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Navya PV, Ganesan K, Neyts EC, Sampath S. Heterocycle- and Amine-Free Electrochromic and Electrofluorochromic Molecules for Energy-Saving See-Through Smart Windows and Displays. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202401647. [PMID: 38747442 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Electrochromic (EC) smart windows are an elegant alternative to dusty curtains, blinds, and traditional dimming devices. The EC energy storage smart windows and displays received remarkable attention in the optoelectronic industry as they hold promise for high energy efficiency, low power consumption, reversibility, and swift response to stimuli. However, achieving these properties remains challenging. Moreover, most EC molecules do not exhibit electrofluorochromism, which is highly essential for smart displays because its EC property can modulate the solar heat entering the building, and its electrofluorochromic (EFC) aspects can create lighting during the night. In this work, a structure-property relationship is utilized to develop new electrochromes that can store the injected charge, and these molecules indeed exhibit electrofluorochromism. The compounds are synthesized from tetrabenzofluorene with two aromatic acceptor units, and avoids the use of widely studied heterocycles and amine derivatives. The electrochromes switches from yellow to dark hue in solution, solid, and gel state. The compounds display exceptional electrochemical stability and reversibility in 1000 cycles and capacity retention of 93-100 % in 300 charging-discharging cycles. The proof-of-concept device fabrication of the self-dimming EC smart window presented here demonstrates that it can furnish visual comfort, modulate transmitted light and glare, and reduce energy usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panichiyil V Navya
- Soft Functional Hybrid Materials Lab, Department of Materials Science, School of Technology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, 610005, India
| | - Krithika Ganesan
- MOSAIC Research Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, 2610, Belgium
| | - Erik C Neyts
- MOSAIC Research Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, 2610, Belgium
| | - Srinivasan Sampath
- Soft Functional Hybrid Materials Lab, Department of Materials Science, School of Technology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, 610005, India
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Coghi P, Coluccini C. Literature Review on Conjugated Polymers as Light-Sensitive Materials for Photovoltaic and Light-Emitting Devices in Photonic Biomaterial Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1407. [PMID: 38794599 PMCID: PMC11125275 DOI: 10.3390/polym16101407] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to their extended p-orbital delocalization, conjugated polymers absorb light in the range of visible-NIR frequencies. We attempt to exploit this property to create materials that compete with inorganic semiconductors in photovoltaic and light-emitting materials. Beyond competing for applications in photonic devices, organic conjugated compounds, polymers, and small molecules have also been extended to biomedical applications like phototherapy and biodetection. Recent research on conjugated polymers has focused on bioapplications based on the absorbed light energy conversions in electric impulses, chemical energy, heat, and light emission. In this review, we describe the working principles of those photonic devices that have been applied and researched in the field of biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Coghi
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery from Natural Resources & Industrialization, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China;
| | - Carmine Coluccini
- Institute of New Drug Development, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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Dolan A, Pan X, Griffith MJ, Sharma A, de la Perrelle JM, Baran D, Metha GF, Huang DM, Kee TW, Andersson MR. Enhanced Photocatalytic and Photovoltaic Performance Arising from Unconventionally Low Donor-Y6 Ratios. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309672. [PMID: 38206096 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Development of both organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and organic photocatalysts has focused on utilizing the bulk heterojunction (BHJ). The BHJ promotes charge separation and enhances the carrier lifetime, but may give rise to increased charge traps, hindering performance. Here, high photocatalytic and photovoltaic performance is displayed by electron donor-acceptor (D-A) nanoparticles (NPs) and films, using the nonfullerene acceptor Y6 and polymer donor PIDT-T8BT. In contrast to conventional D-A systems, the charge generation in PIDT-T8BT:Y6 NPs is mainly driven by Y6, allowing a high performance even at a low D:A mass ratio of 1:50. The high performance at the low mass ratio is attributed to the amorphous behavior of PIDT-T8BT. Low ratios are generally thought to yield lower efficiency than the more conventional ≈1:1 ratio. However, the OPVs exhibit peak performance at a D:A ratio of 1:5. Similarly the NPs used for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution show peak performance at the 1:6.7 D:A ratio. Interestingly, for the PIDT-T8BT:Y6 system, as the polymer proportion increases, a reduced photocatalytic and photovoltaic performance is observed. The unconventional D:A ratios provide lower recombination losses and increased charge-carrier lifetime with undisrupted ambipolar charge transport in bulk Y6, enabling better performance than conventional ratios. This work reports novel light-harvesting materials in which performance is reduced due to unfavorable morphology as D:A ratios move toward conventional ratios of 1:1.2-1:1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Dolan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Xun Pan
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
| | - Matthew J Griffith
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, 5095, Australia
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Anirudh Sharma
- Material Science and Engineering Program (MSE), Physical Sciences and Engineering Division (PSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Derya Baran
- Material Science and Engineering Program (MSE), Physical Sciences and Engineering Division (PSE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Gregory F Metha
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - David M Huang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Tak W Kee
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Mats R Andersson
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, 5042, Australia
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Machín A, Márquez F. Advancements in Photovoltaic Cell Materials: Silicon, Organic, and Perovskite Solar Cells. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:1165. [PMID: 38473635 DOI: 10.3390/ma17051165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of photovoltaic cells is intrinsically linked to advancements in the materials from which they are fabricated. This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of the latest developments in silicon-based, organic, and perovskite solar cells, which are at the forefront of photovoltaic research. We scrutinize the unique characteristics, advantages, and limitations of each material class, emphasizing their contributions to efficiency, stability, and commercial viability. Silicon-based cells are explored for their enduring relevance and recent innovations in crystalline structures. Organic photovoltaic cells are examined for their flexibility and potential for low-cost production, while perovskites are highlighted for their remarkable efficiency gains and ease of fabrication. The paper also addresses the challenges of material stability, scalability, and environmental impact, offering a balanced perspective on the current state and future potential of these material technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abniel Machín
- Environmental Catalysis Research Laboratory, Division of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Cupey Campus, San Juan, PR 00926, USA
| | - Francisco Márquez
- Nanomaterials Research Group, Department of Natural Sciences and Technology, Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Gurabo Campus, Gurabo, PR 00778, USA
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Aftab S, Liu H, Vikraman D, Hussain S, Kang J, Al-Kahtani AA. Metal oxide-embedded carbon-based materials for polymer solar cells and X-ray detectors. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:765-776. [PMID: 38088682 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05143a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
This study examines the effects of hybrid nanoparticles made of NiO@rGO (reduced graphene oxide) and NiO@CNT (carbon nanotubes) on PCDTBT and PCBM active layers in glass/ITO/HTL/active-layer/LiF/Al structured bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells (PSCs) and X-ray photodetectors. These hybrid nanoparticles were used to create BHJ solar cells and photodetectors, and microscopic research was conducted to determine how they affect the structure of the devices. The findings show that compared to conventional matrices, the active layers with NiO@rGO and NiO@CNT incorporation have increased the charge carrier capacities and exciton dissociation properties. In order to assess their impact on the characteristics of charge transport, various weight ratios of these hybrid nanoparticles dispersed in polymer junctions are being investigated. Notably, compared to the pure PCDTBT:PCBM active layer (power conversion efficiency (PCE) = 4.35%), the NiO@CNT device has the highest PCE = 6.42% which, among the tested configurations, demonstrates its superior performance in converting sunlight into electricity. Among the tested X-ray detector materials, "NiO@CNT" achieves the best performance with a sensitivity of 1.92 mA Gy-1 cm-2. Through improved interfacial behaviors and effective charge transport, this work highlights the potential of these cutting-edge hybrid nanoparticles to enhance the performance of organic electronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikandar Aftab
- Department of Intelligent Mechatronics Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, South Korea.
| | - Hailiang Liu
- Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Korea
| | - Dhanasekaran Vikraman
- Division of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Korea
| | - Sajjad Hussain
- Department of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Engineering, Sejong University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jungwon Kang
- Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Korea
| | - Abdullah A Al-Kahtani
- Chemistry Department, Collage of Science, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Bui VKH, Nguyen TP. Advances in Hole Transport Materials for Layered Casting Solar Cells. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4443. [PMID: 38006166 PMCID: PMC10675163 DOI: 10.3390/polym15224443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Huge energy consumption and running out of fossil fuels has led to the advancement of renewable sources of power, including solar, wind, and tide. Among them, solar cells have been well developed with the significant achievement of silicon solar panels, which are popularly used as windows, rooftops, public lights, etc. In order to advance the application of solar cells, a flexible type is highly required, such as layered casting solar cells (LCSCs). Organic solar cells (OSCs), perovskite solar cells (PSCs), or dye-sensitive solar cells (DSSCs) are promising LCSCs for broadening the application of solar energy to many types of surfaces. LCSCs would be cost-effective, enable large-scale production, are highly efficient, and stable. Each layer of an LCSC is important for building the complete structure of a solar cell. Within the cell structure (active material, charge carrier transport layer, electrodes), hole transport layers (HTLs) play an important role in transporting holes to the anode. Recently, diverse HTLs from inorganic, organic, and organometallic materials have emerged to have a great impact on the stability, lifetime, and performance of OSC, PSC, or DSSC devices. This review summarizes the recent advances in the development of inorganic, organic, and organometallic HTLs for solar cells. Perspectives and challenges for HTL development and improvement are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Khac Hoang Bui
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea;
| | - Thang Phan Nguyen
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Gattu Subramanyam P, Krishnaswamy N, Guha K, Iannacci J, Ude EN, Muniswamy V. Enhanced Optical Management in Organic Solar Cells by Virtue of Square-Lattice Triple Core-Shell Nanostructures. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1574. [PMID: 37630110 PMCID: PMC10456542 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
This research focuses on enhancing the optical efficacy of organic photovoltaic cells, specifically their optical absorbance and electrical parameters. The absorbance of photons in organic solar cells (OSCs) was studied by incorporating an optical space layer and triple core-shell square-lattice nanostructures. For better chemical and thermal stability, a dielectric-metal-dielectric nanoparticle can be replaced for embedded metallic nanoparticles in the absorption layer. The 3D (finite-difference time-domain) FDTD method was used to analyze the absorption and field distribution in OSCs using 3D model morphology. Firstly, an optimization of thickness of the optical spacer layer was analyzed and secondly, the impact of adding triple core-shell nanostructures at different levels of an OSC were studied. The photovoltaic properties such as short circuit current density, power conversion efficiency, fill factor, Voc were investigated. The proposed design has demonstrated an improvement of up to 80% in the absorption of light radiation in the photoactive region (donor or acceptor) of OSCs in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 900 nm when compared with that of nanostructures proposed at various layers of OSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavithra Gattu Subramanyam
- Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Sai Vidya Institute of Technology, Bangalore 560064, Karnataka, India; (P.G.S.); (V.M.)
- Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering Sciences, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi 590018, Karnataka, India
| | - Narayan Krishnaswamy
- Department of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, NITTE Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore 560064, Karnataka, India;
| | - Koushik Guha
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Silchar 788118, Assam, India;
| | - Jacopo Iannacci
- Center for Sensors and Devices (SD), Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Eze Nicholas Ude
- Computer and Robotics Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 410105, Nigeria;
| | - Venkatesha Muniswamy
- Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Sai Vidya Institute of Technology, Bangalore 560064, Karnataka, India; (P.G.S.); (V.M.)
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