Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Purevlkham Myagmarsereejid, Malaika Ingram, Munkhbayar Batmunkh, Yu Lin Zhong
Summary: Sb2S3 as a solar absorber material has attracted great interest due to its excellent photovoltaic properties, and efforts have been made to enhance the efficiency of Sb2S3 solar cells using approaches like interfacial, surface, and band-gap engineering, as well as doping strategies. Doping strategies show promise in controlling band gap, film morphology, and grain boundary passivation, leading to improved carrier transport, addressing one of the most challenging issues in this field.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuerui Han, Chengwu Shi, Yuye Huang, Kai Lv, Wangchao Chen, Fuling Guo, Yanqing Wang
Summary: CdS thin films were prepared by chemical bath deposition (CBD), and Sb2S3-y Se (y) thin films were prepared by a hydrothermal method. The quality of CdS thin films as the electron transport layer was evaluated in solar cells with the architecture of FTO/CdS/Sb2S3-y Se (y)/spiro-OMeTAD/Au. A precise preparation strategy, involving adjusting the thickness of CdS thin films prepared by CBD and changing the concentration of the CdCl2 methanol solution in the post-treatment process, was proposed for the first time. The strategy allowed for the successful production of a compact and full-coverage CdS thin film with a thickness of 40 nm and achieved an optimal power conversion efficiency of 8.46%.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rui Wang, Youyang Wang, Yanlin Pan, Deyang Qin, Guoen Weng, Xiaobo Hu, Jiahua Tao, Xianjia Luo, Shaoqiang Chen, Ziqiang Zhu, Junhao Chu, Hidefumi Akiyama
Summary: This study successfully improved the efficiency of Sb2S3 thin-film solar cells by optimizing the source-substrate proximity, resulting in better performance. Through various experiments and analyses, it was found that the current transport mechanism of the optimal cell is more optimized, with a lower carrier recombination rate.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Yang, Chengwu Shi, Kai Lv, Qi Wang, Xun Sun, Wangchao Chen
Summary: This study successfully prepared Sb2S3 thin films, where temperature and time control can achieve the transformation from porous and amorphous to full-coverage and crystalline films. Adding P3HT in the crystalline films can enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cells.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rui Wang, Deyang Qin, Xiaolei Ding, Qipei Zhang, Youyang Wang, Yanlin Pan, Guoen Weng, Xiaobo Hu, Jiahua Tao, Junhao Chu, Hidefumi Akiyama, Shaoqiang Chen
Summary: In this study, Sb2S3 thin-film solar cells were optimized by Sb2Se3 post-treatment, leading to improved device efficiency and electrical properties. The results suggest that Sb2Se3 post-treated cells exhibit better performance and lifetimes.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wenbin Yuan, Yuqi Xu, Tao Ding, Qiushi Wang, Zhufeng Shao, Min Zhong
Summary: In this study, high-quality Cs3Bi2I9 films were successfully deposited using a vapor transport deposition approach with a mixture of CsI and BiI3 crystal powders as evaporation sources. The Cs3Bi2I9 solar cell achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency of 1.52% and showed good stability during one month of storage in air without encapsulation. This work provides a new route to deposit inorganic perovskite films with promising applications in solar cells and photodetectors.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Huabin Lan, Huo Xiao, Jun Zhao, Xingye Chen, Ping Fan, Guangxing Liang
Summary: The study introduces a simple single-source physical vapor deposition (SSPVD) method to prepare high-quality all-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite thin films with good crystallinity and uniformity. Optimized CsPbBr3 thin films exhibit high visible absorption coefficient and an optical forbidden bandwidth, resulting in solar cells with a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 1.37%.
MATERIALS SCIENCE IN SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anna L. Pellegrino, Francesca Lo Presti, Emanuele Smecca, Salvatore Valastro, Giuseppe Greco, Salvatore Di Franco, Fabrizio Roccaforte, Alessandra Alberti, Graziella Malandrino
Summary: Copper oxide thin films were successfully synthesized via MOCVD method by controlling fabrication conditions to selectively produce different phases of the thin films. This approach is industrially attractive, reliable, and fast for producing large-area thin films with fine control over composition and surface uniformity.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jyoti Patil, Sawanta S. Mali, Chang Kook Hong
Summary: This study successfully deposited ethylammonium perovskite thin films under ambient conditions and found that ethylammonium bromide additive helps to obtain highly crystalline and large-grain perovskite films. Devices fabricated with an optimized amount of ethylammonium bromide exhibited the highest power conversion efficiency and demonstrated good long-term stability under thermal stress.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinnian Liu, Zhiyuan Cai, Lei Wan, Peng Xiao, Bo Che, Junjie Yang, Haihong Niu, Huan Wang, Jun Zhu, Yi-Teng Huang, Huimin Zhu, Szymon J. Zelewski, Tao Chen, Robert L. Z. Hoye, Ru Zhou
Summary: This study demonstrates a method to significantly reduce the grain boundary density in Sb2S3 films by incorporating an appropriate amount of Ce3+ into the precursor solution. The formation of an ultrathin Ce2S3 layer at the CdS/Sb2S3 interface is found to be critical in promoting nucleation and lateral grain growth of Sb2S3. This work achieves high-performance Sb2S3 solar cells with impressive power conversion efficiency and open-circuit voltage, providing a strategy for enhancing the performance of Sb2S3 absorber films.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jianzha Zheng, Cong Liu, Lei Zhang, Yijun Chen, Feixiong Bao, Jiao Liu, Hongbing Zhu, Kai Shen, Yaohua Mai
Summary: Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) is a promising wide-bandgap photovoltaic material with low cost, low toxicity, and stability. The addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a reaction additive effectively controls the preparation of Sb2S3 and improves its quality. SDS-optimized Sb2S3 solar cells show high photovoltaic performance under indoor illumination.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mamoona Riffat, Hassan Ali, H. A. Qayyum, M. Bilal, Tanvir Hussain
Summary: Solar-driven hydrogen production using a photocatalyst is the most effective method, and hydrogen is the most suitable renewable energy source. The efficiency of hydrogen production is low, but it can be enhanced by using a suitable photocatalyst. This study deposited ZnO thin films on CdTe thin films to form ZnO/CdTe heterostructure thin films as photoelectrodes for water splitting. The results showed that ZnO/CdTe heterostructure thin films have better photocurrent response and charge transfer compared to pure ZnO and CdTe thin films.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Liangxin Zhu, Junwei Chen, Rong Liu, Chao Dong, Shangfeng Yang, Tao Chen, Chong Chen, Quinn Qiao, Mingtai Wang
Summary: A facile one-step deposition method is reported for preparing Sb2S3 nanoparticle films with preferential orientation for efficient solar cells. The effects of precursor solution concentration and [S]/[Sb] molar ratio on film formation and device performance were investigated to achieve a considerable power conversion efficiency of 5.74% under AM 1.5G illumination. This solution-processing method provides a promising approach for preparing high-quality Sb2S3 films for efficient solar cells and other optoelectronics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Umme Farva, Hyeong Woo Lee, Ri-Na Kim, Dong-Gun Lee, Dong-Won Kang, Jeha Kim
Summary: In this study, high-quality indium oxide thin films were prepared via atomic layer deposition as an electron transport layer for perovskite solar cells. The properties of the films were significantly affected by growth temperature, with films grown at higher temperatures exhibiting improved crystalline structure and conductivity. The device with the ALD-In2O3 film deposited at 250 degrees Celsius showed a superior power conversion efficiency of 10.97% compared to other conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Florent Sahli, Nathanael Miaz, Niccolo Salsi, Cedric Bucher, Aymeric Schafflutzel, Quentin Guesnay, Leo Duchene, Bjorn Niesen, Christophe Ballif, Quentin Jeangros
Summary: Vapor-based processes show promise for depositing metal halide perovskite solar cells in industrial settings, allowing for uniform layer deposition over large areas and conformal layers on rough substrates. The development of a vapor transport deposition chamber helps control the complex sublimation of organic precursors, ensuring high-quality perovskite layers are produced. Small-scale methylammonium lead iodide solar cells are processed to validate the absorber quality produced by this method.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shujie Zhou, Kaiwen Sun, Cui Ying Toe, Jun Yin, Jialiang Huang, Yiyu Zeng, Doudou Zhang, Weijian Chen, Omar F. Mohammed, Xiaojing Hao, Rose Amal
Summary: Photoelectrochemical ammonia synthesis from NOx reduction reaction (NOxRR) offers a promising solution for converting solar energy into ammonia. This study demonstrates the selective synthesis of ammonia using a kesterite-based photocathode, showing high Faradaic efficiency and positive onset potential. The results suggest the potential of using this method for sustainable ammonia production and restoration from wastewater.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jianjun Li, Jialiang Huang, Fajun Ma, Heng Sun, Jialin Cong, Karen Privat, Richard F. Webster, Soshan Cheong, Yin Yao, Robert Lee Chin, Xiaojie Yuan, Mingrui He, Kaiwen Sun, Hui Li, Yaohua Mai, Ziv Hameiri, Nicholas J. Ekins-Daukes, Richard D. Tilley, Thomas Unold, Martin A. Green, Xiaojing Hao
Summary: Understanding carrier loss mechanisms at microscopic regions is essential for the development of high-performance thin-film solar cells. Researchers have unveiled the carrier loss mechanisms in CZTSe solar cells through comprehensive characterizations and device simulations. The results indicate that the grain boundary recombination velocity is the major limiting factor of CZTSe performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yaqi Hu, Zhen Sun, Zongliang Zhang, Siliang Liu, Fangbo He, Yang Liu, Zhi Zhuang, Fangyang Liu
Summary: This study investigates the use of a sulfide cathode active material Li2TiS3 that is chemically compatible with sulfide solid electrolytes in all-solid-state lithium batteries. The batteries show high discharge capacity and good capacity retention at room temperature, and the Li6PS5Cl electrolyte also contributes to additional capacity. The potential of Li2TiS3 material for practical applications is explored.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shenghao Jing, Huaqing Shen, Yuting Huang, Wuqi Kuang, Zongliang Zhang, Siliang Liu, Shuo Yin, Yanqing Lai, Fangyang Liu
Summary: This study successfully prepared sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) through the slurry process using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a binder and isobutyl isobutyrate (IBB) as a solvent. PVDF functions as a buffer layer in the composite cathode electrode, alleviating side reactions, and it facilitates interfacial Li+ transport when modified with LiClO4, resulting in improved capacity retention of the battery.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yiyu Zeng, Ning Song, Sean Lim, Mark Keevers, Yanfang Wu, Zhen Yang, Supriya Pillai, Jessica Yajie Jiang, Martin Green
Summary: Nowadays, antireflection coatings (ARCs) are commonly used on commercial photovoltaic (PV) modules to enhance durability and resist harsh environments. This study characterized the optical properties, abrasion resistance, and outdoor reliability of different ARCs used in commercial solar glass. Dense ARCs were found to have better durability and longer lifespan compared to inner-pore and open-pore ARCs, although their optical benefits were reduced. Double-layer dense ARCs were also investigated to improve durability while maintaining reasonable optical enhancement.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jianjun Li, Kaiwen Sun, Xiaojie Yuan, Jialiang Huang, Martin A. Green, Xiaojing Hao
Summary: Flexible photovoltaic technologies are increasingly in demand in modern and future society. Flexible kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)(4) (CZTSSe) has emerged as a potential 'green' photovoltaic material due to its abundance, low cost, stability, and high efficiency. This review discusses the recent progress, challenges, strategies, and future perspectives of flexible kesterite solar cells.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jishen Li, Shenghao Jing, Simin Cheng, Wangxian Chen, Yanqing Lai, Zhongliang Tian, Liangxing Jiang, Zongliang Zhang, Fangyang Liu
Summary: Solar cells offer clean and abundant power sources for directly photo-charging rechargeable batteries, showing great potential for integrated power supply development. This research compares the performance difference between photo-charging and conventional constant current charging by using silicon solar cells and lithium cobalt oxide batteries as examples. Surprisingly, photo-charging demonstrates superior charging efficiency, polarization mitigation, and cyclic performance compared to constant current charging mode. Additionally, the research optimizes the calculation method of energy storage efficiency in integrated power supply and quantifies the power matching degree by providing new ideas for the matching method of solar cells and rechargeable batteries.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Huaqing Shen, Shenghao Jing, Siliang Liu, Yuting Huang, Fangbo He, Yang Liu, Zhi Zhuang, Zongliang Zhang, Fangyang Liu
Summary: This study investigates the effect of carbon-based conductive agents (CAs) on the performance of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). The results show that under low mass loading, CAs can deteriorate the performance of the cell due to side reactions with solid electrolytes. However, under high mass loading, CAs can promote charge transfer. The gradient design strategy is applied to minimize the adverse effects of CAs and optimize the electrode performance.
ADVANCED POWDER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiang Zeng, Qingman Ma, Linhong Li, Bolin Zheng, Yining Pan, Xiangyun Zhao, Hanrui Xiao, Chang Yan, Fangyang Liu
Summary: PbI2 films are crucial for the quality of PVK films in a two-step sequential deposition process. Microcrystal powder of PbI2 (P-PbI2) in micrometer size can produce higher-quality PbI2 films under low humidity conditions, while millimeter-sized PbI2 crystals (C-PbI2) allow the growth of denser films under heavy humidity conditions. PVK solar cells fabricated with P-PbI2 achieve the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.30% under low humidity of 30 +/- 5%, while C-PbI2 results in an impressive PCE of 21.09% under humidity conditions of 50 +/- 5%. This work offers insights for selecting lead iodide for PSC fabrication under air conditions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bingqin Li, Zhen Sun, Na Lv, Yaqi Hu, Liangxing Jiang, Zongliang Zhang, Fangyang Liu
Summary: This study addresses the challenges of Li dendrite growth and interface side reactions in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs) by constructing a preformed Li-Ag alloy anode. The dual-protection effect from the preformed Li-Ag alloy anode effectively suppresses dendritic growth and other interfacial issues, resulting in remarkable energy storage performance.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yining Pan, Chang Yan, Xiangyun Zhao, Wangxian Chen, Kaiwen Sun, Qing Wu, Liming Ding, Fangyang Liu
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ying Wang, Min Liu, Shiqiang Hao, Yuan Li, Qianqian Li, Fangyang Liu, Yanqing Lai, Jie Li, Chris Wolverton, Vinayak P. Dravid, Liangxing Jiang
Summary: This study demonstrates the modulation of electronic structure and interface engineering strategy to improve the performance of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. By generating defects in Bi2S3 and creating a p-n Co3O4/Bi2S3 heterojunction, the overall PEC performance is enhanced, resulting in high photocurrent density and photon-to-current conversion efficiency.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)