Solar RRL最新文献

Research on high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) technologies has consistently improved efficiencies. Yet, laboratory-developed PVs are often far from practical applications due to high material costs. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) can solve this as they use luminophores to direct light from larger areas to little cell materials. However, simple LSCs have very high intrinsic reabsorption, escape cone, and other losses making their combination with high-efficiency PVs unviable. Therefore, systems composed of randomly oriented light-harvesting donor pools, transferring all excitons to a few light-redirecting acceptors aligned parallel to the PV with drastically reduced losses, have been developed (FunDiLight–LSCs). However, these proof-of-principle systems consisted of rather unstable organic molecules. Herein, a novel photostable FunDiLight–LSC based on nanodots as light-harvesting donors and on nanorods as light-redirecting acceptors is introduced. The energy transfer and funneling efficiency in these dots/rods LSCs exceed 90% with escape cone losses potentially below 8%. As the nanoparticles used for the novel LSC are much more stable, combinations of these nanostructured light-harvesting systems with high-efficiency PV will make applications of such photovoltaics in everyday applications significantly more feasible.

Transparent photovoltaic (TPV) devices have the potential to revolutionize photovoltaic (PV) technology by enabling on-site generation while minimizing visual impact. However, a major challenge in the development of TPV, as well as for many PV technologies, is the open-circuit voltage (V_oc) deficit, which limits their efficiency. In this work, the development of wide-bandgap inorganic-based TPV devices is reported with a focus on low-cost, earth-abundant, stable, and nontoxic materials. The device structure consists of an ultrathin hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) absorber and metal-oxide layers as selective contacts. Herein, novel approach is presented to significantly improve device performance, especially in V_oc, by introducing molecular dipoles in the device electron-transport layer. By incorporating polyethyleneimine or poly(amidoamine) G₁ and G₂ dipoles, V_oc (from 410 mV up to 638 mV) is significantly increased without sacrificing the average photopic transmittance of the device, leading to a record efficiency for this particular approach in TPV. Measurements confirm excellent long-term stability. This approach can potentially allow tuning the work function of the selective contacts enabling the use of low-cost, earth-abundant materials that are not optimized for a particular absorber. Furthermore, this solution circumvents the issue of low V_oc by a simple interface treatment.

The quality of perovskite light-harvesting layer is known to be the most critical factor for the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a facile ambient air-aging process (AAP, 20%–30% RH) is adopted to realize the fabrication of high-quality Cs_0.15FA_0.75MA_0.1PbI₃ perovskite films, thereby upgrading device performance. We find that the perovskite crystallinity after AAP for 10 d is greatly intensified, with large grain size and preferred crystal orientation along (110) and (220) planes. Comparative studies on the Ag-based devices employing the perovskite films upon exposing to different atmospheres, i.e., dry N₂, dry O₂, N₂, and H₂O (20%–30% RH) and ambient air (20%–30% RH), demonstrate that H₂O molecules in air rather than O₂ molecules induce an effective defect passivation that holds the multiple functions in enhancing the quality of perovskite film, inhibiting the nonradiative recombination, prolonging the carrier lifetime, and improving the energy level matching, etc. Moreover, the positive effect of H₂O in ambient atmosphere on cell performance is irreversible and remains even if moisture escapes. Finally, the average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of device based on the AAP-induced film is increased from 18.24 ± 1.49 to 21.34 ± 0.76, with the champion PCE up to 22.60%. Also, the device with AAP exhibits better moisture resistance capability. Herein, it offers a viable AAP-induced route for the perovskite films with superb optoelectronic properties that can be subsequently extended to the design and construction of other photovoltaic devices for practical application.

The impact of photon recycling (PR) and of luminescent coupling (LC) on the photovoltaic performance of all-perovskite tandem solar cells is analyzed by the means of optical and full opto-electronic device simulation. Optical processes are assessed using a comprehensive Green function formalism that considers wave optical effects also in emission. Starting from a consistent fit of experimental sub-cell and tandem characteristics, the effects of re-absorption are propagated from the optical limit to a situation with consideration of realistic charge transport across the entire tandem device. This also provides insight into the origin of performance losses due to sub-cell and interconnection quality.

Herein, a new type of CsPbI₃-based 2D Dion–Jacobson (DJ) perovskites is reported, featuring a general formula of (PDMA)Cs_n−1PbnI_3n+1 (n = 1, 2, 3, 4) with 1,4-phenylenedimethanammonium (PDMA) as the organic spacer cation. The crystal structure, optical and electric properties, and surface morphology of the perovskite films are fully surveyed. The solar cell device based on the n = 4 film delivers a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.27%, further improved to 12.61% by treating with the PDMA molecules. The PDMA passivation suppresses non-radiative recombination, extends charge-carrier lifetime, and reduces open-circuit voltage loss. A gradient energy level near the film surface facilitates electron extraction, alleviating charge accumulation. The PDMA molecules form a protective layer, inhibiting water infiltration and enhancing stability. The optimized device exhibits excellent shelf stability with no PCE decay after 110 days. In this study, a dual-functional molecule is introduced as a new DJ-type spacer and an effective passivation agent for efficient and stable CsPbI₃-based 2D perovskite solar cells.

Carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) without hole transport layer (HTL) have been emerging as a promising low-cost photovoltaic technology with excellent stability for commercialization. However, the loose physical contact between the carbon electrode and perovskite layer, as well as the relatively poor conductivity of the carbon film, contributes mainly to the large gap in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) between C-PSCs and the metal (Ag, Au, etc.,) electrode-based counterparts. To this end, a simple but effective mechanical compression strategy for efficient C-PSCs is developed. The mechanical compression densifies the porous carbon electrode for high film conductivity and also provides intimate contact between carbon and perovskite layers for fast charge extraction. Consequently, the resulting HTL-free C-PSCs using MAPbI₃ (MA = methylammonium) absorber yield a PCE of 15.29%, corresponding to a 27.6% improvement compared to the counterpart without mechanical pressing treatment. Moreover, the compacted carbon film also serves as an enhanced barrier against the intrusion of water and oxygen, and the unencapsulated device retains 88.9% of its initial PCE after 1000 h of aging in ambient conditions with 35 ± 2% humidity. This work paves a simple and effective way toward efficient and stable C-PSC.

Concentrated solar power (CWP) technology has matured sufficiently for large-scale implementation. In a typical plant, the solar energy is captured by mirrors and directed onto heat-transfer fluid (HTF), typically a molten salt that is further conveyed to the thermal energy-storage system before being channeled to power turbines, generating electricity. A major concern about this technology is the need to reduce the levelized cost of electricity, necessitating heightened efficiency to enhance cost competitiveness and foster greater market penetration. One approach to achieve this involves replacing the current nitrate-based molten salt mixture with nanofluids. They combine nitrate-based molten salt and small amounts of nanomaterials of different dimensionality. These promising HTFs present a superior performance concerning their physical, thermal, and chemical properties. However, there is a lack of studies related to understanding the effects of nanomaterials and the underlying enhancement theories. Therefore, in this article, a detailed revision of the state of the art in experimental and theoretical studies of nanomaterials in a binary commercial nitrate-based molten salt (solar salt) as HTF for CWP plants is presented, highlighting the challenges related to their application and future research directions.

High-power optical transmission (HPOT) technology has emerged as a promising alternative among far-field wireless power transmission approaches, enabling the transfer of kilowatts of power over kilometer-scale distances. Its exceptional adaptability allows operation in challenging scenarios where traditional electrical wiring is impractical or unfeasible, thereby opening up a vast array of potential applications previously considered utopian. An important pending assignment in enhancing the performance of laser-based HPOT systems is achieving efficient photovoltaic conversion of high power densities (≥10 W cm⁻²). In this sense, there is a pressing need for the advancement of optical photovoltaic converters (OPCs) capable of enduring intense monochromatic irradiances. This work presents the design optimization, manufacturing, and characterization processes of a gallium indium phosphide (GaInP)-based OPC under varying 637 nm laser power at room temperature. In addition, methods to evaluate the impact of temperature on performance are provided. The findings reveal a maximum efficiency of 53.5% at 10 W cm⁻², surpassing literature results for GaInP converters by over 9%_abs at those light intensities. Remarkably, this device withstands unmatched irradiances within GaInP OPCs up to 60 W cm⁻², maintaining 42.3% efficiency. This study aims to push forward the development of wide-bandgap power converters with recordbreaking efficiencies paving the way for new applications.

Polarons, which arise from the intricate interplay between excess electrons and/or holes and lattice vibrations (phonons), represent quasiparticles pivotal to the electronic behavior of materials. This review reaffirms the established classification of small and large polarons, emphasizing its relevance in the context of recent advances in understanding lead halide perovskites' behavior. The distinct characteristics of large and small polarons stem from the electron–phonon interaction range, which exerts a profound influence on materials’ characteristics and functionalities. Concurrently, lead halides have emerged with exceptional opto-electronic properties, featuring prolonged carrier lifetimes, low recombination rates, high defect tolerance, and moderate charge carrier mobilities; these characteristics make them a compelling contender for integration of optoelectronic devices. In this review, the formation of both small and large polarons within the lattice of lead halide perovskites, elucidating their role in protecting photogenerated charge carriers from recombination processes, is discussed. As optoelectronic devices continue to advance, this review underscores the importance of unraveling polaron dynamics to pave the way for innovative strategies for enhancing the performance of next-generation photovoltaic technologies. Future research should explore novel polaronic effects using advanced computational and experimental techniques, enhancing our understanding and unlocking new applications in materials science and device engineering.

The efficient functioning of perovskite solar cells largely depends on the interaction between perovskite halide materials and the hole-transport layer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). However, a high rate of nonradiative recombination often hampers this interaction, leading to poor performance of the solar cells. We have developed a technique to modify the interface using a long-chain alkyl halide molecule called n-hexyl trimethylammonium bromide to address this issue. This modification technique significantly improves hole extraction, leading to an impressive open-circuit voltage of 1.14 V and a power conversion efficiency of 15.8% for inorganic perovskite CsPbI₃ with P3HT as a dopant-free hole-transport layer. This breakthrough can pave the way for developing more efficient and sustainable solar cells.