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Yang B, Cang J, Li Z, Chen J. Nanocrystals as performance-boosting materials for solar cells. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:1331-1360. [PMID: 38419867 PMCID: PMC10898446 DOI: 10.1039/d3na01063e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Nanocrystals (NCs) have been widely studied owing to their distinctive properties and promising application in new-generation photoelectric devices. In photovoltaic devices, semiconductor NCs can act as efficient light harvesters for high-performance solar cells. Besides light absorption, NCs have shown great significance as functional layers for charge (hole and electron) transport and interface modification to improve the power conversion efficiency and stability of solar cells. NC-based functional layers can boost hole/electron transport ability, adjust energy level alignment between a light absorbing layer and charge transport layer, broaden the absorption range of an active layer, enhance intrinsic stability, and reduce fabrication cost. In this review, recent advances in NCs as a hole transport layer, electron transport layer, and interfacial layer are discussed. Additionally, NC additives to improve the performance of solar cells are demonstrated. Finally, a summary and future prospects of NC-based functional materials in solar cells are presented, addressing their limitations and suggesting potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boping Yang
- College of Science, Guizhou Institute of Technology Guiyang 550003 China
| | - Junjie Cang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology Yancheng 224051 China
| | - Zhiling Li
- College of Science, Guizhou Institute of Technology Guiyang 550003 China
| | - Jian Chen
- College of Artificial Intelligence and Electrical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology Guiyang 550003 China
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2
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Wu JZ, Ghopry SA, Liu B, Shultz A. Metallic and Non-Metallic Plasmonic Nanostructures for LSPR Sensors. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1393. [PMID: 37512705 PMCID: PMC10386751 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) provides a unique scheme for light management and has been demonstrated across a large variety of metallic nanostructures. More recently, non-metallic nanostructures of two-dimensional atomic materials and heterostructures have emerged as a promising, low-cost alternative in order to generate strong LSPR. In this paper, a review of the recent progress made on non-metallic LSPR nanostructures will be provided in comparison with their metallic counterparts. A few applications in optoelectronics and sensors will be highlighted. In addition, the remaining challenges and future perspectives will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Z Wu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Samar Ali Ghopry
- Department of Physics, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Andrew Shultz
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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Cui X, Ruan Q, Zhuo X, Xia X, Hu J, Fu R, Li Y, Wang J, Xu H. Photothermal Nanomaterials: A Powerful Light-to-Heat Converter. Chem Rev 2023. [PMID: 37133878 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
All forms of energy follow the law of conservation of energy, by which they can be neither created nor destroyed. Light-to-heat conversion as a traditional yet constantly evolving means of converting light into thermal energy has been of enduring appeal to researchers and the public. With the continuous development of advanced nanotechnologies, a variety of photothermal nanomaterials have been endowed with excellent light harvesting and photothermal conversion capabilities for exploring fascinating and prospective applications. Herein we review the latest progresses on photothermal nanomaterials, with a focus on their underlying mechanisms as powerful light-to-heat converters. We present an extensive catalogue of nanostructured photothermal materials, including metallic/semiconductor structures, carbon materials, organic polymers, and two-dimensional materials. The proper material selection and rational structural design for improving the photothermal performance are then discussed. We also provide a representative overview of the latest techniques for probing photothermally generated heat at the nanoscale. We finally review the recent significant developments of photothermal applications and give a brief outlook on the current challenges and future directions of photothermal nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximin Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Qifeng Ruan
- Ministry of Industry and Information Technology Key Lab of Micro-Nano Optoelectronic Information System & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Semiconductor Optoelectronic Materials and Intelligent Photonic Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhuo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Optoelectronic Materials and Chips, School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Xinyue Xia
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jingtian Hu
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Runfang Fu
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radio Frequency Heterogeneous Integration, College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jianfang Wang
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Hongxing Xu
- School of Physics and Technology and School of Microelectronics, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
- Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Wuhan Institute of Quantum Technology, Wuhan 430205, Hubei, China
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4
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Yang B, Li C, Wang Z, Dai Q. Thermoplasmonics in Solar Energy Conversion: Materials, Nanostructured Designs, and Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2107351. [PMID: 35271744 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The indispensable requirement for sustainable development of human society has forced almost all countries to seek highly efficient and cost-effective ways to harvest and convert solar energy. Though continuous progress has advanced, it remains a daunting challenge to achieve full-spectrum solar absorption and maximize the conversion efficiency of sunlight. Recently, thermoplasmonics has emerged as a promising solution, which involves several beneficial effects including enhanced light absorption and scattering, generation and relaxation of hot carriers, as well as localized/collective heating, offering tremendous opportunities for optimized energy conversion. Besides, all these functionalities can be tailored via elaborated designs of materials and nanostructures. Here, first the fundamental physics governing thermoplasmonics is presented and then the strategies for both material selection and nanostructured designs toward more efficient energy conversion are summarized. Based on this, recent progress in thermoplasmonic applications including solar evaporation, photothermal chemistry, and thermophotovoltaic is reviewed. Finally, the corresponding challenges and prospects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices, CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chenyu Li
- National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhifeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Solar Thermal Energy and Photovoltaic System, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Qing Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Materials and Devices, CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Dai C, Liu Y, Wei D. Two-Dimensional Field-Effect Transistor Sensors: The Road toward Commercialization. Chem Rev 2022; 122:10319-10392. [PMID: 35412802 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionary success in information technology has been sustained by the rapid growth of sensor technology. Recently, advances in sensor technology have promoted the ambitious requirement to build intelligent systems that can be controlled by external stimuli along with independent operation, adaptivity, and low energy expenditure. Among various sensing techniques, field-effect transistors (FETs) with channels made of two-dimensional (2D) materials attract increasing attention for advantages such as label-free detection, fast response, easy operation, and capability of integration. With atomic thickness, 2D materials restrict the carrier flow within the material surface and expose it directly to the external environment, leading to efficient signal acquisition and conversion. This review summarizes the latest advances of 2D-materials-based FET (2D FET) sensors in a comprehensive manner that contains the material, operating principles, fabrication technologies, proof-of-concept applications, and prototypes. First, a brief description of the background and fundamentals is provided. The subsequent contents summarize physical, chemical, and biological 2D FET sensors and their applications. Then, we highlight the challenges of their commercialization and discuss corresponding solution techniques. The following section presents a systematic survey of recent progress in developing commercial prototypes. Lastly, we summarize the long-standing efforts and prospective future development of 2D FET-based sensing systems toward commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhao Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.,Laboratory of Molecular Materials and Devices, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yunqi Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Materials and Devices, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Dacheng Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.,Laboratory of Molecular Materials and Devices, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Wu J, Gong M. Quantum dots/graphene nanohybrids photodetectors: progress and perspective. NANO EXPRESS 2021. [DOI: 10.1088/2632-959x/ac2293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Semiconductor quantum dots/graphene heterostructure nanohybrids combine the advantages of the enhanced light–matter interaction and spectral tunability of quantum dots (QDs) and high charge mobility in graphene as a charge transport pathway, providing a unique platform for exploration of photodetectors with high performance. In particular, the QDs/graphene nanohybrids allow resolution to the critical issue of charge transport in QDs-only photodetectors stemming from the low charge mobility associated with both QD surface defect states and inter-QD junctions. Furthermore, the achieved capability in industrial-scale fabrication of graphene and colloidal QDs has motivated efforts in research of QDs/graphene nanohybrids focal plane arrays that are expected to be not only high performance and low cost, but also light-weight, flexible and wearable. This paper aims to highlight recent progress made in the research and development of QDs/graphene nanohybrid photodetectors and discuss the challenges remained towards their commercial applications.
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Gong M, Alamri M, Ewing D, Sadeghi SM, Wu JZ. Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Enhanced Light Absorption in AuCu/CsPbCl 3 Core/Shell Nanocrystals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2002163. [PMID: 32449564 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is shown to be effective in trapping light for enhanced light absorption and hence performance in photonic and optoelectronic devices. Implementation of LSPR in all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) is particularly important considering their unique advantages in optoelectronics. Motivated by this, the first success in colloidal synthesis of AuCu/CsPbCl3 core/shell PNCs and observation of enhanced light absorption by the perovskite CsPbCl3 shell of thickness in the range of 2-4 nm, enabled by the LSPR AuCu core of an average diameter of 7.1 nm, is reported. This enhanced light absorption leads to a remarkably enhanced photoresponse in PNCs/graphene nanohybrid photodetectors using the AuCu/CsPbCl3 core/shell PNCs, by more than 30 times as compared to the counterparts with CsPbCl3 PNCs only (8-12 nm in dimension). This result illustrates the feasibility in implementation of LSPR light trapping directly in core/shell PNCs for high-performance optoelectronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maogang Gong
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - Mohammed Alamri
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - Dan Ewing
- Department of Energy's National Security Campus, Kansas City, MO, 64147, USA
| | - Seyed M Sadeghi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, 35899, USA
| | - Judy Z Wu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
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Chen B, Sun Q, Wang D, Zeng XF, Wang JX, Chen JF. High-Gravity-Assisted Synthesis of Surfactant-Free Transparent Dispersions of Monodispersed MgAl-LDH Nanoparticles. Ind Eng Chem Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.9b06272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Research Center of the Ministry of Education for High Gravity Engineering and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Qian Sun
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Dan Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Fei Zeng
- Research Center of the Ministry of Education for High Gravity Engineering and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Jie-Xin Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Research Center of the Ministry of Education for High Gravity Engineering and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Feng Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- Research Center of the Ministry of Education for High Gravity Engineering and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
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Moon DG, Rana TR, Rehan S, Haider Naqvi SD, Siddique Y, Lee SM, Ahn SK, Cho YS, Ahn S. Na-Mediated Stoichiometry Control of FeS 2 Thin Films: Suppression of Nanoscale S-Deficiency and Improvement of Photoresponse. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:43244-43251. [PMID: 31665595 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b16144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Control of the constituent phase and stoichiometry of iron pyrite (FeS2) is a prerequisite for high-performance photovoltaic devices based on this material. If the pyrite contains sulfur-deficiency-related secondary phases which have a metallic character and a high possibility of coexistence in pyrite films, then significant carrier recombination is expected. In this work, the beneficial role of Na in suppressing the formation of nanoscale or amorphous sulfur-deficient secondary phases is reported with experimental evidence, leading to a higher phase purity for solution-processed pyrite films. The potential reduction of charge recombination via these metallic secondary phases results in significant improvements in both the photopotential and photocurrent intensity of Na-modified pyrite films compared with reference samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Gwon Moon
- Photovoltaics Laboratory , Korea Institute of Energy Research , 152 Gajeong-ro , Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34129 , Republic of Korea
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , Yonsei University , Seoul 03722 , Korea
| | - Tanka Raj Rana
- Photovoltaics Laboratory , Korea Institute of Energy Research , 152 Gajeong-ro , Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34129 , Republic of Korea
| | - Shanza Rehan
- Faculty of Materials and Chemical Engineering , GIK Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology , Topi 23640 , Pakistan
| | - Syed Dildar Haider Naqvi
- Photovoltaics Laboratory , Korea Institute of Energy Research , 152 Gajeong-ro , Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34129 , Republic of Korea
- Department of Renewable Energy Engineering , Korea University of Science and Technology (UST) , 217 Gajeong-ro , Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113 , Republic of Korea
| | - Yasir Siddique
- Photovoltaics Laboratory , Korea Institute of Energy Research , 152 Gajeong-ro , Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34129 , Republic of Korea
- Department of Renewable Energy Engineering , Korea University of Science and Technology (UST) , 217 Gajeong-ro , Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113 , Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Min Lee
- Photovoltaics Laboratory , Korea Institute of Energy Research , 152 Gajeong-ro , Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34129 , Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Kyu Ahn
- Photovoltaics Laboratory , Korea Institute of Energy Research , 152 Gajeong-ro , Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34129 , Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Soo Cho
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , Yonsei University , Seoul 03722 , Korea
| | - SeJin Ahn
- Photovoltaics Laboratory , Korea Institute of Energy Research , 152 Gajeong-ro , Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34129 , Republic of Korea
- Department of Renewable Energy Engineering , Korea University of Science and Technology (UST) , 217 Gajeong-ro , Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113 , Republic of Korea
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