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12 pages, 2430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Buried Interface Modification Using Diammonium Ligand Enhances Mechanical Durability of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells

by Xuan Ji, Xin Chen, Wanlei Dai, Yongshuai Gong, Zheng Zhang, Lei Zhang, Cheng Ma, Tinghuan Yang, Yixin Dong, Buyi Yan, Dongxue Liu and Tianqi Niu

Coatings 2025, 15(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15010015 - 27 Dec 2024

Viewed by 455

Abstract

Flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs) hold great potential for lightweight photovoltaic applications due to their flexibility, bending compatibility, and low manufacturing cost. However, tin oxide (SnO₂), as a common electron transport layer (ETL) used in F-PSCs, typically suffers from high-density surface [...] Read more.

Flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs) hold great potential for lightweight photovoltaic applications due to their flexibility, bending compatibility, and low manufacturing cost. However, tin oxide (SnO₂), as a common electron transport layer (ETL) used in F-PSCs, typically suffers from high-density surface defects that hinder the charge extraction efficiency and deteriorate the crystallization quality of the upper perovskite film. Additionally, the poor buried interface quality intensifies lattice extrusion and strain residue across the perovskite films, further aggravating the mechanical brittleness in devices. To address the issues, we developed a molecular bridging strategy by introducing the 2,2′-oxybis(ethylenediamine) dihydrochloride (DO) at the perovskite/SnO₂ interface. The diammonium groups of spacer ligands can achieve the bidentate anchoring on the SnO₂ and perovskite films, cooperating with the oxygen atom on the alkyl chain to passivate the charged defects at the buried interface. The tailored interface properties also endow the optimized crystallization quality of perovskite films and significantly alleviate tensile strain to strengthen the perovskite’s pliability. As a result, the F-PSCs achieved a champion efficiency of 23.50%, outperforming the value of 21.87% for the control device. Furthermore, the devices exhibited excellent mechanical robustness, maintaining 90% of the initial PCE after 6000 bending cycles at a radius of 4 mm. This work presents a reliable strategy for the synergistic optimization of the buried contact at the electron extraction interface, contributing to the further development of efficient and stable F-PSCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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14 pages, 7049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Enhanced Electrochemical Properties of Lithium-Rich Manganese-Based Cathode Materials via Mg-Al Co-Doping

by Wanting Lu, Wenhui Deng, Xiyan Zheng, Kunling Lin, Mengyuan Liu, Guozhang Zhu, Jingyi Lin, Yi Wei, Feng Wang and Jiageng Liu

Coatings 2025, 15(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15010003 - 24 Dec 2024

Viewed by 530

Abstract

Due to the advantages of high capacity, low working voltage, and low cost, lithium-rich manganese-based material (LMR) is the most promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries; however, the poor cycling life, poor rate performance, and low initial Coulombic efficiency severely restrict its practical [...] Read more.

Due to the advantages of high capacity, low working voltage, and low cost, lithium-rich manganese-based material (LMR) is the most promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries; however, the poor cycling life, poor rate performance, and low initial Coulombic efficiency severely restrict its practical utility. In this work, the precursor Mn_2/3Ni_1/6Co_1/6CO₃ was obtained by the continuous co-precipitation method, and on this basis, different doping levels of aluminum–magnesium were applied to modify the electrode materials by high-temperature sintering. The first discharge capacity can reach 295.3 mAh·g⁻¹ for the LMR material of Li_1.40(Mn_0.666Ni_0.162Co_0.162Mg_0.005Al_0.005)O₂. The Coulombic efficiency is 83.8%, and the capacity retention rate remains at 84.4% after 300 cycles at a current density of 1 C for the Mg-Al co-doped LMR material, superior to the unmodified sample. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the increased oxygen vacancy and enlarged lithium layer spacing after trace magnesium–aluminum co-doping, enhancing the lithium-ion diffusion and effectively mitigating voltage degradation during cycling. Thus, magnesium–aluminum doping modification emerges as a promising method to improve the electrochemical performance of lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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15 pages, 5236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kinetic Study of Infrared Heat Curing of Thermosetting Polymers

by Tongzhao Wang, Isaac Yu Fat Lun, Liang Xia, Yongji Wang and Song Pan

Coatings 2024, 14(12), 1560; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14121560 - 13 Dec 2024

Viewed by 437

Abstract

Infrared (IR) radiation curing technology has a high potential to improve the curing process of thermosetting polymers. To investigate the IR curing reaction mechanism, the present study explores the curing kinetics of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)/dodecanedioic acid (DDDA) powder coatings subjected to IR radiation. [...] Read more.

Infrared (IR) radiation curing technology has a high potential to improve the curing process of thermosetting polymers. To investigate the IR curing reaction mechanism, the present study explores the curing kinetics of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)/dodecanedioic acid (DDDA) powder coatings subjected to IR radiation. Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is employed to record the concentration of epoxide groups with respect to time under different temperature conditions, with the reaction conducted under IR radiation. The resulting data are then fitted by the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm using MATLAB software to obtain the kinetic parameters, namely the rate constant (k), catalytic constants (n, m), manifestation activation energy (E), and the pre-exponential factor (A) of the curing reaction. Additionally, this study proposes a new concept: the ‘photo-thermal synergistic effect’ of infrared curing and its evaluation criteria using a dimensionless quantity. Incredibly, this index integrates the impact of IR curing technology on two aspects: the curing process and the properties of the cured product. Overall, this study deepens our understanding of the IR curing reaction mechanism and provides a reference for the application of this technology in practical engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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20 pages, 5681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydro Generator Stator Bar Modeling and Simulation Based on Finite Element Simulation

by Guang Yu and Yujia Cheng

Coatings 2024, 14(12), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14121499 - 28 Nov 2024

Viewed by 504

Abstract

As motor capacity and rated voltage increase, the demand for motor insulation also increases. Additionally, the electric field distribution at the end of a large-scale hydro generator is extremely nonuniform, and corona discharge occurs. This destroys the main insulation, which significantly affects the [...] Read more.

As motor capacity and rated voltage increase, the demand for motor insulation also increases. Additionally, the electric field distribution at the end of a large-scale hydro generator is extremely nonuniform, and corona discharge occurs. This destroys the main insulation, which significantly affects the service life of electrical machinery. The regulation of the electric field concentration at the end of a large-scale hydro generator needs to be addressed. In this manuscript, a large hydro generator with 120 MW rated capacity and 15.75 kV rated voltage was studied. For the purpose of electric field homogenization in the stator bar end, decrease of highest field strength, and surface loss, the computing methods of the electric field in the stator bar end were studied. The electric field distribution in the stator bar end was obtained. According to COMSOL 5.6 modeling software, the hydro generator stator bar is an accurate model. Using finite element analysis (FEA), the stator bar characteristics can be simulated. The different stator bars with no anti-corona structure, linear anti-corona structure, two-layer nonlinear anti-corona structure, and three-layer nonlinear anti-corona structure were compared, including the electric potential, electric field, and loss distribution under rated voltage. From the experimental results, with no anti-corona structure and linear anti-corona structure, the electric field concentration is present in the exit slot. The values of electric field and loss are both higher, which causes corona discharge easily. With the nonlinear anti-corona structure, the electric field concentration is improved significantly, effectively decreasing the highest electric field. The three-layer nonlinear anti-corona structure is the best. Compared with the two-layer nonlinear anti-corona structure, the values of the highest electric field and loss are 16% and 77% lower, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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11 pages, 4321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Vacancy Defects on the Electronic Structure and Optical Properties of Bi₄O₅Br₂: First-Principles Calculations

by Baorui Huang, Yeqi Liu, Yanni Zhang, Fuchun Zhang, Yanning Yang and Jiaxin Li

Coatings 2024, 14(11), 1361; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14111361 - 25 Oct 2024

Viewed by 685

Abstract

First-principles calculations based on density functional theory are employed to investigate the impact of vacancy defects on the optoelectronic properties of Bi₄O₅Br₂. The results indicate that vacancy defects induce minimal lattice distortion in Bi₄O₅ [...] Read more.

First-principles calculations based on density functional theory are employed to investigate the impact of vacancy defects on the optoelectronic properties of Bi₄O₅Br₂. The results indicate that vacancy defects induce minimal lattice distortion in Bi₄O₅Br₂ without compromising its structural stability. Oxygen or bromine vacancies are more likely to occur than bismuth vacancies. The introduction of a bismuth vacancy leads to n-type semiconductor behavior in the Bi₄O₅Br₂ system, while the creation of an oxygen vacancy reduces the bandgap and enhances the light absorption capacity. Bi₄O₅Br₂ with three coordinated oxygen vacancies exhibits a higher effective electron–hole pair mass ratio, which is advantageous for the efficient separation of electron–hole pairs. Bi₄O₅Br₂ with three coordinated oxygen vacancies exhibits enhanced absorption and reflection coefficients in the visible-light region compared to other systems, indicating that oxygen vacancy defects significantly promote visible-light absorption and electron–hole separation. This research provides new theoretical insights for understanding and optimizing the performance of photocatalysts based on Bi₄O₅Br₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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17 pages, 4305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Asymmetric Supercapacitor Performance Enhancement Through Fe-Doped MoS₂ Nanosheets Synthesized via Hydrothermal Method

by Pritam J. Morankar, Thupakula V. M. Sreekanth, Rutuja U. Amate, Manesh A. Yewale, Aviraj M. Teli, Sonali A. Beknalkar and Chan-Wook Jeon

Coatings 2024, 14(10), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14101328 - 17 Oct 2024

Viewed by 819

Abstract

As modern civilization’s energy demands continue to rise, the need for efficient renewable energy solutions becomes increasingly critical. In addressing this challenge, our research explores the potential of newly developed iron (Fe)-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) thin-film electrodes, synthesized through a simple [...] Read more.

As modern civilization’s energy demands continue to rise, the need for efficient renewable energy solutions becomes increasingly critical. In addressing this challenge, our research explores the potential of newly developed iron (Fe)-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) thin-film electrodes, synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method, as a promising energy storage device. By systematically varying the Fe doping levels, we aim to elucidate the relationship between Fe content and the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the MoS₂ electrodes. The optimized FM-3 electrode exhibited a remarkable areal capacitance of 8.25 F/cm² at a current density of 10 mA/cm² with an energy density of 0.22 mWh/cm² and a power density of 2.2 mW/cm². Furthermore, the FM-3 demonstrated impressive long-term cycling stability, retaining 85.58% of its initial capacitance after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. To further explore practical applicability, an asymmetric pouch-type supercapacitor device was assembled using an FM-3 electrode and activated carbon. The device achieved an impressive areal capacitance of 0.43 F/cm² at a current density of 20 mA/cm², delivering an energy density of 0.133 mWh/cm² and a power density of 7.5 mW/cm². The exceptional performance of the FM-3 electrode can be attributed to the enhanced diffusion rate, charge transfer efficiency, and better carrier mobility induced by Fe doping. This work not only highlights the significant electrochemical performance improvements of Fe-doped MoS₂ electrodes but also demonstrates their potential for scalable energy storage solutions, making a valuable contribution to the field of next-generation energy storage technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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15 pages, 3558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Analysis of Fullerene- and Non-Fullerene-Based Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells Using Numerical Simulation

by Muhammad Raheel Khan and Bożena Jarząbek

Coatings 2024, 14(8), 1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14081078 - 22 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1268

Abstract

In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) materials have been widely used for various applications due to their low cost, high charge carrier mobility, and tunable electronic structure. Here, in this study, we present the application of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) used as a [...] Read more.

In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) materials have been widely used for various applications due to their low cost, high charge carrier mobility, and tunable electronic structure. Here, in this study, we present the application of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) used as a hole transport layer (HTL) material for fullerene (FA) and non-fullerene (NFA)-based organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. A numerical simulation is carried out for these types of solar cells, and the SCAPS-1D software tool is used. Our study is specifically focused on the impact of thickness, the optimization of interface engineering, and the effect of high-temperature analysis to improve the output characteristics. The influence of interface defects between the HTL/active layer and the active layer/ETL (electron transport layer) is also contemplated. After optimization, the obtained power conversion efficiency (PCE) of these NFA- and FA-based devices is reported as 16.38% and 9.36%, respectively. A reflection coating study is also carried out to improve the power conversion efficiency of these devices. Here, the presented results demonstrate that molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) as a 2D material can be successfully used as an HTL material for high-efficiency OPV devices, both for fullerene (FA)- and non-fullerene (NFA)-based solar cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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14 pages, 2734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Structural and Material Modifications of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells on Photovoltaic Performance

by Paweł Gnida and Ewa Schab-Balcerzak

Coatings 2024, 14(7), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14070837 - 4 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1057

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells with synthesized phenothiazine derivative 3,7′-bis(2-cyano-1-acrylic acid)-10-ethyl-phenothiazine (PTZ) and commercial di-tetrabutylammonium cis-bis(isothiocyanato)bis(2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylato)ruthenium(II) (N719) dyes were fabricated and characterized based on current–voltage measurements. The effect of the utilization of individual dyes and its mixture, chenodeoxycholic acid as co-adsorbent addition, replacement of I [...] Read more.

Dye-sensitized solar cells with synthesized phenothiazine derivative 3,7′-bis(2-cyano-1-acrylic acid)-10-ethyl-phenothiazine (PTZ) and commercial di-tetrabutylammonium cis-bis(isothiocyanato)bis(2,2′-bipyridyl-4,4′-dicarboxylato)ruthenium(II) (N719) dyes were fabricated and characterized based on current–voltage measurements. The effect of the utilization of individual dyes and its mixture, chenodeoxycholic acid as co-adsorbent addition, replacement of I⁻/I₃⁻ by Co^2+/3+ ions in electrolyte and platinum by semiconducting polymer mixture poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate in counter electrode was studied. Additionally, the effect of polymer thickness on the photovoltaic performance of the device was evaluated. Prepared photoanodes were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The further modification of DSSCs involving the fabrication of tandem solar cells was carried out. The higher power conversion efficiency 7.60% exhibited tandem photovoltaic cell sensitized with dyes mixture containing co-adsorbent, I⁻/I₃⁻ ions in the electrolyte, and platinum in the electrode. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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15 pages, 6901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Covalent Molecular Anchoring of Metal-Free Porphyrin on Graphitic Surfaces toward Improved Electrocatalytic Activities in Acidic Medium

by Thi Mien Trung Huynh and Thanh Hai Phan

Coatings 2024, 14(6), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14060745 - 12 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1513

Abstract

Robust engineering of two-dimensional (2D) materials via covalent grafting of organic molecules has been a great strategy for permanently tuningtheir physicochemical behaviors toward electrochemical energy applications. Herein, we demonstrated that a covalent functionalization approach of graphitic surfaces including graphene by a graftable porphyrin [...] Read more.

Robust engineering of two-dimensional (2D) materials via covalent grafting of organic molecules has been a great strategy for permanently tuningtheir physicochemical behaviors toward electrochemical energy applications. Herein, we demonstrated that a covalent functionalization approach of graphitic surfaces including graphene by a graftable porphyrin (g-Por) derivative, abbreviated as g-Por/HOPG or g-Por/G, is realizable. The efficiency of this approach is determined at both the molecular and global scales by using a state-of-the-art toolbox including cyclic voltammetry (CV), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Consequently, g-Por molecules were proven to covalently graft on graphitic surfaces via C-C bonds, resulting in the formation of a robust novel hybrid 2D material visualized by AFM and STM imaging. Interestingly, the resulting robust molecular material was elucidated as a novel bifunctional catalyst for both the oxygen evolution (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in acidic medium with highly catalytic stability and examined at the molecular level. These findings contribute to an in-depth understanding at the molecular level ofthe contribution of the synergetic effects of molecular structures toward the water-splitting process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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12 pages, 7401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Epitaxial Structures on GaN-on-Si(111) HEMTs with Step-Graded AlGaN Buffer Layer and AlGaN Back Barrier

by Jeong-Gil Kim

Coatings 2024, 14(6), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14060700 - 2 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1333

Abstract

Recently, crack-free GaN-on-Si growth technology has become increasingly important due to the high demand for power semiconductor devices with high performances. In this paper, we have experimentally optimized the buffer structures such as the AlN nucleation layer and step-graded AlGaN layer for AlGaN/GaN [...] Read more.

Recently, crack-free GaN-on-Si growth technology has become increasingly important due to the high demand for power semiconductor devices with high performances. In this paper, we have experimentally optimized the buffer structures such as the AlN nucleation layer and step-graded AlGaN layer for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on Si (111) substrate by varying growth conditions and thickness, which is very crucial for achieving crack-free GaN-on-Si epitaxial growth. Moreover, an AlGaN back barrier was inserted to reduce the buffer trapping effects, resulting in the enhancement of carrier confinement and suppression of current dispersion. Firstly, the AlN nucleation layer was optimized with a thickness of 285 nm, providing the smoothest surface confirmed by SEM image. On the AlN nucleation layer, four step-graded AlGaN layers were sequentially grown by increasing the Al composition from undermost layer to uppermost layer, meaning that the undermost one was close to AlN, and the uppermost was close to GaN, to reduce the stress and strain in the epitaxial layer gradually. It was also verified that the thicker step-graded AlGaN buffer layer is suitable for better crystalline quality and surface morphology and lower buffer leakage current, as expected. On these optimized buffer structures, the AlGaN back barrier was introduced, and the effects of the back barrier were clearly observed in the device characteristics of the AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on Si (111) substrate such as the transfer characteristics, output characteristics and pulsed I-V characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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16 pages, 4212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Flower-like Crystal Nickel–Cobalt Sulfide and Its Supercapacitor Performance

by Haoran Yu, Ding Shen, Ran Zhang and Shiyu Zhao

Coatings 2024, 14(5), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050564 - 2 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1667

Abstract

In order to improve the pseudocapacitance performance of metal sulfide electrode materials and obtain supercapacitor energy storage devices with excellent electrochemical reversibility and long-term cycle stability, the synthesis of flower-shaped crystal nickel–cobalt sulfide and its supercapacitor performance were studied. NiCo₂S₄ [...] Read more.

In order to improve the pseudocapacitance performance of metal sulfide electrode materials and obtain supercapacitor energy storage devices with excellent electrochemical reversibility and long-term cycle stability, the synthesis of flower-shaped crystal nickel–cobalt sulfide and its supercapacitor performance were studied. NiCo₂S₄ flower-shaped crystal nickel–cobalt sulfide was prepared by the hydrothermal method with nickel foam as the raw material, and electrode materials were added to prepare supercapacitor electrodes for testing of the supercapacitor performance. The physical properties of flower-shaped crystal nickel–cobalt sulfide were tested by a scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope, and the voltammetric cycle and constant current charge and discharge of supercapacitor electrodes prepared from this sulfide were analyzed through experiments. The experimental results showed that the flower crystal microstructure had a positive effect on the electrochemical properties. The capacitance value was always high at different current densities, and the capacity was as high as 3867.8 A/g at pH 12. After 2000 voltage–charge–discharge cycle tests, the petal-like sulfide capacity still had a retention rate of 90.57, the flower crystal nickel–cobalt sulfide still showed an excellent supercapacitor performance and the specific capacity was still high, which demonstrates that this sulfide has excellent cyclic stability and durability in electrochemical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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12 pages, 9469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimized Field Emission from Graphene Sheets with Rare Earth Oxides

by ZhiJianMuCuo Dong, Jianlong Liu, Dayang Wang, Guoling Zhong, Xingyue Xiang and Baoqing Zeng

Coatings 2024, 14(5), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050545 - 27 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1218

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a simple method to improve the field emission of graphene sheets (GSs) by coating them with thin films of rare earth oxides. The rare earth oxide films are coated on GS using drop coating, without changing the surface morphology, resulting [...] Read more.

This paper demonstrates a simple method to improve the field emission of graphene sheets (GSs) by coating them with thin films of rare earth oxides. The rare earth oxide films are coated on GS using drop coating, without changing the surface morphology, resulting in a remarkable improvement in the field emission properties of GSs. The field emission property of GSs is tunable and can be optimized by applying various rare earth oxide films at the appropriate level. It is found that the turn-on field of GSs is reduced from 4.2 V/mm to 1.7 V/mm by Gd₂O₃ and to 2.2 V/mm by La₂O₃. The threshold field of GS is also reduced from 7.8 V/mm to 3.4 V/mm and 4.8 V/mm, respectively. Field emission results indicate that the improvement is due to the low work function surface and more effective emission sites generated around the GS surface after coating. The field emission test and the emission pattern suggest that the field emission performance of GS can be significantly enhanced through the application of La₂O₃ and Gd₂O₃ coating, as well as by optimizing the concentration of rare earth oxides in the coating. Hence, the rare earth-coated GS can serve as a potential field emitter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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14 pages, 4725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Defect Management for Boosting the Efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ Solar Cells

by Wanlei Dai, Zhaoyi Jiang, Yali Sun, Juhua Wang, Zeran Gao, Haoyu Xu, Xinzhan Wang, Chao Gao, Qiang Ma, Yinglong Wang and Wei Yu

Coatings 2024, 14(2), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14020164 - 26 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1197

Abstract

In this study, a feasible strategy is proposed for directly depositing high-quality Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) films using Na-doped targets in a selenium-free atmosphere to boost the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of CIGS solar cells. Introducing a small amount of sodium dopant effectively promoted [...] Read more.

In this study, a feasible strategy is proposed for directly depositing high-quality Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) films using Na-doped targets in a selenium-free atmosphere to boost the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of CIGS solar cells. Introducing a small amount of sodium dopant effectively promoted the textured growth of CIGS crystals in the prepared films, resulting in larger grain sizes and a smoother interface. The higher MoSe₂ content at the CIGS/Mo interface increased the carrier lifetime in the films. In addition, sodium doping increased the proportion of Se atoms on the film surface and reduced the concentration of defects caused by the direct sputtering of the films in the selenium-free atmosphere. Therefore, the separation and transportation of photo-generated carriers in the devices were effectively enhanced. Using the optimized parameters, a record-high PCE of 17.26% was achieved for the 7.5% Na-doped devices, which represents an improvement of nearly 63%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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Review

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22 pages, 1514 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Technologies in Buildings: A Mini-Review

by Hua Xiao, Wenjin Lai, Aiguo Chen, Shini Lai, Wenjing He, Xi Deng, Chao Zhang and Hongyun Ren

Coatings 2024, 14(3), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14030257 - 21 Feb 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4351

Abstract

Buildings account for a significant proportion of total energy consumption. The integration of renewable energy sources is essential to reducing energy demand and achieve sustainable building design. The use of solar energy has great potential for promoting energy efficiency and reducing the environmental [...] Read more.

Buildings account for a significant proportion of total energy consumption. The integration of renewable energy sources is essential to reducing energy demand and achieve sustainable building design. The use of solar energy has great potential for promoting energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of energy consumption in buildings. This study examines the applications of photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies in the field of architecture, demonstrating the huge potential of solar energy in building applications. To ensure a fresh and thorough review, we examine literature that encompasses the advancements made in the utilization of solar energy in buildings over the past decade. The key factors to consider in this study are reliability, performance, cost and aesthetics in real applications of photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies in the field of architecture, which have a significant impact on people’s acceptance of solar energy technology. Recent developments in feasible and effective optimization solutions for solar energy technologies are summarized. Accurate and convenient simulation techniques are also summarized for reference. The results show that the rapid progress of BIPV systems is fueled by advancements in three crucial areas: enhancing solar cell and module efficiency, reducing manufacturing costs and achieving a competitive levelized cost of electricity. The results can provide researchers with a reference for understanding recent technological developments in the integration of solar energy into buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Conversion: From Materials, Devices to Applications)

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