Experimental study of the microstructures and hydrogen storage properties of the LaNi4Mn0·5Co0.5 alloys

In the present study, the absorption and desorption kinetics of hydrogen and the isotherm (P-C-T)) of the LaNi₄Mn_0·5Co_0.5 alloy were measured at values of 283 K, 303 K, and 313 K. The morphological states of this sample were examined using characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The thermodynamic functions for the absorption-desorption of hydrogen by hydrides, such as enthalpy (H) and entropy (S), were calculated from the experimental data or by using a model that exists in the literature and is premised on the adjustment of isotherm curves at various temperatures. This model is based on an integrated form of the Van't Hoff equation and a simultaneous examination of the isotherms. According to the experimental results, the amount of hydrogen absorbed or desorbed by the sample is significantly affected by the partial substitution of the nickel atom by the elements Mn and Co. However, this substitution increased the absorption or de-sorption plateau pressure.

Photovoltaic Performance of Thin-Film CdTe for Solar Cell Applications

In the current investigation, we report a theoretical study to acquire the highest feasible efficiency of cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-films. It is well recognized that CdTe crystallizes in cubic zinc-blende structure and its direct band gap of 1.5 eV turned it out as a potential candidate for photovoltaic (PV) applications. Our calculations are founded on Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit to simulate the open-circuit voltage, current density, and filling factor versus the variation of photon energy up to 4.0 eV. These key parameters of SQ change with the variation of energy between 0.3 to 3.5 eV. This is owing to the strong optical absorption (> 104 cm−1) and direct band gap of 1.5 eV, which make CdTe thin-film suitable for single junction solar cell and ideal for PV applications. It is observed that the optical absorption enhances as the thickness of the absorbed layer increases. This will effectively provide a theoretical support to the industry of global solar energy that is anticipated to be sustainable in the future.