.49% retention. The research demonstrates the importance of halide ions in defect prevention and surface tension improvement of perovskite absorber, and highlights the potential of ionic organic modulators for enhancing PSC performance.
Article
Polymer Science
Guan-Zhi Liu, Chi-Shiuan Du, Jeng-Yue Wu, Bo-Tau Liu, Tzong-Ming Wu, Chih-Feng Huang, Rong-Ho Lee
Summary: This study demonstrated that by using different materials as hole-blocking and electron-transporting interfacial layers, the photovoltaic properties and storage stabilities of inverted perovskite solar cells can be improved. Incorporating PMMA and PVP can enhance the stability and photovoltaic performance of PVSCs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Sultan Irshad, Yabin Hao, Naila Arshad, Muneerah Alomar, Liangyou Lin, Xiuqiang Li, Swelm. Wageh, Omar A. Al-Hartomy, Abdullah G. Al-Sehemi, Van-Duong Dao, Hao Wang, Xianbao Wang, Han Zhang
Summary: This study reports a highly efficient solar evaporator with improved evaporation rate and resistance to salt accumulation. The system is achieved by depositing Fe3O4@PPy nanospheres on a self-floating cellulose evaporator and optimizing the positive charge density of R-NH+ groups. It also demonstrates the capability to generate electricity from solar energy.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nam-Anh Tran, Nguyen Thi Hien, Nguyen Minh Hoang, Hai-Linh Thi Dang, Do Quang Huy, Tran Van Quy, Nguyen Thi Hanh, Ngoc Hung Vu, Van-Duong Dao
Summary: Carbon dots (CDs) have gained significant attention in recent years due to their excellent properties. Their applications in various fields such as energy conversion and storage, photovoltaics, biomedical, and environmental treatment have been explored. This progress report summarizes the recent achievements in the synthesis and applications of CDs in environmental treatment and protection, including pollutant detection, adsorption, degradation, solar-to-steam generation system, separation membranes, and antibacterial and anti-fungal activities. The future opportunities and challenges in developing CDs applications for environmental issues are also discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Nguyen Minh Hoang, Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Le Thi Phuong Thao, Nam-Anh Tran, Dao Thi My Hanh, Phan Thi Lan Huong, Quang-Duy Dao, Le Tu, Ho Xuan Nang, Van-Duong Dao
Summary: We present a facile method for the synthesis of dual-emission carbon dots (DE-CDs) and study the effect of reaction temperature on their morphology and optical properties. The prepared DE-CDs exhibit two emission peaks at 430 and 520 nm, and the reaction temperature has a significant impact on their morphology and fluorescence properties. The intensity ratio between the main peak at 430 nm and the sub-peak at 520 nm can be manipulated by varying the reaction temperature, which is beneficial for various applications.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xuyan Liu, Lei Sun, Ngoc Hung Vu, Dang Thi Hai Linh, Phan Thi Dien, Le Thi Hoa, Do Thi Lien, Ho Xuan Nang, Van-Duong Dao
Summary: LiFePO4/carbon/graphene (LFP/C/G) composites were synthesized through a solvothermal method. The combination of graphene and carbon coating resulted in improved electrochemical properties of LFP/C/G composites compared to LFP/C-15 and LFP/G-5. Particularly, LFP/C/G with a graphene content of 15% exhibited the highest initial discharge specific capacity and a high capacity retention rate after cycling, proving the promising technique of co-modification with graphene and carbon coating for LFP improvement.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hoang Nguyen Minh, Ngoc Nguyen Thi Bich, Huong Phan Thi Lan, Huyen Phan Thi Thanh, Duy Dao Quang, Van-Duong Dao, Tu Le Tuan
Summary: Herein, dual-emission carbon dots (DE-CDs) were synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal method. DE-CDs exhibited two well-separated peaks at 433 and 513 nm under ultraviolet excitation. The prepared DE-CDs offer selective detection of Fe3+ ions via inner filter effect (IFE) and Pb2+ ions via aggregation-induced enhancement (AIE). The obtained DE-CDs showed a good affinity for both Fe3+ and Pb2+ ions in the presence of various interfering ions. The limits of detection were 0.797 ppm and 4.739 ppm for Pb2+ and Fe3+, respectively. The finding reveals the huge potential of DE-CDs for the selective detection of multiple targets in one solution.
JOURNAL OF FLUORESCENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ba Thong Trinh, Hanjun Cho, Deunchan Lee, Oleksii Omelianovych, Taehun Kim, Sy Khiem Nguyen, Ho-Suk Choi, Hongki Kim, Ilsun Yoon
Summary: A simple in situ method is introduced to fabricate Au nanoparticles on cellulose filter papers as dual-functional substrates for solar-to-steam (STS) generation and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensing. The substrates exhibit high solar absorption and achieve a stable evaporation rate under sunlight illumination. Enriched SERS hotspots between AuNPs endow the substrates with the ability to detect chemical contamination in water, and the purified water can be analyzed using SERS for confirmation.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Sultan Irshad, Naila Arshad, M. Sohail Asghar, Yabin Hao, Muneerah Alomar, Shaohui Zhang, Jian Zhang, Jinming Guo, Iftikhar Ahmed, Naveed Mushtaq, M. A. K. Yousaf Shah, Laila Noureen, S. Wageh, Omar A. Al-Hartomy, Abul Kalam, Van-Duong Dao, Hao Wang, Xianbao Wang, Han Zhang
Summary: This study provides a systematic review of the recent advancements in the application of emerging 2D materials in solar-driven interfacial evaporation systems, aiming to promote the utilization of underutilized auxiliary energy sources in future integrated water, energy, and environmental systems. The research discusses the latest progress in 2D photothermal materials, including structural optimization strategies, modulation of photothermal performances, and hybrid applications in thermoelectricity, salt recovery, and hydrogen production. The challenges and future perspectives of 2D emerging materials and their hybrid evaporation structures are also mentioned.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Naila Arshad, Muhammad Sultan Irshad, Muneerah Alomar, Jinming Guo, M. Sohail Asghar, Naveed Mushtaq, M. A. K. Yousaf, Uzma Ghazanfar, Matiullah Shah, Xianbao Wang, Yabin Hao, Lien Thi Do, Van-Duong Dao, Hao Wang, Zhengbiao Ouyang, Han Zhang
Summary: Solar-driven water purification technology using advanced functional nanomaterials achieves efficient water evaporation and thermoelectric generation, exhibiting excellent salt resistance and thermal insulation properties, with potential applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Van Toan Nguyen, Duy Khoe Dinh, Nguyen M. C. H. P. Lan, Quang Hung Trinh, Md. Mokter Hossain, Van-Duong Dao, Young Sun Mok
Summary: This paper explores the formation and role of reactive species in the degradation of MEK using plasma catalysis in a honeycomb monolith reactor. Various experiments were conducted with different discharge gases and a novel method was introduced to identify the reactive species and their contributions. The study found that O atoms play a dominant role in the plasma catalytic removal of MEK and oxygen activation from surface chemisorption contributes mainly to MEK oxidation. The proposed reaction mechanisms were based on the analysis of byproducts.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ngoc Hung Vu, Hong Ha Thi Vu, Ho Xuan Nang, Phan Thi Dien, Le Thi Hoa, Won Bin Im, Vu Thu Ha, Luu Anh Tuyen, Nguyen Quang Hung, Van-Duong Dao
Summary: The conflicting roles of F doping on the electrochemical performance of layered-spinel Li1.2Mn0.75Ni0.25O2-zFz (z = 0, 0.05, 0.1) cathode materials are studied. F doping content affects the phase ratio and leads to different effects on the cathode. When z = 0.05, it improves cycle stability but reduces cathode capacity. However, increasing F doping to z = 0.1 results in the best cycle stability with high capacity retention.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Minh Hoang Nguyen, Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Hoang Van Huy, Quang Duy Dao, Tuan Tu Le, Hai-Linh Thi Dang, Nam-Anh Tran, Vu Quang Minh, Tran Van Tan, Do Thi Lien, Nguyen Thi Khanh Huyen, Van-Duong Dao
Summary: Water purification by solar distillation using carbonaceous materials as sorption layer is a green and promising approach. In this study, carbon spheres and carbon dots were synthesized and used to construct a closed water treatment system. The carbon spheres acted as solar-thermal membranes for water harvesting and purification of Fe3+ ions, while the carbon dots were used to determine the Fe3+ ions in water. The system showed a high evaporation rate and efficient treatment of Fe3+ ions. The work represents a significant step forward in the field of closed water treatment systems.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hoang Hiep, Pham Tuan Anh, Van-Duong Dao, Dang Viet Quang
Summary: TiO2 nanoparticles grafted on lightweight fired clay were used as a floating photocatalyst to remove herbicide 2,4-D from water. Experimental results showed that 60.2% of 2,4-D could be decomposed in 250 min under UV light with the TiO2-grafted floating photocatalyst. The floating photocatalysts can degrade approximately 50% 2,4-D in 250 min under sunlight and the degradation efficiency is stable for cycles. The study highlights the potential and greener approach of using floating photocatalysts for removing herbicide contaminants in water.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Muhammad Sultan Irshad, Naila Arshad, Jian Zhang, Changyuan Song, Naveed Mushtaq, Muneerah Alomar, Tariq Shamim, Van-Duong Dao, Hao Wang, Xianbao Wang, Han Zhang
Summary: A hierarchical design of interfacial solar evaporation is reported, which achieves enhanced photothermal conversion, waste heat storage/release, and effective thermal management for continuous desalination. The solar evaporator consists of worm-like SrCoO3 perovskite oxide anchored on super hydrophilic polyurethane foam and conducting polypyrrole. The solar evaporator exhibits excellent evaporation rates and solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency, as well as heat storage and salt-resistant capability.
ADVANCED ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Van Tan Tran, Van-Duong Dao, Huu-Quang Nguyen, Lemma Teshome Tufa, Jaebeom Lee, Van-Tuan Hoang, Anh-Tuan Le
Summary: This study introduces a novel, selective, and straightforward paper-based colorimetric sensing platform for the detection of chloride ions in water. The method utilizes magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles and is based on the chemical reaction between silver ions and chloride ions. The assay demonstrates high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability, making it applicable for chloride analysis in various technological fields.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Top Khac Le, The-Hung Mai, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, Dimitra Vernardou, Van-Duong Dao, Vinoth Kumar Ponnusamy, Chandra Sekhar Rout, Phuong V. Pham
Summary: Graphene has gained attention for solar energy harvesting due to its unique features. However, limitations such as band gapless molecular orbitals, vulnerability to oxidation, and toxic properties hinder its widespread adoption. Researchers have explored methods to improve graphene/Si-based solar cells by doping with ionic liquids and optimizing the interface between graphene and silicon. Despite progress, challenges including low Schottky barrier height, transfer techniques, and high lateral resistivity still need to be addressed.