Search Results (135)

Cu₂O solar cells are regarded as a promising emerging inorganic photovoltaic technology due to their power conversion efficiency (PCE) potential and material sustainability. While previous studies primarily focused on the band offset between n-type buffer layers and Cu₂O optical absorption, this work systematically investigated an ETL/buffer/p-Cu₂O/HTL heterojunction structure using SCAPS-1D simulations. Key design parameters, including bandgap (Eg) and electron affinity (χ) matching across layers, were optimized to minimize carrier transport barriers. Furthermore, the doping concentration and thickness of each functional layer (ETL: transparent conductive oxide; HTL: hole transport layer) were tailored to balance electron conductivity, parasitic absorption, and Auger recombination. Through this approach, a maximum PCE of 14.12% was achieved (V_oc = 1.51V, J_sc = 10.52 mA/cm², FF = 88.9%). The study also identified candidate materials for ETL (e.g., GaN, ZnO:Mg) and HTL (e.g., ZnTe, NiO_x), along with optimal thicknesses and doping ranges for the Cu₂O absorber. These findings provide critical guidance for advancing high-performance Cu₂O solar cells. Full article

Wetland ecosystems, particularly marsh wetlands, are vital for carbon cycling, yet the accurate estimation of the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR) in these environments is challenging due to their complex structure and limited field data. This study employs the large-scale remote sensing data and image simulation framework (LESS), a 3D radiative transfer model, to simulate FPAR and vegetation indices (VIs) under controlled conditions, including variations in vegetation types, soil types, chlorophyll content, solar and observation angles, and plant density. By simulating 8064 wetland scenes, we overcame the limitations of field measurements and conducted comprehensive quantitative analyses of the relationship between the FPAR and VI (which is essential for remote sensing-based FPAR estimation). Nine VIs (NDVI, GNDVI, SAVI, RVI, EVI, MTCI, DVI, kNDVI, RDVI) effectively characterized FPAR, with the following saturation thresholds quantified: inflection points (FPAR.inf, where saturation begins) ranged from 0.423 to 0.762 (mean = 0.594) and critical saturation points (FPAR.sat, where saturation is complete) from 0.654 to 0.889 (mean = 0.817). The Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) showed the highest robustness against saturation and environmental variability for FPAR estimation in reed (Phragmites australis) marshes. These findings provide essential support for FPAR estimation in marsh wetlands and contribute to quantitative studies of wetland carbon cycling. Full article

Lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) provide a viable alternative to lead-based versions, thereby reducing significant environmental issues related to toxicity. MASnIBr₂ has emerged as a very attractive lead-free perovskite material due to its environmentally friendly characteristics and advantageous optoelectronic capabilities. However, more tuning is required to achieve superior conversion efficiencies (PCEs). This study uses SCAPS-1D simulations to systematically develop and optimize the electron and hole transport layers (ETLs/HTLs) in MASnIBr₂-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Iterative simulations are used to carefully examine and optimize critical parameters, including electron affinity, energy bandgap, layer thickness, and doping density. Additionally, the thickness of the MASnIBr₂ absorber layer is optimized to enhance charge extraction and light absorption. Our findings showed a maximum power conversion efficiency of 20.42%, an open-circuit voltage of 1.38 V, a short-circuit current density of 17.91 mA/cm², and a fill factor of 82.75%. This study establishes a basis for future progress in sustainable photovoltaics and offers essential insights into the design of efficient lead-free perovskite solar cells. Full article

CZTS (C-I/C-II) ultrathin films in 61 nm and 313 nm thicknesses were grown on microscopic glass and n-Si wafer substrates via laser ablation, respectively. C-II ultrathin film with higher thickness has a more developed crystal structure and consists of larger particles compared to C-I ultrathin film with reduced thickness. C-II ultrathin film absorbs more photons and has a lower band gap. The photovoltaic performance of the produced Ag/CZTS (C-II)/n-Si/Al solar cell is higher compared to the other solar cell-based C-I ultrathin film. The more improved crystal structure of C-II ultrathin film has increased the efficiency of the solar cell. The calculated photovoltaic parameters of the solar cells modeled with the SCAPS-1D simulation program were found to be compatible with the experimental parameters. This situation has proven that the operating performance of solar cells is reliable. Full article

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a promising contender in photovoltaics, owing to their rapidly advancing power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and compatibility with low-temperature solution processing techniques. Single-junction architectures reveal inherent limitations imposed by the Shockley–Queisser (SQ) limit, motivating adoption of a dual-absorber structure comprising Cs₄CuSb₂Cl₁₂ (CCSC) and Cs₂TiI₆ (CTI)—lead-free perovskite derivatives valued for environmental benignity and intrinsic stability. Comprehensive theoretical screening of 26 electron/hole transport layer (ETL/HTL) candidates identified SrTiO₃ (STO) and CuSCN as optimal charge transport materials, producing an initial simulated PCE of 16.27%. Subsequent theoretical optimization of key parameters—including bulk and interface defect densities, band gap, layer thickness, and electrode materials—culminated in a simulated PCE of 30.86%. Incorporating quantifiable practical constraints, including radiative recombination, resistance, and FTO reflection, revised simulated efficiency to 26.60%, while qualitative analysis of additional factors follows later. Furthermore, comparing multiple algorithms within this theoretical framework demonstrated eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) possesses superior predictive capability, identifying CTI defect density as the dominant impact on PCE—thereby underscoring its critical role in analogous architectures and offering optimization guidance for experimental studies. Collectively, this theoretical research delineates a viable pathway toward developing stable, environmentally sustainable PSCs with high properties. Full article

Ferroelectric semiconductors, with their inherent spontaneous polarization, present a promising approach for efficient charge separation, making them attractive for photovoltaic applications. The potential of β-AgGaO₂, a polar ternary oxide with an orthorhombic Pna2₁ structure, as a light-absorbing material is evaluated. First-principles computational analysis reveals that β-AgGaO₂ possesses an indirect bandgap of 2.1 eV and exhibits pronounced absorption within the visible spectral range. Optical simulations suggest that a 300 nm thick absorber layer could theoretically achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20%. Device-level simulations using SCAPS-1D evaluate the influence of hole and electron transport layers on solar cell performance. Among the tested hole transport materials, Cu₂FeSnS₄ (CFTS) achieves the highest PCE of 14%, attributed to its optimized valence band alignment and reduced recombination losses. In contrast, no significant improvements were observed with the electron transport layers tested. These findings indicate the potential of β-AgGaO₂ as a ferroelectric photovoltaic absorber and emphasize the importance of band alignment and interface engineering for optimizing device performance. Full article

The article is focused on the quantitative assessment of the thermal impact of polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) on the mesopause caused by the emission of absorbed solar and terrestrial infrared (IR) radiation by cloud particles. For this purpose, a parameterization of mesopause heating by PMC crystals has been developed, the main feature of which is to incorporate the thermal properties of ice and the interaction of cloud particles with the environment. Parametrization is based on PMCs zero-dimensional (0-D) model and uses temperature, pressure, and water vapor data in the 80–90 km altitude range retrieved from Solar Occultation for Ice Experiment (SOFIE) measurements. The calculations are made for 14 PMC seasons in both hemispheres with the summer solstice as the central date. The obtained results show that PMCs can make a significant contribution to the heat balance of the upper atmosphere, comparable to the heating caused, for example, by the dissipation of atmospheric gravity waves (GWs). The interhemispheric differences in heating are manifested mainly in the altitude structure: in the Southern Hemisphere (SH), the area of maximum heating values is 1–2 km higher than in the Northern Hemisphere (NH), while quantitatively they are of the same order. The most intensive heating is observed at the lower boundary of the minimum temperature layer (below 150 K) and gradually weakens with altitude. The NH heating median value is 5.86 K/day, while in the SH it is 5.24 K/day. The lowest values of heating are located above the maximum of cloud ice concentration in both hemispheres. The calculated heating rates are also examined in the context of the various factors of temperature variation in the observed atmospheric layers. It is shown in particular that the thermal impact of PMC is commensurate with the influence of dissipating gravity waves at heights of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT), which parameterizations are included in all modern numerical models of atmospheric circulation. Hence, the developed parameterization can be used in global atmospheric circulation models for further study of the peculiarities of the thermodynamic regime of the MLT. Full article

In the purpose of enhancing solar cell efficiency and sustainability, zinc selenide (ZnSe) and silicon (Si) play indispensable roles, offering a compelling combination of stability and transparency while also highlighting their abundant availability. This study utilizes the SCAPS_1D tool to explore diverse heterojunction setups, aiming to solve the nuanced correlation between key parameters and photovoltaic performance, therefore contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions. Exploring the performance analysis of heterojunction solar cell configurations employing ZnSe and Si elements, various configurations including SnO₂/ZnSe/p_Si/p⁺_Si, SnO₂/CdS/p_Si/p⁺_Si, TiO₂/ZnSe/p_Si/p⁺_Si, and TiO₂/CdS/p_Si/p⁺_Si are investigated, delving into parameters such as back surface field thickness (BSF), doping concentration, operating temperature, absorber layer properties, electron transport layer properties, interface defects, series and shunt resistance. Among these configurations, the SnO₂/ZnSe/p_Si/p⁺_Si configuration with a doping concentration of 10¹⁹ cm⁻³ and a BSF thickness of 2 μm, illustrates a remarkable conversion efficiency of 22.82%, a short circuit current density (J_sc) of 40.33 mA/cm², an open circuit voltage (V_oc) of 0.73 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 77.05%. Its environmentally friendly attributes position it as a promising contender for advanced photovoltaic applications. This work emphasizes the critical role of parameter optimization in propelling solar cell technologies toward heightened efficiency and sustainability. Full article

This study presents the first comprehensive theoretical investigation utilizing SCAPS-1D simulation to systematically evaluate eight hole transport materials for CsPbI₂Br perovskite solar cells under authentic indoor LED conditions (560 lux, 5700 K color temperature). Unlike previous studies employing simplified illumination assumptions, our work establishes fundamental design principles for indoor photovoltaics through rigorous material property correlations. The investigation explores the influence of layer thickness and defect concentration on performance to identify optimal parameters. Through detailed energy band alignment analysis, we demonstrate that CuI achieves superior performance (PCE: 23.66%) over materials with significantly higher mobility, revealing that optimal band alignment supersedes carrier mobility under low-light conditions. Analysis of HTL and absorber layer thickness, bulk defect concentration, interface defect density, and an HTL-free scenario showed that interface defect concentration and absorber layer parameters have greater influence than HTL thickness. Remarkably, ultra-thin HTL layers (0.04 μm) maintain >99% efficiency, offering substantial cost reduction potential for large-scale manufacturing. Under optimized conditions of a 0.87 μm absorber layer thickness, defect concentration of 10¹⁵ cm⁻³, interface defect concentration of 10⁹ cm⁻³, and CuI doping concentration of 10¹⁷ cm⁻³, PCE reached 28.57%, while the HTL-free structure achieved 17.6%. This study establishes new theoretical foundations for indoor photovoltaics, demonstrating that material selection criteria differ fundamentally from outdoor applications. Full article

Two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) have shown potential in biosensors, cancer theranostics, microbiology, electromagnetic interference shielding, photothermal conversion, and thermal energy storage due to their unique electronic structure, ability to absorb a wide range of light, and tunable surface chemistry. In spite of the growing interest in MXenes, there are relatively few studies on their applications in phase-change materials for enhancing thermal conductivity and weak photo-responsiveness between 0 °C and 150 °C. Thus, this study aims to provide a current overview of recent developments, to examine how MXenes are made, and to outline the combined effects of different processes that can convert light into heat. This study illustrates the mechanisms that include enhanced broadband photon harvesting through localized surface plasmon resonance, electron–phonon coupling-mediated nonradiative relaxation, and interlayer phonon transport that optimizes thermal diffusion pathways. This study emphasizes that MXene-engineered 3D thermal networks can greatly improve energy storage and heat conversion, solving important problems with phase-change materials (PCMs), like poor heat conductivity and low responsiveness to light. This study also highlights the real-world issues of making MXene-based materials on a large scale, and suggests future research directions for using them in smart thermal management systems and solar thermal grid technologies. Full article

The Trombe Wall (TW) has gained recognition for its simplicity, efficiency, and zero operational costs, making it a key contributor to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 11 by enhancing energy access and providing sustainable heating solutions. This passive solar technology is particularly beneficial in rural areas, offering cost-effective thermal comfort while minimizing environmental impact. This study evaluates the performance of three TW configurations attached to a room, designed with inclined glazing relative to the vertical air layer and stone layers at the bottom acting as thermal mass, commonly used in rural installations in Peru. Using 2D Computational Fluid Dynamics, the analysis compares an inclined heated wall with guided vanes featuring three or five blades to a configuration without vanes. Results show that the three-blade guided flow configuration achieves the highest temperature rise of 4 °C, with a reference temperature of 20 °C, under an absorber heat flux of 200–400 W/m², albeit with a slightly lower flow rate of 0.17–0.23 kg/s compared to the configuration without guided flow. The maximum thermal efficiency of 57.90% was observed for the three-blade configuration, which is 2.26% higher than the efficiency of the configuration without guided flow, under an absorber heat flux of 400 W/m². The obtained path-lines reveals that the three-blade configuration minimizes flow detachment, nearly eliminates recirculation near the bottom corner of the glazing, and reduces the separation bubble at the top corner of the massive wall near the outlet. These findings highlight the potential of guided vanes to enhance the performance of Trombe Walls in rural settings. Full article

The use of renewables in heat production requires methods to overcome the issue of asynchronous heat load and energy production. The most effective method for analyzing the intricate thermal dynamics of an existing building is through transient simulation, utilizing real-world weather data. This approach offers a far more nuanced understanding than static calculations, which often fail to capture the dynamic interplay of environmental factors and building performance. Transient simulations, by their nature, model the building’s thermal behavior over time, reflecting the continuous fluctuations in temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed. Leveraging actual meteorological data enables the simulation model to faithfully capture system dynamics under realistic operational scenarios. This is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, identifying potential energy inefficiencies, and assessing the impact of various energy-saving measures. The simulation can reveal how the building’s thermal mass absorbs and releases heat, how solar gains influence indoor temperatures, and how ventilation patterns affect heat losses. In this paper, a household heating system consisting of an air source heat pump, PV, and buffer tank is simulated and analyzed. The 3D model accurately represents the building’s geometry and thermal properties. This virtual representation serves as the basis for calculating heat losses and gains, considering factors such as insulation levels, window characteristics, and building orientation. The approach is based on the calculation of building heat load based on a 3D model and EN ISO 52016-1 standard. The heat load is modeled based on air temperature and sun irradiance. The heating system is modeled in EBSILON professional 16.00 software for the calculation of transient 10 min time step heat production during the heating season. The results prove that a buffer tank with the right heat production control system can efficiently increase the auto consumption of self-produced PV electric energy, leading to a reduction in environmental effects and higher economic profitability. Full article

Global warming and environmental pollution due to the overuse and exploitation of fossil fuels are the main issues affecting humans’ well-being. Solar energy is considered to be one of the most promising candidates for providing human society with a clean and sustainable energy supply. Thin-film organic solar cells (TFOSCs) use organic semiconductors as light-absorbing layer materials. TFOSCs have attracted wide research interest due to several advantages, such as easy fabrication, affordability, light weight, and environmental friendliness. Over the years, TFOSCs have been dominated by donor–acceptor blends based on polymer donors and fullerene acceptors. However, a new class of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) has gained prominence in TFOSCs owing to their significant improvement in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of non-fullerene-based devices. In this study, the One-Dimensional Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D) numerical simulator was used to study the performance of a device with a configuration of FTO/PDINO/PBDB-T/ITIC/CFTS/Al. Here, the PBDB-T/ITIC polymer blend represents poly[(2,6-(4,8-bis(5-(2 ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo [1,2-b:4,5-b]dithiophene)-co-(1,3-di(5-thiophene-2-yl)-5,7-bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzo [1,2-c:4,5-c]dithiophene-4,8-dione)] (PBDB)/3,9-bis(2-methylene-(3-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)-indanone)-5,5,11,11-tetraki(4-hexylphenyl)-dithieno[2,3-d:2,3-d]-s-indaceno [1,2-b:5,6-b]dithiophene) (ITIC) and the non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) and serves as the absorber layer. The electron transport layer (ETL) was 2,9-Bis[3-(dimethyloxidoamino)propyl]anthra[2,1,9-def:6,5,10-d’e’f’]diisoquinoline-1,3,8,10(2H,9H)-tetrone (PDINO), and Cu₂FeSnS₄ (CFTS) was used as a hole transport layer (HTL). This research article aims to address the global challenges of environmental pollution and global warming caused by the overuse of fossil fuels by exploring alternative energy solutions. Upon optimization, the device achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.86%, a fill factor (FF) of 79.12%, a short-circuit current density (J_SC) of 33.19 mA cm⁻², and an open-circuit voltage (V_OC) of 0.64 V. The results obtained can guide the fabrication of NFA-based TFOSCs in the near future. Full article

Recently, the numerical simulation of solar cells has attracted tantamount scientific attention in the photovoltaic community because it saves on research time and resources before the actual fabrication of the devices in the laboratories. Despite significant advancements in the fabrication of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is still low when compared to other solar cells such as perovskite. This efficiency gap poses a substantial challenge in harnessing the full potential of QDSSCs for widespread adoption in renewable energy applications. Enhancing the efficiency of QDSSCs is imperative for their commercial viability and widespread deployment. In this work, SCAPS-1D was used in the simulation of QDSSCs. The solar cell with a general configuration of FTO/TiO₂/PbS/HTL/Au was investigated. In the device, PbS quantum dots were inserted as the absorber layer, TiO₂ as the electron transport layer (ETL), gold as the back contact, and the following inorganic materials, i.e., copper (I) iodide (CuI), copper (I) oxide (Cu₂O), cadmium zinc telluride selenide (CZTSe), copper iron tin sulfide (CFTS), and copper zinc tin sulfide selenide (CZTSSe) were tested as HTL materials, and FTO acted as the conductive substrate. The best HTL material (CZTSSe) exhibited a PCE of 22.61%, with a fill factor (FF) of 84.67%, an open circuit voltage (V_oc) of 0.753 V, and a current density (J_sc) of 35.48 mA cm⁻². This study contributes to the field by employing SCAPS-1D simulations to optimize QDSSCs, exploring novel inorganic HTL materials for these solar cells and identifying CZTSSe as a promising low-cost HTL that significantly enhances both the performance and commercial viability of QDSSCs. Full article

This study focuses on the development of efficient and environmentally friendly Lead-free Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using Tin and Germanium as absorber materials. The study was performed using SCAPS-1D simulations (version 3.11) to explore the performance of PSCs. The investigation took into consideration optimizing the electron transport layer’s (ETL) material and thickness, and TiO₂, ZnO, and WO₃ were investigated for this purpose. The current results show that Sn-based PSCs achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency of 23.19% with TiO₂ as the ETL, while Ge-based PSCs reached a power conversion efficiency of 14.83%. Additionally, the ETL doping concentration optimization revealed that the doping concentration had little impact on the device performance. These results emphasize the potential of Sn- and Ge-based PSCs as sustainable alternatives to Lead-based technologies, offering a pathway toward safer and more efficient solar energy solutions. Full article