Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shih-Hsiu Chen, Kuan-Yi Kuo, Kun-Hung Tsai, Chia-Yun Chen
Summary: This study successfully achieved orientation modulation of silicon nanowires with controlled size and spacing by adjusting the etchant compositions. Hybrid solar cells constructed with these nanowires showed improved performance compared to traditional ones.
Article
Optics
Mohammad Ali Shameli, Sayyed Reza Mirnaziry, Leila Yousefi
Summary: A new architecture for ultrathin film solar cells using silicon nanoparticles and a thin silicon layer is proposed in this paper. The study utilizes Mie theory and probability theory to evaluate optical absorption and light-trapping effects. The results show significant enhancement in absorption and current generation compared to conventional silicon solar cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jeronimo Buencuerpo, Theresa E. Saenz, Mark Steger, Michelle Young, Emily L. Warren, John F. Geisz, Myles A. Steiner, Adele C. Tamboli
Summary: Ultrathin solar cells, with one order of magnitude smaller thickness compared to conventional cells, reduce material usage and allow the use of lower-quality materials. Efficient photonic light-trapping is required to compensate for the limited absorber thickness. Quasi-random photonic crystals, which are more robust under angle and thickness variations, are predicted to provide high efficiency light-trapping. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate the use of quasi-random photonic crystals fabricated by polymer blend lithography for light-trapping in ultrathin GaAs cells, achieving an efficiency of 22.35% under the global solar spectrum.
Article
Physics, Applied
Zhefu Liao, Zhengqi Liu, Qizhao Wu, Xuefeng Zhan, Mulin Liu, Guiqiang Liu
Summary: Solar energy has been widely used as a renewable and clean energy source, but the dilemma of choosing between higher absorption but narrowband or broadband but lower absorption when designing solar irradiation absorbers has greatly limited the development of the solar energy industry. A gradient cavity-thin-film metasurface (GCM) made up of alternating multiple layers of titanium and silicon dioxide exhibits ultra-broadband strong absorption in the dominating portion of the solar irradiation spectrum. This impressive near-unity absorption is attributed to multiple light-matter interactions and provides great potential for practical applications in solar thermal energy harvesting and photothermal conversion.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Optics
Benedikt Blaesi, Mario Hanser, Klaus Jaeger, Oliver Hoehn
Summary: Solar cells can enhance light trapping efficiency by utilizing gratings. We present an analytical model to optimize the grating period and provide guidelines for maximizing light trapping in high-end solar cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Mao, Bingchang Zhang, Yihao Shi, Xiaofeng Wu, Yuanyuan He, Di Wu, Jiansheng Jie, Chun-Sing Lee, Xiaohong Zhang
Summary: This study presents a high-sensitivity photodetector based on a conformal MoS2/silicon nanowire array heterojunction with an ultrathin Al2O3 interfacial passivation layer, which can exhibit broadband photoresponse ranging from 300 to 1600 nm and detect ultra-weak infrared signals effectively. The device is capable of detecting ultra-weak IR signals without applying any external bias, showing great potential for low-cost and high-performance optoelectronic devices.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nayeun Lee, Muyu Xue, Jiho Hong, Jorik van de Groep, Mark Luitzen Brongersma
Summary: Using nanoscale Mie-resonator arrays, simultaneous antireflection and light-trapping can be achieved for thin crystalline silicon solar cells, leading to improved power conversion efficiency.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Allison N. Perna, Kevin L. Schulte, John Simon, Anna K. Braun, David R. Diercks, Corinne E. Packard, Aaron J. Ptak
Summary: This article describes a fully in situ method of fabricating light-scattering structures on III-V materials via vapor phase etching and redeposition, which generates a rough morphology. The addition of PH3 during HCl etching of Ga0.5In0.5P leads to redeposition, and the size of the redeposited features is linearly increased by HCl flow rate and time exposed to HCl-PH3. The resulting Ga-rich GaInP morphologies exhibit high broadband scattering and can enhance the short circuit current density of photovoltaic devices.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yong-Rae Jang, Robin Jeong, Hak-Sung Kim, Simon S. Park
Summary: This study utilized a hybrid copper ink and nickel electroplating to achieve the preparation of copper printed electrodes with improved solderability through various experiments and analytical methods. The research found that by using techniques such as masking and nickel electroplating, the solder strength and conductivity of the printed electrodes could be significantly improved.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Optics
Julia R. D'Rozario, Stephen J. Polly, George T. Nelson, David Wilt, Seth M. Hubbard
Summary: This study highlights the significance of considering free-carrier absorption (FCA) in non-active layers for the design and efficiency improvement of ultrathin III-V solar cells with light trapping structures. Optical modeling shows that FCA can cause parasitic losses and reduce the current and voltage output of the solar cells.
Article
Mathematics, Applied
E. Seim, A. Kohler, R. Lukacs, M. A. Brandsrud, E. S. Marstein, E. Olsen, R. Blumel
Summary: The research team maximizes absorption by trapping light rays in chaotic scattering systems and proposes the use of an autocorrelation function to assess the average path length of rays as a possible experimental method to verify light-trapping efficiency.
Article
Optics
Jovan Maksimovic, Jingwen Hu, Soon Hock Ng, Tomas Katkus, Gediminas Seniutinas, Tatiana Pinedo Rivera, Michael Stuiber, Yoshiaki Nishijima, Sajeev John, Saulius Juodkazis
Summary: Light trapping photonic crystal (PhC) patterns on the surface of Si solar cells provide a novel opportunity for approaching the theoretical efficiency limit. Two surface patterning methods are compared, along with electron beam lithography. Spectral characterization of the PhC light trapping is also discussed.
OPTO-ELECTRONIC ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Majid Zamani, Zoheir Kordrostami
Summary: This paper presents the design of an optimized and efficient nanocone array solar cell, which achieves a performance improvement of nearly 18% compared to the non-optimized structure by adding a shell layer and extracting optimal design parameters. The goal of maximizing the current density is achieved through the particle swarm optimization algorithm.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Wenfu Liu, Xin Luo, Xiao Wang, Yasha Yi
Summary: By proposing a pair of coupled nanowires and adjusting light absorption through light coupling, this study successfully enhances the photocurrent of the nanowires by reshaping and strengthening leaky mode resonances. This practical approach offers a 24.1% increase in photocurrent compared to uncoupled nanowires and a 28.2% increase compared to bare nanowires. By utilizing light-coupled resonant structures, this work effectively increases light absorption.
APPLIED PHYSICS EXPRESS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Daan van der Woude, Luc van der Krabben, Gerard Bauhuis, Maarten van Eerden, Jae Jin Kim, Peter Mulder, Joost Smits, Elias Vlieg, John J. Schermer
Summary: In this study, ultrathin GaAs solar cells with a diffuse scattering layer based on wide bandgap GaP were presented. The GaP textured cells showed a significant increase in short-circuit current density, reaching 21.9 mA·cm(-2), which was attributed to increased photon absorption through light-trapping.
PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ashish Bohre, Md Imteyaz Alam, Kalpana Avasthi, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Blaz Likozar
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Florian D. Speck, Michael T. Y. Paul, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Matija Gatalo, Haesol Kim, Han Chang Kwon, Karl J. J. Mayrhofer, Minkee Choi, Chang Hyuck Choi, Nejc Hodnik, Serhiy Cherevko
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Milutin Smiljanic, Ursa Petek, Marjan Bele, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Martin Sala, Primoz Jovanovic, Miran Gaberscek, Nejc Hodnik
Summary: The electrochemical stability of a commercial Au/C catalyst in an acidic electrolyte was investigated using an accelerated stress test. The test revealed that the loss of Au electrochemical surface area was mainly due to the dissolution of small Au particles within the polydisperse Au/C sample.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Leonard Moriau, Marjan Bele, Ziva Marinko, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Gorazd Koderman Podborsek, Martin Sala, Angelja Kjara Surca, Janez Kovac, Iztok Arcon, Primoz Jovanovic, Nejc Hodnik, Luka Suhadolnik
Summary: The study focuses on the development of high-performance OER catalysts with minimal use of the rare element Ir for the commercialization of PEMWEs. A synthesis procedure for producing a nanocomposite powder containing TiONx and Ir was developed. Anodic oxidation was found to be a suitable method for producing high-surface-area catalysts. The morphology of the nanotubular support was identified as the key factor determining the catalyst's OER activity and stability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leonard Jean Moriau, Armin Hrnjic, Andraz Pavlisic, Ana Rebeka Kamsek, Ursa Petek, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Martin Sala, Luka Pavko, Vid Simon Selih, Marjan Bele, Primoz Jovanovic, Matija Gatalo, Nejc Hodnik
Summary: The complexity of commercially available platinum-based electrocatalysts and their electrochemical behavior has been studied, revealing challenges in understanding the structure-property relationships. A bottom-up approach has been introduced to provide a new level of understanding of the structure-stability relationships of nanoparticulate systems.
Article
Electrochemistry
Armin Hrnjic, Ana Rebeka Kamsek, Andraz Pavlisic, Martin Sala, Marjan Bele, Leonard Moriau, Matija Gatalo, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Primoz Jovanovic, Nejc Hodnik
Summary: The structural properties of nanoparticulate electrocatalysts are dynamic in an electrochemical environment, affecting their performance. State-of-the-art transmission electron microscopy enables the exploration of structure-property relations. Developing and using in-situ or quasi-in-situ methods are crucial for studying the structural changes of nanoparticles.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Venkata D. B. C. Dasireddy, Spela Hajduk, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Janez Kovac, Blaz Likozar, Zorica Crnjak Orel
Summary: The decomposition of NH3 over Cu-Zn catalysts supported on ceria and titania was investigated, showing that the pathway active sites of Cu-Zn nano-catalysts depended strongly on the type of metal oxide support. Through various characterization methods, it was found that high catalytic activity with excellent stability can be achieved on Cu-Zn/TiO2.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
John Fredy Velez Santa, Svit Menart, Marjan Bele, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Primoz Jovanovic, Vasko Jovanovski, Martin Sala, Milutin Smiljanic, Nejc Hodnik
Summary: The development of a Pt-based electrocatalytic material using the organic matrix TAP with ladder-like nitrogen-containing units enables selective catalysis of hydrogen oxidation and suppression of oxygen reduction at the anode, contributing to improved durability of fuel cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Cavit Eyovge, Cristian S. Deenen, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Stephan Bartling, Yury Smirnov, Monica Morales-Masis, Arturo Susarrey-Arce, Han Gardeniers
Summary: Co-axial electrospinning was used to structure non-woven webs of TiO2 nanofibers loaded with Ag, Au, and CuO nanoparticles. Different nanoparticle compositions in the TiO2 composite layers showed distinct colors in electrochromic applications. Among them, the Au/TiO2 layer exhibited the most promising performance with favorable characteristics for electrochromic applications.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maximilian Grandi, Kurt Mayer, Matija Gatalo, Gregor Kapun, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Bernhard Marius, Miran Gaberscek, Viktor Hacker
Summary: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is a vital tool in analyzing and monitoring fuel cells. This study focused on the impact of catalyst layer thickness on cell resistance, developing a new equivalent circuit model to simulate impedance signals across a range of frequencies typically used in PEMFC experimental work. Experimental data compared the new model to an older one, revealing that increasing catalyst layer thickness leads to higher ohmic resistance and decreased electrolyte resistance due to increased water retention.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anja Loncar, Daniel Escalera-Lopez, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Armin Hrnjic, Martin Sala, Primoz Jovanovic, Marjan Bele, Serhiy Cherevko, Nejc Hodnik
Summary: This study presents a smart design strategy for enhancing Ir utilization and stabilization by efficiently anchoring Ir nanoparticles on a conductive support titanium oxynitride, covered by a thin layer of copper. The sacrificial Cu layer is shown to positively affect both Ir OER mass activity and durability. Improved activity of the Cu analogue is attributed to the higher surface area of smaller Ir nanoparticles better stabilized through a strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maximilian Grandi, Matija Gatalo, Ana Rebeka Kamsek, Gregor Kapun, Kurt Mayer, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Martin Sala, Bernhard Marius, Marjan Bele, Nejc Hodnik, Merit Bodner, Miran Gaberscek, Viktor Hacker
Summary: Platinum-copper catalysts have shown high activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but transferring this activity to membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) has been challenging due to stability issues. The catalysts experience fast performance decay when exposed to repeated voltage load steps with H-2/air supplied. This decay is accelerated by high humidity and low voltage polarization. The use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and distribution of relaxation time analysis (EIS-DRT) has helped identify the affected electrochemical processes and suggested improvements for the PtCu/KB catalyst system.
Article
Mineralogy
Ruggero Vigliaturo, Sabrina M. Elkassas, Giancarlo Della Ventura, Guenther J. Redhammer, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Michael J. O'Shea, Goran Drazic, Reto Giere
Summary: This study presents a multi-analytical characterization of a glaucophane sample from northwestern Italy, revealing that different magnifications yield different results for studying the same particle population. The findings suggest the need for improved regulations on elongate mineral particles and propose a methodology to merge datasets for a more comprehensive risk evaluation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MINERALOGY
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Armin Hrnjic, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Miran Gaberscek, Marjan Bele, Luka Suhadolnik, Nejc Hodnik, Primoz Jovanovic
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nejc Hodnik, Luigi Romano, Primoz Jovanovic, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Marjan Bele, Filippo Fabbri, Luana Persano, Andrea Camposeo, Dario Pisignano
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2020)