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El-Naggar AA, Lotfy LA, Felfela AA, Ismail W, Abdelfatah M, Sharshir SW, El-Shaer A. Numerical simulation based performance enhancement approach for an inorganic BaZrS 3/CuO heterojunction solar cell. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7614. [PMID: 38556524 PMCID: PMC10982297 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57636-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the main components of the worldwide transition to sustainable energy is solar cells, usually referred to as photovoltaics. By converting sunlight into power, they lessen their reliance on fossil fuels and the release of greenhouse gases. Because solar cells are decentralized, distributed energy systems may be developed, which increases the efficiency of the cells. Chalcogenide perovskites have drawn interest due to their potential in solar energy conversion since they provide distinctive optoelectronic characteristics and stability. But high temperatures and lengthy reaction periods make it difficult to synthesise and process them. Therefore, we present the inaugural numerical simulation using SCAPS-1D for emerging inorganic BaZrS3/CuO heterojunction solar cells. This study delves into the behaviour of diverse parameters in photovoltaic devices, encompassing efficiency (η) values, short-circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and open-circuit voltage (Voc). Additionally, we thoroughly examine the impact of window and absorber layer thickness, carrier concentration, and bandgap on the fundamental characteristics of solar cells. Our findings showcase the attainment of the highest efficiency (η) values, reaching 27.3% for our modelled devices, accompanied by Jsc values of 40.5 mA/cm2, Voc value of 0.79 V, and FF value of 85.2. The efficiency (η) values are chiefly influenced by the combined effects of Voc, Jsc, and FF values. This optimal efficiency was achieved with CuO thickness, band gap, and carrier concentration set at 5 µm, 1.05 eV, and above 1019 cm-3, respectively. In comparison, the optimal parameters for BaZrS3 include a thickness of 1 µm, a carrier concentration below 1020 cm-3, and a band gap less than 1.6 eV. Therefore, in the near future, the present simulation will simultaneously provide up an entirely novel field for the less defective perovskite solar cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A El-Naggar
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt.
- Nano Science and Technology Program, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt.
| | - Lotfy A Lotfy
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
- Nano Science and Technology Program, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - A A Felfela
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
- Nano Science and Technology Program, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Walid Ismail
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
- Nano Science and Technology Program, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Abdelfatah
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt.
- Nano Science and Technology Program, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt.
| | - Swellam W Sharshir
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Abdelhamid El-Shaer
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt.
- Nano Science and Technology Program, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33516, Egypt.
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2
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Abdelfatah M, El Sayed AM, Ismail W, Ulrich S, Sittinger V, El-Shaer A. SCAPS simulation of novel inorganic ZrS 2/CuO heterojunction solar cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4553. [PMID: 36941320 PMCID: PMC10027670 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31553-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
ZrS2 is transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) which is believed one of the most talented applicants to fabricate photovoltaics. Therefore, we present here for the first-time numerical simulation of novel inorganic ZrS2/CuO heterojunction solar cells employing SCAPS-1D. The influence of the thickness, carrier concentration, and bandgap for both the window and absorber layers on the solar cell fundamental parameters was explored intensely. Our results reveal that the solar cell devices performance is mainly affected by many parameters such as the depletion width (Wd), built-in voltage (Vbi), collection length of charge carrier, the minority carrier lifetime, photogenerated current, and recombination rate. The η of 23.8% was achieved as the highest value for our simulated devices with the Voc value of 0.96 V, the Jsc value of 34.2 mA/cm2, and the FF value of 72.2%. Such efficiency was obtained when the CuO band gap, thickness, and carrier concentration were 1.35 eV, 5.5 µm, and above 1018 cm-3, respectively, and for the ZrS2 were 1.4 eV, 1 µm, and less than 1020 cm-3, respectively. Our simulated results indicate that the inorganic ZrS2/CuO heterojunction solar cells are promising to fabricate low-cost, large-scale, and high-efficiency photovoltaic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abdelfatah
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, KafrelSheikh University, KafrelSheikh, 33516, Egypt.
| | - Adel M El Sayed
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, 63514, Egypt
| | - Walid Ismail
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, KafrelSheikh University, KafrelSheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Stephan Ulrich
- Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST, Bienroder Weg 54E, 38108, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Volker Sittinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST, Bienroder Weg 54E, 38108, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Abdelhamid El-Shaer
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, KafrelSheikh University, KafrelSheikh, 33516, Egypt.
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3
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Jelfs KE. Computational modeling to assist in the discovery of supramolecular materials. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1518:106-119. [PMID: 36251351 PMCID: PMC10091946 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Computational modeling is increasingly used to assist in the discovery of supramolecular materials. Supramolecular materials are typically primarily built from organic components that are self-assembled through noncovalent bonding and have potential applications, including in selective binding, sorption, molecular separations, catalysis, optoelectronics, sensing, and as molecular machines. In this review, the key areas where computational prediction can assist in the discovery of supramolecular materials, including in structure prediction, property prediction, and the prediction of how to synthesize a hypothetical material are discussed, before exploring the potential impact of artificial intelligence techniques on the field. Throughout, the importance of close integration with experimental materials discovery programs will be highlighted. A series of case studies from the author's work across some different supramolecular material classes will be discussed, before finishing with a discussion of the outlook for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim E Jelfs
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
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4
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Tsikritzis D, Chatzimanolis K, Tzoganakis N, Bellani S, Zappia MI, Bianca G, Curreli N, Buha J, Kriegel I, Antonatos N, Sofer Z, Krassas M, Rogdakis K, Bonaccorso F, Kymakis E. Two-dimensional BiTeI as a novel perovskite additive for printable perovskite solar cells. SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS 2022; 6:5345-5359. [PMID: 36776412 PMCID: PMC9907396 DOI: 10.1039/d2se01109c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are attractive printable, flexible, and cost-effective optoelectronic devices constituting an alternative technology to conventional Si-based ones. The incorporation of low-dimensional materials, such as two-dimensional (2D) materials, into the PSC structure is a promising route for interfacial and bulk perovskite engineering, paving the way for improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability. In this work, we investigate the incorporation of 2D bismuth telluride iodide (BiTeI) flakes as additives in the perovskite active layer, demonstrating their role in tuning the interfacial energy-level alignment for optimum device performance. By varying the concentration of BiTeI flakes in the perovskite precursor solution between 0.008 mg mL-1 and 0.1 mg mL-1, a downward shift in the energy levels of the perovskite results in an optimal alignment of the energy levels of the materials across the cell structure, as supported by device simulations. Thus, the cell fill factor (FF) increases with additive concentration, reaching values greater than 82%, although the suppression of open circuit voltage (V oc) is reported beyond an additive concentration threshold of 0.03 mg mL-1. The most performant devices delivered a PCE of 18.3%, with an average PCE showing a +8% increase compared to the reference devices. This work demonstrates the potential of 2D-material-based additives for the engineering of PSCs via energy level optimization at perovskite/charge transporting layer interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Tsikritzis
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) Heraklion 71410 Crete Greece
- Institute of Emerging Technologies (i-EMERGE) of HMU Research Center Heraklion 71410 Crete Greece
| | - Konstantinos Chatzimanolis
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) Heraklion 71410 Crete Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tzoganakis
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) Heraklion 71410 Crete Greece
| | | | | | - Gabriele Bianca
- Graphene Labs, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Morego, 30 16163 Genova Italy
| | - Nicola Curreli
- Functional Nanosystems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Morego, 30 16163 Genova Italy
| | - Joka Buha
- BeDimensional S.p.A. Via Lungotorrente Secca 30R 16163 Genova Italy
- Department of Nanochemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Morego, 30 16163 Genova Italy
| | - Ilka Kriegel
- Functional Nanosystems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Morego, 30 16163 Genova Italy
| | - Nikolas Antonatos
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague Technická 5 Prague 6 16628 Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Sofer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague Technická 5 Prague 6 16628 Czech Republic
| | - Miron Krassas
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) Heraklion 71410 Crete Greece
| | - Konstantinos Rogdakis
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) Heraklion 71410 Crete Greece
- Institute of Emerging Technologies (i-EMERGE) of HMU Research Center Heraklion 71410 Crete Greece
| | - Francesco Bonaccorso
- BeDimensional S.p.A. Via Lungotorrente Secca 30R 16163 Genova Italy
- Graphene Labs, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia via Morego, 30 16163 Genova Italy
| | - Emmanuel Kymakis
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) Heraklion 71410 Crete Greece
- Institute of Emerging Technologies (i-EMERGE) of HMU Research Center Heraklion 71410 Crete Greece
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5
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Mroz AM, Posligua V, Tarzia A, Wolpert EH, Jelfs KE. Into the Unknown: How Computation Can Help Explore Uncharted Material Space. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:18730-18743. [PMID: 36206484 PMCID: PMC9585593 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Novel functional materials are urgently needed to help
combat the
major global challenges facing humanity, such as climate change and
resource scarcity. Yet, the traditional experimental materials discovery
process is slow and the material space at our disposal is too vast
to effectively explore using intuition-guided experimentation alone.
Most experimental materials discovery programs necessarily focus on
exploring the local space of known materials, so we are not fully
exploiting the enormous potential material space, where more novel
materials with unique properties may exist. Computation, facilitated
by improvements in open-source software and databases, as well as
computer hardware has the potential to significantly accelerate the
rational development of materials, but all too often is only used
to postrationalize experimental observations. Thus, the true predictive
power of computation, where theory leads experimentation, is not fully
utilized. Here, we discuss the challenges to successful implementation
of computation-driven materials discovery workflows, and then focus
on the progress of the field, with a particular emphasis on the challenges
to reaching novel materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Mroz
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Victor Posligua
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Andrew Tarzia
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Emma H Wolpert
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Kim E Jelfs
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, U.K
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6
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Ali A, El-Mellouhi F, Mitra A, Aïssa B. Research Progress of Plasmonic Nanostructure-Enhanced Photovoltaic Solar Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12050788. [PMID: 35269276 PMCID: PMC8912550 DOI: 10.3390/nano12050788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Enhancement of the electromagnetic properties of metallic nanostructures constitute an extensive research field related to plasmonics. The latter term is derived from plasmons, which are quanta corresponding to longitudinal waves that are propagating in matter by the collective motion of electrons. Plasmonics are increasingly finding wide application in sensing, microscopy, optical communications, biophotonics, and light trapping enhancement for solar energy conversion. Although the plasmonics field has relatively a short history of development, it has led to substantial advancement in enhancing the absorption of the solar spectrum and charge carrier separation efficiency. Recently, huge developments have been made in understanding the basic parameters and mechanisms governing the application of plasmonics, including the effects of nanoparticles’ size, arrangement, and geometry and how all these factors impact the dielectric field in the surrounding medium of the plasmons. This review article emphasizes recent developments, fundamentals, and fabrication techniques for plasmonic nanostructures while investigating their thermal effects and detailing light-trapping enhancement mechanisms. The mismatch effect of the front and back light grating for optimum light trapping is also discussed. Different arrangements of plasmonic nanostructures in photovoltaics for efficiency enhancement, plasmonics’ limitations, and modeling performance are also deeply explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Ali
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar; (A.A.); (F.E.-M.)
| | - Fedwa El-Mellouhi
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar; (A.A.); (F.E.-M.)
| | - Anirban Mitra
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, India;
| | - Brahim Aïssa
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar; (A.A.); (F.E.-M.)
- Correspondence: or
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7
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Gamel MMA, Ker PJ, Lee HJ, Rashid WESWA, Hannan MA, David JPR, Jamaludin MZ. Multi-dimensional optimization of In 0.53Ga 0.47As thermophotovoltaic cell using real coded genetic algorithm. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7741. [PMID: 33833263 PMCID: PMC8032727 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The optimization of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell efficiency is essential since it leads to a significant increase in the output power. Typically, the optimization of In0.53Ga0.47As TPV cell has been limited to single variable such as the emitter thickness, while the effects of the variation in other design variables are assumed to be negligible. The reported efficiencies of In0.53Ga0.47As TPV cell mostly remain < 15%. Therefore, this work develops a multi-variable or multi-dimensional optimization of In0.53Ga0.47As TPV cell using the real coded genetic algorithm (RCGA) at various radiation temperatures. RCGA was developed using Visual Basic and it was hybridized with Silvaco TCAD for the electrical characteristics simulation. Under radiation temperatures from 800 to 2000 K, the optimized In0.53Ga0.47As TPV cell efficiency increases by an average percentage of 11.86% (from 8.5 to 20.35%) as compared to the non-optimized structure. It was found that the incorporation of a thicker base layer with the back-barrier layers enhances the separation of charge carriers and increases the collection of photo-generated carriers near the band-edge, producing an optimum output power of 0.55 W/cm2 (cell efficiency of 22.06%, without antireflection coating) at 1400 K radiation spectrum. The results of this work demonstrate the great potential to generate electricity sustainably from industrial waste heat and the multi-dimensional optimization methodology can be adopted to optimize semiconductor devices, such as solar cell, TPV cell and photodetectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansur Mohammed Ali Gamel
- grid.484611.e0000 0004 1798 3541Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Pin Jern Ker
- grid.484611.e0000 0004 1798 3541Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Hui Jing Lee
- grid.484611.e0000 0004 1798 3541Institute of Power Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Malaysia
| | | | - M. A. Hannan
- grid.484611.e0000 0004 1798 3541Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - J. P. R. David
- grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN UK
| | - M. Z. Jamaludin
- grid.484611.e0000 0004 1798 3541Institute of Power Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Malaysia
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8
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Lu CH, Sung JC, Ou CY, Singh RK. Solution-processed Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 solar cells prepared via a surface sulfurization process. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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9
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Farrell C, Osman AI, Zhang X, Murphy A, Doherty R, Morgan K, Rooney DW, Harrison J, Coulter R, Shen D. Assessment of the energy recovery potential of waste Photovoltaic (PV) modules. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5267. [PMID: 30918300 PMCID: PMC6437152 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41762-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Global exponential increase in levels of Photovoltaic (PV) module waste is an increasing concern. The purpose of this study is to investigate if there is energy value in the polymers contained within first-generation crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV modules to help contribute positively to recycling rates and the circular economy. One such thermochemical conversion method that appeals to this application is pyrolysis. As c-Si PV modules are made up of glass, metal, semiconductor and polymer layers; pyrolysis has potential not to promote chemical oxidation of any of these layers to help aid delamination and subsequently, recovery. Herein, we analysed both used polymers taken from a deconstructed used PV module and virgin-grade polymers prior to manufacture to determine if any properties or thermal behaviours had changed. The calorific values of the used and virgin-grade Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant were found to be high, unchanged and comparable to that of biodiesel at 39.51 and 39.87 MJ.Kg−1, respectively. This result signifies that there is energy value within used modules. As such, this study has assessed the pyrolysis behaviour of PV cells and has indicated the energy recovery potential within the used polymers found in c-Si PV modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Farrell
- South West College, Cookstown, Co., Tyrone, BT80 8DN, Northern Ireland, UK. .,School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5AH, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Ahmed I Osman
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5AG, Northern Ireland, UK. .,Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science - Qena, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt.
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5AH, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Adrian Murphy
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5AH, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Rory Doherty
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Civil Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5AG, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Kevin Morgan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5AG, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - David W Rooney
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5AG, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - John Harrison
- South West College, Cookstown, Co., Tyrone, BT80 8DN, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Rachel Coulter
- South West College, Cookstown, Co., Tyrone, BT80 8DN, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Dekui Shen
- Department of Thermal Power Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou, Xuanwu Qu, Nanjing Shi, 210018, Jiangsu Sheng, China
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10
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Legesse M, Park H, El Mellouhi F, Rashkeev SN, Kais S, Alharbi FH. Improved Photoactivity of Pyroxene Silicates by Cation Substitutions. Chemphyschem 2018; 19:943-953. [PMID: 29314507 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201701155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the possibility of band structure engineering of pyroxene silicates with chemical formula A+1 B+3 Si2 O6 by proper cation substitution. Typically, band gaps of naturally formed pyroxene silicates such as NaAlSi2 O6 are quite high (≈5 eV). Therefore, it is important to find a way to reduce band gaps for these materials below 3 eV to make them usable for optoelectronic applications operating at visible light range of the spectrum. Using first-principles calculations, we found that appropriate substitutions of both A+ and B3+ cations can reduce the band gaps of these materials to as low as 1.31 eV. We also discuss how the band gap in this class of materials is affected by cation radii, electronegativity of constituent elements, spin-orbit coupling, and structural modifications. In particular, the replacement of Al3+ in NaAlSi2 O6 by another trivalent cation Tl3+ results in the largest band-gap reduction and emergence of intermediate bands. We also found that all considered materials are still thermodynamically stable. This work provides a design approach for new environmentally benign and abundant materials for use in photovoltaics and optoelectronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merid Legesse
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Heesoo Park
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fedwa El Mellouhi
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sergey N Rashkeev
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sabre Kais
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Chemistry and Physics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 46323, USA.,College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fahhad H Alharbi
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.,College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
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11
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Tavakoli MM, Zakeeruddin SM, Grätzel M, Fan Z. Large-Grain Tin-Rich Perovskite Films for Efficient Solar Cells via Metal Alloying Technique. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:1705998. [PMID: 29363858 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201705998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Fast research progress on lead halide perovskite solar cells has been achieved in the past a few years. However, the presence of lead (Pb) in perovskite composition as a toxic element still remains a major issue for large-scale deployment. In this work, a novel and facile technique is presented to fabricate tin (Sn)-rich perovskite film using metal precursors and an alloying technique. Herein, the perovskite films are formed as a result of the reaction between Sn/Pb binary alloy metal precursors and methylammonium iodide (MAI) vapor in a chemical vapor deposition process carried out at 185 °C. It is found that in this approach the Pb/Sn precursors are first converted to (Pb/Sn)I2 and further reaction with MAI vapor leads to the formation of perovskite films. By using Pb-Sn eutectic alloy, perovskite films with large grain sizes up to 5 µm can be grown directly from liquid phase metal. Consequently, using an alloying technique and this unique growth mechanism, a less-toxic and efficient perovskite solar cell with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.04% is demonstrated, while pure Sn and Pb perovskite solar cells prepared in this manner yield PCEs of 4.62% and 14.21%, respectively. It is found that this alloying technique can open up a new direction to further explore different alloy systems (binary or ternary alloys) with even lower melting point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahdi Tavakoli
- Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), EPFL-BCH, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Shaik Mohammed Zakeeruddin
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), EPFL-BCH, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Grätzel
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), EPFL-BCH, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zhiyong Fan
- Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Baloch AAB, Hossain MI, Tabet N, Alharbi FH. Practical Efficiency Limit of Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite (CH 3NH 3PbI 3) Solar Cells. J Phys Chem Lett 2018; 9:426-434. [PMID: 29343067 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.7b03343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmer A B Baloch
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University , Doha, Qatar
| | - M I Hossain
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University , Doha, Qatar
| | - N Tabet
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University , Doha, Qatar
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University , Doha, Qatar
| | - F H Alharbi
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University , Doha, Qatar
- Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University , Doha, Qatar
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