Energy advances最新文献

Two-dimensional (2D) layered halide perovskites are considered to be one of the future potential semiconductor materials due to their higher moisture stability than three-dimensional (3D) perovskites. However, improving their optical and electrical properties is still necessary for critical applications. The technique of additive engineering can be utilized to tune and enhance the optoelectrical properties of the 2D perovskites. This work studies the impact of mixing a certain amount of a fullerene derivative ‘[6,6]-phenyl C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester’ (PCBM) into 2D (PEA)₂PbI₄ perovskite thin films (PEA = phenyl ethyl ammonium). The studies show that PCBM does not affect the structure and bandgap of the (PEA)₂PbI₄ perovskite. On the other hand, PCBM improves photoluminescence emission intensity and promotes charge separation at the perovskite/PCBM interface. Further studies convey that, even though PCBM can heal certain defect states in the (PEA)₂PbI₄ perovskite material, the electrons generated under intense illumination at the perovskite/PCBM interface are trapped by this fullerene derivative. Hence, PCBM plays a dual role when mixed with the (PEA)₂PbI₄ perovskite, as (1) a defect healing agent and (2) an electron acceptor. However, over continuous illumination on the (PEA)₂PbI₄ perovskite thin films, the photoexcited electrons are trapped by PCBM. As a result, the photocurrent response and the photocatalytic reaction rate get reduced in PCBM mixed (PEA)₂PbI₄ perovskite thin films.

The immense demand for electrical energy motivated us to manipulate solar energy by means of conversion through solar cells (SCs). Advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology are occurring very rapidly. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on halide perovskite-based SCs because of their superior optoelectronic properties, enhanced efficiency, lightweight nature, and low cost. However, concerns have arisen regarding their longevity, stability, and commerciality due to the presence of toxic lead (Pb). The most prominent purpose of this investigation is to discover additional efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly device architectures. In this study, we investigated an all-inorganic, lead-free rubidium germanium iodide (RbGeI₃)-based PSC device with the assistance of the SCAPS-1D simulator. Several electron transport layers (ETLs) and hole transport layers (HTLs) were incorporated with the perovskite layer, and an efficient primary structure was discovered. Then, the impact of temperature; back metal work function; series and shunt resistance; surface recombination velocity of carriers; thickness of the perovskite absorber layer, electron transport material (ETM), and hole transport material (HTM); carrier concentration of the perovskite absorber layer, ETM, and HTM; defect density of the perovskite absorber layer, ETM, and HTM; and defect density of the HTL/absorber and absorber/ETL interfaces on the PV performance of the proposed PSC device was analyzed. The optimized device exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 30.35%, with superior values for open circuit voltage (V_oc), short circuit current density (J_sc), and fill factor (FF) of 1.067 V, 33.15 mA cm⁻², and 85.82%, respectively. The investigations in this study may be valuable and impactful to solar cell material researchers and move the research interest forward by one step so that experimental work with non-toxic RbGeI₃-based PSC devices will be performed in the future.

Biocompatible electrodes, situated at the intersection of bioelectronics and soft electronics, hold the promise of groundbreaking advancements in human–machine interaction and bio-inspired applications. Their development relies on achieving stable, robust deposition of electrically and/or electrochemically active components on biocompatible substrates, ensuring operational stability under various mechanical stresses. However, despite notable progress, most biocompatible electrodes still struggle to simultaneously achieve high mechanical flexibility, electrical conductivity, electrochemical activity, and long-term stability at the same time. These challenges present critical barriers to the development of more advanced biocompatible devices, particularly in the field of energy storage and conversion. The key lies in optimizing the complementary interfacial interactions between active components (i.e., electrical and/or electrochemical components) and biocompatible substrates, and between adjacent active components, as well as in the structural design of the electrodes. In this perspective, we review recent approaches for preparing textile- and hydrogel-based biocompatible electrodes that can achieve high electrical conductivity without compromising favorable properties of biocompatible substrates (i.e., textile and hydrogel) for energy storage and conversion devices. In particular, we highlight the critical role of the interfacial interactions between electrode components and demonstrate how these interactions significantly enhance the energy performance and operational stability.

The electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (eCO₂RR) has the potential to effectively cut carbon emission. However, the activity and selectivity of eCO₂RR catalysts are topical due to the intricacy of the reaction components and mechanism. Herein, we have decorated silver and copper nanoparticles over carbon nanoflakes to achieve an Ag–Cu NPs/C system that enables selective reduction of CO₂ into CO. The catalyst is prepared by incorporating Ag nanoparticles into a Cu-BTC MOF (HKUST-1) and subsequent carbonization that alters the surface composition, with improved activity and faradaic efficiency (FE) towards selective CO₂ reduction. The evaluation of electrocatalytic performance reveals that the synthesized catalyst exhibits enhanced electrocatalytic activity and selectivity with a FE_CO of ∼ 90% at −0.79 V_RHE and a current density (j) of 44.15 mA cm⁻² compared to Ag-NPs and Cu/C. The durability test over 40 h confirms the outstanding stability of Ag–Cu NPs/C. The lower Tafel slope value of only 75 mV dec⁻¹ corresponds to the fast reaction kinetics on the surface of Ag–Cu NPs/C. The synthetic protocol in this work offers an easy approach to the betterment of a cost-effective electrocatalyst with improved FE.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are clay networks with brucite (Mg(OH₂)) layers that are coupled with anions between the produced layers. The building structure of LDHs follows the formula [M_1−x²⁺M_x³⁺(OH)₂]^x+(Aⁿ⁻)_x/n·yH₂O, where M³⁺ and M² are trivalent and divalent cations in the structural units (sheets), respectively; x is the M³⁺ to (M²⁺ + M³⁺) cation ratio of the structure; and Aⁿ is an interlayer anion. LDHs can be created utilizing simple approaches that regulate the layer structure, chemical composition, and shape of the crystals generated by adapting production parameters. The first method of modifying LDH composites is through intercalation, involving the insertion of inorganic or organic precursors into their composition, which can then be employed for a variety of purposes. The next method is a simple physical mixing technique between the created LDHs and advanced materials, such as activated carbon, graphene and its derivatives, and carbon nanotubes, for utilization as base substances in energy storage, supercapacitors, photo- and electrocatalysts, water splitting, and toxic gas removal from the surrounding environment. The final strategy is the synthesis of polymer–LDH composites by inserting effective polymers during the manufacturing process of LDHs to create nano-composites that can be utilized for energy, fire retardant, gas barrier, and wastewater cleaning applications. LDHs are a type of fine chemical that can be designed to have a desired chemical structure and performance for various purposes, such as redox reactions, bromination, ethoxylation, aldol condensation, NO_x and SO_x elimination, and biofuel production. Because LDH substances are not harmful to the environment, their different applications are unique in terms of green chemistry as they are recyclable and eco-friendly catalysts. The present review investigated the various methods used to create LDHs and the improvement of the produced composites via enhanced temperature calcination; intercalation of their structures by small-, medium-, and high-nuclear anions; and support by carbon compounds. The evaluation methods and the best prospective uses, such as biofuel generation, catalysis, water splitting, charge transfer, and wastewater treatment, are comprehensively reported according to the most current studies, and the future directions of LDHs are highlighted.

With green hydrogen fuel continuing to be an important option for energy storage, studies on water-splitting reactions have attracted increasing attention. Within a multitude of parameters that have the potential to be explored to enhance water electrolysis, one of the most consequential factors is the development of an efficient electrocatalyst. The effectiveness of Co(III) corroles as electrocatalysts has largely been investigated in homogenous, non-aqueous or acidic environments. We report the use of heterogenized Co(III) corroles as bifunctional catalysts for water splitting under basic conditions, finding that the inclusion of alkyl chains on the ligand framework has a beneficial impact on electrocatalytic properties. Two new corroles have been isolated where the para positions in the fluorophenyl meso substituents of the parent cobalt(III) 5,10,15-tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole Co(tpfpc)1 have been modified with heptyl, [Co(ttfphc)] 2 and dodecyl [Co(ttfpdc)] 3 amines via a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction. The electronic structure of these new complexes and properties of the resultant catalyst inks are significantly altered relative to the parent complex by the presence of the alkyl chains, as evidenced by changes in catalytic onset potentials and Tafel behavior during water splitting at pH 14. All catalysts were found to exhibit bifunctional behavior with reasonable stability, and the interactions of the alkyl amine groups with the supporting polymer in the catalyst ink have been found to have an important role in altering corrole aggregation and therefore Co active site accessibility during deposition of the catalyst inks.

Transition metal oxyflourides have gained considerable interest as potential high-capacity cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. So far, commercialization has been hindered by the poor cyclability and fast degradation of this class of materials. The degradation process is believed to start at the surface and progresses toward the bulk. In this context, a suitable cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) appears to be a crucial factor where the formation of LiF has been identified as a key component promoting interfacial stability. In the current work, we make use of a combined density functional theory (DFT) and kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) approach. Using DFT, we determine relevant interfaces between Li₂VO₂F and LiF. Rejection-free kMC simulations with parameters based on DFT are then used to probe the kinetics in the charging and discharging process of the Li₂VO₂F phase. We find that the interface formed by joining Li₂VO₂F and LiF via their most stable surface terminations has a modest but positive effect on the charging rate, where the LiF phase acts as a funnel that facilitates the Li extraction from the bulk of the Li₂VO₂F phase. However, the same interface has a severe impeding effect on the discharging of partially delithiated structures, which is orders of magnitudes slower than in the charging process. We find that the key property controlling the kinetics in the discharging process is the difference in stability of Li vacancies in the Li₂VO₂F and LiF phases.