Research

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11 pages, 5256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Twenty-Two Percent Efficient Pb-Free All-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells Using SCAPS-1D

by Ali Alsalme and Huda Alsaeedi

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 96; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13010096 - 25 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2441

Herein, we reported the simulation study of lead (Pb)-free all-perovskite tandem solar cells using SCAPS-1D. Tandem solar cells are comprised of two different cells which are known as the top cell and the bottom cell. We simulated tandem solar cells using methyl ammonium [...] Read more.

Herein, we reported the simulation study of lead (Pb)-free all-perovskite tandem solar cells using SCAPS-1D. Tandem solar cells are comprised of two different cells which are known as the top cell and the bottom cell. We simulated tandem solar cells using methyl ammonium germanium iodide (MAGeI₃) as the top subcell absorber layer due to its wide band gap of 1.9 eV. Further, FA_0.75MA_0.25Sn_0.25Ge_0.5I₃ = FAMASnGeI₃ was used as the bottom subcell absorber layer due to its narrow band gap of 1.4 eV. The tandem solar cells were simulated with MAGeI₃ as the top cell and FAMASnGeI₃ as the bottom subcell using SCAPS-1D. Various electro-transport layers (ETLs) i.e., titanium dioxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, tungsten trioxide, and zinc selenide, were used to examine the impact of ETL on the efficiency of tandem solar cells. The observations revealed that TiO₂ and ZnSe have more suitable band alignment and better charge-extraction/transfer properties. A reasonably improved efficiency of 23.18% and 22.4% have been achieved for TiO₂ and ZnSe layer-based tandem solar cells, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology for Green Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Application)

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9 pages, 3484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of L-Shaped and U-Shaped Beams in Bidirectional Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesting

by Weile Jiang, Lu Wang, Xinquan Wang, Libo Zhao, Xudong Fang and Ryutaro Maeda

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3718; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12213718 - 23 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1336

Abstract

The traditional single degree of freedom linear piezoelectric vibration energy harvester (PVEH), such as the cantilever type, mainly works and resonates in a single direction and at a single frequency. To adapt broadband and bidirectional ambient vibration, this paper designs and compares two [...] Read more.

The traditional single degree of freedom linear piezoelectric vibration energy harvester (PVEH), such as the cantilever type, mainly works and resonates in a single direction and at a single frequency. To adapt broadband and bidirectional ambient vibration, this paper designs and compares two PVEHs of L-shaped beam and U-shaped beam through COMSOL simulation and prototype test. FEA modeling is introduced for accurate structure design with modal analysis, voltage frequency response analysis, and proof mass analysis with multiphysics electromechanical coupling simulation. Two PVEH prototypes with different gravity angles and clamping angles are tested at 0.1 g acceleration to find the optimal angle for maximum output power. The best clamping angle of L-PVEH is 135° with RMS power of 0.3 mW at 7.9 Hz, and that of U-PVEH is 45° with RMS power of 0.4 mW at 5.0 Hz. The proposed U-PVEH shows more advantages in low broadband and bidirectional vibration energy harvesting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology for Green Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Application)

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13 pages, 4557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation of Reynolds Number and Spring Stiffness Effects on Vortex-Induced Vibration Driven Wind Energy Harvesting Triboelectric Nanogenerator

by Qing Chang, Zhenqiang Fu, Shaojun Zhang, Mingyu Wang and Xinxiang Pan

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3595; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12203595 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1425

Abstract

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) is a process that wind energy converts to the mechanical energy of the bluff body. Enhancing VIV to harvest wind energy is a promising method to power wireless sensor nodes in the Internet of Things. In this work, a VIV-driven [...] Read more.

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) is a process that wind energy converts to the mechanical energy of the bluff body. Enhancing VIV to harvest wind energy is a promising method to power wireless sensor nodes in the Internet of Things. In this work, a VIV-driven square cylinder triboelectric nanogenerator (SC-TENG) is proposed to harvest broadband wind energy. The vibration characteristic and output performance are studied experimentally to investigate the effect of the natural frequency by using five different springs in a wide range of stiffnesses (

27 N / m < K < 90 N / m

). The square cylinder is limited to transverse oscillation and experiments were conducted in the Reynolds regime (

3.93 \times 10^{3} - 3.25 \times 10^{4}

). The results demonstrate the strong dependency of VIV on natural frequency and lock-in observed in a broad range of spring stiffness. Moreover, the amplitude ratio and range of lock-in region increase by decreasing spring stiffness. On the other hand, the SC-TENG with higher spring stiffness can result in higher output under high wind velocities. These observations suggest employing an adjustable natural frequency system to have optimum energy harvesting in VIV-based SC-TENG in an expanded range of operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology for Green Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Application)

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37 pages, 12736 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

γ-Valerolactone Production from Levulinic Acid Hydrogenation Using Ni Supported Nanoparticles: Influence of Tungsten Loading and pH of Synthesis

by Gerardo E. Córdova-Pérez, Jorge Cortez-Elizalde, Adib Abiu Silahua-Pavón, Adrián Cervantes-Uribe, Juan Carlos Arévalo-Pérez, Adrián Cordero-Garcia, Alejandra E. Espinosa de los Monteros, Claudia G. Espinosa-González, Srinivas Godavarthi, Filiberto Ortiz-Chi, Zenaida Guerra-Que and José Gilberto Torres-Torres

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(12), 2017; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12122017 - 11 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2555

Abstract

γ-Valerolactone (GVL) has been considered an alternative as biofuel in the production of carbon-based chemicals; however, the use of noble metals and corrosive solvents has been a problem. In this work, Ni supported nanocatalysts were prepared to produce γ-Valerolactone from levulinic acid using [...] Read more.

γ-Valerolactone (GVL) has been considered an alternative as biofuel in the production of carbon-based chemicals; however, the use of noble metals and corrosive solvents has been a problem. In this work, Ni supported nanocatalysts were prepared to produce γ-Valerolactone from levulinic acid using methanol as solvent at a temperature of 170 °C utilizing 4 MPa of H₂. Supports were modified at pH 3 using acetic acid (CH₃COOH) and pH 9 using ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) with different tungsten (W) loadings (1%, 3%, and 5%) by the Sol-gel method. Ni was deposited by the suspension impregnation method. The catalysts were characterized by various techniques including XRD, N₂ physisorption, UV-Vis, SEM, TEM, XPS, H₂-TPR, and Pyridine FTIR. Based on the study of acidity and activity relation, Ni dispersion due to the Lewis acid sites contributed by W at pH 9, producing nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm of Ni, and could be responsible for the high esterification activity of levulinic acid (LA) to Methyl levulinate being more selective to catalytic hydrogenation. Products and by-products were analyzed by ¹H NMR. Optimum catalytic activity was obtained with 5% W at pH 9, with 80% yield after 24 h of reaction. The higher catalytic activity was attributed to the particle size and the amount of Lewis acid sites generated by modifying the pH of synthesis and the amount of W in the support due to the spillover effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology for Green Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Application)

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10 pages, 2242 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Electrode–Electrolyte Interactions in an Aqueous Aluminum–Carbon Rechargeable Battery System

by Jasmin Smajic, Amira Alazmi, Nimer Wehbe and Pedro M. F. J. Costa

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3235; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123235 - 28 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2257

Abstract

Being environmentally friendly, safe and easy to handle, aqueous electrolytes are of particular interest for next-generation electrochemical energy storage devices. When coupled with an abundant, recyclable and low-cost electrode material such as aluminum, the promise of a green and economically sustainable battery system [...] Read more.

Being environmentally friendly, safe and easy to handle, aqueous electrolytes are of particular interest for next-generation electrochemical energy storage devices. When coupled with an abundant, recyclable and low-cost electrode material such as aluminum, the promise of a green and economically sustainable battery system has extraordinary appeal. In this work, we study the interaction of an aqueous electrolyte with an aluminum plate anode and various graphitic cathodes. Upon establishing the boundary conditions for optimal electrolyte performance, we find that a mesoporous reduced graphene oxide powder constitutes a better cathode material option than graphite flakes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology for Green Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Application)

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Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 5204 KiB

Open AccessReview

Modern Synthesis and Sintering Techniques of Calcium Copper Titanium Oxide (CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂) Ceramics and Its Current Trend in Prospective Applications: A Mini-Review

by Gecil Evangeline T., A. Raja Annamalai and T. Bonnisa Magdaline

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(18), 3181; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12183181 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2210

Abstract

Calcium Copper Titanium Oxide (CaCu₃Ti₄O_12/CCTO) has grasped massive attention for its colossal dielectric constant in high operating frequencies and wide temperature range. However, the synthesis and processing of CCTO directly influence the material’s properties, imparting the overall [...] Read more.

Calcium Copper Titanium Oxide (CaCu₃Ti₄O_12/CCTO) has grasped massive attention for its colossal dielectric constant in high operating frequencies and wide temperature range. However, the synthesis and processing of CCTO directly influence the material’s properties, imparting the overall performance. Researchers have extensively probed into these downsides, but the need for a new and novel approach has been in high demand. Modern synthesis routes and advanced non-conventional sintering techniques have been employed to curb the drawbacks for better properties and performance. This review provides a short overview of the modern synthesis and sintering methods that utilize direct pulse current and electromagnetic waves to improve the material’s electrical, optical, and dielectric properties in the best ways possible. In addition, the current application of CCTO as a photocatalyst under visible light and CuO’s role in the efficient degradation of pollutants in replacement for other metal oxides has been reviewed. This research also provides a brief overview of using CCTO as a photoelectrode in zinc–air batteries (ZAB) to improve the Oxidation-reduction and evolution (ORR/OER) reactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology for Green Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Application)

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27 pages, 6017 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Carbon-Coatings Improve Performance of Li-Ion Battery

by Ziling Chen, Qian Zhang and Qijie Liang

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(11), 1936; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12111936 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5078

Abstract

The development of lithium-ion batteries largely relies on the cathode and anode materials. In particular, the optimization of cathode materials plays an extremely important role in improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries, such as specific capacity or cycling stability. Carbon coating modifying the [...] Read more.

The development of lithium-ion batteries largely relies on the cathode and anode materials. In particular, the optimization of cathode materials plays an extremely important role in improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries, such as specific capacity or cycling stability. Carbon coating modifying the surface of cathode materials is regarded as an effective strategy that meets the demand of Lithium-ion battery cathodes. This work mainly reviews the modification mechanism and method of carbon coating, and summarizes the recent progress of carbon coating on some typical cathode materials (LiFePO₄, LiMn₂O₄, LiCoO₂, NCA (LiNiCoAlO₂) and NCM (LiNiMnCoO₂)). In addition, the limitations of the carbon coating on the cathode are also introduced. Suggestions on improving the effectiveness of carbon coating for future study are also presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology for Green Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Application)

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40 pages, 94441 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress in the Energy Harvesting Technology—From Self-Powered Sensors to Self-Sustained IoT, and New Applications

by Long Liu, Xinge Guo, Weixin Liu and Chengkuo Lee

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2975; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11112975 - 05 Nov 2021

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 8919

Abstract

With the fast development of energy harvesting technology, micro-nano or scale-up energy harvesters have been proposed to allow sensors or internet of things (IoT) applications with self-powered or self-sustained capabilities. Facilitation within smart homes, manipulators in industries and monitoring systems in natural settings [...] Read more.

With the fast development of energy harvesting technology, micro-nano or scale-up energy harvesters have been proposed to allow sensors or internet of things (IoT) applications with self-powered or self-sustained capabilities. Facilitation within smart homes, manipulators in industries and monitoring systems in natural settings are all moving toward intellectually adaptable and energy-saving advances by converting distributed energies across diverse situations. The updated developments of major applications powered by improved energy harvesters are highlighted in this review. To begin, we study the evolution of energy harvesting technologies from fundamentals to various materials. Secondly, self-powered sensors and self-sustained IoT applications are discussed regarding current strategies for energy harvesting and sensing. Third, subdivided classifications investigate typical and new applications for smart homes, gas sensing, human monitoring, robotics, transportation, blue energy, aircraft, and aerospace. Lastly, the prospects of smart cities in the 5G era are discussed and summarized, along with research and application directions that have emerged. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology for Green Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Application)

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