Solar RRL最新文献

Interfacial solar desalination using plasmonic metal semiconductors is a valuable process for freshwater production. However, the design of a sustainable and efficient photothermal evaporator is still challenging. In the present research, polyethylene terephthalate waste bottles were upcycled into carbon foam (CF) and further functionalized with CuS nanoflakes as a photothermal layer. Analytical characterizations (X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy–high-angle annular dark field) demonstrated the successful decoration of two-dimensional Covellite CuS nanoflakes on graphitic CF having microporous channels. UV/vis spectroscopy measurements show enhanced optical absorption with CuS/CF of up to 95% compared to bare CF (72%). The photothermal desalination experiment displayed an improved evaporation rate of 1.90 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ for the CuS–CF compared to 1.58 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ for the bare CF and CuS 1.41 kg m⁻² h¹, reveling the excellent water evaporation efficiency of 91%. The obtained results suggested that the design of CuS-functionalized CF derived from waste plastic for solar desalination is a useful strategy to produce fresh water from the upcycling of waste materials and a good example of circular economy through the development of engineered composite systems.

Escalating environmental and energy supply concerns, coupled with an increasing interest in space exploration, are driving the development of advanced energy harvesting systems and the adoption of cutting-edge photovoltaic (PV) technologies. Photonics allows precise light manipulation in a multitude of ways, empowering PV with the means to tackle the multifaceted challenges inherent to the harsh space environment, with great potential to concomitantly spin off to on-Earth systems, prioritizing efficiency and reliability. This review thus synthesizes the key insights from the latest experimental and simulation R&D outcomes to inform the design and implementation of advanced photonic strategies for various PV applications. The state-of-the-art performance and foreground of photonic-managed thick- (single-junction crystalline silicon, c-Si, and perovskite-on-silicon tandem) and thin-film (hydrogenated amorphous silicon, a-Si:H, and perovskite) PV devices are assessed by comparison with theoretical ideal light-trapping scenarios (single-, double-pass, and Lambertian absorption models), looking also at the potential of photonic coolers as an emergent platform for effective thermal management. Finally, this work examines novel photonic approaches for spectrum modification, emphasizing the relevance of illumination-tailoring for outer space systems.

To create efficient perovskite–silicon tandem cells with small pyramidal structures, it is crucial to deposit high-quality wide-bandgap perovskite films on textured surfaces. To attain this objective, it is essential to comprehensively understand the characteristics of perovskite films on textured surfaces and their impact on the efficiency loss mechanisms of perovskite solar cells. We find that the textured substrates provide better absorptance of the perovskite films, thus reducing the efficiency losses resulting from the reflected or transmitted light. The short-circuit current of textured devices reaches 95% of the Shockley–Queisser limit at 1.68 eV. In addition, the fill factor losses are not obviously influenced by the textured bottom surface of the perovskite films. Furthermore, transient photoluminescence was used to quantify the recombination losses at open circuit in layer stacks and full devices, offering insights into the surface recombination velocity at the perovskite/electron transport layer interface and capacitive discharge of the electrodes.

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells hold great promise for achieving high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). However, n–i–p tandem devices generally underperform compared to p–i–n configurations, largely due to difficulties in depositing high-quality, conformal electron-transport layers (ETLs) on rough, pyramid-structured silicon surfaces. Atomic layer deposited (ALD)-SnO_x is well suited as an ETL for tandem devices due to its ability to uniformly coat textured surfaces, but its high density of defects significantly limits efficiency compared to conventional solution-processed SnO_x. In this study, an ultrathin evaporated PbS layer is introduced to passivate surface defects in ALD-SnO_x. PbS effectively addresses interfacial defects at the SnO_x/perovskite interface, such as oxygen vacancies and uncoordinated Pb²⁺. Moreover, PbS improves energy-level alignment and lattice matching at the interface, enhancing device performance. With this bridging effect of PbS, a wide-bandgap (1.68 eV) n–i–p single-junction perovskite solar cell achieved a PCE of 20.39% and an open-circuit voltage (V_OC) of 1.22 V, compared to a control device with a PCE of 17.42% and a V_OC of 1.16 V.

The typical anisotropic crystal orientation in Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPPs) is not conducive to carrier transport, resulting in a reduced power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to three-dimensional perovskites. Here, we present a novel method for manipulating the crystal orientation by introducing a self-assembled molecular layer, MeO-2PACz ([2-(3,6-dimethoxy-9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl] phosphonic acid), as an interlayer between PTAA (poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4, 6-trimethylphenyl) amine]) and the perovskite. The phosphate group of MeO-2PACz bonds with Pb²⁺ in the RPP, promoting the vertical orientation formation of the perovskite and facilitating efficient charge transport within the RPP materials. Additionally, the grain size is increased, and grain boundary defects are passivated, which contributes to suppressed nonradiative recombination of carriers. The interlayer incorporation of significantly improves the PCE of the optimized device to 17.80%, compared to the device without MeO-2PACz, which has an efficiency of approximately 15.68%. This presents the highest efficiency for an MA-based RP perovskite solar cell (PSC) utilizing 4FPEA (4-fluoro-phenethylammonium) as the spacer cation. Furthermore, the unencapsulated devices demonstrate superior thermal stability. This proposed optimization offers new insights into the manipulation of RPP crystal growth orientation.

Three-dimensional organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells show continuous improvement in power conversion efficiency. However, the defects present on the perovskite surface affect the device performance and long-term stability. In this study, we introduced N-(2-phenoxyethyl) guanidine nitrate salt (NPEGN) as a surface passivator to effectively engineer surface defects and reduce nonradiative recombination at the interface. The NPEGN introduction on the perovskite surface results in large grains with fewer grain boundaries, leading to the formation of low-dimensional 2D phase on the perovskite surface. Furthermore, NPEGN treatment passivates defects through ionic and hydrogen bonding with perovskite and inhibits perovskite degradation by preventing ion migration. Additionally, improved energy-level alignment at the perovskite/electron transport layer interface enhances charge transport capacity and reduces charge recombination. Consequently, the efficiency of perovskite solar cells with NPEGN treatment increases to 21.02%, while the unencapsulated devices retained 100% of their initial power conversion efficiency for 2200 h in nitrogen atmosphere and 90% of their initial efficiency for 450 h at 65°C.

Wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells are essential for advancing tandem and indoor devices. However, Br-rich WBG devices still suffer from poor morphology, significant open-circuit voltage (V_OC) loss, and instability due to their rapid crystallization and defect-rich nature to date. Herein, an amino acid derivative additive, N-(Chloroacetyl)glycine ethyl ester (CGEE), is introduced to address the above challenges. It is found that CGEE effectively regulates the pace of perovskite crystal growth through dual interactions with PbI₂ and FAI. Furthermore, the carbonyl group of CGEE passivates perovskite defects, therefore suppressing nonradiative recombination and enhancing stability of the devices. By leveraging the multifunctional properties of CGEE, it can retard crystallization process, mitigate film stress, improve interfacial energetic alignment, and passivate lattice defects. With these merits, small-area inverted devices achieved a champion efficiency of 22.23% (compared to 20.68% in control device) and an exceptional fill factor of 85.59%, with negligible efficiency decay over 1000 h observation period. Additionally, a 5 × 5 cm mini-module with an effective area of 12.8 cm² is fabricated, exhibiting good uniformity and achieving a champion efficiency of 16.4%. These findings provide new insights for preparing efficient and stable WBG perovskite devices for future tandem and indoor applications.

Nitrogen-functionalized graphene (N-FG) derivatives are versatile materials with broad chemical applicability and straightforward preparation methods. N-FG involves grafting nitrogen compounds onto graphene, categorized as ammonium hydroxide, amines, and quaternary ammonium salts. This review highlights N-FG synthesis via chemical, thermochemical, electrochemical, and electromagnetic methods. It emphasizes N-FG's role in photovoltaic (PV) technologies, particularly perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In PSCs, N-FG excels as an interfacial layer, enhancing performance when in direct contact with perovskite films. In DSSCs, its applications include Pt-free cathodes, photoanodes, and electrolyte additives, achieving power conversion efficiencies of 8–8.5%. The review also explores N-FG's potential in other PV technologies, such as thin-film and silicon solar cells, while addressing challenges and opportunities for advancing its role in sustainable energy solutions.

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) show promise because of their efficient use of precious metals, unique coordination and electronic structures, and excellent tunability. Photocatalysis can harvest solar energy to drive energetically unfavorable reactions under mild conditions, offering a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive reactions. However, the efficiency of solar photocatalysis is limited by poor solar spectrum utilization and rapid charge recombination. Integrating single atoms into semiconductor photocatalysts is a promising route to address these limitations. Mechanistic understanding of single-atom photocatalysis is crucial for developing efficient catalysts as they guide effective material design. This work provides an overview of the current knowledge on platinum group SACs applied to photocatalytic applications with a focus on the role of single atoms in photocatalytic reactions. The review begins with a summary of the unique advantages of platinum group metal SACs as well as their common structures. A concise summary of synthesis methods is then provided, followed by a comprehensive review of characterization methods for SAC structure, photoelectronic properties, and mechanisms of action. Next, the role of single atoms in improving general photocatalytic processes as well as specific reactions are discussed. Finally, future outlooks for SAC development are included to guide further advancements in the field.

Indoor photovoltaics (IPV) plays a critical role in powering low-consumption devices within the rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT). Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated impressive indoor power conversion efficiencies (iPCEs) exceeding 40%, driven by advancements in bulk and surface passivation techniques. These approaches mitigate trap states and recombination losses, significantly enhancing device efficiency and long-term stability. This study investigates the impact of surface passivation on the PSC performance by employing iodide-based passivators—phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI), octylammonium iodide (OAI), and guanidinium iodide (GUI)—alongside the Lewis base molecule 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (DPPP), which, to the best of our knowledge, is introduced for the first time in n-i-p structured PSCs. SEM and XRD analyses revealed that DPPP-passivated samples exhibited superior morphological and structural stability after long-term ambient aging compared to other passivations. Under indoor 1000 Lx LED light illumination, the DPPP-passivated device achieved an iPCE of 33.14%, closely approaching the highest iPCE of 34.47% obtained with PEAI. Furthermore, the DPPP-passivated device demonstrated the highest stability under thermal stress (85°C) with a T80 of 753 h. This study highlights the impact of passivation layers on PSC performance and stability under low light conditions, paving the way for more effective strategies to advance perovskite materials in IPV applications.