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Moloto W, Mbule P, Nxumalo E, Ntsendwana B. Enhanced optical and electrochemical properties of FeBTC MOF modified TiO 2 photoanode for DSSCs application. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11292. [PMID: 38760398 PMCID: PMC11101415 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61701-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In this work, iron based 1, 3, 5-tricarboxylic acid (FeBTC) was prepared via microwave-assisted method and incorporated into TiO2 via ultrasonic assisted method. The TiO2-FeBTC nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FTIR, Raman, BET, FESEM, HRTEM, TGA, UV‒vis DRS and PL to understand their crystallographic, surface morphology, and optical characteristics. The Raman spectra showed a blue shift of Eg, A1g, and B1g peaks upon incorporation of FeBTC MOF onto TiO2. HRTEM and XRD analysis confirmed a mixture of TiO2 nanospheres and hexagonal FeBTC MOF morphologies with high crystallinity. The incorporation of FeBTC onto TiO2 improved the surface area as confirmed by BET results, which resulted in improved absorption in the visible region as a results of reduced bandgap energy from 3.2 to 2.84 eV. The PL results showed a reduced intensity for TiO2-FeBTC (6%) sample, indicating improved separation of electron hole pairs and reduced recombination rate. After fabrication of the TiO2-FeBTC MOF photoanode, the charge transfer kinetics were enhanced at TiO2-FeBTC MOF (6%) with Rp value of 966 Ω, as given by EIS studies. This led to high performance due to low charge resistance. Hence, high power conversion efficiency (PCE) value of 0.538% for TiO2-FeBTC (6%) was achieved, in comparison with other loadings. This was attributed to a relatively high surface area which allowed more charge shuttling and thus better electrical response. Conversely, upon increasing the FeBTC MOF loading to 8%, significant reduction in efficiency (0.478%) was obtained, which was attributed to sluggish charge transfer and fast electron-hole pair recombination rate. The TiO2-FeBTC (6%) may be a good candidate for use in DSSCs as a photoanode materials for improved efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Moloto
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, CSET, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, 1710, South Africa
| | - Pontsho Mbule
- Department of Physics, CSET, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, 1710, South Africa
| | - Edward Nxumalo
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, CSET, University of South Africa, Johannesburg, 1710, South Africa.
| | - Bulelwa Ntsendwana
- Energy, Water, Environmental and Food Sustainable Technologies (EWEF-susTech), Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa.
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Machín A, Márquez F. Advancements in Photovoltaic Cell Materials: Silicon, Organic, and Perovskite Solar Cells. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:1165. [PMID: 38473635 DOI: 10.3390/ma17051165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of photovoltaic cells is intrinsically linked to advancements in the materials from which they are fabricated. This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of the latest developments in silicon-based, organic, and perovskite solar cells, which are at the forefront of photovoltaic research. We scrutinize the unique characteristics, advantages, and limitations of each material class, emphasizing their contributions to efficiency, stability, and commercial viability. Silicon-based cells are explored for their enduring relevance and recent innovations in crystalline structures. Organic photovoltaic cells are examined for their flexibility and potential for low-cost production, while perovskites are highlighted for their remarkable efficiency gains and ease of fabrication. The paper also addresses the challenges of material stability, scalability, and environmental impact, offering a balanced perspective on the current state and future potential of these material technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abniel Machín
- Environmental Catalysis Research Laboratory, Division of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Cupey Campus, San Juan, PR 00926, USA
| | - Francisco Márquez
- Nanomaterials Research Group, Department of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Gurabo Campus, Gurabo, PR 00778, USA
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Li F, Shaw S, Libby C, Preciado N, Bicer B, Tamizhmani G. A review of toxicity assessment procedures of solar photovoltaic modules. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 174:646-665. [PMID: 38159503 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Environmental management of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is attracting attention as a growing number of field-operated PV modules approach end of life (EoL). PV modules may contain small amounts of toxic metals, and the procedures for assessing and regulating the toxic metal content and release of such materials at EoL differ widely across nations. This paper provides an overview of the metal composition of PV modules and common procedures for toxicity assessment through extensive research and review of technical literature and legislative documents. This review focuses on three primary aspects: first, it explores the distribution of toxic elements within current and emerging PV module designs, with a specific focus on obtaining representative samples for proportional toxicity testing within different module laminate areas. Second, it examines a sampling standard and the diverse toxicity testing methods and regulations employed in various regions, encompassing standards like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Test Method 1311 (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure, TCLP) in the U.S., Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in Europe, and the Waste Extraction Test (WET) in California. Third, the review examines the sources of variability in toxicity testing outcomes, including techniques for securing homogeneous samples from non-uniform PV modules, selecting particle sizes representative of landfill conditions in extracted samples, determining appropriate leachate characteristics such as leaching agents and pH levels, and considering factors like test duration and temperatures. In summary, this review summarizes relevant regulations and offers a comprehensive overview of the strengths and limitations associated with several toxicity assessment procedures currently in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Photovoltaic Reliability Laboratory, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA.
| | | | | | - Nini Preciado
- Photovoltaic Reliability Laboratory, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
| | - Bulent Bicer
- Photovoltaic Reliability Laboratory, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
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DSSCs based on unsymmetrical A3B type Zn(II) and TiO(IV) naphthalenephthalocyanine/porphyrin cocktail dyes: A potential alternative for ruthenium based sensitizers. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2023.114642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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Amrillah T, Prasetio A, Supandi AR, Sidiq DH, Putra FS, Nugroho MA, Salsabilla Z, Azmi R. Environment-friendly copper-based chalcogenide thin film solar cells: status and perspectives. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:313-339. [PMID: 36537134 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh00983h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Copper chalcogenides (CuCh) have attracted considerable attention due to their promising potential as environmental-friendly photoactive material for lightweight and flexible thin film solar cells. Further, CuCh can be fabricated from simple to complex chemical compositions and offer a remarkable charge carrier mobility and excellent absorption coefficient with a desirable bandgap (up to ∼1.0 eV). Currently, they have demonstrated maximum power conversion efficiencies of over 23% for single-junction, around 25% and 28% for monolithic 2-Terminal (2T) and mechanically-stacked 4-Terminal (4T) perovskite/CuCh tandem solar cells, respectively. This article presents an overview of CuCh-based materials, from binary- to quaternary-CuCh compounds for single- and multi-junction solar cells. Then, we discuss the development of fabrication methods and the approaches taken to improve the performance of CuCh-based thin film itself, including chemical doping, the development of complement layers, and their potential application in flexible and lightweight devices. Finally, these technologies' stability, scalability, and toxicity aspects are discussed to enhance their current marketability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahta Amrillah
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidisciplinary, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia.
| | - Adi Prasetio
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Solar Center (KSC), Physical Sciences and Engineering Division (PSE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdul Rohman Supandi
- Department of Chemistry and Materials, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - David Hadid Sidiq
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidisciplinary, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia.
| | - Fajar Sukamto Putra
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidisciplinary, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia.
| | - Muhammad Adi Nugroho
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidisciplinary, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia.
| | - Zahra Salsabilla
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidisciplinary, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia.
| | - Randi Azmi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Solar Center (KSC), Physical Sciences and Engineering Division (PSE), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Prakash R, Das S, Maiti P. Non-toxic CuInS2 quantum dot sensitized solar cell with functionalized thermoplast polyurethane gel electrolytes. POLYMER 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2023.125708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Khir H, Pandey A, Saidur R, Shakeel Ahmad M, Abd Rahim N, Dewika M, Samykano M. Recent advancements and challenges in flexible low temperature dye sensitised solar cells. SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND ASSESSMENTS 2022; 53:102745. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seta.2022.102745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Toward Eco-Friendly Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs): Natural Dyes and Aqueous Electrolytes. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en15010219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Due to their low cost, facile fabrication, and high-power conversion efficiency (PCE), dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted much attention. Ruthenium (Ru) complex dyes and organic solvent-based electrolytes are typically used in high-efficiency DSSCs. However, Ru dyes are expensive and require a complex synthesis process. Organic solvents are toxic, environmentally hazardous, and explosive, and can cause leakage problems due to their low surface tension. This review summarizes and discusses previous works to replace them with natural dyes and water-based electrolytes to fabricate low-cost, safe, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly DSSCs. Although the performance of “eco-friendly DSSCs” remains less than 1%, continuous efforts to improve the PCE can accelerate the development of more practical devices, such as designing novel redox couples and photosensitizers, interfacial engineering of photoanodes and electrolytes, and biomimetic approaches inspired by natural systems.
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Trifiletti V, Asker C, Tseberlidis G, Riva S, Zhao K, Tang W, Binetti S, Fenwick O. Quasi-Zero Dimensional Halide Perovskite Derivates: Synthesis, Status, and Opportunity. FRONTIERS IN ELECTRONICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/felec.2021.758603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, many technological advances have been enabled by nanoscale phenomena, giving rise to the field of nanotechnology. In particular, unique optical and electronic phenomena occur on length scales less than 10 nanometres, which enable novel applications. Halide perovskites have been the focus of intense research on their optoelectronic properties and have demonstrated impressive performance in photovoltaic devices and later in other optoelectronic technologies, such as lasers and light-emitting diodes. The most studied crystalline form is the three-dimensional one, but, recently, the exploration of the low-dimensional derivatives has enabled new sub-classes of halide perovskite materials to emerge with distinct properties. In these materials, low-dimensional metal halide structures responsible for the electronic properties are separated and partially insulated from one another by the (typically organic) cations. Confinement occurs on a crystal lattice level, enabling bulk or thin-film materials that retain a degree of low-dimensional character. In particular, quasi-zero dimensional perovskite derivatives are proving to have distinct electronic, absorption, and photoluminescence properties. They are being explored for various technologies beyond photovoltaics (e.g. thermoelectrics, lasing, photodetectors, memristors, capacitors, LEDs). This review brings together the recent literature on these zero-dimensional materials in an interdisciplinary way that can spur applications for these compounds. The synthesis methods, the electrical, optical, and chemical properties, the advances in applications, and the challenges that need to be overcome as candidates for future electronic devices have been covered.
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