Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wei He, Gan Huang, Christos N. Markides
Summary: Solar desalination is a sustainable solution for global water scarcity, especially in remote areas of developing countries. The integration of solar photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) with desalination can improve the efficiency, productivity, and independence of solar desalination processes. The combination of electrical and thermal energy outputs from PVT panels can catalyze the improvement of solar energy efficiency, specific energy consumption, water production, and operational independence for off-grid applications. Our analysis suggests that PVT-desalination can be a more cost-effective and sustainable solution compared to current solar PV-desalination and ST-desalination.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nagi M. El-Shafai, Rencai Ji, Mahmoud Abdelfatah, Mohamed A. Hamada, A. W. Kandeal, Ibrahim M. El-Mehasseb, Abdelhamid El-Shaer, Meng An, Mohamed S. Ramadan, Swellam W. Sharshir, Walid Ismail
Summary: A novel hybrid nanomaterial (HNM) was manufactured by loading Graphene oxide nanosheet (GO) with other quantum dots (QDs) to form GO@CuO.gamma-Al2O3, showing great potential in thermal and electrical performances.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Jiangjiang Wang, Yuan Zhou, Noam Lior, Guoqing Zhang
Summary: This paper proposes a novel quantitative sustainability evaluation model for hybrid CCHP systems integrating natural gas with solar technologies. Through selecting and calculating various indicators, a composite sustainability index (CSI) is obtained to evaluate the sustainability of different schemes. Comparing the CSI values of different schemes can assess the sustainability level and provide a quantitative method for evaluating the environmental and social impacts of schemes.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yanjiao Li, Chen Qing, Shili Guo, Xin Deng, Jiahao Song, Dingde Xu
Summary: Solar energy is crucial for addressing rural environmental pollution and energy poverty. This study combines conformity tendencies and strong-weak ties theory, using logistic model and propensity score matching method to investigate farmers' conformity tendencies in adopting solar energy, based on sample data from China. Drawing inspiration from diffusion of innovation theory and technology acceptance model, the study also provides insights into the mechanism of conformity tendencies. The findings suggest that when relatives and friends use solar energy, farmers are more likely to adopt it, with stronger ties having a more significant impact than weaker ties. Additionally, farmers' perceptions of the health and environmental benefits of solar technology play a significant mediating role in conformity tendencies, although the magnitude of this effect varies across strong and weak ties.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Valentino Romano, Giovanna D'Angelo, Siglinda Perathoner, Gabriele Centi
Summary: The review article focuses on the analysis of solar-to-fuel direct conversion devices using current density as a fundamental figure of merit. It compares different device configurations and types of solar fuels produced from small molecules, while discussing the relevance of physico-chemical mechanisms involved in device operation and the need to operate these cells in conjunction with sun concentration for large-scale applications.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Josue F. Rosales-Perez, Andres Villarruel-Jaramillo, Jose A. Romero-Ramos, Manuel Perez-Garcia, Jose M. Cardemil, Rodrigo Escobar
Summary: Process heating consumes the most energy in the industrial sector. Solar heating systems are a promising alternative for providing renewable thermal energy to industrial processes. However, issues such as high costs and limited space in industrial facilities hinder their utilization. To overcome these limitations, hybrid systems that combine different solar thermal or photovoltaic technologies have been proposed. This review discusses the limitations of conventional solar heating systems, the potential of hybrid configurations to overcome them, and the need for further research on industrial applications of hybrid systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoya Ding, Yunru Yu, Luoran Shang, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: With the assistance of histidine, low-viscosity GO mixed polymer solutions can be prepared as printable inks through microfluidic 3D printing technique, forming hydrogel microfibers in histidine solutions. These hydrogel fibers support cell survival, exhibit excellent electrical conductivity, and can sense motion changes, offering a new option for the design and application of 3D printable aqueous GO inks in various fields.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sakshi Tyagi, Pawan Kumar Singh, Arun Kumar Tiwari
Summary: In this study, a simulative investigation of a Zinc Oxide/Graphene Oxide based hybrid solar trigeneration system was conducted to analyze its photovoltaic parameters and compare with experimental values, showing good agreement under standard test conditions. Further analysis was done on the impact of graphene oxide layer thickness on PV properties, and efficiency comparison was made between ZnO/GO and ZnO/SiO2 cells. The study also suggests replacing GO with SiO2 for simpler synthesis and fabrication processes, although SiO2 has lower efficiency which can be improved through simulation analysis.
ENERGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Editorial Material
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yaoxin Zhang, Swee Ching Tan
Summary: Consensus is needed to accurately evaluate the performance and potential of emerging water production technologies, and this article provides recommendations on how to achieve a fair basis for comparison and align research input with actual demand.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
H. L. Kangas, K. Ollikka, J. Ahola, Y. Kim
Summary: This paper examines the technology convergence of renewable energy sources (RESs) and information and communication technologies (ICTs), focusing on wind power and solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies. Analysis of international patent data reveals a rapid evolution of digital solutions in the renewable energy sector, presenting both challenges and opportunities for innovation and collaboration with ICT companies.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Omar A. Radwan, John D. Humphrey
Summary: This study documents the various roles of sand in improving the performance of solar thermal technologies, such as heat storage, supply for heating, drying, distillation, gasification, cooking, and electricity generation. It also mentions the commercialized or in-process technologies.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Virgil Andrei, Qian Wang, Taylor Uekert, Subhajit Bhattacharjee, Erwin Reisner
Summary: This article introduces thin film technologies for solar fuel synthesis. The different thin film technologies, including artificial leaves and PC sheets, are compared based on their micro- and nanostructure, operation principle, and product/reaction scope. The article also discusses performance evaluation metrics for solar fuel panels, as well as the opportunities and challenges in commercialization and applications.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Virgil Andrei, Qian Wang, Taylor Uekert, Subhajit Bhattacharjee, Erwin Reisner
Summary: This article compares different thin film technologies based on their micro- and nanostructure, operation principle, and product/reaction scope. It discusses the performance and commercialization opportunities and challenges of solar fuel panels, and proposes new metrics for evaluating performance. In addition, it identifies emerging applications beyond fuels.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mahdi Zarrabi, Mohammad Haghighi, Reza Alizadeh, Salar Mahboob
Summary: ZnO-GO-Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite was successfully prepared via a two-step procedure and its photocatalytic activity for organic dyes degradation was investigated. The nanocomposite exhibited a high surface area with a mesoporous structure and a low energy band gap when synthesized through solvothermal method. Ultrasound irradiation increased the available surface area for photoreaction. The degradation percentages of eosin yellow and methylene blue were approximately 60% and 97% respectively. The effects of initial pH, photocatalyst loading amount, and initial dye concentration were also studied.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhaoning Song, Chongwen Li, Lei Chen, Yanfa Yan
Summary: Bifacial perovskite solar cells offer the potential for higher power output and enhanced durability compared to traditional devices, thanks to the unique optoelectronic properties of perovskite material and the use of transparent conducting oxide electrodes to prevent electrode corrosion. Despite the limitations and challenges, bifacial perovskite solar cells are increasingly seen as a viable commercialization pathway for mainstream solar power generation and building-integrated PV systems. Advantages include high power output, improved device durability, and lower economic and environmental costs.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Neng Hu, Lei Shi, Shangchao Ji, Weijia Wang, Lin Lei, Huiqing Fan, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Qi Zhong
Summary: An adhesive and visualized hydrogel-based detector is designed to monitor the solar radiation dose required for plant growth by the discoloration of methylene blue (MB) under sunshine. The hybrid hydrogels prepared from photoinitiated polymerization on the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) surface and polypropylene (PP) fabrics as a substrate enable better photodegradation capability and improved mechanical properties of the hydrogel-based detector. By pasting the detector on the leaf of a plant, the radiation dose can be accurately traced from the change in color to ensure sufficient radiation for plant growth and avoid burn to the leaves under sunlight.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Julija Reitenbach, Christina Geiger, Peixi Wang, Apostolos Vagias, Robert Cubitt, Dirk Schanzenbach, Andre Laschewsky, Christine M. Papadakis, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: The swelling behavior of PNIPMAM thin films containing magnesium salts in water vapor is investigated for their potential applications as nanodevices. In situ time-of-flight neutron reflectometry is used to probe the extent and kinetics of the swelling ratio and water content. In situ Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and two-dimensional FTIR correlation analysis are utilized to study the solvation events and enhance the sensitivity of PNIPMAM thin films. The addition of Mg(ClO4)2 or Mg(NO3)2 results in higher water uptake and thickness gain in the swollen state, with Mg(NO3)2 showing the highest relative water uptake.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nianci Guan, Guo Wu, Jian Wang, Yaqi Bao, Wei Hui, Zhaoqi Deng, Lei Gu, Xingyu Gao, Jing Zhang, Peter Muller-Buschbaum, Lin Song
Summary: Polymerized ionic liquid additives improve the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. By incorporating the polymeric ILs into perovskite films and solar cells, the problems of aggregation and evaporation can be overcome, and the crystallization behavior of perovskite films and charge-carrier transport can be improved, resulting in highly efficient and stable solar cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hongmei Zhu, Qingqian Wang, Kun Sun, Wei Chen, Jun Tang, Junjie Hao, Zhaojin Wang, Jiayun Sun, Wallace C. H. Choy, Peter Muller-Buschbaum, Xiao Wei Sun, Dan Wu, Kai Wang
Summary: The chirality of 2D chiral perovskite films has been significantly enhanced by a solvent modulation strategy, leading to the formation of CPL-active materials. By creating chiral perovskite/quantum dot composites, an increase in the CPL intensity was observed, attributed to the generation and transportation of spin-polarized charge carriers as well as the enlarged lattice distortion of the chiral perovskite films achieved through solvent modulation. This approach provides an effective way to construct CPL-active materials.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kun Wang, Jiangwei Huo, Li Cao, Peihui Yang, Peter Muller-Buschbaum, Yu Tong, Hongqiang Wang
Summary: Researchers have developed a strategy to fabricate high-quality alpha-FAPbI3 perovskite films and inverted PSCs under open air conditions with a relative humidity of 60+/-10%. They incorporated phenylethylammonium iodide (PEAI) to inhibit the decomposition and phase transition of FAPbI3 and improve its crystallinity, resulting in enhanced power conversion efficiency and long-term stability of the PSCs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Kun Sun, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: This article reviews the effects of moisture on halide perovskite films, including the degradation mechanism and methods to enhance stability. The benefits of incorporating a certain amount of water into perovskite films are discussed, as well as the moisture-induced structural degradation and decomposition process. The methods to enhance moisture stability, particularly 3D/2D heterostructures, are also highlighted.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Leon Katzenmeier, Manuel Goesswein, Leif Carstensen, Johannes Sterzinger, Michael Ederer, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Alessio Gagliardi, Aliaksandr S. Bandarenka
Summary: The interface between metallic lithium and solid-state electrolytes is investigated to understand the charge and mass transport mechanisms and the underlying mechanisms of charge accumulation. This is crucial for developing high-performance solid-state batteries.
COMMUNICATIONS CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Dominik M. Schwaiger, Wiebke Lohstroh, Marcell Wolf, Christopher J. Garvey, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: Blending PTB7 and PCBM films with binary solvent additive DIO:DPE accelerates the degradation of the films, but the removal of the additives at higher annealing temperature can restore the stability to the level of the pristine blend films, which is promising for photovoltaic applications.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Anna Lena Oechsle, Tobias Schoener, Lewin Deville, Tianxiao Xiao, Ting Tian, Apostolos Vagias, Sigrid Bernstorff, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: The influence of humidity on the resistance properties of post-treated PEDOT:PSS films was investigated. It was found that elevated humidity increased the resistance of reference samples without post-treatment, while the post-treated samples showed a reverse behavior. Morphological changes in the film, such as increased PEDOT domain distances, were observed with in situ GISAXS measurements. This led to a deterioration in interdomain hole transport and a rise in resistance. Additionally, EIS measurements revealed additional contributions of ionic charge carriers in the post-treated PEDOT:PSS films.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zheng Fang, Huawei Xu, Qiang Xu, LiuBang Meng, Nan Lu, Renhong Li, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Qi Zhong
Summary: Inspired by the transpiration in tree stem, a multi-scale micro-nano channel structure was formed by directional freezing, redox polymerization, and nanoparticles-induced porosity in a hybrid P(AAm/DA)-Ag/MgO hydrogel coating cross-linked on microfiber-based polyurethane. This structure significantly increased the specific surface area and enabled efficient formaldehyde removal by the hydrogels and degradation by the Ag/MgO nanoparticles. The cross-linked hybrid hydrogel coating on polyurethane also demonstrated good anti-bacterial capability.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shahidul Alam, Haya Aldosari, Christopher E. Petoukhoff, Tomas Vary, Wejdan Althobaiti, Maryam Alqurashi, Hua Tang, Jafar I. Khan, Vojtech Nadazdy, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Gregory C. Welch, Frederic Laquai
Summary: This study investigates the thermally-induced degradation of organic photovoltaic devices and its effect on their optical properties, photophysics, and morphology. The results show that the degradation limits the open-circuit voltage and fill factor of the devices, while the short-circuit current density is only slightly affected. Energy-resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements reveal a higher energy barrier for charge transfer in the degraded samples. Furthermore, the study finds that field-dependent charge generation significantly limits device performance.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Frank Hartmann, Martin Bitsch, Bart-Jan Niebuur, Marcus Koch, Tobias Kraus, Christian Dietz, Robert W. Stark, Christopher R. Everett, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum, Oliver Janka, Markus Gallei
Summary: This study synthesized a high-molecular-weight polystyrene-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer as a soft matrix to fabricate nanocomposites containing magnetic nanoparticles. The influence of different ratios of PMMA-coated FePt nanoparticles on the self-assembled morphology was investigated. Statistical analysis revealed that the particles mainly self-assembled inside the PMMA phase at low particle concentrations, while higher particle ratios had a negative effect on the morphology. The magnetic addressability of the nanoparticles inside the nanocomposite films was confirmed using bimodal magnetic force microscopy.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Manuel A. Reus, Ahmed Krifa, Quinten A. Akkerman, Alexander Biewald, Zehua Xu, David P. Kosbahn, Christian L. Weindl, Jochen Feldmann, Achim Hartschuh, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: Printing the active layer of (Cs:FA)PbI3-based nanocrystal solar cells using slot-die coating technique improves the processability and charge transport, and shows a proof-of-concept feasibility for solar cell applications with a median power conversion efficiency of 6.39%.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Anna Lena Oechsle, Tobias Schoener, Christina Geiger, Suo Tu, Peixi Wang, Robert Cubitt, Peter Mueller-Buschbaum
Summary: The conductivity properties of the conductive polymer blend PEDOT:PSS are investigated under the influences of ionic liquid treatment and ambient humidity. The results show that the ionic conductivity of the IL-treated PEDOT:PSS films is enhanced by the intake of water molecules, while the electronic conductivity of all PEDOT:PSS films decreases with increasing humidity.