1
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Sannino GV, Pecoraro A, Veneri PD, Pavone M, Muñoz-García AB. Effective prediction of SnO 2 conduction band edge potential: The key role of surface oxygen vacancies. J Comput Chem 2024. [PMID: 38795374 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Several theoretical studies at different levels of theory have attempted to calculate the absolute position of the SnO2 conduction band, whose knowledge is key for its effective application in optoelectronic devices such us, for example, perovskite solar cells. However, the predicted band edges fall outside the experimentally measured range. In this work, we introduce a computational scheme designed to calculate the conduction band minimum values of SnO2, yielding results aligned with experiments. Our analysis points out the fundamental role of encompassing surface oxygen vacancies to properly describe the electronic profile of this material. We explore the impact of both bridge and in-plane oxygen vacancy defects on the structural and electronic properties of SnO2, explaining from an atomistic perspective the experimental observables. The results underscore the importance of simulating both types of defects to accurately predict SnO2 features and provide new fundamental insights that can guide future studies concerning design and optimization of SnO2-based materials and functional interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriana Pecoraro
- Department of Physics "E. Pancini", University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Delli Veneri
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Portici, Italy
| | - Michele Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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2
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Tuc Altaf C, Rostas AM, Popa A, Toloman D, Stefan M, Demirci Sankir N, Sankir M. Recent Advances in Photochargeable Integrated and All-in-One Supercapacitor Devices. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:47393-47411. [PMID: 38144123 PMCID: PMC10734009 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c07464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Photoassisted energy storage systems, which enable both the conversion and storage of solar energy, have attracted attention in recent years. These systems, which started about 20 years ago with the individual production of dye-sensitized solar cells and capacitors and their integration, today allow more compact and cost-effective designs using dual-acting electrodes. Solar-assisted batterylike or hybrid supercapacitors have also shown promise with their high energy densities. This review summarizes all of these device designs and conveys the cutting-edge studies in this field. Besides, this review aims to emphasize the effects of point, extrinsic, intrinsic, and 2D-planar defects on the performance of photoassisted energy storage systems since it is known that defect structures, as well as electrical, optical, and surface properties, affect the device performance. Here, it is also targeted to draw attention to how critical the design, material selection, and material properties are for these new-generation energy conversion and storage devices, which have a high potential to see commercial examples quickly and to be recognized by more readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Tuc Altaf
- Department
of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Sogutozu Caddesi No 43 Sogutozu 06560 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arpad Mihai Rostas
- National
Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and
Molecular Technologies- INCDTIM, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Popa
- National
Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and
Molecular Technologies- INCDTIM, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dana Toloman
- National
Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and
Molecular Technologies- INCDTIM, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Stefan
- National
Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and
Molecular Technologies- INCDTIM, 67-103 Donat, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nurdan Demirci Sankir
- Department
of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Sogutozu Caddesi No 43 Sogutozu 06560 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Sankir
- Department
of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Sogutozu Caddesi No 43 Sogutozu 06560 Ankara, Turkey
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3
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Liu H, Yao Y, Samorì P. Taming Multiscale Structural Complexity in Porous Skeletons: From Open Framework Materials to Micro/Nanoscaffold Architectures. SMALL METHODS 2023; 7:e2300468. [PMID: 37431215 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments in the design and synthesis of more and more sophisticated organic building blocks with controlled structures and physical properties, combined with the emergence of novel assembly modes and nanofabrication methods, make it possible to tailor unprecedented structurally complex porous systems with precise multiscale control over their architectures and functions. By tuning their porosity from the nanoscale to microscale, a wide range of functional materials can be assembled, including open frameworks and micro/nanoscaffold architectures. During the last two decades, significant progress is made on the generation and optimization of advanced porous systems, resulting in high-performance multifunctional scaffold materials and novel device configurations. In this perspective, a critical analysis is provided of the most effective methods for imparting controlled physical and chemical properties to multifunctional porous skeletons. The future research directions that underscore the role of skeleton structures with varying physical dimensions, from molecular-level open frameworks (<10 nm) to supramolecular scaffolds (10-100 nm) and micro/nano scaffolds (>100 nm), are discussed. The limitations, challenges, and opportunities for potential applications of these multifunctional and multidimensional material systems are also evaluated in particular by addressing the greatest challenges that the society has to face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Yifan Yao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Paolo Samorì
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS UMR 7006, 8 allée Gaspard Monge, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
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4
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Wang X, Liang M, Zhang J, Chen X, Zaw M, Oo TZ, Lwin NW, Aung SH, Chen Y, Chen F. Double-photoelectrode redox desalination of seawater. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 239:120051. [PMID: 37182310 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
High energy consumption and low salt removal rate are key barriers to realizing practical electrochemical seawater desalination processes. Here, we demonstrate a novel solar-driven redox flow desalination device with double photoelectrodes to achieve efficient desalination without electrical energy consumption. The device consists of three parts: one photoanode unit, one photocathode unit, and one redox flow desalination unit sandwiched between the two photoelectrode units. The photoelectrode units include a TiO2 photoanode and a NiO photocathode sensitized with N719 dye, triiodide/iodide redox electrolyte, and graphite paper integrated electrodes decorated with 3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene. Two salt feeds are located between two ferro/ferricyanide redox flow chambers. Under light illumination, high-quality freshwater is obtained from brackish water containing different concentrations of NaCl from 1000 to 12,000 ppm with a high NaCl removal rate. The device can work in multiple desalination cycles without significant performance declines. Furthermore, natural seawater with an ionic conductivity of 53.45 mS cm-1 is desalinated to freshwater. This new design opens opportunities to realize efficient and practical solar-driven desalination processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, PR China; School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Mengjun Liang
- School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory for High-Efficiency Utilization of Solar Energy and Operation Control of Energy Storage System, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, PR China
| | - Jiancong Zhang
- School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xuncai Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Mono Zaw
- Department of Physics, Materials Research Laboratory, University of Mandalay, Mandalay 05032, Burma
| | - Than Zaw Oo
- Department of Physics, Materials Research Laboratory, University of Mandalay, Mandalay 05032, Burma
| | - Nyein Wint Lwin
- Department of Physics, Materials Research Laboratory, University of Mandalay, Mandalay 05032, Burma
| | - Su Htike Aung
- Department of Physics, Materials Research Laboratory, University of Mandalay, Mandalay 05032, Burma
| | - Yuan Chen
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Fuming Chen
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, South China Normal University, Foshan 528225, PR China; School of Physics and Telecommunication Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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5
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Moghaieb HS, Amendola V, Khalil S, Chakrabarti S, Maguire P, Mariotti D. Nanofluids for Direct-Absorption Solar Collectors-DASCs: A Review on Recent Progress and Future Perspectives. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1232. [PMID: 37049324 PMCID: PMC10096558 DOI: 10.3390/nano13071232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their superior optical and thermal properties over conventional fluids, nanofluids represent an innovative approach for use as working fluids in direct-absorption solar collectors for efficient solar-to-thermal energy conversion. The application of nanofluids in direct-absorption solar collectors demands high-performance solar thermal nanofluids that exhibit exceptional physical and chemical stability over long periods and under a variety of operating, fluid dynamics, and temperature conditions. In this review, we discuss recent developments in the field of nanofluids utilized in direct-absorption solar collectors in terms of their preparation techniques, optical behaviours, solar thermal energy conversion performance, as well as their physical and thermal stability, along with the experimental setups and calculation approaches used. We also highlight the challenges associated with the practical implementation of nanofluid-based direct-absorption solar collectors and offer suggestions and an outlook for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzo Amendola
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Universita’ degli Studi di Padova, Via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Sameh Khalil
- School of Engineering, Ulster University, 2-24 York Street, Belfast BT15 1AP, UK
| | - Supriya Chakrabarti
- School of Engineering, Ulster University, 2-24 York Street, Belfast BT15 1AP, UK
| | - Paul Maguire
- School of Engineering, Ulster University, 2-24 York Street, Belfast BT15 1AP, UK
| | - Davide Mariotti
- School of Engineering, Ulster University, 2-24 York Street, Belfast BT15 1AP, UK
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6
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Chishti AN, Ma Z, Liu Y, Chen M, Gautam J, Guo F, Ni L, Diao G. Synthesis of highly efficient and magnetically separable Fe3O4@C-TiO2-Ag catalyst for the reduction of organic dyes and 4-nitrophenol. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.127694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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7
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Mustafa SM, Barzinjy AA, Hamad AH, Hamad SM. Biosynthesis of quantum dots and their usage in solar cells: insight from the novel researches. INTERNATIONAL NANO LETTERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40089-021-00359-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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8
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A systematic review of pure metals reinforced plastic composites. IRANIAN POLYMER JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13726-021-00922-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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9
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10
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Zinc phthalocyanines as light harvesters for SnO 2-based solar cells: a case study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1176. [PMID: 31980734 PMCID: PMC6981253 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58310-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
SnO2 nanoparticles have been synthesized and used as electron transport material (ETM) in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), featuring two peripherally substituted push-pull zinc phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) bearing electron donating diphenylamine substituents and carboxylic acid anchoring groups as light harvesters. These complexes were designed on the base of previous computational studies suggesting that the integration of secondary amines as donor groups in the structure of unsymmetrical ZnPcs might enhance photovoltaics performances of DSSCs. In the case of TiO2-based devices, this hypothesis has been recently questioned by experimental results. Herein we show that the same holds for SnO2, despite the optimal matching of the optoelectronic characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles and diphenylamino-substituted ZnPcs, thus confirming that other parameters heavily affect the solar cells performances and should be carefully taken into account when designing materials for photovoltaic applications.
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11
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Gopakumar G, Nair SV, Shanmugam M. Plasma driven nano-morphological changes and photovoltaic performance in dye sensitized 2D-layered dual oxy-sulfide phase WS 2 films. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:239-247. [PMID: 31816000 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr07566f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The present work examined dye sensitized 2D layered tungsten disulfide (WS2) as a photo-anode in solar cells with no use of nanocrystalline metal oxides as electron acceptors such as titanium dioxide. It is observed that coating WS2 directly onto a fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) transparent conductor, annealed at 530 °C, resulted in a mixed oxy-sulfide dual phase as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. Further studies on the surface morphology of the dual phase WS2-WO3 film showed a random distribution of platelets which further shaped into precisely regulated hexagonal platelets upon plasma treatment. High resolution transmission electron microscopic studies elucidated two different phases, WS2 and WO3, with d-spacing values of 0.26 nm and 0.37 nm, respectively. A well-defined grain boundary was also observed which separated the oxy-sulfide phase in the sample. The dual WS2-WO3 phase films showed optical absorption in the wavelength range of 350 nm-800 nm with a systematic increase in plasma exposure duration. Photovoltaic devices fabricated using the WS2-WO3 mixed phase photo-anodes resulted in 0.61% efficiency (η) which further was observed to be sensitive to the plasma exposure as it was observed that the 20 minute plasma treated sample increased the η value to 0.67%. Plasma treatment on the dual-phase samples orients and modifies the shapes of the platelets with a significant change in the surface which eventually influences the charge transport in resulting photovoltaic devices and thus the variation with respect to exposure duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopika Gopakumar
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala-682041, India.
| | - Shantikumar V Nair
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala-682041, India.
| | - Mariyappan Shanmugam
- Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala-682041, India.
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12
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Ghamgosar P, Rigoni F, Kohan MG, You S, Morales EA, Mazzaro R, Morandi V, Almqvist N, Concina I, Vomiero A. Self-Powered Photodetectors Based on Core-Shell ZnO-Co 3O 4 Nanowire Heterojunctions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:23454-23462. [PMID: 31252456 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b04838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Self-powered photodetectors operating in the UV-visible-NIR window made of environmentally friendly, earth abundant, and cheap materials are appealing systems to exploit natural solar radiation without external power sources. In this study, we propose a new p-n junction nanostructure, based on a ZnO-Co3O4 core-shell nanowire (NW) system, with a suitable electronic band structure and improved light absorption, charge transport, and charge collection, to build an efficient UV-visible-NIR p-n heterojunction photodetector. Ultrathin Co3O4 films (in the range 1-15 nm) were sputter-deposited on hydrothermally grown ZnO NW arrays. The effect of a thin layer of the Al2O3 buffer layer between ZnO and Co3O4 was investigated, which may inhibit charge recombination, boosting device performance. The photoresponse of the ZnO-Al2O3-Co3O4 system at zero bias is 6 times higher compared to that of ZnO-Co3O4. The responsivity ( R) and specific detectivity ( D*) of the best device were 21.80 mA W-1 and 4.12 × 1012 Jones, respectively. These results suggest a novel p-n junction structure to develop all-oxide UV-vis photodetectors based on stable, nontoxic, low-cost materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedram Ghamgosar
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Materials Science , Luleå University of Technology , 97187 Luleå , Sweden
| | - Federica Rigoni
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Materials Science , Luleå University of Technology , 97187 Luleå , Sweden
| | - Mojtaba Gilzad Kohan
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Materials Science , Luleå University of Technology , 97187 Luleå , Sweden
| | - Shujie You
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Materials Science , Luleå University of Technology , 97187 Luleå , Sweden
| | - Edgar Abarca Morales
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Materials Science , Luleå University of Technology , 97187 Luleå , Sweden
| | - Raffaello Mazzaro
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Materials Science , Luleå University of Technology , 97187 Luleå , Sweden
| | - Vittorio Morandi
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems Section of Bologna , National Research Council , Via P. Gobetti, 101 , I-40129 Bologna , Italy
| | - Nils Almqvist
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Materials Science , Luleå University of Technology , 97187 Luleå , Sweden
| | - Isabella Concina
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Materials Science , Luleå University of Technology , 97187 Luleå , Sweden
| | - Alberto Vomiero
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Materials Science , Luleå University of Technology , 97187 Luleå , Sweden
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems , Ca' Foscari University of Venice , Via Torino 155 , 30170 Venezia Mestre , Italy
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13
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Sheng X, Xu T, Feng X. Rational Design of Photoelectrodes with Rapid Charge Transport for Photoelectrochemical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1805132. [PMID: 30637813 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201805132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Photoelectrode materials are the heart of photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells, which hold great promise to address global energy and environmental issues by converting solar energy into electricity or chemical fuels. In recent decades, significant research efforts have been devoted to the design and construction of photoelectrodes for the efficient generation and utilization of charge carriers to boost PEC performance. Herein, insights from a literature study on the relationship between the architecture and charge dynamics of photoelectrodes are presented. After briefly introducing the fundamental theories of charge dynamics in nanostructured photoelectrodes, the development of photoelectrode design in 1D polycrystalline nanotube arrays, 1D single-crystalline nanowire arrays, and hierarchical and mesoporous nanowire arrays is reviewed with a focus on the interplay between architecture and charge transport properties. For each design, commonly used synthetic approaches and the corresponding charge transport properties are discussed. Subsequently, the applications of these photoelectrodes in PEC systems are summarized. In conclusion, future challenges in the rational design of photoelectrode architecture are presented. The basic relationships between the architectures and charge dynamics of photoelectrode materials discussed here are expected to provide pertinent guidance and a reference for future advanced material design targeting improved light energy conversion systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Sheng
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL, 60115, USA
| | - Xinjian Feng
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
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14
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Role of co-sensitization in dye-sensitized and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-018-0054-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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15
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Podhorsky J, Murauskas T, Hegemann C, Graf D, Fischer T, Babiak M, Pinkas J, Plausinaitiene V, Mathur S, Abrutis A, Moravec Z. Preparation of Heteroleptic Tin(IV) N,O‐β‐Heteroarylalkenolate Complexes and Their Properties as PI‐MOCVD Precursors for SnO
2
Deposition. Eur J Inorg Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201800913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Podhorsky
- Masaryk University Faculty of Science Department of Chemistry Kotlarska 2 611 37 Brno Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Murauskas
- University of Vilnius Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences Naugarduko 24 03225 Vilnius Lithuania
| | - Corinna Hegemann
- University of Cologne Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry Greinstraße 6 50939 Köln Germany
| | - David Graf
- University of Cologne Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry Greinstraße 6 50939 Köln Germany
| | - Thomas Fischer
- University of Cologne Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry Greinstraße 6 50939 Köln Germany
| | - Michal Babiak
- Masaryk University Faculty of Science Department of Chemistry Kotlarska 2 611 37 Brno Czech Republic
- Masaryk University CEITEC MU Kamenice 5 62500 Brno Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pinkas
- Masaryk University Faculty of Science Department of Chemistry Kotlarska 2 611 37 Brno Czech Republic
- Masaryk University CEITEC MU Kamenice 5 62500 Brno Czech Republic
| | - Valentina Plausinaitiene
- University of Vilnius Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences Naugarduko 24 03225 Vilnius Lithuania
| | - Sanjay Mathur
- University of Cologne Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry Greinstraße 6 50939 Köln Germany
| | - Adulfas Abrutis
- University of Vilnius Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences Naugarduko 24 03225 Vilnius Lithuania
| | - Zdenek Moravec
- Masaryk University Faculty of Science Department of Chemistry Kotlarska 2 611 37 Brno Czech Republic
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16
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Suresh S, Unni GE, Satyanarayana M, Nair AS, Pillai VM. Plasmonic Ag@Nb2O5 surface passivation layer on quantum confined SnO2 films for high current dye-sensitized solar cell applications. Electrochim Acta 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2018.08.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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17
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Muhammad N, Zanoni KPS, Iha NYM, Ahmed S. The Use of Rutile- and Anatase-Titania Layers towards Back Light Scattering in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. ChemistrySelect 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201801569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Muhammad
- Department of Chemistry; Quaid-i-Azam University; Islamabad 45320, Islamabad Pakistan
| | - Kassio Papi Silva Zanoni
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Energy Conversion; Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Quí o Paulo - USP, Av. -o Paulo, SP; Brazil
| | - Neyde Yukie Murakami Iha
- Laboratory of Photochemistry and Energy Conversion; Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Quí o Paulo - USP, Av. -o Paulo, SP; Brazil
| | - Safeer Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry; Quaid-i-Azam University; Islamabad 45320, Islamabad Pakistan
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18
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Halder G, Ghosh D, Ali MY, Sahasrabudhe A, Bhattacharyya S. Interface Engineering in Quantum-Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:10197-10216. [PMID: 29584956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The unique properties of II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals such as superior light absorption, size-dependent optoelectronic properties, solution processability, and interesting photophysics prompted quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) as promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaic (PV) technology. QDSSCs have advantages such as low-cost device fabrication, multiple exciton generation, and the possibility to push over the theoretical power conversion efficiency (PCE) limit of 32%. In spite of dedicated research efforts to enhance the PCE, optimize individual solar cell components, and better understand the underlying science, QDSSCs have unfortunately not lived up to their potential due to shortcomings in the fabrication process and with the QDs themselves. In this feature article, we briefly discuss the QDSSC concepts and mechanisms of the charge carrier recombination pathways that occur at multiple interfaces, viz., (i) metal oxide (MO)/QDs, (ii) MO/QDs/electrolyte, and (iii) counter electrode (CE)/electrolyte. The rational strategies that have been developed to minimize/block these charge recombination pathways are elaborated. The article concludes with a discussion of the present challenges in fabricating efficient devices and future prospects for QDSSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganga Halder
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata , Mohanpur 741246 , India
| | - Dibyendu Ghosh
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata , Mohanpur 741246 , India
| | - Md Yusuf Ali
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata , Mohanpur 741246 , India
| | - Atharva Sahasrabudhe
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata , Mohanpur 741246 , India
| | - Sayan Bhattacharyya
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials , Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata , Mohanpur 741246 , India
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Zhou X, Wang Z, Xia X, Shao G, Homewood K, Gao Y. Synergistic Cooperation of Rutile TiO 2 {002}, {101}, and {110} Facets for Hydrogen Sensing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:28199-28209. [PMID: 30058320 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b07816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An oriented TiO2 thin film-based hydrogen sensor has been demonstrated to have excellent sensing properties at room temperature. The exposed high energy surface offers a low energy barrier for H2 adsorption and dissociation. In this work, rutile TiO2 with {101} and {002} facets exposed was controllably synthesized by adjusting the ethanol content of the hydrothermal solvent. The crystalline structure, morphologies, and H2 sensing performance of the samples varied with the relative ratios of {002} and {101} facets. By increasing the ethanol content, the (002) orientation growth was enhanced and the (101) orientation growth was restrained, the size of the nanorods composing the thin film was reduced and the density of the film was increased. All of the prepared TiO2 nanorod array film-based hydrogen sensors performed very well at room temperature. The TiO2 hydrogen sensor with both {110} and {002} facets exposed gave a faster response, as well as better repeatability and stability than those with only {002} facets. Density functional theory simulations have been adopted to reveal the surface interaction of H2 and the TiO2 surface. The results suggested that H2 tended to be adsorbed and dissociated on the (002) and (101) surface. There is a very small active barrier for atomic H to recombine into H2 molecules on the (110) surface. Thin films with lower density, where more (110) surface is exposed, offered more space for H2 regeneration, leading to shorter response and recovery times as well as higher sensitivity. The (002), (101), and (110) surfaces of rutile TiO2 synergistically cooperated to complete the whole H2 sensing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhou
- Ministry-of-Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering , Hubei University , Wuhan 430062 , China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- State Center for International Cooperation on Designer Low-carbon & Environmental Materials , Zhengzhou University , 100 Kexue Avenue , Zhengzhou 450001 , China
- Zhengzhou Materials Genome Institute , Zhongyuanzhigu, Xingyang 450100 , China
| | - Xiaohong Xia
- Ministry-of-Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering , Hubei University , Wuhan 430062 , China
| | - Guosheng Shao
- State Center for International Cooperation on Designer Low-carbon & Environmental Materials , Zhengzhou University , 100 Kexue Avenue , Zhengzhou 450001 , China
- Zhengzhou Materials Genome Institute , Zhongyuanzhigu, Xingyang 450100 , China
| | - Kevin Homewood
- Ministry-of-Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering , Hubei University , Wuhan 430062 , China
| | - Yun Gao
- Ministry-of-Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering , Hubei University , Wuhan 430062 , China
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20
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Samadpour M. Improving the parameters of electron transport in quantum dot sensitized solar cells through seed layer deposition. RSC Adv 2018; 8:26056-26068. [PMID: 35541957 PMCID: PMC9082740 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra04413a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we investigate the effect of seed layer deposition on electron-transport parameters of chemical-bath-deposited (CBD) CdSe quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). Fill factors were systematically improved to more than 0.6 through reduced recombination after seed layer deposition. Considering the beneficial effects of seed layer deposition, noticeably higher efficiency values were systematically obtained in cells with the seed layer (2–3.19%) in comparison to cells without a seed layer (0.03–0.46%) depending on the TiO2 photoanode particle size. Electron-transport parameters in cells, including chemical capacitance, recombination resistance, the diffusion coefficient, electron life time and small perturbation diffusion lengths of electrons were examined by modeling the experimental impedance spectroscopy data. We showed that a seed layer enhanced recombination resistance in cells, while the photoanode conduction band position was not affected. Higher diffusion lengths of electrons were obtained after seed layer deposition, correlated to the reduced electron recombination rate by redox electrolyte through seed layer deposition. As a general conclusion we report that while the seed layer generally is deposited to increase light absorption, at the same time this could be applied in order to systematically enhance charge-transport properties in cells and it has a clear application in the optimization of QDSC performance. It is proved that the seed layer deposition could be systematically applied in order to enhance the charge transport in the cells.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Samadpour
- Department of Physics, K. N. Toosi University of Technology PO Box 15418-49611 Tehran Iran
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21
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Amaral RC, Barbosa DR, Zanoni KP, Iha NYM. Natural sensitizers for DSCs improved with nano-TiO 2 compact layer. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2017.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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22
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Tang Q. All-Weather Solar Cells: A Rising Photovoltaic Revolution. Chemistry 2017; 23:8118-8127. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201700098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qunwei Tang
- Institute of Materials Science and Engineering; Ocean University of China; No 238 Songling Road, Laoshan District Qingdao 266100 P. R. China
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23
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Wu D, Wang X, Cao K, An Y, Song X, Liu N, Xu F, Gao Z, Jiang K. ZnO Nanorods with Tunable Aspect Ratios Deriving from Oriented-attachment for Enhanced Performance in Quantum-dot Sensitized Solar Cells. Electrochim Acta 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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24
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Ambrosone A, Roopin M, Pelaz B, Abdelmonem AM, Ackermann LM, Mattera L, Allocca M, Tino A, Klapper M, Parak WJ, Levy O, Tortiglione C. Dissecting common and divergent molecular pathways elicited by CdSe/ZnS quantum dots in freshwater and marine sentinel invertebrates. Nanotoxicology 2017; 11:289-303. [DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2017.1295111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Ambrosone
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti “E. Caianiello”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Modi Roopin
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Beatriz Pelaz
- Fachbereich Physik, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Lucia Mattera
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti “E. Caianiello”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Allocca
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti “E. Caianiello”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Angela Tino
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti “E. Caianiello”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Markus Klapper
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang J. Parak
- Fachbereich Physik, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- CIC biomaGUNE, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Oren Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Claudia Tortiglione
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti “E. Caianiello”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
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25
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Zhang Y, Wang C, Yuan Z, Zhang L, Yin L. Reduced Graphene Oxide Wrapped Mesoporous Hierarchical TiO
2
‐CdS as a Photoanode for High‐Performance Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells. Eur J Inorg Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201601535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Liquid‐Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials Ministry of Education School of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong University 250061 Jinan P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Taishan University 271021 Tai'an P. R. China
| | - Chengxiang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Liquid‐Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials Ministry of Education School of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong University 250061 Jinan P. R. China
| | - Zhimin Yuan
- Key Laboratory for Liquid‐Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials Ministry of Education School of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong University 250061 Jinan P. R. China
| | - Luyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Liquid‐Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials Ministry of Education School of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong University 250061 Jinan P. R. China
| | - Longwei Yin
- Key Laboratory for Liquid‐Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials Ministry of Education School of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong University 250061 Jinan P. R. China
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26
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Jia D, Qi Z, Li X, Li L, Shao LH, Liu H. 3D hierarchical macro/mesoporous TiO2 with nanoporous or nanotubular structures and their core/shell composites achieved by anodization. CrystEngComm 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ce00429j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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27
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Zhao H, Jin L, Zhou Y, Bandar A, Fan Z, Govorov AO, Mi Z, Sun S, Rosei F, Vomiero A. Green synthesis of near infrared core/shell quantum dots for photocatalytic hydrogen production. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 27:495405. [PMID: 27834311 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/49/495405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dots (QDs) are attractive systems for potential applications in future solar energy technologies, due to their optical properties which are tunable as a function of size and composition. In this study, we synthesized PbS QDs with first excitonic peak in the range 1060 to 1300 nm using a PbCl2/sulfur molar ratio of 10:1. The first excitonic absorption peak from 1300 to 950 nm of the PbS/CdS core/shell QDs can be further synthesized via the cation exchange approach. Our method resulted in high quantum yield, good stability, monodisperse QD solutions with a full surface coverage by excess Cd cations. In addition, we used our core/shell QDs in a photoelectrochemical cell for hydrogen generation. This heterostructure exhibited a saturated photocurrent as high as 3.3 mA cm-2, leading to ∼29 ml cm-2 d-1 hydrogen generation, indicating the strong potential of our core/shell QDs for applications in water splitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiguang Zhao
- Centre for Energy, Materials and Telecommunications, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, 1650 Boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes (QC) J3X 1S2, Canada
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28
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Qadir MB, Li Y, Sahito IA, Arbab AA, Sun KC, Mengal N, Memon AA, Jeong SH. Highly Functional TNTs with Superb Photocatalytic, Optical, and Electronic Performance Achieving Record PV Efficiency of 10.1% for 1D-Based DSSCs. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2016; 12:4508-4520. [PMID: 27432775 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201601058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Different nanostructures of TiO2 play an important role in the photocatalytic and photoelectronic applications. TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) have received increasing attention for these applications due to their unique physicochemical properties. Focusing on highly functional TNTs (HF-TNTs) for photocatalytic and photoelectronic applications, this study describes the facile hydrothermal synthesis of HF-TNTs by using commercial and cheaper materials for cost-effective manufacturing. To prove the functionality and applicability, these TNTs are used as scattering structure in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Photocatalytic, optical, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), electrochemical impedance spectrum, incident-photon-to-current efficiency, and intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy/intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopy characterizations are proving the functionality of HF-TNTs for DSSCs. HF-TNTs show 50% higher photocatalytic degradation rate and also 68% higher dye loading ability than conventional TNTs (C-TNTs). The DSSCs having HF-TNT and its composite-based multifunctional overlayer show effective light absorption, outstanding light scattering, lower interfacial resistance, longer electron lifetime, rapid electron transfer, and improved diffusion length, and consequently, J SC , quantum efficiency, and record photoconversion efficiency of 10.1% using commercial N-719 dye is achieved, for 1D-based DSSCs. These new and highly functional TNTs will be a concrete fundamental background toward the development of more functional applications in fuel cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, Li-ion batteries, photocatalysis process, ion-exchange/adsorption process, and photoelectrochemical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Bilal Qadir
- Department of Organic and Nano Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04791, South Korea
- Department of Materials and Testing, National Textile University, Faisalabad, 37610, Pakistan
| | - Yuewen Li
- Department of Organic and Nano Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04791, South Korea
| | - Iftikhar Ali Sahito
- Department of Organic and Nano Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04791, South Korea
| | - Alvira Ayoub Arbab
- Department of Organic and Nano Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04791, South Korea
| | - Kyung Chul Sun
- Department of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technology, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04791, South Korea
- Technical Textile and Materials R&D Group, Research Institute of Industrial Technology Convergence, Ansan-si, 15588, South Korea
| | - Naveed Mengal
- Department of Organic and Nano Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04791, South Korea
| | - Anam Ali Memon
- Department of Organic and Nano Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04791, South Korea
| | - Sung Hoon Jeong
- Department of Organic and Nano Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04791, South Korea
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29
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Tian J, Cao G. Design, fabrication and modification of metal oxide semiconductor for improving conversion efficiency of excitonic solar cells. Coord Chem Rev 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2016.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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30
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John K A, Naduvath J, Mallick S, Pledger JW, Remillard SK, DeYoung PA, Thankamoniamma M, Shripathi T, Philip RR. Electrochemical Synthesis of Novel Zn-Doped TiO 2 Nanotube/ZnO Nanoflake Heterostructure with Enhanced DSSC Efficiency. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2016; 8:381-387. [PMID: 30460296 PMCID: PMC6223692 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-016-0099-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The paper reports the fabrication of Zn-doped TiO2 nanotubes (Zn-TONT)/ZnO nanoflakes heterostructure for the first time, which shows improved performance as a photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The layered structure of this novel nanoporous structure has been analyzed unambiguously by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffractometer. The cell using the heterostructure as photoanode manifests an enhancement of about an order in the magnitude of the short circuit current and a seven-fold increase in efficiency, over pure TiO2 photoanodes. Characterizations further reveal that the Zn-TONT is preferentially oriented in [001] direction and there is a Ti metal-depleted interface layer which leads to better band alignment in DSSC. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijo John K
- Department of Physics Union Christian College, Aluva, Kerala India
| | - Johns Naduvath
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Material Science, Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra India
- Present Address: Department of Physics, St. Thomas College, Thrissur, Kerala India
| | - Sudhanshu Mallick
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Material Science, Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra India
| | | | | | - P. A. DeYoung
- Department of Physics, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423 USA
| | | | - T. Shripathi
- UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, Indore, Madhya Pradesh India
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31
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Song W, Gong Y, Tian J, Cao G, Zhao H, Sun C. Novel Photoanode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Enhanced Light-Harvesting and Electron-Collection Efficiency. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:13418-13425. [PMID: 27169327 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b02887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A novel photoanode structure modified by porous flowerlike CeO2 microspheres as a scattering layer with a thin TiO2 film deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) is prepared to achieve a significantly enhanced performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The light scattering capability of the photoanode with the porous CeO2 microsphere layer is considerably improved. The interconnection of particles and electrical contact between bilayer and conducting substrate is further enhanced by an ALD-deposited TiO2 film, which effectively reduces the electron recombination and facilitates electron transport and thus enhances the charge collection efficiency of DSSCs. As a result, the overall efficiency of the obtained TiO2-CeO2-based cells reaches 9.86%, which is 31% higher than that of the DSSCs with a conventional TiO2 photoanode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixing Song
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) , Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yudong Gong
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) , Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jianjun Tian
- Advanced Materials and Technology Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing , Beijing 100083, China
| | - Guozhong Cao
- Department of Materials and Engineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195-2120, United States
| | - Huabo Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) , Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chunwen Sun
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) , Beijing 100083, China
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32
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Tan F, Wang Z, Qu S, Cao D, Liu K, Jiang Q, Yang Y, Pang S, Zhang W, Lei Y, Wang Z. A CdSe thin film: a versatile buffer layer for improving the performance of TiO2 nanorod array:PbS quantum dot solar cells. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:10198-204. [PMID: 27124650 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01658h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
To fully utilize the multiple exciton generation effects in quantum dots and improve the overall efficiency of the corresponding photovoltaic devices, nanostructuralizing the electron conducting layer turns out to be a feasible strategy. Herein, PbS quantum dot solar cells were fabricated on the basis of morphologically optimized TiO2 nanorod arrays. By inserting a thin layer of CdSe quantum dots into the interface of TiO2 and PbS, a dramatic enhancement in the power conversion efficiency from 4.2% to 5.2% was realized and the resulting efficiency is one of the highest values for quantum dot solar cells based on nanostructuralized buffer layers. The constructed double heterojunction with a cascade type-II energy level alignment is beneficial for promoting photogenerated charge separation and reducing charge recombination, thereby responsible for the performance improvement, as revealed by steady-state analyses as well as ultra-fast photoluminescence and photovoltage decays. Thus this paper provides a good buffer layer to the community of quantum dot solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furui Tan
- Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials, Department of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, PR China.
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Sun Y, Sun Y, Zhang T, Chen G, Zhang F, Liu D, Cai W, Li Y, Yang X, Li C. Complete Au@ZnO core-shell nanoparticles with enhanced plasmonic absorption enabling significantly improved photocatalysis. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:10774-10782. [PMID: 27160795 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00933f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Nanostructured ZnO exhibits high chemical stability and unique optical properties, representing a promising candidate among photocatalysts in the field of environmental remediation and solar energy conversion. However, ZnO only absorbs the UV light, which accounts for less than 5% of total solar irradiation, significantly limiting its applications. In this article, we report a facile and efficient approach to overcome the poor wettability between ZnO and Au by carefully modulating the surface charge density on Au nanoparticles (NPs), enabling rapid synthesis of Au@ZnO core-shell NPs at room temperature. The resulting Au@ZnO core-shell NPs exhibit a significantly enhanced plasmonic absorption in the visible range due to the Au NP cores. They also show a significantly improved photocatalytic performance in comparison with their single-component counterparts, i.e., the Au NPs and ZnO NPs. Moreover, the high catalytic activity of the as-synthesized Au@ZnO core-shell NPs can be maintained even after many cycles of photocatalytic reaction. Our results shed light on the fact that the Au@ZnO core-shell NPs represent a promising class of candidates for applications in plasmonics, surface-enhanced spectroscopy, light harvest devices, solar energy conversion, and degradation of organic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiang Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, Shandong, P. R. China.
| | - Yugang Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA.
| | - Tao Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, Shandong, P. R. China.
| | - Guozhu Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, Shandong, P. R. China.
| | - Fengshou Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, Shandong, P. R. China.
| | - Dilong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Material Physics, Anhui Key Lab of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, Anhui, P. R. China.
| | - Weiping Cai
- Key Laboratory of Material Physics, Anhui Key Lab of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, Anhui, P. R. China.
| | - Yue Li
- Key Laboratory of Material Physics, Anhui Key Lab of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, Anhui, P. R. China.
| | - Xianfeng Yang
- Analytical and Testing Center, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| | - Cuncheng Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, Shandong, P. R. China.
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Enhanced photovoltaic properties in dye sensitized solar cells by surface treatment of SnO2 photoanodes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23312. [PMID: 26988622 PMCID: PMC4796906 DOI: 10.1038/srep23312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the fabrication and testing of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) based on tin oxide (SnO2) particles of average size ~20 nm. Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting glass substrates were treated with TiOx or TiCl4 precursor solutions to create a blocking layer before tape casting the SnO2 mesoporous anode. In addition, SnO2 photoelectrodes were treated with the same precursor solutions to deposit a TiO2 passivating layer covering the SnO2 particles. We found that the modification enhances the short circuit current, open-circuit voltage and fill factor, leading to nearly 2-fold increase in power conversion efficiency, from 1.48% without any treatment, to 2.85% achieved with TiCl4 treatment. The superior photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs assembled with modified photoanode is attributed to enhanced electron lifetime and suppression of electron recombination to the electrolyte, as confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) carried out under dark condition. These results indicate that modification of the FTO and SnO2 anode by titania can play a major role in maximizing the photo conversion efficiency.
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35
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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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36
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Influence of Nitrogen Doping on Device Operation for TiO₂-Based Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Photo-Physics from Materials to Devices. NANOMATERIALS 2016; 6:nano6030035. [PMID: 28344292 PMCID: PMC5302520 DOI: 10.3390/nano6030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (ssDSSC) constitute a major approach to photovoltaic energy conversion with efficiencies over 8% reported thanks to the rational design of efficient porous metal oxide electrodes, organic chromophores, and hole transporters. Among the various strategies used to push the performance ahead, doping of the nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2) electrode is regularly proposed to extend the photo-activity of the materials into the visible range. However, although various beneficial effects for device performance have been observed in the literature, they remain strongly dependent on the method used for the production of the metal oxide, and the influence of nitrogen atoms on charge kinetics remains unclear. To shed light on this open question, we synthesized a set of N-doped TiO2 nanopowders with various nitrogen contents, and exploited them for the fabrication of ssDSSC. Particularly, we carefully analyzed the localization of the dopants using X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and monitored their influence on the photo-induced charge kinetics probed both at the material and device levels. We demonstrate a strong correlation between the kinetics of photo-induced charge carriers probed both at the level of the nanopowders and at the level of working solar cells, illustrating a direct transposition of the photo-physic properties from materials to devices.
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Metal-free organic dyes for TiO2 and ZnO dye-sensitized solar cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18756. [PMID: 26738698 PMCID: PMC4704050 DOI: 10.1038/srep18756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the synthesis and characterization of new metal-free organic dyes (namely B18, BTD-R, and CPTD-R) which designed with D-π-A concept to extending the light absorption region by strong conjugation group of π-linker part and applied as light harvester in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We compared the photovoltaic performance of these dyes in two different photoanodes: a standard TiO2 mesoporous photoanode and a ZnO photoanode composed of hierarchically assembled nanostructures. The results demonstrated that B18 dye has better photovoltaic properties compared to other two dyes (BTD-R and CPTD-R) and each dye has higher current density (Jsc) when applied to hierarchical ZnO nanocrystallites than the standard TiO2 mesoporous film. Transient photocurrent and photovoltage decay measurements (TCD/TVD) were applied to systematically study the charge transport and recombination kinetics in these devices, showing the electron life time (τR) of B18 dye in ZnO and TiO2 based DSSCs is higher than CPTD-R and BTD-R based DSSCs, which is consistent with the photovoltaic performances. The conversion efficiency in ZnO based DSSCs can be further boosted by 35%, when a compact ZnO blocking layer (BL) is applied to inhibit electron back reaction.
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Fu X, Fan C, Shi L, Yu S, Wang Z. Hollow TiO2 microspheres: template-free synthesis, remarkable structure stability, and improved photoelectric performance. NEW J CHEM 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5nj02380g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
HTS undergo an inside-out Ostwald ripening process, involving the dissolution of amorphous particles and nucleation of the crystalline phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou
- China
| | - Chenyao Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou
- China
| | - Lin Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou
- China
| | - Siqi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou
- China
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Zhejiang University
- Hangzhou
- China
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Wan Y, Han M, Yu L, Yi G, Jia J. 3D Bi2S3salix leaf-like nanosheet/TiO2nanorod branched heterostructure arrays for improving photoelectrochemical properties. CrystEngComm 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ce02252e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Zhao C, Zhang J, Hu Y, Robertson N, Hu PA, Child D, Gibson D, Fu YQ. In-situ microfluidic controlled, low temperature hydrothermal growth of nanoflakes for dye-sensitized solar cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17750. [PMID: 26631685 PMCID: PMC4668546 DOI: 10.1038/srep17750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, an in-situ microfluidic control unit (MCU) was designed and applied in a hydrothermal synthesis process, which provides an easy way to localize liquid-phase reaction and realize selective synthesis and direct growth of nanostructures as well as their morphology, all in a low-temperature and atmospheric environment. The morphology was controlled through controlling the amount of additivities using the MCU. This achieved a facile fabrication of Al doped ZnO (AZO) nanoflakes vertically grown on flexible polymer substrates with enhanced light scattering and dye loading capabilities. Flexible DSSCs with a significant enhancement (410% compare to ZnO NRs based devices) in power conversion efficiency were obtained using AZO nanoflake photoanodes of 6 μm thick, due to the enhancement in electron mobility and reduction in recombination. This hydrothermal synthesis using the in-situ MCU provides an efficient and scalable technique to synthesize controllable nanostructures with characteristics of easy set-up, low energy consumption and low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhao
- Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering &Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.,Thin Film Centre, Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA), University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Jia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-structures Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 2 YiKuang Street, Harbin, P.R. China, 150080
| | - Yue Hu
- University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FJ, UK
| | - Neil Robertson
- University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FJ, UK
| | - Ping An Hu
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-structures Manufacturing, Ministry of Education, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 2 YiKuang Street, Harbin, P.R. China, 150080
| | - David Child
- Institute of Thin Films, Sensors &Imaging, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Scottish Universities Physics Alliance, PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Desmond Gibson
- Institute of Thin Films, Sensors &Imaging, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Scottish Universities Physics Alliance, PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Yong Qing Fu
- Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering &Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.,Thin Film Centre, Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA), University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 2BE, UK
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Solid Solutions of Rare Earth Cations in Mesoporous Anatase Beads and Their Performances in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16785. [PMID: 26577287 PMCID: PMC4995315 DOI: 10.1038/srep16785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid solutions of the rare earth (RE) cations Pr(3+), Nd(3+), Sm(3+), Gd(3+), Er(3+) and Yb(3+) in anatase TiO2 have been synthesized as mesoporous beads in the concentration range 0.1-0.3% of metal atoms. The solid solutions were have been characterized by XRD, SEM, diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy, BET and BJH surface analysis. All the solid solutions possess high specific surface areas, up to more than 100 m(2)/g. The amount of adsorbed dye in each photoanode has been determined spectrophotometrically. All the samples were tested as photoanodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using N719 as dye and a nonvolatile, benzonitrile based electrolyte. All the cells were have been tested by conversion efficiency (J-V), quantum efficiency (IPCE), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and dark current measurements. While lighter RE cations (Pr(3+), Nd(3+)) limit the performance of DSSCs compared to pure anatase mesoporous beads, cations from Sm(3+) onwards enhance the performance of the devices. A maximum conversion efficiency of 8.7% for Er(3+) at a concentration of 0.2% has been achieved. This is a remarkable efficiency value for a DSSC employing N719 dye without co-adsorbents and a nonvolatile electrolyte. For each RE cation the maximum performances are obtained for a concentration of 0.2% metal atoms.
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Picca RA, Sportelli MC, Hötger D, Manoli K, Kranz C, Mizaikoff B, Torsi L, Cioffi N. Electrosynthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles as inorganic component in organic thin-film transistor active layers. Electrochim Acta 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2015.07.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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43
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Milan R, Selopal GS, Epifani M, Natile MM, Sberveglieri G, Vomiero A, Concina I. ZnO@SnO2 engineered composite photoanodes for dye sensitized solar cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14523. [PMID: 26419618 PMCID: PMC4588567 DOI: 10.1038/srep14523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Layered multi-oxide concept was applied for fabrication of photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells based on ZnO and SnO2, capitalizing on the beneficial properties of each oxide. The effect of different combinations of ZnO@SnO2 layers was investigated, aimed at exploiting the high carrier mobility provided by the ZnO and the higher stability under UV irradiation pledged by SnO2. Bi-oxide photoanodes performed much better in terms of photoconversion efficiency (PCE) (4.96%) compared to bare SnO2 (1.20%) and ZnO (1.03%). Synergistic cooperation is effective for both open circuit voltage and photocurrent density: enhanced values were indeed recorded for the layered photoanode as compared with bare oxides (Voc enhanced from 0.39 V in case of bare SnO2 to 0.60 V and Jsc improved from 2.58 mA/cm2 pertaining to single ZnO to 14.8 mA/cm2). Improved functional performances of the layered network were ascribable to the optimization of both high chemical capacitance (provided by the SnO2) and low recombination resistance (guaranteed by ZnO) and inhibition of back electron transfer from the SnO2 conduction band to the oxidized species of the electrolyte. Compared with previously reported results, this study testifies how a simple electrode design is powerful in enhancing the functional performances of the final device.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Milan
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia - via Valotti 9, 25133 Brescia, Italy.,CNR-INO SENSOR Laboratory, via Branze 45, 25131 Brescia Italy
| | - G S Selopal
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia - via Valotti 9, 25133 Brescia, Italy.,CNR-INO SENSOR Laboratory, via Branze 45, 25131 Brescia Italy
| | - M Epifani
- Istituto per la Microelettronica e Microsistemi, IMM-CNR, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - M M Natile
- CNR-IENI, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - G Sberveglieri
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia - via Valotti 9, 25133 Brescia, Italy.,CNR-INO SENSOR Laboratory, via Branze 45, 25131 Brescia Italy
| | - A Vomiero
- Department of Engineering Science and Mathematics, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden
| | - I Concina
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia - via Valotti 9, 25133 Brescia, Italy.,CNR-INO SENSOR Laboratory, via Branze 45, 25131 Brescia Italy
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Hoye RLZ, Muñoz-Rojas D, Musselman KP, Vaynzof Y, MacManus-Driscoll JL. Synthesis and modeling of uniform complex metal oxides by close-proximity atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2015; 7:10684-10694. [PMID: 25939729 DOI: 10.1021/am5073589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A close-proximity atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (AP-CVD) reactor is developed for synthesizing high quality multicomponent metal oxides for electronics. This combines the advantages of a mechanically controllable substrate-manifold spacing and vertical gas flows. As a result, our AP-CVD reactor can rapidly grow uniform crystalline films on a variety of substrate types at low temperatures without requiring plasma enhancements or low pressures. To demonstrate this, we take the zinc magnesium oxide (Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O) system as an example. By introducing the precursor gases vertically and uniformly to the substrate across the gas manifold, we show that films can be produced with only 3% variation in thickness over a 375 mm(2) deposition area. These thicknesses are significantly more uniform than for films from previous AP-CVD reactors. Our films are also compact, pinhole-free, and have a thickness that is linearly controllable by the number of oscillations of the substrate beneath the gas manifold. Using photoluminescence and X-ray diffraction measurements, we show that for Mg contents below 46 at. %, single phase Zn(1-x)Mg(x)O was produced. To further optimize the growth conditions, we developed a model relating the composition of a ternary oxide with the bubbling rates through the metal precursors. We fitted this model to the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measured compositions with an error of Δx = 0.0005. This model showed that the incorporation of Mg into ZnO can be maximized by using the maximum bubbling rate through the Mg precursor for each bubbling rate ratio. When applied to poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) hybrid solar cells, our films yielded an open-circuit voltage increase of over 100% by controlling the Mg content. Such films were deposited in short times (under 2 min over 4 cm(2)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Z Hoye
- †Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K
| | - David Muñoz-Rojas
- †Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K
- ‡LMGP, University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Kevin P Musselman
- †Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K
- §Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Yana Vaynzof
- §Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K
| | - Judith L MacManus-Driscoll
- †Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, 27 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge CB3 0FS, U.K
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45
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Tian J, Cao G. Control of Nanostructures and Interfaces of Metal Oxide Semiconductors for Quantum-Dots-Sensitized Solar Cells. J Phys Chem Lett 2015; 6:1859-1869. [PMID: 26263261 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.5b00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Nanostructured metal oxide semiconductors (MOS), such as TiO2 and ZnO, have been regarded as an attractive material for the quantum dots sensitized solar cells (QDSCs), owing to their large specific surface area for loading a large amount of quantum dots (QDs) and strong scattering effect for capturing a sufficient fraction of photons. However, the large surface area of such nanostructures also provides easy pathways for charge recombination, and surface defects and connections between adjacent nanoparticles may retard effective charge injection and charge transport, leading to a loss of power conversion efficiency. Introduction of the surface modification for MOS or QDs has been thought an effective approach to improve the performance of QDSC. In this paper, the recent advances in the control of nanostructures and interfaces in QDSCs and prospects for the further development with higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Tian
- †Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
- ‡Institute of Advanced Materials and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Guozhong Cao
- †Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
- §Department of Materials and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-2120, United States
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Venne F, Quintanilla M, Quenneville F, Işik D, Baloukas B, Vetrone F, Santato C. Towards near-infrared photosensitization of tungsten trioxide nanostructured films by upconverting nanoparticles. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra18320k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Upconverting nanoparticles are explored in the field of solar energy conversion to extend the light harvesting properties of nanostructured metal oxide semiconducting thin films to near infrared light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Venne
- Department of Engineering Physics
- Polytechnique Montréal
- Canada
| | - Marta Quintanilla
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique – Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications (INRS – EMT)
- Université du Québec
- Varennes
- Canada
| | | | - Dilek Işik
- Department of Engineering Physics
- Polytechnique Montréal
- Canada
| | - Bill Baloukas
- Department of Engineering Physics
- Polytechnique Montréal
- Canada
| | - Fiorenzo Vetrone
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique – Énergie, Matériaux et Télécommunications (INRS – EMT)
- Université du Québec
- Varennes
- Canada
- Centre for Self-Assembled Chemical Structures
| | - Clara Santato
- Department of Engineering Physics
- Polytechnique Montréal
- Canada
- Regroupement Québécois sur les Matériaux de Pointe (RQMP)
- Canada
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