Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ling Hong, Huifeng Yao, Yong Cui, Pengqing Bi, Tao Zhang, Yongxin Cheng, Yunfei Zu, Jinzhao Qin, Runnan Yu, Ziyi Ge, Jianhui Hou
Summary: Establishing an ideal architecture with selective carrier transport and suppressed recombination is crucial for improving photovoltaic efficiency in organic solar cells (OSCs). By tailoring a hybrid planar/bulk structure, highly efficient OSCs with reduced energy losses were fabricated. The study highlights the potential of precisely regulating the structure of donor:acceptor heterojunction to further enhance the efficiencies of OSCs.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiuhong Sun, Zhipeng Shao, Zhipeng Li, Dachang Liu, Caiyun Gao, Chen Chen, Bingqian Zhang, Lianzheng Hao, Qiangqiang Zhao, Yimeng Li, Xianzhao Wang, Yue Lu, Xiao Wang, Guanglei Cui, Shuping Pang
Summary: In this study, the open-circuit voltage of Cs-based perovskite solar cells was significantly enhanced by constructing a CsPbI3/Cs(1-x)DMA(x)PbI(3) bulk heterojunction structure, leading to improved charge separation and collection efficiency as well as reduced carrier recombination loss. This research suggests that junction engineering could be a new strategy for efficient perovskite devices.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Weijian Chen, Zhixing Gan, Martin A. Green, Baohua Jia, Xiaoming Wen
Summary: This review discusses the mobile ion dynamics in halide perovskites investigated via luminescence spectroscopy combined with confocal microscopy, including mobile ion induced fluorescence quenching, phase segregation in mixed halide hybrid perovskite, and mobile ion accumulation at the interface in perovskite devices. Steady-state and time-resolved luminescence imaging techniques, combined with confocal microscopy, are unique tools for probing ionic dynamics in perovskites, providing invaluable insights on ionic dynamics in nanoscale resolution.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Darius Kuciauskas, John Moseley, Chungho Lee
Summary: CdTe solar cells are the leading thin-film photovoltaic technology due to their low cost and high reliability. Increasing the open-circuit voltage by reducing recombination is a promising way to further improve efficiency. Advanced analysis techniques have identified defect-mediated recombination as the dominant mechanism for voltage losses in Cu-doped CdSe/CdTe solar cells. Additionally, the use of Al2O3 has been shown to increase carrier lifetimes and quasi-Fermi-level splitting, potentially overcoming the long-standing 900 mV voltage limitation.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Olivier J. J. Ronsin, Jens Harting
Summary: This study uses a coupled phase-field-fluid mechanics framework to simulate the formation process of bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) morphology in organic solar cells. The simulation results match well with experimental results and can be used to optimize the cell's performance and develop physical design rules for ink formulation and processing conditions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alexandra M. M. Bothwell, Carey L. L. Reich, Adam H. H. Danielson, Arthur Onno, Zachary C. C. Holman, Walajabad S. S. Sampath, Darius Kuciauskas
Summary: The efficiencies of thin-film photovoltaic devices are limited by carrier recombination. It is crucial to understand recombination mechanisms to enhance performance. Determining the bulk minority carrier lifetime (tau(bulk)) is challenging in P-N junction devices, especially in highly doped ones. This research utilizes time-resolved photoluminescence simulations to quantify recombination properties and develop methods for determining tau(bulk) in highly doped CdSeTe structures.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lening Shen, Tao Zhu, Xinwen Zhang, Keven Gong, He Wang, Xiong Gong
Summary: This study presents high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on a composite of perovskite and a low optical gap conjugated polymer. The composite film exhibits enhanced charge carrier mobility, larger crystal sizes, and suppressed non-radiation charge carrier recombination. Additionally, a photo-induced charge transfer occurs within the composite film, leading to improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs. The un-encapsulated PSCs also demonstrate enhanced stability and reduced photocurrent hysteresis compared to those based on pristine perovskite films.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Seref Kalem
Summary: Black silicon (b-Si) with its promising optical, electronic and structural properties has attracted great attention for a wide range of applications. In this study, a technique involving thermal oxidation, photoresist coating, and chlorine plasma etching was used to produce b-Si and investigate its radiative recombination dynamics. The results showed the presence of a no-phonon radiative recombination component competing with non-radiative recombination at surface defects. The emission exhibited two decay processes with a peak energy at around 480 nm, a fast component of about 15 ps, and a lifetime component of around 50 ps, as well as a slow process in the red spectral region with a time constant of 1500 ps.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kiran Sreedhar Ram, Hooman Mehdizadeh-Rad, David Ompong, Daniel Dodzi Yao Setsoafia, Jai Singh
Summary: This paper characterises exciton generation in three types of bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells, finding that the optimum thickness of the active layer affects the rate of exciton generation. Simulated results indicate that the inverted non-fullerene BHJ OSC1 shows better short circuit current density, potentially leading to better photovoltaic performance.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fei Zhao, Seth L. Filbrun, Tengxiang Huang, Bin Dong, Ning Fang
Summary: A multimodality spectromicroscopy imaging system has been developed to characterize functional materials under external stimuli, revealing the impact of thermal stress on the performance of the photoactive layer in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Continuous monitoring of the thermotropic evolution stages identified optimized thermal annealing temperature and preferred temperature dropping operation to enhance the photoactive layer performance.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shengfan Wu, Zhen Li, Jie Zhang, Xin Wu, Xiang Deng, Yiming Liu, Jingkun Zhou, Chunyi Zhi, Xinge Yu, Wallace C. H. Choy, Zonglong Zhu, Alex K. -Y. Jen
Summary: Lead halide perovskite and organic solar cells are seen as promising candidates for clean energy applications, but improvements are needed in the near-infrared photon loss and photovoltage deficit. By integrating low-bandgap organic bulk-heterojunction layers into inverted PSCs, high-performance hybrid solar cells can be constructed. These hybrid solar cells demonstrate excellent power conversion efficiency, extended photoresponse, and superior long-term stability compared to single-component PSCs and OSCs. With the highest efficiency reported for flexible solar cells to date, flexible HSCs can be integrated as a power source for wearable sensors, demonstrating real-time temperature monitoring capabilities.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stefan W. Tabernig, Lin Yuan, Andrea Cordaro, Zhi Li Teh, Yijun Gao, Robert J. Patterson, Andreas Pusch, Shujuan Huang, Albert Polman
Summary: We have designed an optically resonant bulk heterojunction solar cell to study the optoelectronic properties of nanostructured p-n junctions. By optimizing the nanoscale pattern, we were able to improve the efficiency of the solar cell by enhancing the absorption and charge-carrier extraction behavior. Our experiments and simulations showed significant improvement in infrared response and current gain in the patterned solar cell compared to the planar reference, demonstrating the importance of nanostructured geometries in enhancing solar cell performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhizhao Cai, Xinyuan Ma, Jiefeng Cai, Zhenye Zhan, Dongxu Lin, Ke Chen, Pengyi Liu, Weiguang Xie
Summary: In this study, ultrathin BCP and ZrAcac were inserted between the perovskite and BHJ layers as an interface modification, successfully regulating carrier extraction and inhibiting charge recombination at the interface. This led to significant improvements in open-circuit voltage and fill factor, resulting in high conversion efficiency.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yeongkwon Kang, Jung Won Yoon, Seok Woo Lee, Hyungju Ahn, Siwon Yun, Jongchul Lim, Jihoon Lee, Dong Wook Chang, Hyosung Choi, Bong-Gi Kim
Summary: To investigate the effect of miscibility between conjugated polymers (CPs) and Y6 on the morphology of bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) structures, three different CPs with similar chemical structures but varying miscibility with Y6 were studied. The interface morphology and interlocked dimensions were compared quantitatively using a square-wave model after selectively removing Y6 from the CP/Y6 blend films. It was found that as CP-Y6 miscibility increases, a higher intermixed interface is formed, while a decrease in miscibility leads to a decrease in the dimensions formed by phase separation and an increase in width.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shanyue Hou, Zhu Ma, Yanlin Li, Zhuowei Du, Yi Chen, Junbo Yang, Wei You, Qiang Yang, Tangjie Yu, Zhangfeng Huang, Guomin Li, Haoyu Wang, Qianyu Liu, Guangyuan Yan, Haimin Li, Yuelong Huang, Wenhua Zhang, Mojtaba Abdi-Jalebi, Zeping Ou, Kuan Sun, Rong Su, Wei Long
Summary: A bulk in situ reconstruction strategy is proposed to induce the reconstruction of 3D perovskites on a self-assembled 2D crystal seed, forming heterojunction perovskite that runs through the entire active layer. This approach improves the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Rammani Adhikari, Zen Sbeah, Diksha Chauhan, Sheng Hsiung Chang, Ram Prakash Dwivedi
Summary: This study introduces the theories and principles of surface plasmon polariton generation and waveguide construction, and discusses the design structures that generate various optical resonances for sensing refractive index and temperature variation. The investigation focuses on plasmonics refractive index sensors based on Bragg grating structures and resonators, and the comparison of metal-insulator-metal-resonators architecture in terms of sensitivity and figure of merit. The study also presents hybrid plasmonic waveguides that significantly improve the figure of merit and quality factor as compared to plasmonic waveguide-based sensors, while maintaining ease of fabrication due to their CMOS compatibility.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Diksha Thakur, Shou-En Chiang, Mu-Hsueh Yang, Jyh-Shyang Wang, Sheng Hsiung Chang
Summary: The day-dependent photovoltaic performance of P3CT-Na based CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) solar cells can be improved by adding small molecules (urea, PCBM and C60) into the MAPbI3 crystal thin films to passivate the defects at the grain boundaries. The stability and high efficiency of the solar cells can be achieved by forming chemical bonds between C60 molecules and MA cations in order to stabilize the MAPbI3 crystal thin films. Overall, this research provides a method to enhance the device stability of solution-processed polycrystalline MAPbI3 thin film based solar cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hsieh-Chih Chen, Liang-Yu Hou, Chuyue He, Pei -Jung Laing, Ching-Yung Huang, Wen-Shyong Kuo
Summary: In this study, a conductive network of three-dimensional ZnCoS effloresced stone pillars grown on free-standing carbon nanotube paper was synthesized using two-dimensional ZnCo metal-organic framework arrays as a reactive template. The resulting electrode exhibited a high surface-to-volume ratio, allowing for enhanced penetration of electrolyte ions and increased employment of electrode materials. The tailor-made ZnCoS@CNT paper electrode showed excellent specific capacitance and could be assembled into a foldable asymmetric solid-state supercapacitor with outstanding energy density and long-term cycling stability. The 3D nanostructure of ZnCoS grown on CNT paper holds great promise for the development of cutting-edge foldable energy storage devices.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shou-En Chiang, Pei-Chen Lin, Jia-Ren Wu, Sheng Hsiung Chang
Summary: This study investigates the impact of the molecular packing structure of solution-processed phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) thin film on the performance of PCBM/perovskite heterojunction solar cells by manipulating the volume ratio of chlorobenzene (CB) to bromobenzene (BrB). The results show that the formation of PCBM aggregates and the contact quality at the PCBM/perovskite interface significantly affect the key parameters of the solar cells.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shou-En Chiang, Wen-Hsin Chang, Yu-Ting Chen, Wen-Chung Li, Chi-Tsu Yuan, Ji-Lin Shen, Sheng Hsiung Chang
Summary: The distributions of threading dislocations (TDs) and horizontal dislocations (HDs) in c-plane GaN epitaxial layers on a 6-inch Si wafer were determined using second harmonic generation (SHG) intensity, Raman scattering stress, photoluminescence, and reflected interference pattern. Raman scattering spectra revealed that TDs caused tensile stress in the GaN epitaxial layers while HDs caused compressive stress. Additionally, SHG intensity was found to be proportional to the stress value of the GaN epitaxial layers, providing insights into its spatial distribution. Notably, the dislocation-mediated SHG intensity mapping image of the GaN epitaxial layers on the 6-inch Si wafer could be obtained within 2 hours, making it useful for optimizing high-performance GaN-based HEMTs.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Zen A. Sbeah, Rammani Adhikari, Vishal Sorathiya, Diksha Chauhan, Sheng Hsiung Chang, Ram Prakash Dwivedi
Summary: Plasmonics has attracted attention for its ability to control light flow in metamaterials. The use of active plasmonic materials allows for the mass production of low-cost, high-performance nanosized optical components for imaging, sensing, and communications. By integrating non-volatile active materials with distinct qualities, dynamic plasmonic systems can be reconfigured to provide sharper optical variations and faster phase shifting. This review focuses on metamaterial plasmonic sensors that detect changes in refractive indices, and the use of active materials to enhance sensing and light absorption.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chia-Lung Tsai, S. N. Manjunatha, Sheng Hsiung Chang, Ming-Jer Jeng, Liann-Be Chang, Chun-Huan Chang, Mukta Sharma, Chi-Tsu Yuan
Summary: The surface morphologies, light harvesting abilities, crystal structures, and excitonic properties of FAPbI(3) based alloy perovskite thin films were investigated. Different alloy compositions resulted in varying crystal structures and photovoltaic responses. The Cs(x)FA(1-x)PbI(3) solar cells showed better photovoltaic responses due to their unique surface morphology and long carrier lifetime.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chieh-Ming Hung, Chi-Lun Mai, Chi-Chi Wu, Bo-Han Chen, Chih-Hsuan Lu, Che-Chun Chu, Meng-Chuan Wang, Shang-Da Yang, Hsieh-Chih Chen, Chen-Yu Yeh, Pi-Tai Chou
Summary: In this study, a series of carboxylic acid-functionalized porphyrin derivatives were designed and synthesized to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The porphyrin derivatives not only reduced surface defects through the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), but also passivated the perovskite layer and facilitated hole transfer, leading to a highly efficient PSC with a solar efficiency of 23.19%. This work presents a novel molecular engineering strategy for functionalizing SAMs and provides valuable insights for future advancements in PSCs.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Anjali Chandel, Shou-En Chiang, Wen-Hsin Chang, Jia-Ren Wu, Chi-Tsu Yuan, Sheng Hsiung Chang
Summary: We report on the formation of a bendable and edge-on poly[3-(4-carboxybutyl)thiophene-2,5-diyl] (P3CT) polymer thin layer used as a hole modification layer (HML) in inverted perovskite solar cells. The aggregations of 2D layer-like P3CT polymers in DMF solution can be formed through aromatic π-π stacking interactions and/or hydrogen-bonding interactions. These highly influence the photovoltaic performance of the inverted perovskite solar cells. The P3CT polymers modify the surface properties of the transparent conductive substrate, dominate the formation of perovskite crystalline thin films, and play important roles in the efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.
Editorial Material
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sheng Hsiung Chang, Xiangbo Meng, Jian Liu, Dung-Sheng Tsai, Xinwei Wang, Chiashain Chuang, Cheng-Ying Chen, Aidong Li
Summary: This Focus highlights the significance of manipulating atomic and molecular layers for various applications. It features 15 original research papers that showcase the applications of techniques such as atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and wet chemistry in manipulating atomic and molecular layers in areas such as lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, catalysis, field-effect transistors, and optoelectronics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anjali Chandel, Qi Bin Ke, Shou-En Chiang, Hsin-Ming Cheng, Sheng Hsiung Chang
Summary: Manipulating the grain sizes of soft CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI(3)) thin films and the atomic contact strength at the MAPbI(3)/P3CT-Na interface through variations in drying time of precursor solutions has significant effects on the performance and lifespan of inverted perovskite photovoltaic cells. The increased short-circuit current density (J(SC)) and fill factor (FF) can be attributed to the formation of merged MAPbI(3) grains. Additionally, the encapsulated photovoltaic cells exhibit higher open-circuit voltage (V-OC) and power conversion efficiency due to the increased carrier density of the MAPbI(3) crystalline thin film.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chieh-Ming Hung, Chi-Lun Mai, Chi-Chi Wu, Bo-Han Chen, Chih-Hsuan Lu, Che-Chun Chu, Meng-Chuan Wang, Shang-Da Yang, Hsieh-Chih Chen, Chen-Yu Yeh, Pi-Tai Chou
Summary: This study presents a strategy to improve device performance in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using carboxylic acid-functionalized porphyrin derivatives as interfacial materials. The results show that these derivatives enhance self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), reduce defects, and significantly boost solar efficiency.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Diksha Thakur, Qi Bin Ke, Shou-En Chiang, Tzu-Han Tseng, Kun-Bin Cai, Chi-Tsu Yuan, Jyh-Shyang Wang, Sheng Hsiung Chang
Summary: A facile encapsulation method can increase the quasi Fermi level for electrons in a soft perovskite crystalline thin film and improve the contact qualities, resulting in enhanced performance and stability of perovskite solar cells. However, the power conversion efficiency of the cells gradually decreases over time.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chieh-Ming Hung, Jin-Tai Lin, Yu-Hsuan Yang, Yi-Chun Liu, Mong-Wen Gu, Tai-Che Chou, Sheng-Fu Wang, Zi-Qin Chen, Chi-Chi Wu, Li-Cyun Chen, Cheng-Chih Hsu, Chun-Hsien Chen, Ching-Wen Chiu, Hsieh-Chih Chen, Pi-Tai Chou
Summary: A new series of zwitterions were designed and synthesized as boundary modulators for improving the performance of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The zwitterions were found to play important roles in balancing charge carrier transport, suppressing defects, enhancing moisture resistance, and reducing ion migration, leading to significant improvements in the efficiency and stability of the PSCs.
Article
Thermodynamics
Souad Ghyati, Said Kassou, Mostapha El Jai, El Hassan El Kinani, Mabrouk Benhamou, Sheng Hsiung Chang
Summary: Polymer/clay-based composites were prepared using natural clay and PEG4000 as the dispersed phase, and the effect of PEG content on surface morphology, thermal stability, and thermophysical properties was studied. The incorporation of PEG chains improved thermal characteristics and insulation properties, making the composite a good thermal insulator for polymer contents higher than 2.5%. The resulting composite not only showed interesting insulation characteristics but also met economic and environmental requirements.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
