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11 pages, 2051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Insight into the Excitation States of Small Molecular Semiconductor Y6

by Xianshao Zou, Guanzhao Wen, Rong Hu, Geng Dong, Chengyun Zhang, Wei Zhang, Hao Huang and Wei Dang

Molecules 2020, 25(18), 4118; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25184118 - 09 Sep 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5543

Abstract

Y6 is a new type of non-fullerene acceptor, which has led to power conversion efficiencies of single-junction polymer solar cells over 17% when combined with a careful choice of polymeric donors. However, the excited state characteristics of Y6, which is closely correlated with [...] Read more.

Y6 is a new type of non-fullerene acceptor, which has led to power conversion efficiencies of single-junction polymer solar cells over 17% when combined with a careful choice of polymeric donors. However, the excited state characteristics of Y6, which is closely correlated with its opto-electronic applications, are not clear yet. In this work, we studied the excited state properties of the Y6 solution and Y6 film, by using steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopies as well as time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence simulation, natural transition orbitals (NTOs) and hole-electron distribution analysis of Y6 solution were performed for understanding the excitation properties of Y6 by using TD-DFT calculations. The lifetimes of the lowest singlet excited state in Y6 solution and film were estimated to be 0.98 and 0.8 ns, respectively. Combining the exciton lifetime and photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield, the intrinsic radiative decay lifetimes of Y6 in the solution and film were estimated, which were 1.3 and 10.5 ns for the Y6 solution and film, respectively. Long exciton lifetime (~0.8 ns) and intrinsic radiative decay lifetime (~10.5 ns) of Y6 film enable Y6 to be a good acceptor material for the application of polymer solar cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Solar Energy)

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15 pages, 3306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Assembled from Modified Chitosan-Based Gel Polymer Electrolytes Incorporated with Potassium Iodide

by Aimi Mahirah Zulkifli, Nur Izzah Aqilah Mat Said, Shujahadeen Bakr Aziz, Elham Mohammed Ali Dannoun, Shameer Hisham, Shahan Shah, Amnani Abu Bakar, Zul Hazrin Zainal, Hairul Anuar Tajuddin, Jihad Mohammed Hadi, Mohamad Ali Brza, Salah Raza Saeed and Peshawa Omer Amin

Molecules 2020, 25(18), 4115; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25184115 - 09 Sep 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3691

Abstract

In the present work, phthaloyl chitosan (PhCh)-based gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) were prepared using dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent, ethyl carbonate (EC) as a co-solvent, and a set of five quaternaries of potassium iodide (KI) as a doping salt, which is a mixed [...] Read more.

In the present work, phthaloyl chitosan (PhCh)-based gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) were prepared using dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent, ethyl carbonate (EC) as a co-solvent, and a set of five quaternaries of potassium iodide (KI) as a doping salt, which is a mixed composition of iodine (I₂). The prepared GPEs were applied to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) to observe the effectiveness of the electrolyte, using mesoporous TiO₂, which was sensitized with N3 dye as the sensitizer. The incorporation of the potassium iodide-based redox couple in a polymer electrolyte is fabricated for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The number of compositions was based on the chemical equation, which is 1:1 for KI:I₂. The electrical performance of prepared GPE systems have been assessed using electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and dielectric permittivity. The improvement in the ionic conductivity of PhCh-based GPE was observed with the rise of salt concentration, and the maximum ionic conductivity (4.94 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹) was achieved for the 0.0012 mol of KI:I₂. The study of dielectric permittivity displays that ions with a high dielectric constant are associated with a high concentration of added ions. Furthermore, the gel polymer electrolyte samples were applied to DSSCs to detect the conversion effectiveness of the electrolytes. For electrolytes containing various content of KI:I₂ the highest conversion efficiency (η%) of DSSC obtained was 3.57% with a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 20.33 mA cm⁻², open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.37 V, fill factor (FF) of 0.47, as well as a conductivity of 2.08 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Solar Energy)

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7 pages, 1159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preferential Orientation of Photochromic Gadolinium Oxyhydride Films

by Elbruz Murat Baba, Jose Montero, Dmitrii Moldarev, Marcos Vinicius Moro, Max Wolff, Daniel Primetzhofer, Sabrina Sartori, Esra Zayim and Smagul Karazhanov

Molecules 2020, 25(14), 3181; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25143181 - 12 Jul 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2829

Abstract

We report preferential orientation control in photochromic gadolinium oxyhydride (GdHO) thin films deposited by a two-step process. Gadolinium hydride (GdH_2-x) films were grown by reactive magnetron sputtering, followed by oxidation in air. The preferential orientation, grain size, anion concentrations and photochromic [...] Read more.

We report preferential orientation control in photochromic gadolinium oxyhydride (GdHO) thin films deposited by a two-step process. Gadolinium hydride (GdH_2-x) films were grown by reactive magnetron sputtering, followed by oxidation in air. The preferential orientation, grain size, anion concentrations and photochromic response of the films were strongly dependent on the deposition pressure. The GdHO films showed a preferential orientation along the [100] direction and exhibited photochromism when synthesized at deposition pressures of up to 5.8 Pa. The photochromic contrast was larger than 20% when the films were deposited below 2.8 Pa with a 0.22 H₂/Ar flow ratio. We argue that the relation of preferential orientation and the post deposition oxidation since oxygen concentration is known to be a key parameter for photochromism in rare-earth oxyhydride thin films. The experimental observations described above were explained by the decrease of the grain size as a result of the increase of the deposition pressure of the sputtering gas, followed by a higher oxygen incorporation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Solar Energy)

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8 pages, 3115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Demonstration of Solar Cell on a Graphite Sheet with Carbon Diffusion Barrier Evaluation

by Hyelim Cho, Jaeyeon Kim, Seran Park, Soobong Kim, Hyunjong Kim, Hoon-jung Oh and Dae-Hong Ko

Molecules 2020, 25(4), 785; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25040785 - 12 Feb 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2458

Abstract

An amorphous Si (a-Si) solar cell with a back reflector composed of zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) is potentially the most plausible and flexible solar cell if a graphite sheet is used as the substrate. Graphite supplies lightness, conductivity and flexibility to [...] Read more.

An amorphous Si (a-Si) solar cell with a back reflector composed of zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) is potentially the most plausible and flexible solar cell if a graphite sheet is used as the substrate. Graphite supplies lightness, conductivity and flexibility to devices. When a graphite sheet is used as the substrate, carbon can diffuse into the Ag layer in the subsequent p-i-n process at 200–400 °C. To prevent this, we added an oxide layer as a carbon diffusion barrier between the carbon substrate and the back reflector. For the carbon diffusion barrier, silicon oxide (SiO₂) or tin oxide (SnO_x) was used. We evaluated the thermal stability of the back reflector of a carbon substrate using secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to analyze the carbon diffusion barrier material. We confirmed the deposition characteristics, reflectance and prevention of carbon diffusion with and without the barrier. Finally, the structures were incorporated into the solar cell and their performances compared. The results showed that the back reflectors that were connected to a carbon diffusion barrier presented better performance, and the reflector with an SnO_x layer presented the best performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Solar Energy)

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10 pages, 2128 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Synergetic Improvement of Stability and Conductivity of Hybrid Composites formed by PEDOT:PSS and SnO Nanoparticles

by Antonio Vázquez-López, Anisa Yaseen, David Maestre, Julio Ramírez-Castellanos, Erik S. Marstein, Smagul Zh. Karazhanov and Ana Cremades

Molecules 2020, 25(3), 695; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules25030695 - 06 Feb 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3307

Abstract

In this work, layered hybrid composites formed by tin oxide (SnO) nanoparticles synthesized by hydrolysis and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) have been analyzed. Prior to the composite study, both SnO and PEDOT:PSS counterparts were characterized by diverse techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, [...] Read more.

In this work, layered hybrid composites formed by tin oxide (SnO) nanoparticles synthesized by hydrolysis and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) have been analyzed. Prior to the composite study, both SnO and PEDOT:PSS counterparts were characterized by diverse techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL), atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical absorption and Hall effect measurements. Special attention was given to the study of the stability of the polymer under laser illumination, as well as the analysis of the SnO to SnO₂ oxidation assisted by laser irradiation, for which different laser sources and neutral filters were employed. Synergetic effects were observed in the hybrid composite, as the addition of SnO nanoparticles improves the stability and electrical conductivity of the polymer, while the polymeric matrix in which the nanoparticles are embedded hinders formation of SnO₂. Finally, the Si passivation behavior of the hybrid composites was studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Solar Energy)

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14 pages, 3108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Titanium Isopropoxide:Acetylacetone Molar Ratio on the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO₂ Thin Films

by Jekaterina Spiridonova, Atanas Katerski, Mati Danilson, Marina Krichevskaya, Malle Krunks and Ilona Oja Acik

Molecules 2019, 24(23), 4326; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules24234326 - 27 Nov 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4811

Abstract

TiO₂ thin films with different titanium isopropoxide (TTIP):acetylacetone (AcacH) molar ratios in solution were prepared by the chemical spray pyrolysis method. The TTIP:AcacH molar ratio in spray solution varied from 1:3 to 1:20. TiO₂ films were deposited onto the glass substrates [...] Read more.

TiO₂ thin films with different titanium isopropoxide (TTIP):acetylacetone (AcacH) molar ratios in solution were prepared by the chemical spray pyrolysis method. The TTIP:AcacH molar ratio in spray solution varied from 1:3 to 1:20. TiO₂ films were deposited onto the glass substrates at 350 °C and heat-treated at 500 °C. The morphology, structure, surface chemical composition, and photocatalytic activity of the obtained TiO₂ films were investigated. TiO₂ films showed a transparency of ca 80% in the visible spectral region and a band gap of ca 3.4 eV irrespective of the TTIP:AcacH molar ratio in the spray solution. TiO₂ films consist of the anatase crystalline phase with a mean crystallite size in the range of 30–40 nm. Self-cleaning properties of the films were estimated using the stearic acid (SA) test. A thin layer of 8.8-mM SA solution was spin-coated onto the TiO₂ film. The degradation rate of SA as a function of irradiation time was monitored by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). An increase in the TTIP:AcacH molar ratio from 1:4 to 1:8 resulted in a ten-fold increase in the photodegradation reaction rate constant (from 0.02 to the 0.2 min⁻¹) under ultraviolet light and in a four-fold increase under visible light. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Solar Energy)

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14 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemical Performance of Nitrogen-Doped TiO₂ Nanotubes as Electrode Material for Supercapacitor and Li-Ion Battery

by Tamilselvan Appadurai, Chandrasekar M Subramaniyam, Rajesh Kuppusamy, Smagul Karazhanov and Balakumar Subramanian

Molecules 2019, 24(16), 2952; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules24162952 - 14 Aug 2019

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4545

Abstract

Electrochemical anodized titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanotubes are of immense significance as electrochemical energy storage devices owing to their fast electron transfer by reducing the diffusion path and paving way to fabricating binder-free and carbon-free electrodes. Besides these advantages, when nitrogen is [...] Read more.

Electrochemical anodized titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanotubes are of immense significance as electrochemical energy storage devices owing to their fast electron transfer by reducing the diffusion path and paving way to fabricating binder-free and carbon-free electrodes. Besides these advantages, when nitrogen is doped into its lattice, doubles its electrochemical activity due to enhanced charge transfer induced by oxygen vacancy. Herein, we synthesized nitrogen-doped TiO₂ (N-TiO₂) and studied its electrochemical performances in supercapacitor and as anode for a lithium-ion battery (LIB). Nitrogen doping into TiO₂ was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The electrochemical performance of N-TiO₂ nanotubes was outstanding with a specific capacitance of 835 µF cm⁻² at 100 mV s⁻¹ scan rate as a supercapacitor electrode, and it delivered an areal discharge capacity of 975 µA h cm⁻² as an anode material for LIB which is far superior to bare TiO₂ nanotubes (505 µF cm⁻² and 86 µA h cm⁻², respectively). This tailor-made nitrogen-doped nanostructured electrode offers great promise as next-generation energy storage electrode material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Solar Energy)

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11 pages, 2661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benefits of the Hydrophobic Surface for CH₃NH₃PbI₃ Crystalline Growth towards Highly Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

by Yang Li, Zheng Xu, Suling Zhao, Dandan Song, Bo Qiao, Youqin Zhu and Juan Meng

Molecules 2019, 24(10), 2027; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules24102027 - 27 May 2019

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4381

Abstract

In inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), high-quality perovskite film grown on hole-transporting material (HTM) with pinhole-free coverage and a large grain size is crucial for high efficiency. Here, we report on the growth of pinhole-free and large grain CH₃NH₃PbI [...] Read more.

In inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), high-quality perovskite film grown on hole-transporting material (HTM) with pinhole-free coverage and a large grain size is crucial for high efficiency. Here, we report on the growth of pinhole-free and large grain CH₃NH₃PbI₃ crystals favored by a hydrophobic small molecular HTM, namely, 4,4′-Bis(4-(di-p-toyl)aminostyryl)biphenyl (TPASBP). The hydrophobic surface induced by TPASBP suppressed the density of the perovskite nuclei and heterogeneous nucleation, thus promoting the perovskite to grow into a dense and homogeneous film with a large grain size. The CH₃NH₃PbI₃ deposited on the TPASBP exhibited better crystallization and a lower trap density than that on the hydrophilic surface of indium tin oxide (ITO), resulting in a significant reduction in carrier recombination. Combined with the efficient hole extraction ability of TPASBP, a high efficiency of 18.72% in the inverted PSCs fabricated on TPASBP was achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Solar Energy)

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Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 5738 KiB

Open AccessReview

TiO₂ as a Photocatalyst for Water Splitting—An Experimental and Theoretical Review

by Håkon Eidsvåg, Said Bentouba, Ponniah Vajeeston, Shivatharsiny Yohi and Dhayalan Velauthapillai

Molecules 2021, 26(6), 1687; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules26061687 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 118 | Viewed by 10510

Abstract

Hydrogen produced from water using photocatalysts driven by sunlight is a sustainable way to overcome the intermittency issues of solar power and provide a green alternative to fossil fuels. TiO₂ has been used as a photocatalyst since the 1970s due to its [...] Read more.

Hydrogen produced from water using photocatalysts driven by sunlight is a sustainable way to overcome the intermittency issues of solar power and provide a green alternative to fossil fuels. TiO₂ has been used as a photocatalyst since the 1970s due to its low cost, earth abundance, and stability. There has been a wide range of research activities in order to enhance the use of TiO₂ as a photocatalyst using dopants, modifying the surface, or depositing noble metals. However, the issues such as wide bandgap, high electron-hole recombination time, and a large overpotential for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) persist as a challenge. Here, we review state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical research on TiO₂ based photocatalysts and identify challenges that have to be focused on to drive the field further. We conclude with a discussion of four challenges for TiO₂ photocatalysts—non-standardized presentation of results, bandgap in the ultraviolet (UV) region, lack of collaboration between experimental and theoretical work, and lack of large/small scale production facilities. We also highlight the importance of combining computational modeling with experimental work to make further advances in this exciting field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Solar Energy)

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