EcoMat最新文献

Stability and oxidation are major bottlenecks in improving the performance of Sn-based perovskite solar cells. In this study, we present the formation of an n-type Cs₂SnI₆ double-perovskite (Sn-DP) layer on a (PEAI)_0.15(FAI)_0.85SnI₂ perovskite (Sn-P) layer using an orthogonal solution-processable spray-coating method. This novel approach achieves a minimized V_oc loss of 0.38 V and a PCE of 12.9% under 1 sun conditions. The n-type DP layer effectively passivates tin vacancies, suppresses Sn²⁺ oxidation, reduces defects, and enhances electron extraction. Furthermore, the Sn-DP/Sn-P-based solar cells exhibit excellent light-soaking stability for 1000 h in the air under continuous one sun illumination, which is attributed to the stable Sn⁴⁺ state of the DP layer. Our experimental and theoretical investigations reveal that the type-II band alignment between Sn-DP and Sn-P enhances the stability of the solar cells. The proposed Sn-DP/Sn-P architecture offers a promising pathway for developing Sn-based solar cells.

With triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) introduced in 2012, they have emerged in the fields of flexible wearable electronics, portable energy, Internet of Things (IoTs), and biomedicine by virtue of their lightweight, high-energy conversion, low cost, and material selectivity. However, as the application areas of TENGs increase, ambient humidity and human movement generate sweat and moisture that can lead to a decrease in output, so exploring how TENGs operate in high humidity environments is critical to their long-term development. In this paper, different strategies are introduced to enhance TENGs in high humidity environments, such as encapsulation, construction of hydrophobic/superhydrophobic surfaces, and hydrogen bonding enhancement, and discuss the applications of humidity-resistant TENGs in fields such as self-powered sensors, energy harvesters, and motions, and so forth. Finally, we explore the future directions and routes for the development of humidity-resistant TENGs.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the effectiveness of face masks in combating respiratory infectious diseases and the importance of adequate supply. However, the widespread use of disposable masks has led to severe environmental pollution. In this study, we propose a two-step strategy for mask reuse, aimed at both mitigating mask waste pollution and improving mask availability in future epidemic outbreaks. Our strategy involves disinfection and corona charging processes, enabling surgical masks to maintain a filtration efficiency of 88.7% even after five cycles of reuse. We highlight the crucial role of volume charges over surface charges in maintaining filtration performance stability and durability, and we visualize the underlying mechanisms using energy band diagrams and potential well models. Additionally, we introduce a simple household solution for simultaneously drying and charging, making it accessible for widespread use. Our research offers a viable strategy for promoting environmental sustainability and alleviating mask supply pressures during significant public health crises.

Lead halide perovskites (LHPs), have attracted considerable attention across various applications owing to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. However, the main challenge hindering the broad adoption of lead halide perovskites lies in their stability and toxicity. In this review, we summarize the outstanding properties of platinum (Pt) halide perovskites, with a particular focus on the stability and applications of Cs₂PtI₆ and its derivatives. Cs₂PtI₆ has shown promising efficiency for photovoltaic devices, as well as photoelectrochemical water splitting with stable behavior in acid or basic conditions. Cs₂PtI₆ also shows promise in gas sensing and thermoelectric devices. The emergence of 2D Pt (II) halide perovskites opens up new avenues for environmentally friendly materials for photonic and optoelectronic devices like room temperature phosphoresce and triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) based up-conversion.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are at the forefront of technological innovation in the current global energy-transition paradigm, driving surging demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy-storage solutions. Despite their widespread use and superior energy densities, the environmental footprint and resource scarcity associated with LIBs necessitate sustainable recycling strategies. This comprehensive review critically examines the existing landscape of battery recycling methodologies, including pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and direct recycling techniques, along with emerging approaches such as bioleaching and electrochemical separation. Our analysis not only underscores the environmental and efficiency challenges posed by conventional recycling methods but also highlights the promising potential of electrochemical techniques for enhancing selectivity, reducing energy consumption, and mitigating secondary waste production. By delving into recent advancements and juxtaposing various recycling methodologies, we pinpoint electrochemical recycling as a pivotal technology for efficiently recovering valuable metals, such as Li, Ni, Co, and Mn, from spent LIBs in an environmentally benign manner. Our discussion extends to the scalability, economic viability, and future directions of electrochemical recycling, and advocates for their integration into global battery-recycling infrastructure to address the dual challenges of resource depletion and environmental sustainability.

Atomically dispersed metal and nitrogen co-doped carbon (MNC) is a promising oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications but typically suffers from low durability and activity under the acidic conditions of practical polymer electrolyte exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Recently, the performance of MNC nanocomposites under acidic ORR conditions has been enhanced by exploiting the synergistic coupling effects of their constituents (single-atom sites, nanoclusters, and nanoparticles). The unique geometric structures formed by the coupling of diverse sites in these nanocomposites provide optimal electronic structures and efficient reaction pathways, thus resulting in high activity and long-term durability. This work provides an overview of MNC nanocomposites as ORR electrocatalysts under practical PEMFC conditions, focusing on activity and durability enhancement methods and highlighting the strategies used to prepare electrocatalytically efficient MNC nanocomposites containing no or low amounts of platinum group metals. Progress in the development of advanced MNC nanocomposites as acidic ORR catalysts is discussed, and the pivotal role of synergistic effects resulting from the coupling sites within the nanocomposites is explored together with the characterization methods used to elucidate these effects. Finally, the challenges and prospects of developing MNC nanocomposites as next-generation electrocatalysts are presented.

MAPbI₃ is the most attractive perovskite, but toxicity and instability issues hinder its commercial applications. Stability can be improved by halide mixing; however, Pb-free perovskites are designed to alleviate the toxicity and to enable green photovoltaics (PVs). To this end, MAPbI_3-xCl_x, FASnI_3-xCl_x and CsSbCl₄ films are deposited by spay pyrolysis technique in atmospheric conditions. SEM images demonstrated that through this process, high quality film fabrication is possible. Color of the precursor solutions changes with stirring time. High crystallinity and existence of mixed-phases are confirmed by XRD analysis. Compositions greatly impact the morphology and optical properties. Value of α is larger than 10⁵ cm⁻¹ for all films. Band gaps of FASnI_3-xCl_x and CsSbCl₄ are 1.46 eV and 1.52 eV, which are more suitable for PVs, optoelectronic applications than MAPbI_3-xCl_x (E_g = 1.59 eV). The efficiency was obtained as 16.34%, 9.90%, and 13.08% for deposited MAPbI_3-xCl_x, FASnI_3-xCl_x, and CsSbCl₄ films. The lower efficiency can further be enhanced by optimizing parameters, and in this study it was found as 20.78%, 11.93%, and 18.02%. Theoretical calculations show the films can easily produce O₂ by a strong oxidation process. Thus, the favorable characteristics of FASnI_3-xCl_x and CsSbCl₄ make alternative Pb-free perovskites for PV, electronic, and optoelectronic applications.

Perovskite solar cells' (PSCs) potential lead leakage seriously threatens ecosystems and human health, significantly hindering their commercialization. In this paper, we develope a cost-effective (less than 2$/m²) and long-term stable SSP film by mixing sulfonated SiO₂ with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Combined with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) forming the encapsulation layer, it can effectively prevent over 99% of lead leakage under simulated adverse weather conditions with different structures of devices (p-i-n and n-i-p) and modules. Even after 160 days of air storage, the film maintains excellent lead sequestration efficiency. Additionally, it has no negative impact on the performance and stability. This work offers a practical and economical strategy to mitigate the toxicity of perovskite photovoltaic devices, thereby promoting their commercialization.

Lead halide perovskites exhibit a very wide color gamut due to their extremely narrow emission spectra, typically characterized by a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of less than 20 nm. Significant advancements have been made in developing highly efficient and stable green, red, and near-infrared perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs). However, achieving efficient and stable pure blue-emitting PeLEDs remains a significant challenge. In this work, we successfully synthesized monoanionic octyl-phosphonate capped CsPbBr₃ nanoplatelets (OPA-NPLs) using a combination of octyl-phosphonic acid and oleylamine at room temperature, diverging from common approaches that necessitate complex high-temperature methods, such as hot injection, to accommodate short-chain ligands. The OPA-NPLs exhibit pure blue photoluminescence at 462 nm with a FWHM of 14 nm. Compared with CsPbBr₃ nanoplatelets synthesized using oleic acid, OPA-NPLs demonstrate significantly improved thermal stability and higher photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 90%. Additionally, we introduced Poly[(9,9-bis(3′-((N,N-dimethyl)-N-ethylammonium)-propyl)-2,7-fluorene)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene)]dibromide (PFN-Br), a conjugated polyelectrolyte material, as a hole transport layer. This facilitated energy transfer between PFN-Br and the CsPbBr₃ nanoplatelets. The resulting device demonstrated an electroluminescence peak at 462 nm, an extremely narrow FWHM of 14 nm, and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 4%. Notably, the device maintained pure blue emission without spectral peak shift even during degradation caused by excess joule heating.

The Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a pivotal technology driving next-generation sustainable energy conversion and storage devices. Establishing a robust analytical methodology is paramount to fostering innovation in this field. This review offers a comprehensive discussion on measurement and interpretation, advocating for standardized protocols and best practices to mitigate the myriad factors that complicate analysis. The initial focus is directed toward substrate electrodes and gas bubbles, both significant contributors to reduced reliability and reproducibility. Subsequently, the review focuses on intrinsic activity assessment, identification of electrochemical active sites, and the disentanglement of competing process contributions. These careful methodologies ensure the systematic delivery of insights crucial for assessing OER performance. In conclusion, the review highlights the critical role played by precise measurement techniques and unbiased activity comparison methodologies in propelling advancements in OER catalyst development.