Next Energy最新文献

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLB) utilizing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are attractive due to the enhanced safety and processability. However, operation of the cells usually requires elevated temperatures to overcome the low ionic conductivity or high interfacial resistance issue. Through this study, we identify that grain boundaries within SPE exist and play a crucial role on Li-ion transport and cell performance. Accordingly, a direct hot-press activation approach was proposed and demonstrated significant reduction of boundary resistance within the SPE, leading to a fourfold increase in room temperature (r.t.) ionic conductivity. The detailed morphological and structural study suggest a pressure-induced amorphization mechanism for the activation of room-temperature SPE. Through this facile activation procedure, all solid-state LiFeO₄ (LFP)|SPE|Li cells demonstrate improved performance for both high specific capacity and stable cycling at r.t.

Lead iodide (PbI₂) is a 2D layered semiconductor used in several electronic applications, such as solar cells, X-ray, and gamma-ray detectors. Most of its properties have been reported for monocrystals or polycrystalline thick films used in high-energy photon detectors. As for thin films used in other optoelectronic devices, the reported properties are limited to the conditions adopted in manufacturing the devices. Furthermore, very little is known about the properties of films deposited by sputtering. Here, we investigate the optical and structural properties of PbI₂ thin films deposited by rf-sputtering a PbI₂ target. The deposition temperature significantly influences the film's properties, as determined by X-ray, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-vis, and Raman spectroscopy. A common characteristic at all temperatures was forming metallic lead (Pb) segregated in the surface of films, with concentration depending on the deposition temperature. These lead clusters were successfully converted into PbI₂ using an iodination process, allowing the synthesis of pure PbI₂ films without lead segregation. The activation energy for the reaction between Pb clusters and iodine vapor was determined by adopting the Arrhenius equation. It was also observed that converting PbI₂ film into perovskite through the two-step process, by immersion of the PbI₂ film into methylammonium iodide solution, transforms the segregated lead into perovskite. The sputtering technique allows the deposition of uniform films over large areas compatible with roll-to-roll processes, which are desired to produce large-area detectors and perovskite solar cells.

Copper-based chalcogenide quaternary semiconductors have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaic (PV) devices, owing to their unique electronic and photonic properties coupled with environmentally friendly compositions. This study explores the potential of copper-based absorber materials, specifically Cu₂FeSnS₄ (CFTS), as an absorber in heterojunction solar cells with Cu-/Ni-metal oxides back surface field (BSF) and SnS₂ buffer layers using the SCAPS-1D Simulator. Initially, we assess the performance of CFTS-absorber solar cells and compare the key photovoltaic metrics with those of other Cu-based semiconductors including CuIn_xGa_(1-x)Se₂ (CIGS), Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS), Cu₂CoSnS₄ (CCTS), Cu₂NiSnS₄ (CNTS), Cu₂BaSnS₄ (CBTS), Cu₂MnSnS₄ (CMTS), to identify the most promising absorber. Subsequently, we optimize the layer properties, including active layer thickness, free-carrier concentration, bulk and interface defect density, and carrier recombination in potential CFTS. Further, we examine the impact of defects, and carrier recombination, including radiative, Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH), and Auger recombination. These detailed studies yield improved and competitive photoconversion efficiency, (PCE) of 27.31% (compared to 24.68%, without BSF) with open circuit voltage, (V_OC) of 1.36 V, short-circuit current density, (J_SC) of 22.28 mA/cm² and fill factor, (FF) of 90.47% for Cu₂O, whereas the PCE of 26.97% with V_OC of 1.07 V, J_SC of 28.82 mA/cm² and FF of 86.91% for NiO_x BSF layer in Au/Mo/BSF(Cu₂O and NiO_x)/CFTS/SnS₂/ZnMgO/ZnO:Al/Pt configurations under optimized conditions. The enhanced charge separation and carrier collection efficiencies reveal the strong potential of CFTS absorber heterostructures with Cu₂O/NiO_x, SnS_2, and bi-layer ZnMgO/ZnO:Al as BSF, buffer, and window layers, repectively, providing insights and resources for developing high-efficiency CFTS-based photovoltaic devices.

The excessive usage and limited availability of fossil fuels have put enough impetus on researchers to find alternative energy sources to control the energy crisis and reduce climate change. To mitigate environmental impact while generating clean energy, researchers and energy experts are particularly focused on harnessing energy from bioresources and waste materials. This review article gives insight into various type of alternative fuels, their production strategies, and applications. Further, it explores the availability of domestic carbon resources like agroforestry, nonfood energy crops, municipal solid waste, agro-industry waste, food waste, wastewater, and anthropogenic-generated wastes from various industries. Furthermore, the potential for making alternative fuels like biodiesel and bioethanol adopts sustainable biochemical processes like aerobic and anaerobic digestion, fermentation, and methanation. Landfill processes and thermal processes like gasification, and pyrolysis are also explored to harness the waste streams into alternative energy sources, promising environmental benefits.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) often face performance limitations under stringent conditions, such as low temperatures and overcharge/overdischarge scenarios, primarily due to the inadequacies of cathode materials. Nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) has emerged as a promising candidate due to its zero-strain ion-insertion characteristic and efficient ionic diffusion pathways. However, its practical application is hindered by inadequate ionic and electronic conductivity. In this study, we address these challenges by enhancing the electronic conductivity of NiHCF through the incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This strategic integration not only leverages NiHCF’s zero-strain ion-insertion property but also significantly improves electron and ion transport. As a result, the modified NiHCF/MWCNT composite demonstrates superior electrochemical performance, exhibiting enhanced robustness and efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale energy storage applications. Under a current density of 10 A g⁻¹ at 25 ℃, the NiHCF/MWCNT composite maintains stable cycling for up to 5000 cycles, with a notable specific capacity of 59.33 mAh g⁻¹. Even at −20 ℃, it continues to deliver robust cycling for 5000 cycles at 10 A g⁻¹. Remarkably, after overcharging to 4.25 V and overdischarging to 1.2 V at both 25 ℃ and −20 ℃, the NiHCF/MWCNT electrode still maintains robust cycling performance. This advancement not only addresses the current limitations of electrode materials under extreme conditions but also offers a scalable and practical approach to improving sustainable energy storage technologies.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a cutting-edge category of porous crystalline organic-inorganic hybrids that have attracted significant interest in the realm of energy storage and conversion. MOFs offer several advantages, including ordered channels, high specific surface area, precisely controllable structures, high functionality, and desirable physicochemical characteristics, which position them as promising candidates for solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). This review systematically explores recent efforts in the development of MOF-based SSEs for solid-state lithium metal batteries. We categorize these advancements into three key systems based on the functionalities of MOFs: (1) incorporation of guest molecules into MOFs, (2) modification of MOFs, and (3) MOFs-based composite in SSEs. We discuss the advantages and potential challenges associated with MOFs in these applications, and propose key design strategies and emerging trends. This review aims to offer innovative insights and practical guidance for the development of MOF-based electrolytes.