1
|
Bellani S, Bartolotta A, Agresti A, Calogero G, Grancini G, Di Carlo A, Kymakis E, Bonaccorso F. Solution-processed two-dimensional materials for next-generation photovoltaics. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:11870-11965. [PMID: 34494631 PMCID: PMC8559907 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00106j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the ever-increasing energy demand scenario, the development of novel photovoltaic (PV) technologies is considered to be one of the key solutions to fulfil the energy request. In this context, graphene and related two-dimensional (2D) materials (GRMs), including nonlayered 2D materials and 2D perovskites, as well as their hybrid systems, are emerging as promising candidates to drive innovation in PV technologies. The mechanical, thermal, and optoelectronic properties of GRMs can be exploited in different active components of solar cells to design next-generation devices. These components include front (transparent) and back conductive electrodes, charge transporting layers, and interconnecting/recombination layers, as well as photoactive layers. The production and processing of GRMs in the liquid phase, coupled with the ability to "on-demand" tune their optoelectronic properties exploiting wet-chemical functionalization, enable their effective integration in advanced PV devices through scalable, reliable, and inexpensive printing/coating processes. Herein, we review the progresses in the use of solution-processed 2D materials in organic solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, perovskite solar cells, quantum dot solar cells, and organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells, as well as in tandem systems. We first provide a brief introduction on the properties of 2D materials and their production methods by solution-processing routes. Then, we discuss the functionality of 2D materials for electrodes, photoactive layer components/additives, charge transporting layers, and interconnecting layers through figures of merit, which allow the performance of solar cells to be determined and compared with the state-of-the-art values. We finally outline the roadmap for the further exploitation of solution-processed 2D materials to boost the performance of PV devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Bellani
- BeDimensional S.p.A., Via Lungotorrente Secca 30R, 16163 Genova, Italy.
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Graphene Labs, via Moreogo 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Antonino Bartolotta
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Via F. Stagno D'alcontres 37, 98158 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Agresti
- CHOSE - Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Calogero
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Via F. Stagno D'alcontres 37, 98158 Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Grancini
- University of Pavia and INSTM, Via Taramelli 16, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Carlo
- CHOSE - Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
- L.A.S.E. - Laboratory for Advanced Solar Energy, National University of Science and Technology "MISiS", 119049 Leninskiy Prosect 6, Moscow, Russia
| | - Emmanuel Kymakis
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos 71410 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Francesco Bonaccorso
- BeDimensional S.p.A., Via Lungotorrente Secca 30R, 16163 Genova, Italy.
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Graphene Labs, via Moreogo 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jana A, Gregory DH. Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of ZnO-rGO Core-Shell Nanorod Hybrids with Photo- and Electro-Catalytic Activity. Chemistry 2020; 26:6703-6714. [PMID: 32154605 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202000535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The unique two-dimensional structure and surface chemistry of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) along with its high electrical conductivity can be exploited to modify the electrochemical properties of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). ZnO-rGO nanohybrids can be engineered in a simple new two-step synthesis, which is both fast and energy-efficient. The resulting hybrid materials show excellent electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activity. The structure and composition of the as-prepared bare ZnO nanorods (NRs) and the ZnO-rGO hybrids have been extensively characterised and the optical properties subsequently studied by UV/Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy (including decay lifetime measurements). The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye is enhanced using the ZnO-rGO hybrids as compared to bare ZnO NRs. Furthermore, potentiometry comparing ZnO and ZnO-rGO electrodes reveals a featureless capacitive background for an Ar-saturated solution whereas for an O2 -saturated solution a well-defined redox peak was observed using both electrodes. The change in reduction potential and significant increase in current density demonstrates that the hybrid core-shell NRs possess remarkable electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as compared to NRs of ZnO alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Jana
- WestCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan H Gregory
- WestCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Razavizadeh O, Ghorbani M, Shafiekhani A. Photo-Electrochemical Application of ZnOG Thin Film for in situ Monitoring of Steel Sour Corrosion. SURFACE ENGINEERING AND APPLIED ELECTROCHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.3103/s1068375520020131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
4
|
Tavakoli Dastjerdi H, Prochowicz D, Yadav P, Tavakoli MM. Synergistic ligand exchange and UV curing of PbS quantum dots for effective surface passivation. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:22832-22840. [PMID: 31755484 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr07854a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots (QDs) are promising materials in solution-processed photovoltaic (PV) devices due to their tunable bandgap and low-cost processing. Replacing the long oleic acid ligands of the as-synthesized QDs with shorter ligands is a key step for making functional QD PVs with correctly tuned band energies and reduced non-radiative recombination centers. In this work, we study the effect of ultraviolet (UV) treatment of PbS QD layers on the QD surface states during ligand exchange. We demonstrate that this straightforward approach effectively reduces the surface trap states and passivates the surface of QDs. We find that UV treatment reduces the density of hydroxyl groups attached to the QD surface and improves the bonding of short ligands to the QD surface. Multiple analyses show the reduction of nonradiative recombination centers for the UV-treated sample. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of our optimized PbS QD device reached 10.7% (vs. 9% for the control device) and was maintained above 10% after 230 h of constant illumination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Tavakoli Dastjerdi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Daniel Prochowicz
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Department of Solar Energy, School of Technology, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar-382 007, Gujarat, India
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Tavakoli
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yousif QA, Agbolaghi S. A Comparison Between Functions of Carbon Nanotube and Reduced Graphene Oxide and Respective Ameliorated Derivatives in Perovskite Solar Cells. Macromol Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13233-020-8054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
6
|
Shaikh JS, Shaikh NS, Mali SS, Patil JV, Beknalkar SA, Patil AP, Tarwal NL, Kanjanaboos P, Hong CK, Patil PS. Quantum Dot Based Solar Cells: Role of Nanoarchitectures, Perovskite Quantum Dots, and Charge-Transporting Layers. CHEMSUSCHEM 2019; 12:4724-4753. [PMID: 31347771 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201901505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) are attractive technology for commercialization, owing to various advantages, such as cost effectiveness, and require relatively simple device fabrication processes. The properties of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), such as band gap energy, optical absorption, and carrier transport, can be effectively tuned by modulating their size and shape. Two types of architectures of QDSCs have been developed: 1) photoelectric cells (PECs) fabricated from QDs sensitized on nanostructured TiO2 , and 2) photovoltaic cells fabricated from a Schottky junction and heterojunction. Different types of semiconductor QDs, such as a secondary, ternary, quaternary, and perovskite semiconductors, are used for the advancement of QDSCs. The major challenge in QDSCs is the presence of defects in QDs, which lead to recombination reactions and thereby limit the overall performance of the device. To tackle this problem, several strategies, such as the implementation of a passivation layer over the QD layer and the preparation of core-shell structures, have been developed. This review covers aspects of QDSCs that are essential to understand for further improvement in this field and their commercialization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin S Shaikh
- Thin Film Materials Laboratory, Department of Physics, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004, India
| | - Navajsharif S Shaikh
- School of Materials Science and Innovation, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sawanta S Mali
- Polymer Energy Materials Laboratory, School of Advanced Chemical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Jyoti V Patil
- Polymer Energy Materials Laboratory, School of Advanced Chemical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Sonali A Beknalkar
- Thin Film Materials Laboratory, Department of Physics, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004, India
| | - Akhilesh P Patil
- The School of Nanoscience and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004, India
| | - N L Tarwal
- Thin Film Materials Laboratory, Department of Physics, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004, India
| | - Pongsakorn Kanjanaboos
- School of Materials Science and Innovation, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chang Kook Hong
- Polymer Energy Materials Laboratory, School of Advanced Chemical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Pramod S Patil
- Thin Film Materials Laboratory, Department of Physics, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004, India
- The School of Nanoscience and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhao J, Tavakoli R, Tavakoli MM. Synergistic interface and compositional engineering of inverted perovskite solar cells enables highly efficient and stable photovoltaic devices. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:9196-9199. [PMID: 31309940 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc04364k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Recently, interface and compositional engineering have been effective approaches in the field of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, the surface of the nickel oxide layer and perovskite composition are modified by poly[(9,9-bis(30-((N,N-dimethyl)-N-ethylammonium)-propyl)-2,7-fluorene)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene)] dibromide (PFN-P2) and deionized (DI) water, respectively, which result in a device with 20.5% efficiency and great stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayuan Zhao
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Rouhollah Tavakoli
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 14588, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Tavakoli
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, 14588, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jana A, Scheer E. Study of Optical and Magnetic Properties of Graphene-Wrapped ZnO Nanoparticle Hybrids. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:1497-1505. [PMID: 29290119 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b02953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we report a one-step method for the preparation of graphene-wrapped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle (NP) (ZnO@G) hybrids. These hybrids are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, optical absorption measurements, photoluminescence (PL) emission spectroscopy, and M-H hysteresis measurements. All results reveal that the ZnO NPs are entirely covered with graphene sheets. In the PL spectra, the quenching of the band gap emission and the enhanced green emission serve as evidence of the electron transfer from the ZnO NPs to the graphene layer. The increase of the room-temperature magnetization of the hybrid, compared to pure ZnO NPs, is due to the increasing defect concentration. We suggest a band diagram model that accounts for these observations. We present the simple wet-chemical synthesis procedure to open a new way for the synthesis of NP-graphene hybrid systems having magnetic properties giving the large manifold potential application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Jana
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Elke Scheer
- Department of Physics, University of Konstanz , 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tong L, Qiu F, Zeng T, Long J, Yang J, Wang R, Zhang J, Wang C, Sun T, Yang Y. Recent progress in the preparation and application of quantum dots/graphene composite materials. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra08755a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantum dots/graphene (QDs/GR) composite materials show a distinct synergistic effect between the QDs and graphene, which has aroused vast attention toward their unique characteristics in the last few decades.
Collapse
|
10
|
Heo JH, Jang MH, Lee MH, You MS, Kim SW, Lee JJ, Im SH. Formation of uniform PbS quantum dots by a spin-assisted successive precipitation and anion exchange reaction process using PbX2 (X = Br, I) and Na2S precursors. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra25637f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We devised a straightforward spin-assisted successive precipitation and anion exchange reaction (spin-SPAER) process in order to deposit relatively uniform PbS quantum dots (QDs) on mesoporous TiO2 (mp-TiO2).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hyuck Heo
- Functional Crystallization Center (ERC)
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Kyung Hee University
- Yongin-si
- Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hyeok Jang
- Functional Crystallization Center (ERC)
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Kyung Hee University
- Yongin-si
- Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ho Lee
- Functional Crystallization Center (ERC)
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Kyung Hee University
- Yongin-si
- Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Sang You
- Functional Crystallization Center (ERC)
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Kyung Hee University
- Yongin-si
- Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Wook Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology
- Ajou University
- Suwon 443-749
- Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Joon Lee
- Department of Energy & Materials Engineering
- Dongguk University
- Seoul
- Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyuk Im
- Functional Crystallization Center (ERC)
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Kyung Hee University
- Yongin-si
- Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tavakoli MM, Simchi A, Fan Z, Aashuri H. Chemical processing of three-dimensional graphene networks on transparent conducting electrodes for depleted-heterojunction quantum dot solar cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:323-6. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cc06955f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The improvement of device performance by using a 3DGN structure as a fast extraction layer for electrons is shown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahdi Tavakoli
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Sharif University of Technology
- 14588 Tehran
- Iran
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering
| | - Abdolreza Simchi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Sharif University of Technology
- 14588 Tehran
- Iran
- Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
| | - Zhiyong Fan
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- Kowloon
- Hong Kong
| | - Hossein Aashuri
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Sharif University of Technology
- 14588 Tehran
- Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tavakoli MM, Mirfasih MH, Hasanzadeh S, Aashuri H, Simchi A. Surface passivation of lead sulfide nanocrystals with low electron affinity metals: photoluminescence and photovoltaic performance. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016; 18:12086-92. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cp07987j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Low electron affinity metals like Cd can annihilate deep trap states and increase the current density, resulting in higher performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mahdi Tavakoli
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Sharif University of Technology
- 14588 Tehran
- Iran
| | | | - Soheil Hasanzadeh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Sharif University of Technology
- 14588 Tehran
- Iran
| | - Hossein Aashuri
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Sharif University of Technology
- 14588 Tehran
- Iran
| | - Abdolreza Simchi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Sharif University of Technology
- 14588 Tehran
- Iran
- Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
| |
Collapse
|