Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiao-Dong Qiao, Xin-Yu Ye, Yang-Hong Wu, Li-Jiao Ma, Bing-Xin Lei, Zhen-Fan Sun
Summary: Different TiO2 mesoporous structures, including core-shell spheres (CCSs) and micro-tubes (MTs), were successfully synthesized through adjusting the pH of the solution. The TiO2 CSSs and TiO2 MTs showed excellent specific surface area and light scattering properties. Dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated using these structures achieved efficiencies of 9.24% and 9.60%, respectively.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tobias Luchs, Anna Zieleniewska, Andreas Kunzmann, Peter R. Schol, Dirk M. Guldi, Andreas Hirsch
Summary: This study introduces newly designed dye layers for covalent deposition and non-covalent post-functionalization of TiO2 nanoparticle films. The addition of a second layer of porphyrin/BODIPY significantly increases the overall efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaoqiang Liao, Kaiwen Zeng, Hanlun Wu, Qingliang Zeng, Hao Tang, Lingyun Wang, Herbert Meier, Yongshu Xie, Derong Cao
Summary: The use of pillar[5]arene dyes can enhance the open-circuit voltage of DSSCs, while also inhibiting dye aggregation and charge recombination, leading to improved performance. Additionally, host-guest interactions with the electrolyte can further adjust the voltage and photocurrent of the DSSCs.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chun-Hao Chang, Chia-Han Chuang, De-Yang Zhong, Jun-Cheng Lin, Chia-Chi Sung, Chun-Yao Hsu
Summary: This study focused on enhancing the optoelectronic performances of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) by mixing acetylacetone, graphene powder and TiO2 mesoporous. The addition of graphene and optimization of parameters led to improvements in efficiency and performance of DSSCs. Using a different substrate material also resulted in increased photovoltaic efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sabine Josten, Tillmann Koehler, Frank Marlow
Summary: Light-weight dye-sensitized solar cells were successfully fabricated on stainless steel meshes made of different materials, showing a voltage shift and hysteresis in the J-V characteristics. A large capacitance of 171 mu F/cm2 was found to describe this effect, with only small differences identified between the stainless steel types used for the mesh.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
P. Dhamodharan, Jian Chen, C. Manoharan
Summary: Highly oriented zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) were successfully grown on ITO substrates using hydrothermal method, with necessary ZnO seed layers deposited using spray pyrolysis. The ZnO NRs-based photoanodes prepared with both methods showed efficient performance for DSSCs. Vertical growth of ZnO NRs with specific length and diameter ranges was observed, with a hexagonal structure and preferential orientation (c-axis) confirmed by XRD and HRTEM.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Deeksha Kharkwal, Nidhi Sharma, Saral Kumar Gupta, Chandra Mohan Singh Negi
Summary: The study found that using a co-sensitized dye as a photosensitizer can increase the power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells, mainly due to the significant increase in open-circuit voltage and reduction in charge recombination. Impedance spectroscopy analysis showed that co-sensitized dye-based DSSC has higher charge recombination resistance and longer carrier lifetime.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Garima Dwivedi, Guncha Munjal, Ashok N. Bhaskarwar, Amita Chaudhary
Summary: This paper reviews the feasibility of using polyaniline and its composites as a counter-electrode catalyst in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), as well as its applications as a hole conductor and catalyst for photosensitized electrolytes. It also discusses the efficiency of polyaniline-based solar cells and the recent advances in using it as a suitable replacement for platinum.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
K. Gunasekaran, S. Athithya, M. Navaneethan, S. Harish, J. Archana
Summary: A novel two-dimensional hexagonal mesoporous nickel oxide and titanium substituted nickel oxide nanosheets were synthesized and used as counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells, showing excellent electrochemical and photovoltaic performance. The high performance of nickel oxide-based and 1-TNO-based counter electrodes can be attributed to the high specific surface area and mesoporous nature of the nanosheet structure.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
K. B. Bhojanaa, A. Pandikumar
Summary: The enhancement of the photovoltaic performance of BSO photoanode based DSSCs was achieved by interconnecting BSO nanoparticles with titania, resulting in improved charge transfer and reduced recombination of electron-hole pairs. The TBSO photoanode exhibited significantly higher power conversion efficiency, electron lifetime, and charge collection efficiency compared to pristine BSO photoanode in DSSCs.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
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
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Haoran Yan, Minghan Chen, Wenbo Liu, Peiyun Wang, Menglin Liu, You Liu, Longqiang Ye, Mengmeng Gu
Summary: To enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), niobium oxide and Ti3C2 quantum dots were introduced into the photoanode, resulting in improved photocurrent and efficiency. The DSSC device with the composite photoanode achieved a remarkable PCE of 7.24%, surpassing the standard device's efficiency of 4.60%.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Vishal Kadam, Chaitali Jagtap, Thamraa Alshahrani, Prasad Lokhande, Amir Al-Ahmed, Shashikant P. Patole, Firoz Khan, Habib Pathan
Summary: ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using Zinc metal dust and double distilled water, and the crystalline structure and band gap of the ZnO powder were determined. The synthesized nanoparticles were used to fabricate Dye-Sensitized Solar cells, and their performance was characterized using various techniques.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qilin Gu, Tze Chiang Albert Ng, Yueping Bao, How Yong Ng, Swee Ching Tan, John Wang
Summary: This work provides a comprehensive review on the advantages and optimization methods of advanced ceramic membranes in water/wastewater treatment, including structure design, chemistry manipulation, and functionalization. Engineering design focusing on microstructure and surface chemistry for improved filtration efficiency and antifouling properties.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yaoxin Zhang, Zhen Yu, Hao Qu, Shuai Guo, Jiachen Yang, Songlin Zhang, Lin Yang, Shaoan Cheng, John Wang, Swee Ching Tan
Summary: The emerging moisture-driven energy generation (MEG) technology has potential in fields like information security, but this potential is currently untapped. This study reports an original MEG structure that uses selective coating of ionic hygroscopic hydrogels on a carbon black surface to convert moisture energy. By combining hydrogel patterns and encoding methods, a humidity-regulated information encryption and display platform is developed, providing a hierarchical solution for high-security encryption and display.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiangmin Jiang, Zhenghui Pan, Jiaren Yuan, Jun Shan, Chenglong Chen, Shaopeng Li, Yaxin Chen, Quanchao Zhuang, Zhicheng Ju, Hui Dou, Xiaogang Zhang, John Wang, John Wang
Summary: By constructing a stable and robust g-C3N4 protective layer on the surface of zinc metal anodes, the performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries can be improved, inhibiting dendrite growth and enhancing Coulombic efficiency and lifespan.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Soren S. Sorensen, Xiangting Ren, Tao Du, Ayoub Traverson, Shibo Xi, Lars R. Jensen, Mathieu Bauchy, Satoshi Horike, John Wang, Morten M. Smedskjaer
Summary: This work demonstrates that water can depolymerize polyhedra with labile metal-ligand bonds in a cobalt-based coordination network, resulting in nonstoichiometric glasses. The addition of water molecules promotes the breakage of network bonds and coordination number changes, thereby lowering melting and glass transition temperatures. These structural changes alter the physical and chemical properties of the glass, similar to the concept of modifiers in oxides. This approach can be extended to other transition metal-based coordination networks, enabling diversification of hybrid glass chemistry.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lei Jiang, Mengrui Lu, Piaoyun Yang, Yijing Fan, Hao Huang, Juan Xiong, Zhao Wang, Haoshuang Gu, John Wang
Summary: In this study, a pressure sensor matrix capable of two-dimensional pressure mapping was developed by using patterned piezoelectric (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN) nanorod arrays. The KNN nanorods exhibited excellent mechanical flexibility, elasticity, and piezoelectric performance, enabling a high sensitivity of up to 0.20 V N-1 and a detection limit as low as 20 g. The spatially separated micro sensor matrix allowed for accurate self-powered pressure mapping and precise analysis of mechanical stimulations.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tao Sun, Wenjie Zang, Jianguo Sun, Chenguang Li, Jun Fan, Enzhou Liu, John Wang
Summary: Non-carbon-supported single-atom electrocatalysts (SACs) have attracted great interest for water splitting due to their unique bond and coordination properties, as well as their superior and tunable catalytic performance compared to carbon-supported SACs and commercial catalysts. The structure, surficial chemical groups, vacancy defects of non-carbon host materials, as well as the properties and population of single atoms, play important roles in the electrocatalytic performance of these SACs. The wide range of host materials and single atom types present limitless possibilities for the design of SACs with tunable structures and electrocatalysis behaviors.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Saeid M. Elkatlawy, Abdelhamid A. Sakr, John Wang, Abdelnaby M. Elshahawy
Summary: In this study, an effective strategy was designed to combine transition metal sulfides with nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide hydrogels, improving the overall supercapattery properties.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC AND ORGANOMETALLIC POLYMERS AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hayden A. Evans, Dan Zhao, Pieremanuele Canepa, Anthony K. Cheetham, Dinesh Mullangi, Taner Yildirim, Yuxiang Wang, Zeyu Deng, Zhaoqiang Zhang, Thuc T. Mai, Fengxia Wei, John Wang, Angela R. Hight Walker, Craig M. Brown
Summary: The process of separating oxygen from air to create oxygen-enriched gas streams is important in both industrial and medical fields. However, existing technologies for this process are energy-intensive and require infrastructure. This study demonstrates that a metal-organic framework, Al(HCOO)3 (ALF), can effectively adsorb oxygen at near-ice temperatures, with good time-dependent selectivity. ALF exhibits a high oxygen adsorption capacity of approximately 1.7 mmol/g at 190K and atmospheric pressure, and approximately 0.3 mmol/g at salt-ice temperatures of 250K. ALF shows potential as a low-cost option for oxygen separation applications.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhaoqiang Zhang, Zeyu Deng, Hayden A. Evans, Dinesh Mullangi, Chengjun Kang, Shing Bo Peh, Yuxiang Wang, Craig M. Brown, John Wang, Pieremanuele Canepa, Anthony K. Cheetham, Dan Zhao
Summary: The exclusive capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from hydrocarbon mixtures is crucial in the petrochemical industry. A new study introduces a ultramicroporous material, ALF, which can selectively capture CO2 from hydrocarbon mixtures with high capacity and efficiency. The material's unique pore chemistry allows for molecular recognition of CO2 by hydrogen bonding, while rejecting other hydrocarbons.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hongfei Cheng, Jun Zhou, Huiqing Xie, Songlin Zhang, Jintao Zhang, Shengnan Sun, Ping Luo, Ming Lin, Shijie Wang, Zhenghui Pan, John Wang, Xian Jun Loh, Zhaolin Liu
Summary: Direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) are a promising energy source in the future low-carbon economy, but the lack of efficient electrocatalysts for anodic formic acid oxidation (FAO) hinders their scale-up and commercialization. The FAO performance of palladium hydrides (PdHx) has been found to be superior to pristine Pd, and this study explores the controlled synthesis and electrocatalytic behaviors of PdHx-based nanomaterials. The hydrogen intercalation-induced crystallization of PdNiP alloy nanoparticles is reported, and the obtained PdNiP-H nanoparticles exhibit excellent FAO performance, demonstrating their potential for DFAFC applications.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lu Mao, Xiaoyu Hao, Yu Zhang, Siew Yee Wong, Jiating He, Suxi Wang, Ximeng Liu, Xiaolei Huang, John Wang, Xu Li
Summary: In this study, hierarchical NiFe hydroxide-Cu arrays are prepared as the electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) through solution etch and sequential electrolysis. The electrochemically reduced Cu nanoarrays serve as a conductive core, providing superior conductivity for electron transfer, while the unique hierarchical 3D structure offers a large active surface area, a short ion diffusion path, and open channels for efficient gas release. The resulting NiFe hydroxide-Cu arrays on copper foam exhibit outstanding catalytic performance with current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm(-2) achieved at 245 and 300 mV, respectively, in a 1 M KOH solution. Additionally, a small Tafel slope of 51 mV dec(-1) and excellent electrochemical durability of up to 100 h are demonstrated.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xianyang Zhang, Pengfei Chen, Siwuxie He, Bowen Jiang, Yong Wang, Yonghua Cheng, Jian Peng, Francis Verpoort, John Wang, Zongkui Kou
Summary: Biosensors featuring single molecule detection offer great opportunities in various fields, but face challenges due to the lack of activity, precision molecule selectivity, and understanding of the operating mechanism. Single-atom catalysts (SACs), particularly those that mimic the natural metalloenzyme structure, provide practical-use feasibilities for single molecule detections with high molecular selectivity and easy fabrication. This review discusses the history, advantages, and applications of SACs in molecule-scale biosensors, emphasizing their sensing modes and coordination-modulated signal amplifications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jianguo Sun, Binbin Liu, Qi Zhao, Chin Ho Kirk, John Wang
Summary: This article provides an overview of the research progress on MXenes in energy and catalysis, with a specific focus on the potential of termination-free MXene in catalysis and redox reactions. The authors believe that MX has great potential in future catalysis and propose the extension towards high entropy and single-atom modifications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yue Guo, Hanmei Jiang, Binbin Liu, Xingyang Wang, Yifu Zhang, Jianguo Sun, John Wang
Summary: Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are considered promising for large-scale grid energy storage due to their safety, low costs, and environmental friendliness. Vanadium oxides, particularly V2O5, have been widely used as cathode materials for ZIBs because of their high theoretical capacity and structural stability. However, there are challenges in achieving high capacity, long lifespan, and excellent rate performance with vanadium-based ZIBs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weihao Liu, Jing Yang, Yizhe Zhao, Ximeng Liu, Jian Heng, Minghui Hong, Yong-Wei Zhang, John Wang
Summary: This study introduces a novel laser-ironing approach to modulate the structural and compositional evolution of electrocatalysts during the reaction, enhancing their performance and stability. The laser-ironing capping layer (LICL) formed during the process sustains the leaf-like morphology and promotes the formation of highly active Co3O4 nanoclusters. The results provide new insights into facile and high-precision surface microstructure control.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
