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
Chemistry, Physical
Lihua Li, Liang Zhao, Xiao Jiang, Ze Yu, Jihong Liu, Hailong Rui, Junyu Shen, Walid Sharmoukh, Nageh K. Allam, Licheng Sun
Summary: In recent years, copper(ii/i) complexes have gained attention as redox mediators in dye-sensitized solar cells. A new class of copper complexes with improved solubility and diffusion coefficients by changing the counterion has been reported, leading to a significantly enhanced power conversion efficiency in DSCs.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose-Maria Andres Castan, Valid Mwatati Mwalukuku, Antonio J. Riquelme, Johan Liotier, Quentin Huaulme, Juan A. Anta, Pascale Maldivi, Renaud Demadrille
Summary: This study explores the potential of photochromic dyes in photovoltaic applications, designing and synthesizing four new photosensitizers with a donor-pi-acceptor structure. The interplay between photochromic, acidochromic, and photovoltaic properties is elucidated, demonstrating that these dyes can act as photosensitizers in DSSCs. The maximum power conversion efficiency is reported as 2.7%, a significant improvement compared to previous works.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinrui Xie, Yuyan Zhang, Yutong Ren, Lifei He, Yi Yuan, Jing Zhang, Peng Wang
Summary: Overcoming excited-state quenching and interfacial charge recombination is crucial for achieving efficient and durable dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Cografting a wide-energy-gap adsorbent and a low-energy-gap photosensitizer on a mesoporous titania film improves electron injection, hole injection, and interfacial charge recombination kinetics, leading to increased efficiency.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
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
Zijian Deng, Xichuan Yang, Kaiyuan Yang, Li Zhang, Haoxin Wang, Xiuna Wang, Licheng Sun
Summary: Redox mediators are crucial in dye-sensitized solar cells, and copper complexes are a good option, despite electron recombination issues. By synthesizing two helical copper(I) complexes and eliminating the use of 4-(tert-butyl)pyridine, the efficiency of the solar cells was improved. Increasing the concentration of (CuLa)-La-I showed an increase in both photocurrent and photovoltage, leading to the best power conversion efficiency at 8.2%. Further investigation into the relationship between Cu(I) concentration and recombination was conducted for future research.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Kaiyuan Yang, Xichuan Yang, Li Zhang, Jincheng An, Haoxin Wang, Zijian Deng
Summary: Two newly synthesized copper complexes with bipyridine ligands were used as redox mediators in dye-sensitized solar cells, demonstrating high efficiency and stability due to the introduction of alkoxy groups to enhance solubility and suppress charge recombination.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sanele Nyembe, Francis Chindeka, Gebhu Ndlovu, Andile Mkhohlakali, Tebello Nyokong, Lucky Sikhwivhilu
Summary: Plasmonic gold nanoparticles can significantly improve the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells through mechanisms such as light absorption/scattering, hot electron injection, and plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tomohiro Higashino, Hiroshi Imahori
Summary: Redox shuttles are crucial in the performance of DSSCs. Copper(I/II) complexes have emerged as third-generation redox shuttles and achieved up to 13% power conversion efficiency due to their more positive redox potentials.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marco Giordano, Giorgio Volpi, Matteo Bonomo, Paolo Mariani, Claudio Garino, Guido Viscardi
Summary: Three aromatic diimine ligands and their corresponding homoleptic copper(I) and copper(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized in this study. The nature of the ligand significantly influenced the photophysical and electrochemical properties of the complexes, and the coordination geometry of the complexes was affected by substituting pendant methyl groups with methoxy. The ligand was found to play a crucial role in the performance of the devices, with methoxy-substituted derivatives exhibiting unexpectedly high open circuit voltage after severe ligand exchange with tert-butylpyridine.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alex Okello, Brian Owino Owuor, Jane Namukobe, Denis Okello, Julius Mwabora
Summary: The study found that with an increase in anthocyanin concentration, the open circuit voltage, short circuit current, and fill factor of solar cells increased, attributed to the increase in charge density leading to more charges available for transport. The increase in electron density also caused a negative shift in the Fermi level of electrons in the conduction band of TiO2, resulting in an increase in open circuit voltage and overall solar cell performance. EIS studies revealed an increase in recombination resistance with anthocyanin concentration, related to the increase in electron density and Fermi level shift.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Leticia Fernanda Goncalves Larsson, Gidea Taques Tractz, Ana Paula Camargo Matheus, Paulo Rogerio Pinto Rodrigues
Summary: Using co-adsorbents is an efficient strategy to improve the photoconversion energy efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. The addition of 2-MBT to the dye results in higher photoconversion energy efficiency and longer electron lifetime, but reduces the efficiency of charge transfer.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Debajyoti Das, Prami Nandi
Summary: A simple low-temperature hydrothermal route was used to prepare binary ZnO/g-C3N4 heterostructures, which showed improved performance in DSSC application. The growth of g-C3N4 layer on ZnO nanorods surface delayed electron recombination and increased electron concentration in the photoelectrode.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Varishetty Madhu Mohan, Kenji Murakam, Madhavi Jonnalagadda, V. R. Machavaram
Summary: Pure TiO2 and surface-modified TiO2 films were developed using spray pyrolysis technique, with similar crystal structure and optical absorption properties. However, the addition of ZnO layer in SMT films increased impedance and hindered reverse electron transmission. Thus, the efficiency of DSSCs improved from 8.25% to 9.3%.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wei Zheng, Xu Zhang
Summary: The introduction of CdS/Ag2S quantum dots can effectively enhance the power conversion efficiency of the hybrid solar cells.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Abdul Qayoom Mugheri, Shaista Khan, Ali Asghar Sangah, Aijaz Ahmed Bhutto, Muhammad Younis Laghari, Nadeem Ahmed Mugheri, Asif Ali Jamali, Arsalan Ahmed Mugheri, Nagji Sodho, Abdul Waheed Mastoi, Aftab Kandhro
Summary: Green hydrogen has the potential to transition to a pollution-free energy infrastructure. This study proposes a solution to produce hydrogen during the photoelectrochemical process, offering greater stability and control over chemical reactions. Techno-economic assessments show the efficiency and economic feasibility of co-producing value-added chemicals to enhance green hydrogen production.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Danpeng Cheng, Wuxin Sha, Qigao Han, Shun Tang, Jun Zhong, Jinqiao Du, Jie Tian, Yuan-Cheng Cao
Summary: LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 (NCM) is a critical cathode material for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The aging of cathode/electrolyte interfaces leads to capacity degradation and long-term cycle instability. A novel neural network model called ACGNet is developed to predict electrochemical stability windows of crystals, allowing for high-throughput screening of coating materials. LiPO3 is identified as a promising coating material with high oxidation voltage and low cost, which significantly improves the cycle stability of NCM batteries. This study demonstrates the accuracy and potential of machine learning in battery materials.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
P. Mohana, R. Yuvakkumar, G. Ravi, S. Arunmetha
Summary: This study successfully fabricates a non-noble CuO/NiO/rGO nanocomposite and investigates its electrocatalytic performance for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline environment. The experimental results demonstrate that the electrocatalyst exhibits high activity and good stability, offering a new synthetic approach for sustainable energy production.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Qiong Qu, Jing Guo, Hongyu Wang, Kai Zhang, Jingde Li
Summary: In this study, a bifunctional electrode host design consisting of carbon nanofibers implanted ordered porous Co-decorated Al2O3 supported on carbon nanotube film (CNTF) was proposed to address the shuttling effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and dendrite formation of metal lithium anode in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The electrode exhibited excellent conductivity, efficient confinement of LiPSs, and catalytic conversion performance, resulting in high initial capacity and good capacity retention during cycling. As an anode, the electrode showed excellent Li+ diffusion performance and uniform lithium growth behavior, achieving a dendrite-free lithium electrode. The flexible pack cell assembled from these electrodes delivered a specific capacity of 972 mAh g(-1) with good capacity retention.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Hong Zhang, Jin-Peng Yu, Chen Chen, Cheng-Yong Shu, Guang-Yu Xu, Jie Ren, Kai Cui, Wen-Fang Cai, Yun-Hai Wang, Kun Guo
Summary: Spray coating of acetylene black nanoparticles onto stainless steel mesh can enhance its biofilm formation ability and current density, making it a promising electrode material for microbial electrochemical systems. The spray coating method is simple, cost-effective, and suitable for large-size stainless steel electrodes.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Binpeng Hou, Jingjin Chen, Li-Hong Zhang, Xiaowen Shi, Zizhong Zhu
Summary: The electrochemical performance of Li1.20Mn0.44Ni0.32Co0.04O2 and its oxygen-deficient phase Li1.20Mn0.44Ni0.32Co0.04O1.83 was studied through first-principles calculations. The results show that the oxygen-deficient phase has a higher theoretical capacity but lower voltage platform and higher chemical activity compared to the pristine phase.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Yating Du, Sayoko Shironita, Daisuke Asakura, Eiji Hosono, Yoshitsugu Sone, Yugo Miseki, Eiichi Kobayashi, Minoru Umeda
Summary: This study investigates the effect of high- and low-temperature environments on the charge-discharge performance of a Li-ion battery. The deterioration mechanisms of the battery at different temperatures are analyzed through various characterization techniques. The results indicate that the battery performance deteriorates more significantly at a low-temperature environment of 5 degrees C compared to higher temperatures. The understanding of the deterioration mechanisms can contribute to the development of safer battery usage methods.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Si-Si Shi, Zhi-Xiang Yuan, Fei Zhang, Ping Chen
Summary: In this study, a new nano-electrocatalyst was prepared, which exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of NO2- to ammonia in a neutral electrolyte, potentially due to the synergistic enhancement between Co3O4-x and Co.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Berna Dalkiran, Havva Bekirog
Summary: This study reports the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) based on ethylene glycol and urea as low-cost and green electrolytes for enhancing electrochemical detection of natural antioxidants. The study successfully developed a disposable and effective electrochemical sensing platform for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and gallic acid (GA) using NaOH nanorods on a pencil graphite electrode. The proposed electrode showed improved analytical performance, with higher peak currents and shifted oxidation potentials in DES compared to BR buffer medium.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Sijun Ren, Jianguo Huang
Summary: In this study, a novel bio-inspired nanofibrous WO3/carbon composite was synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. The three-dimensional network structure of the composite alleviated the volume expansion of WO3 nanorods and enhanced the charge-transport kinetics. The optimized composite exhibited superior lithium storage properties.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Zhilong Zheng, Yu Chen, Hongxia Yin, Hengbo Xiao, Xiangji Zhou, Zhiwen Li, Ximin Li, Jin Chen, Songliu Yuan, Junjie Guo, Haibin Yu, Zhen Zhang, Lihua Qian
Summary: This study found that interstitial Zn cations in CoMoO4 can modulate the dissolution kinetics of Mo cations and improve the OER performance. The interstitial Zn cations can prevent the dissolution of Co cations at high potential, enhancing the durability of the catalyst.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Xiaobo Lin, Shern R. Tee, Debra J. Searles, Peter T. Cummings
Summary: Molecular dynamics simulations using the constant potential method were used to investigate the charging dynamics and charge storage of supercapacitors. The simulations revealed that the water-in-salt electrolyte exhibited the highest charge storage and significantly higher capacitance on the negative electrode. The varying contributions of different electrode regions to supercapacitor performance were also demonstrated.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Wiktoria Lipinska, Vita Saska, Katarzyna Siuzdak, Jakub Karczewski, Karol Zaleski, Emerson Coy, Anne de Poulpiquet, Ievgen Mazurenko, Elisabeth Lojou
Summary: The spatial distribution of enzymes on electrodes is important for bioelectrocatalysis. In this study, controlled spatial distribution of gold nanoparticles on Ti nanodimples was achieved. The efficiency of enzymatic O2 reduction was found to be influenced by the size of the gold nanoparticles and their colocalization with TiO2. The highest stability of enzymatic current was observed with the largest gold nanoparticles.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Tariq M. Al-Hejri, Zeenat A. Shaikh, Ahmed H. Al-Naggar, Siddheshwar D. Raut, Tabassum Siddiqui, Hamdan M. Danamah, Vijaykumar V. Jadhav, Abdullah M. Al-Enizi, Rajaram S. Mane
Summary: This study explores a promising self-growth approach for the synthesis of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) nanosponge-balls on the surface of a nickel-foam (NiF) electrode. The modified NiF electrode, named Ni(OH)2@NiF, shows distinctive nanosponge-ball morphology and demonstrates excellent energy storage capability and electrocatalytic performance in both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Electrochemistry
Rafael Del Olmo, Gregorio Guzman-Gonzalez, Oihane Sanz, Maria Forsyth, Nerea Casado
Summary: The use of Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) is becoming increasingly extensive, and it is important to optimize the devices to achieve their maximum practical specific capacity. In this study, mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) binders based on PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT: PDADMA-TFSI were developed for Li-ion cathodes, and their performance was compared with conventional formulations. The influence of electrode formulations, including the addition of conducting carbon and an Organic Ionic Plastic Cristal (OIPC), was also analyzed. The proposed binders showed improved performance compared to conventional formulations with different electrolyte types and active materials.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)