Solar Energy Harvesting Applications Research Articles

Band gap engineering of novel double perovskites Na2LiYX6 (X=Cl, Br) through halide ion replacement for solar cell and energy harvesting applications

Using the Perdew − Burke − Ernzerhof-generalized-gradient approximation (PBE-GGA) and PBE+SOC exchange − correlation functional, this work investigates the physical properties and energy storage capacity of novel double perovskite Halides Na2LiYX6 (X=Cl and Br) through Density Functional Theory (DFT) and semiclassical transport theory under ideal conditions. Thermal stability has been verified through the computation of thermodynamic parameters and formation energies. Brittle and anisotropic nature has been confirmed by the calculation of elastic and mechanical parameters. With PBE+SOC, the band gaps (Eg) for Na2LiYCl6 and Na2LiYBr6 are 2.90 and 3.76 eV, respectively, whereas with PBE-GGA, they are 3.061 and 3.824 eV, respectively. The analysis of the computed optical characteristics determines whether double perovskite halides are suitable for use in photovoltaic applications. The calculations for the transport properties were carried out using the BoltzTraP code. The effectiveness and transport mechanism for thermal energy conversion have been studied by determining the thermoelectric properties. To assess the stability at high temperatures and suitability for industrial applications, thermal properties such as heat capacity, entropy, Debye temperature, and thermal expansion are investigated. Overall, evaluations of the compounds’ thermoelectric characteristics show that they have a high-power factor and remarkably low thermal conductivity, which makes them ideal for energy harvesting devices.

Tuning of optical, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties of Cs2CuBiX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) halide perovskites for solar cells and energy harvesting applications

The double perovskites are outstanding materials for solar cells and transport applications to clean harvest energy. Therefore, the Cs2CuBiX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) are discussed comprehensively for energy harvesting by modified Becke and Johnson (mBJ) potential. The studied DPs fit the structural, mechanical, and dynamic stability scale by tolerance factor, Born–Huang criteria, and phonon dispersion band structures. The band gaps (1.20, 1.0, 0.70) eV for (Cl, Br, I) based DPs ensure the Cs2CuBiCl6 has an absorption band in the visible region while Cs2CuBiBr6 and Cs2CuBiI6 has an absorption band in the infrared region. Heavy elements’ spin–orbit coupling effect (Cs, Bi) reduces the band gap to 0.08 eV. Thermoelectric behavior regarding the merit scale against dopant carriers and temperature has been elaborated. The ultralow lattice thermal conductivity, large Debye temperature, hardness, and melting temperature increase their implication for thermoelectric and other thermodynamic applications. The variation in band gap makes them important for diverse optoelectric and thermoelectric applications. The Cs2CuBiCl6 with a band gap of 1.20 eV is suitable for solar cells, while Cs2CuBiBr6 and Cs2CuBiI6 with band gaps of 1.0 eV and 0.70 eV are significant for thermoelectric generators.

Tunable distributed Bragg reflector developed by magnetron sputtering to improve the power conversion efficiency of transparent IR cells for solar energy harvesting applications

Transparent organic photovoltaic (TOPV) cells integrated into windows are key to reducing the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the building sector. However, TOPV cells that reach a compromise between efficiency and transparency must still be developed. In addition, to implement this technology in glass production companies, the materials and processes used in TOPV cell development must be compatible with producing these devices on an industrial scale. Here, an infrared (IR) cell combining a PC60BM-based active material, ITO/ZnO as the back transparent electrode, PEDOT:PSS and ITO or Ag as the top transparent electrode, and a DBR as an antireflective coating was developed and applied on 625 mm2 glass samples. The structure of the DBR based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) monolayers was adjusted to the IR cell absorption spectra to reach a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5 and 4.3, and an average visible transmission (AVT) of 41 % and 51 % for ITO and Ag top electrodes, respectively. The manufacturing route of these devices involved commercial polymers and coatings that can be deposited by technologies already applied in the glass industry, such as magnetron sputtering or thermal evaporation. Therefore, the IR cells developed here showed a good compromise between efficiency, transparency, and large-scale production manufacturability.

Study of phase Stability, Optical, and thermoelectric properties of antiperovskites X3GeO (X=Ca, Sr, Ba) for solar cells and energy harvesting

Perovskites and their inverse derivatives are emerging aspirants for solar cells and energy harvesting applications. Herein, we have comprehensively addressed the phase stability, optical, and transport characteristics of X3GeO (X=Ca, Sr, Ba) antiperovskites by first-principles analysis. The studied compounds have an orthorhombic crystal structure with a space group (1-P1). The phonon spectra have been computed to assess the dynamic stability. The electronic band structures demonstrate that perovskites have narrow band gaps, while the antiperovskites are narrow band gap semiconductors. The calculated values of band gaps for antiperovskites are 0.38, 0.63, and 0.70 eV, respectively, suggesting optimal absorption in infrared to visible regions. Light energy’s dispersion and absorption are calculated by a complex dielectric function, refractive index, and absorption coefficient in the energy range 0 to 5 eV. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical & thermal conductivities, and power factor assess thermoelectric performance at increasing temperatures and carrier concentration. The findings convey a theoretical foundation for future experimental investigations of these antiperovskites and suggest their effectiveness for optoelectronic, and thermoelectric applications to harvest green energy.

Quasi-conformal monolithic n-i-p perovskite/c-Si tandem solar cells with light management strategies exceed 28 % efficiency

In the rapidly evolving field of photovoltaic technology, monolithic perovskite/crystalline silicon tandem solar cells (PSK/c-Si TSCs) have emerged as promising contenders, combining the advantageous properties of PSK with the recognized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of c-Si. Available studies have shown that in the field of PSK/c-Si TSCs, c-Si substrates can be categorized into: flat and pyramidal-textured structures. The limitation of flat structure lies in optical reflection losses, and the commercialization of large-scale pyramid structure is challenging to be compatible with conventional planar PSK solution processes. This study presents a novel quasi-conformal structure with dimensions between flat and pyramidal structures, which facilitates its seamless integration into PSK and c-Si production. Thermally evaporated bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (TFSI)-doping 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenyl-amine)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD) has better conformal and electrical properties. The in-situ cesium-based PSK recrystallized-arrays (CPRA) growth scheme achieves current density matching of the two sub-cells by band-edge modulation of the wide-bandgap components. The champion PCE of CPRA-modified PSK/c-Si TSC is 28.53 %. The stability is enhanced due to the protective effect of the inorganic CPRA interface. This research exhibits the successful integration of novel structural elements and light management strategies, which are expected to have wider applications in solar energy harvesting.

Study of Lithium-Based Double Perovskites Halides Li2AgBiZ6 (Z = Cl, Br, I) as Emerging Aspirant of Solar Cells and Energy Harvesting Applications

Study of Lithium-Based Double Perovskites Halides Li2AgBiZ6 (Z = Cl, Br, I) as Emerging Aspirant of Solar Cells and Energy Harvesting Applications

Wideband, polarization-insensitive rectangular-shaped with thin wire MXene-based resonator solar absorber for solar energy harvesting application

Solar absorbers are used in many different applications to collect solar energy. The Rectangular-Shaped with Thin Wire MXene-based resonator (RSWTWMR) is a unique solar absorber design that is proposed in this study. Aluminium and MXene are the materials used in the substrate and resonator layers of the RSWTWMR, respectively. MXene allows for the absorption of a large amount of solar light because of its remarkable absorption qualities and unique optical properties. The MXene-based resonator has a unique design with a thin wire and a rectangular box that makes it insensitive to polarization. RSWTWMR shows an astounding 95.67 % average absorption over three different wide bands. It is noteworthy that the absorption values in the 920 nm and 720 nm bandwidths exceed 90 % and 94 %, respectively. In addition, the absorption is more than 96 % at wavelengths of 550 nm. Additional research examined how well the system performs in air mass (AM1.5) conditions and examined how different factors, such as substrate and resonator thickness, affect absorption properties. Furthermore, the research looks at the impact of an angle of incidence, which is unaffected between 0 and 70°. This study suggests the RSWTWMR solar absorber has great promise for applications in solar energy harvesting.

Nano-structured metamaterial absorber based on a plus-shaped resonator for optical wavelength applications

Metamaterial absorbers have sparked widespread interest due to their remarkable electromagnetic properties, which enable a wide range of applications in light absorption and manipulation. This study introduces a new three-layer nanomaterial absorber (NMA) unit cell composed of nickel (Ni), silicon dioxide (SiO2), and nickel (Ni) designed to operate across the entire visible spectrum (390–780 nm). We demonstrate the NMA’s exceptional absorption characteristics through rigorous numerical simulations using industry-standard software, achieving a mean absorption rate of 97.17% and a maximum absorption peak of 99.99% at 694.89 nm under standard angles. Furthermore, the NMA unit cell has good impedance matching, efficient coupling between capacitors and inductors, and significant plasmonic resonance properties. Fabrication feasibility and potential applications in solar energy harvesting, optical sensing, and light detection.

Photoluminescence Measurement of Triplet Sensitizer-Emitter Solution Using a Customized 3D-Printed Sample Holder

This study explores the photoluminescence (PL) measurement of triplet sensitizer-emitter (TSE) solutions using a custom 3D-printed sample holder, within the context of triplet-triplet annihilation based molecular photon upconversion (TTA-UC) systems targeting the Vis-to-UV spectral region. TTA-UC converts low-energy visible photons to higher-energy ultraviolet (UV) photons, holding promise for solar energy harvesting and photonics applications. Two TSE couples, 4CzIPN/TP and 4CzIPN/QP, were investigated, and their upconverted fluorescence spectra showed peaks at 344 nm and 354 nm / 370 nm, respectively, confirming efficient upconversion capabilities. The 3D-printed sample holder facilitated reproducible PL measurements, enabling the calculation of quantum yields (ΦUC). The 4CzIPN/TP and 4CzIPN/QP couples exhibited low quantum yields (0.028% and 0.043%, respectively), suggesting the need for improved deoxygenation methods to enhance the triplet-triplet annihilation process and overall quantum efficiency. Despite modest yields, successful UV upconverted fluorescence observation underscores the feasibility of the Vis-to-UV TTA-UC system. This study provides insights into TTA-UC optimization and demonstrates the utility of the 3D-printed sample holder for affordable and precise PL measurements, paving the way for future advancements in photonics and solar energy applications.

Nanoscale Cu2ZnSnSxSe(4−x) (CZTS/Se) for Sustainable Solutions in Renewable Energy, Sensing, and Nanomedicine

The importance and breadth of applications of the family of quaternary chalcogenides with the formula Cu2ZnSnSxSe(4−x) (CZTS/Se) where x = 0–4 are steadily expanding due to the tunable optoelectronic properties of these compounds and the Earth abundance of the elements in their composition. These p-type semiconductors are viewed as a viable alternative to Si, gallium arsenide, CdTe, and CIGS solar cells due to their cost effectiveness, Earth’s crust abundance, and non-toxic elements. Additionally, CZTS/Se compounds have demonstrated notable capabilities beyond solar cells, such as photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction, solar water splitting, solar seawater desalination, hydrogen production, and use as an antibacterial agent. Various routes have been explored for synthesizing pure CZTS/Se nanomaterials and significant efforts have been dedicated to reducing the occurrence of secondary phases. This review focuses on synthetic approaches for CZTS/Se nanomaterials, with emphasis on controlling the size and morphology of the nanoparticles and their recent application in solar energy harvesting and beyond, highlighting challenges in achieving the desired purity required in all these applications.

Spatially Resolved Anion Diffusion and Tunable Waveguides in Bismuth Halide Perovskites.

Bismuth halide perovskites are widely regarded as nontoxic alternatives to lead halide perovskites for optoelectronics and solar energy harvesting applications. With a tailorable composition and intriguing optical properties, bismuth halide perovskites are also promising candidates for tunable photonic devices. However, robust control of the anion composition in bismuth halide perovskites remains elusive. Here, we established chemical vapor deposition and anion exchange protocols to synthesize bismuth halide perovskite nanoflakes with controlled dimensions and variable compositions. In particular, we demonstrated the gradient bromide distribution by controlling the anion exchange and diffusion processes, which is spatially resolved by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Moreover, the optical waveguiding properties of bismuth halide perovskites can be modulated by flake thicknesses and anion compositions. With a unique gradient anion distribution and controllable optical properties, bismuth halide perovskites provide new possibilities for applications in optoelectronic devices and integrated photonics.

Reversible Ligand Detachment from CdSe Quantum Dots Following Photoexcitation.

The nanocrystal-ligand boundaries of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) mediate charge and energy transfer processes that underpin photochemical and photocatalytic transformations at their surfaces. We used time-resolved infrared spectroscopy combined with transient electronic spectroscopy to probe vibrational modes of the carboxylate anchoring groups of stearate ligands attached to cadmium selenide (CdSe) QDs that were optically excited in solid nanocrystal films. The vibrational frequencies of surface-bonded carboxylate groups revealed their interactions with surface-localized holes in the excited states of the QDs. We also observed transient and reversible photoinduced ligand detachment from CdSe nanocrystals within their excited state lifetime. By probing both surface charge distributions and ligand dynamics on QDs in their excited states, we open a pathway to explore how the nanocrystal-ligand boundary can be understood and controlled for the design of QD architectures that most effectively drive charge transfer processes in solar energy harvesting and photoredox catalysis applications.

Ultra-broadband and wide-angle plasmonic absorber based on all-dielectric gallium arsenide pyramid nanostructure for full solar radiation spectrum range

Broadband and plasmonic absorbers (PAs) are key components for numerous applications in the fields of energy harvesting, thermal photonics, optoelectronic devices, and enhanced spectroscopy. In this work, we propose a simple and cost-effective metamaterial plasmonic absorber (MPA) design based on an all-dielectric GaAs pyramid nanostructure for the full solar radiation spectrum range. Simulation results demonstrate that the absorbance of the proposed MPA exceeds 85% in the full solar spectrum range, and it exceeds 90% from 0.25 μm to 3.1 μm with a relative bandwidth of approximately 170.74%, with an absorption peak up to 99% at resonance wavelength. The high absorption is attributed to the excitation of wave-guide mode, surface plasmon polariton (SPP) resonance modes combined with coupling effect and intrinsic lossy of dielectric GaAs and metallic tungsten (W). Furthermore, the proposed MPA is polarization-independent and wide incident angles for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes. Additionally, the MPA can tolerate certain structural parameter errors during practical fabrication applications. Furthermore, the photophysical properties of this MPA for solar cell applications are investigated, revealing the achievement of high short-circuit current density. Our proposed design is highly promising for applications in solar energy harvesting, thermoelectric, and thermal emitter applications.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan/ZnO-Ag composite microcapsules and their applications in solar energy harvesting and electromagnetic interference shielding

Phase change microcapsules are known for their latent heat storage capability. However, the efficient absorption and utilization of solar energy by these microcapsules remains a significant challenge. In this study, we successfully prepared composite phase change microcapsules containing ZnO-Ag nanospheres, chitosan, and paraffin. These microcapsules demonstrated remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency. ZnO was found to effectively absorb ultraviolet light, while the plasmonic resonance of Ag was utilized to absorb and make use of light energy in the visible region. Moreover, due to the synergistic absorption and reflection of electromagnetic waves by ZnO-Ag nanoparticles and graphene, the well-dispersed chitosan/ZnO-Ag composite microcapsules and graphene in the fabric coating demonstrated exceptional electromagnetic shielding performance. In addition, the coated fabric based on composite microcapsules exhibited excellent antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting the growth of bacteria such as S. aureus and E. coli. This antibacterial performance adds to their potential applications in various fields. These multifunctional phase change microcapsules offer vast potential for the effective utilization of solar energy, serving as efficient photothermal conversion and energy storage materials.

Nano-resonator based broadband metamaterial absorber with angular stability operating in visible light spectrum for solar energy harvesting applications

Solar energy harvesting has become an attractive technique for nanotechnology. The absorption of electromagnetic (EM) radiations in the visible range requires unique absorbers of particular optical characteristics. In this research paper, a novel metamaterial solar absorber (MMSA) is suggested for solar energy harvesting in the nearly-entire visible light spectrum 400 to 800 THz. The compact unit cell of the proposed absorber is formed by three thin layers Nickel (Ni)-Silicon dioxide (SiO2)-Nickel (Ni), its period P is optimized as 400 nm. The top layer on Ni is based on a novel symmetric nano-meta resonator consisting of a square-shaped outer ring coupled to the inner ring which surrounds five small circles. The total thickness of the two Ni layers and the intermediate SiO2 dielectric layer is 150 nm. The absorption qualities of the proposed structure have been analyzed by the finite element method (FEM) via the high frequency structure simulator (HFSS). The proposed MMSA shows remarkable absorption efficiency for the normal incidence of light and good impedance matching around these resonances. High absorption ability rate above 90%is obtained over a wide-band within 479.8 – 722.5 THz spectrum range with an average absorption of 95.82% over this operating band. Absorption peaks of the order of 99.86 and 99.91% are observed at the resonances of 501.6 THz and 606.6 THz, respectively. Furthermore, the simple unique shape of the unit cell with rotational symmetry makes the suggested MMSA insensitive to the polarization angle on the one hand and the angular stability at oblique incidence up to 60° for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes on the other hand. Based on its qualities, the proposed MMSA can be considered as a promising candidate for utilizations in several fields such as optical sensors and filters. It can be also incorporated into photovoltaic devices as a solar-energy harvester.

A high-performance ultra-wideband metasurface absorber and thermal emitter for solar energy harvesting and thermal applications.

Solar radiation is the Earth's most plentiful renewable energy source. Metasurface-based nanostructures can store solar energy efficiently and exhibit consistent behavior when interacting with light waves. This study investigates an ultra-thin, ultra-wideband solar absorber and thermal emitter that operates in the 400-5000 nm spectrum. The proposed structure design consists of a thin MXene monolayer at the top, followed by a nickel-made fractal L-shaped resonator film mounted on a SiO2 substrate. This device achieves greater than 90% of the aggregative absorption over the 4133 nm ultra-wideband region ranging from 867 nm to 5000 nm. Within its operational band, the solar absorber exhibits excellent solar energy storage capabilities under the solar AM 1.5 model curve. Furthermore, the absorber structure maintains a stable thermal radiation efficiency of 94.5-95.5% over the temperature range of 300-700 K. In addition, the physical mechanism underlying the device's ultra-wideband high absorption characteristics is adequately explained using impedance matching theory and the distribution of surface current density at high absorption wavelengths. The proposed structure design's symmetry shows excellent resilience to polarization state variations as well as wide angular stability to maintain high absorption rate. Given all of these advantages, the proposed structure would be highly suitable for solar energy and thermal radiation applications.

Transformation study and characterization of Cu-BTC MOF-derived nanoporous copper oxide.

This study provides a systematic and comprehensive investigation of the transformation process of copper-based metal-organic frameworks (Cu-BTC MOFs) into nanoporous copper oxides (P-CuOx) through controlled calcination. While calcination is a well-established method for producing MOF-derived oxides, previous studies have primarily focused on their applications. Most of them often lack detailed exploration of the transformation process and decomposition mechanisms though it is crucial for achieving tunability in MOF-derived structures. Our study addresses this gap by offering valuable insights that can guide the production of various MOF-derived oxides with tunable structural and functional properties. In this report, we have meticulously analysed the combined effects of calcination parameters, including temperature (250-500 °C), heating rate (0.5-10 °C min-1), and duration (1 and 2 hours) on the phase transformation, morphological features, and optical properties of Cu-BTC during its transformation to P-CuOx. Results revealed that fine adjustments to these calcination parameters allow precise control over phase purity, surface area, and porosity, achieving a high surface area of 113 m2 g-1 for derived P-CuO. Furthermore, the P-CuOx materials exhibited strong visible-light absorption, highlighting their potential for solar energy harvesting applications. This approach opens opportunities for designing advanced materials with customized performance characteristics. The findings have broad applicability and enable the research community to fully exploit MOF-derived oxides for designing advanced materials with customized properties for diverse applications, including energy, sensing, and biomedical.

Eco-friendly synthesis of chemically cross-linked chitosan/cellulose nanocrystal/CMK-3 aerogel based shape-stable phase change material with enhanced energy conversion and storage

Phase change materials (PCMs) have attracted numerous attention owing to their high energy storage density, cost-effective and operationally simple, however, the “solid-liquid” leakage and limited solar absorbance seriously hinder their widespread applications. Herein, an innovative chitosan/cellulose nanocrystal/CMK-3 (CS/CNC/CMK-3) aerogel based shape-stable PCM (SSPCM) was successfully synthesized, in which chemically cross-linked CS and CNC acted as three-dimensional supporting skeleton, CMK-3 endowed solar-to-thermal energy conversion ability and the impregnating polyethylene glycol (PEG) acted as the latent heat storage unit. The as-synthesized CS/CNC/CMK-3 aerogel/PEG (CCCA/PEG) showed ultrahigh melting/crystallization enthalpy of 178.5/171.1 J g−1 and excellent shape stability. The PEG was effectively embedded into the hierarchical porous architecture and the composite PCM could preserve its original shape without any leakage even compressed above the melting point of PEG. Meanwhile, the CCCA/PEG exhibited robust thermal reliability with an ultralow enthalpy fading rate of 0.030 ± 0.012 % per cycle over 100 thermal cycles. Intriguingly, the introduction of CMK-3 also significantly improved the solar-to-thermal energy conversion performance of CCCA/PEG, and a high solar-to-thermal conversion efficiency of 93.1 % could be realized. This work provided a potential strategy to design and synthesize high-performance sustainable SSPCM, which showed tremendous potential in the practical solar energy harvesting, conversion and storage applications.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of tin oxide-doped molybdenum disulfide nanohybrids under visible light irradiation: Antibiotics elimination, heavy metal reduction and antibacterial behavior

Nano-heterojunction photocatalytic can operate removal of pollutants, which is basic for the sustainable development of a clean environment. Herein, we propose a novel MoS2/SnO2 (MS) S-scheme heterojunction by a facile hydrothermal process, which is cheap, easily available, highly visible-light response, and good stability. The MS nano-heterojunction suggested superior performance with the photocatalytic degradation of 97.6% within 100 min for ciprofloxacin (CIP) removal, which was 5.74 and 4.88 folds higher than that of pristine MoS2 and SnO2, respectively. The fabricated MS photocatalysts displayed outstanding photocatalytic efficiency toward Cr (VI) reduction. The removal capability of Cr (VI) reached up to 92.5% within 60 min. The photodegradation efficiency was 5.2 folds that of pristine MoS2. In addition, the antibacterial performance approximately approached 100% for E. coli within 10 min, which was more apparent than the others. A series of excellent results implied that MS nano-heterojunction had a high ultraviolet and visible light absorbance, larger specific surface area, outstanding electron-hole pairs migration and higher capability of photo-response electrons and holes separation rate. This system offers a novel window into the evolution of nano-heterojunction for wastewater treatment and solar energy harvesting applications.

Strong and Broadband Visible Absorption Based on Titanium Patterned Resonator

The visible band is characterized by a high concentration of solar energy, making it highly desirable to achieve perfect absorption within this spectral range. This paper presents a novel design of a broadband metamaterial absorber (BMA) based on titanium (Ti), which exhibits a superior level of high absorption in the visible regime. The absorber is composed of three layers arranged from top to bottom: a newly shaped Ti top layer resonator, a SiO2 dielectric spacer, and a Ti bottom reflector. With a thickness of 195 nm, the BMA structure demonstrates an average absorption of 98.11% across the wavelength range of 400–800 nm, ensuring absorption levels greater than 90% through the entire visible band. The influence of different geometrical parameters and structures on absorption was studied, and the physical mechanism behind the high absorption was explored. Additionally, the proposed structure offers the benefit of maintaining 90% absorption stability for large incident angles up to 60° for TE and up to 70° for TM mode oblique incidence. Therefore, our proposed absorber emerges as an optimal candidate for a variety of solar energy harvesting applications.