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Yang JH, Hwang SJ, Chun SK, Kim KJ. Effect of Temperature on the Deterioration of Graphite-Based Negative Electrodes during the Prolonged Cycling of Li-ion Batteries. J ELECTROCHEM SCI TE 2022. [DOI: 10.33961/jecst.2021.00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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2
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Carbon nanotube-carbon black hybrid counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells and the effect on charge transfer kinetics. J Solid State Electrochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10008-021-04932-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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3
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Moissette A, Batonneau-Gener I, Hureau M, Pinard L, Vezin H, Perdicakis M, Walcarius A. Electron transfers in graphitized HZSM-5 zeolites. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:1914-1922. [PMID: 33459301 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp06148d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, we report the electron transfers occurring after ionization of the guest molecules of t-stilbene incorporated in graphitized HZSM-5 zeolites and we compare these results with the data obtained previously for graphite-free zeolites. Complementary diffuse reflectance UV-vis and Raman scattering spectroscopies provide evidence for stabilization of long lived charge separated states as observed in non-graphitized ZSM-5. The spectral features indicate that these species are located in the channels of the zeolite structure. However, the pulsed EPR technique shows strong coupling between unpaired electrons and the 13C atoms in the case of graphitized zeolites while this interaction is not observed in normal zeolites. This is assigned to the presence of charge transfer complexes in the close vicinity of graphite areas and to the possible electron transfer to the graphitized domain. Using cyclic voltammetry, an electrochemical response is observed for the first time in such systems demonstrating the role played by graphite in the electron transfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Moissette
- LASIRE Bât. C5, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Université de Lille, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France.
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Dayan S. Immobilized palladium complex into carbon-based nanomaterials: As catalyst for counter-electrode in the photovoltaics. J Mol Struct 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.128444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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5
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Li GR, Gao XP. Low-Cost Counter-Electrode Materials for Dye-Sensitized and Perovskite Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1806478. [PMID: 31116898 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201806478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
It is undoubtable that the use of solar energy will continue to increase. Solar cells that convert solar energy directly to electricity are one of the most convenient and important photoelectric conversion devices. Though silicon-based solar cells and thin-film solar cells have been commercialized, developing low-cost and highly efficient solar cells to meet future needs is still a long-term challenge. Some emerging solar-cell types, such as dye-sensitized and perovskite, are approaching acceptable performance levels, but their costs remain too high. To obtain a higher performance-price ratio, it is necessary to find new low-cost counter materials to replace conventional precious metal electrodes (Pt, Au, and Ag) in these emerging solar cells. In recent years, the number of counter-electrode materials available, and their scope for further improvement, has expanded for dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells. Generally regular patterns in the intrinsic features and structural design of counter materials for emerging solar cells, in particular from an electrochemical perspective and their effects on cost and efficiency, are explored. It is hoped that this recapitulative analysis will help to make clear what has been achieved and what still remains for the development of cost-effective counter-electrode materials in emerging solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Ran Li
- Institute of New Energy Material Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xue-Ping Gao
- Institute of New Energy Material Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
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Ratul Kumar Biswas, Nemala SS, Mallick S. Platinum and Transparent Conducting Oxide Free Graphene-CNT Composite Based Counter-Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. SURFACE ENGINEERING AND APPLIED ELECTROCHEMISTRY 2019. [DOI: 10.3103/s1068375519040021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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7
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Mousavi F, Taherpour AA. A carbon nanotube-iron (III) oxide nanocomposite as a cathode in dye-sensitized solar cells: Computational modeling and electrochemical investigations. Electrochim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2019.06.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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8
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Liu L, Wu Y, Chi F, Yi Z, Wang H, Li W, Zhang Y, Zhang X. An efficient quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell with gradient polyaniline-graphene/PtNi tailored gel electrolyte. Electrochim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2019.05.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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9
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Applications of carbon nanotubes and graphene for third-generation solar cells and fuel cells. NANO MATERIALS SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoms.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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10
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Carella A, Borbone F, Centore R. Research Progress on Photosensitizers for DSSC. Front Chem 2018; 6:481. [PMID: 30364239 PMCID: PMC6193062 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are considered one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies as an alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells, for their compatibility with low-cost production methods, their peculiar optical and mechanical properties and the high indoor efficiency. Photosensitizers represent one of the most important components of a DSSC device and probably the most thoroughly investigated in the last twenty years, with thousands of dyes that have been proposed and tested for this kind of application. In this review we aimed to provide an overview of the three main classes of DSSC photosensitizers, namely ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes, Zn-porphyrin derivatives and metal-free organic dyes. After a brief introduction about the architecture and operational principles of a DSSC and the state of the art of the other main components of this type of device, we focused our discussion on photosensitizers. We have defined the numerous requirements DSSC photosensitizers should satisfy and have provided an overview of their historical development over the years; by examining specific dyes reported in the literature, we attempted to highlight the molecular design strategies that have been established for the optimization of their performance in real devices both in terms of efficiency (which recently reaches an outstanding 14.3%) and operational stability. Finally, we discussed, in the last section, the possible future developments of this intriguing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Carella
- Chemical Sciences Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Borbone
- Chemical Sciences Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Centore
- Chemical Sciences Department, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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11
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Ti Porous Film-Supported NiCo₂S₄ Nanotubes Counter Electrode for Quantum-Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2018; 8:nano8040251. [PMID: 29673225 PMCID: PMC5923581 DOI: 10.3390/nano8040251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, a novel Ti porous film-supported NiCo₂S₄ nanotube was fabricated by the acid etching and two-step hydrothermal method and then used as a counter electrode in a CdS/CdSe quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell. Measurements of the cyclic voltammetry, Tafel polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the symmetric cells revealed that compared with the conventional FTO (fluorine doped tin oxide)/Pt counter electrode, Ti porous film-supported NiCo₂S₄ nanotubes counter electrode exhibited greater electrocatalytic activity toward polysulfide electrolyte and lower charge-transfer resistance at the interface between electrolyte and counter electrode, which remarkably improved the fill factor, short-circuit current density, and power conversion efficiency of the quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell. Under illumination of one sun (100 mW/cm²), the quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell based on Ti porous film-supported NiCo₂S₄ nanotubes counter electrode achieved a power conversion efficiency of 3.14%, which is superior to the cell based on FTO/Pt counter electrode (1.3%).
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12
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Afshari M, Dinari M, Momeni MM. Ultrasonic irradiation preparation of graphitic-C 3N 4/polyaniline nanocomposites as counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2018; 42:631-639. [PMID: 29429711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2017.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this research, polyaniline/graphitic carbon nitride (PANI/g-C3N4) nanocomposites were synthesized via in-situ electrochemical polymerization of aniline monomer whit different number of cyclic voltammetry scans (10, 20 and 30 cycles) after electrode surface pre-preparation using a potential shock under ultrasonic irradiation. PANI/g-C3N4 nanocomposites with two values of g-C3N4 (0.010 wt% and 0.015 wt%) were deposited on the surface of the transparent conducting film (FTO glass) by immersing FTO into the aniline solution and g-C3N4 during the electro-polymerization. The resulting PANI/g-C3N4 films were characterized by Fourier transformed infra-red (FTIR), power X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The prepared electrodes were applied as counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells. Among them, the prepared electrode with 10 cycles and 0.01 wt% g-C3N4 showed the best efficiency. These hybrids show good catalytic activity in elevating tri-iodide reduction and due to the synergistic effect of PANI and g-C3N4, PANI/g-C3N4 nanocomposite electrode shows power conversion efficiency about 1.8%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaddeseh Afshari
- Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mohammad Dinari
- Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Mohamad Mohsen Momeni
- Department of Chemistry, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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13
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Cogal S, Ali AK, Erten-Ela S, Celik Cogal G, Kulicek J, Micusik M, Omastova M, Oksuz AU. Plasma-based preparation of polyaniline/graphene and polypyrrole/graphene composites for dye-sensitized solar cells as counter electrodes. JOURNAL OF MACROMOLECULAR SCIENCE PART A-PURE AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/10601325.2018.1426386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sadik Cogal
- Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Polymer Engineering, Burdur, Turkey
| | | | - Sule Erten-Ela
- Ege University, Solar Energy Institute, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gamze Celik Cogal
- Suleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry Isparta, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Aysegul Uygun Oksuz
- Suleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry Isparta, Turkey
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14
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Batmunkh M, Bat-Erdene M, Shapter JG. Phosphorene and Phosphorene-Based Materials - Prospects for Future Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2016; 28:8586-8617. [PMID: 27435365 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201602254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorene, a single- or few-layered semiconductor material obtained from black phosphorus, has recently been introduced as a new member of the family of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials. Since its discovery, phosphorene has attracted significant attention, and due to its unique properties, is a promising material for many applications including transistors, batteries and photovoltaics (PV). However, based on the current progress in phosphorene production, it is clear that a lot remains to be explored before this material can be used for these applications. After providing a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in phosphorene synthesis, advantages and challenges of the currently available methods for phosphorene production are discussed. An overview of the research progress in the use of phosphorene for a wide range of applications is presented, with a focus on enabling important roles that phosphorene would play in next-generation PV cells. Roadmaps that have the potential to address some of the challenges in phosphorene research are examined because it is clear that the unprecedented chemical, physical and electronic properties of phosphorene and phosphorene-based materials are suitable for various applications, including photovoltaics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munkhbayar Batmunkh
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Munkhjargal Bat-Erdene
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Joseph G Shapter
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia.
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15
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Thuy CTT, Jung JH, Thogiti S, Jung WS, Ahn KS, Kim JH. Graphene coated alumina-modified polypyrrole composite films as an efficient Pt-free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. Electrochim Acta 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.04.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Martín C, Ziółek M, Douhal A. Ultrafast and fast charge separation processes in real dye-sensitized solar cells. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C-PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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17
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Baro M, Jaidev J, Ramaprabhu S. Electrochemical catalytic activity study of nitrogen-containing hierarchically porous carbon and its application in dye-sensitized solar cells. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra18121j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen-containing hierarchically porous carbon is derived by carbonizing and activating polypyrrole nanostructure (APNP) using a template-free synthesis method and is demonstrated to be an efficient counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mridula Baro
- Alternative Energy and Nanotechnology Laboratory (AENL)
- Nano Functional Materials Technology Centre (NFMTC)
- Department of Physics
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras
- Chennai 600036
| | - Jaidev Jaidev
- Alternative Energy and Nanotechnology Laboratory (AENL)
- Nano Functional Materials Technology Centre (NFMTC)
- Department of Physics
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras
- Chennai 600036
| | - Sundara Ramaprabhu
- Alternative Energy and Nanotechnology Laboratory (AENL)
- Nano Functional Materials Technology Centre (NFMTC)
- Department of Physics
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras
- Chennai 600036
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Yang Z, Ahmad W, Chu L, Al-bahrani MR, Tu F, Wang Y, Zhang H, Wang X, Su J, Liu N, Li L, Yang C, Gao Y. Three-dimensional nanocomposite formed by hydrophobic multiwalled carbon nanotubes threading titanium dioxide as the counter electrode of enhanced performance dye-sensitized solar cells. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra06705k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel strategy of fast solvent induced assembly is used to synthesize a three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposite of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and TiO2, as the counter electrode (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
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Synthesis of Efficient Ni 0.9X 0.1Se 2 (X=Cd, Co, Sn and Zn) Based Ternary Selenides for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.832.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A low-cost platinum (Pt) free electrocatalyst of NiSe2 and Ni0.9X0.1Se2 (X=Cd, Co, Sn and Zn) have been developed by hydrothermal reduction route and utilized as counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The purity, phase formation and morphology of the sample were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity of the synthesized selenides for the reduction of I3- to I- was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The Ni0.9Zn0.1Se2 CE exhibited lower internal resistance and higher electrocatalytic activity than the other ternary metal selenides and this may be due to an increase in the electrocatalytic active sites on the surface of Ni0.9Zn0.1Se2. As a result, the DSSC fabricated with Ni0.9Sn0.1Se2 CE achieved a high power conversion efficiency of 4.20% under an illumination of 100 mW/cm2, which is comparable to that of DSSC with Pt CE (6.11%). These results demonstrate the potential application of Ni0.9Zn0.1Se2 as an alternative CE to replace expensive Pt in DSSCs. This study can be further extended for the development of new metal selenides based CE electrocatalysts with high activity for the DSSCs.
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Batmunkh M, Biggs MJ, Shapter JG. Carbon Nanotubes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2015; 11:2963-2989. [PMID: 25864907 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201403155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
As one type of emerging photovoltaic cell, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an attractive potential source of renewable energy due to their eco-friendliness, ease of fabrication, and cost effectiveness. However, in DSSCs, the rarity and high cost of some electrode materials (transparent conducting oxide and platinum) and the inefficient performance caused by slow electron transport, poor light-harvesting efficiency, and significant charge recombination are critical issues. Recent research has shown that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising candidates to overcome these issues due to their unique electrical, optical, chemical, physical, as well as catalytic properties. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research that has focused on the application of CNTs and their hybrids in transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs), in semiconducting layers, and in counter electrodes of DSSCs. At the end of this review, some important research directions for the future use of CNTs in DSSCs are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munkhbayar Batmunkh
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Mark J Biggs
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
- School of Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Joseph G Shapter
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, 5042, Australia
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Moore KE, Tune DD, Flavel BS. Double-walled carbon nanotube processing. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2015; 27:3105-37. [PMID: 25899061 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201405686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been the focus of intense research, and the body of literature continues to grow exponentially, despite more than two decades having passed since the first reports. As well as extensive studies of the fundamental properties, this has seen SWCNTs used in a plethora of applications as far ranging as microelectronics, energy storage, solar cells, and sensors, to cancer treatment, drug delivery, and neuronal interfaces. On the other hand, the properties and applications of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) have remained relatively under-explored. This is despite DWCNTs not only sharing many of the same unique characteristics of their single-walled counterparts, but also possessing an additional suite of potentially advantageous properties arising due to the presence of the second wall and the often complex inter-wall interactions that arise. For example, it is envisaged that the outer wall can be selectively functionalized whilst still leaving the inner wall in its pristine state and available for signal transduction. A similar situation arises in DWCNT field effect transistors (FETs), where the outer wall can provide a convenient degree of chemical shielding of the inner wall from the external environment, allowing the excellent transconductance properties of the pristine nanotubes to be more fully exploited. Additionally, DWCNTs should also offer unique opportunities to further the fundamental understanding of the inter-wall interactions within and between carbon nanotubes. However, the realization of these goals has so far been limited by the same challenge experienced by the SWCNT field until recent years, namely, the inherent heterogeneity of raw, as-produced DWCNT material. As such, there is now an emerging field of research regarding DWCNT processing that focuses on the preparation of material of defined length, diameter and electronic type, and which is rapidly building upon the experience gained by the broader SWCNT community. This review describes the background of the field, summarizing some relevant theory and the available synthesis and purification routes; then provides a thorough synopsis of the current state-of-the-art in DWCNT sorting methodologies, outlines contemporary challenges in the field, and discusses the outlook for various potential applications of the resulting material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Moore
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, 5042, Australia
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Daniel D Tune
- Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, 5042, Australia
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Benjamin S Flavel
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76021, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Theerthagiri J, Senthil AR, Madhavan J, Maiyalagan T. Recent Progress in Non-Platinum Counter Electrode Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. ChemElectroChem 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201402406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Batmunkh M, Biggs MJ, Shapter JG. Carbonaceous Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Photoelectrodes. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2015; 2:1400025. [PMID: 27980926 PMCID: PMC5115290 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201400025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
High photovoltaic efficiency is one of the most important keys to the commercialization of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in the quickly growing renewable electricity generation market. The heart of the DSSC system is a wide bandgap semiconductor based photoelectrode film that helps to adsorb dye molecules and transport the injected electrons away into the electrical circuit. However, charge recombination, poor light harvesting efficiency and slow electron transport of the nanocrystalline oxide photoelectrode film are major issues in the DSSC's performance. Recently, semiconducting composites based on carbonaceous materials (carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene) have been shown to be promising materials for the photoelectrode of DSSCs due to their fascinating properties and low cost. After a brief introduction to development of nanocrystalline oxide based films, this Review outlines advancements that have been achieved in the application of carbonaceous-based materials in the photoelectrode of DSSCs and how these advancements have improved performance. In addition, several of the unsolved issues in this research area are discussed and some important future directions are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munkhbayar Batmunkh
- School of Chemical Engineering The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia; School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Mark J Biggs
- School of Chemical Engineering The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia; School of Science Loughborough University Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 3TU UK
| | - Joseph G Shapter
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences Flinders University Bedford Park Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
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Sacco A, Bella F, De La Pierre S, Castellino M, Bianco S, Bongiovanni R, Pirri CF. Electrodes/electrolyte interfaces in the presence of a surface-modified photopolymer electrolyte: application in dye-sensitized solar cells. Chemphyschem 2015; 16:960-9. [PMID: 25677499 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201402891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Since hundreds of studies on photoanodes and cathodes show that the electrode/electrolyte interfaces represent a key aspect at the base of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performances, it is reported here that these interfaces can be managed by a smart design of the spatial composition of quasi-solid electrolytes. By means of a cheap, rapid, and green process of photoinduced polymerization, composition-tailored polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) with siloxane-enriched surfaces are prepared, and their properties are thoroughly described. When assembled in DSSCs, the interfacial action promoted by the composition-tailored PEMs enhances the photocurrent and fill factor values, thus increasing the global photovoltaic conversion efficiency with respect to the non-modified PEMs. Moreover, the presence of the siloxane-chain-enriched surface increases the hydrophobicity and reduces the water vapor permeation into the device, thus enhancing the cell's durability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Sacco
- Center for Space Human Robotics @Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Trento 21, 10129 Torino (Italy).
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