Short-circuit Research Articles

Enhancing dye-sensitized solar cell performance: Optimizing Cu2ZnSnS4/ZnCo2O4 nanocomposites as efficient and cost-effective counter electrodes

This study investigates the utilization of Cu2ZnSnS4/ZnCo2O4 (CZTS/ZCO) nanocomposites prepared through hydrothermal and combustion methods as counter electrodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). Different ratios of Cu2ZnSnS4 and ZnCo2O4 were explored, and comprehensive analyses were conducted using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High-Resolution TEM (HRTEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Incident Photon-to-Electron Conversion Efficiency (IPCE), alongside long-term stability assessments. The CZTS:ZCO ratio of 2:1 exhibited the highest efficiency, reaching 8.81 %, with an open-circuit voltage of 729 mV, short-circuit current of 17.80 mAcm−2, and a fill factor of 67.9 %. This surpasses the efficiency of the reference Pt cell (8.42 %), which had an open-circuit voltage of 735 mV, short-circuit current of 17.16 mAcm−2, and a fill factor of 66.8 %. The average crystallite sizes for the main peaks of CZTS and ZCO samples were estimated to be 19.8 and 16.7 nm, respectively. The crystallite size can significantly affect the charge transfer and conductivity in the counter electrode during electrochemical processes; the presence of nanocrystals with these sizes can notably enhance the electrochemical properties and conductivity of the synthesized samples. Raman analysis results indicate that no additional phases or secondary phases such as ZnS and CuSnS3 have formed in the kesterite CZTS structure, and the crystal has formed as a single phase. Additionally, the F2g modes in the Raman spectrum of ZCO indicate tetrahedral units in the spinel ZCO structure, and the A1g modes represent octahedral structures in this phase, indicating the formation of suitable ZCO phase. The superior performance of the CZTS/ZCO nanocomposite can be attributed to its enhanced crystalline structure, superior charge transport characteristics, and improved electrocatalytic behaviours.

Stability Analysis via Impedance Modelling of a Real-World Wind Generation System with AC Collector and LCC-Based HVDC Transmission Grid

This paper studies the stability of a real-world wind farm, Bison Wind Generation System (BWGS) in the state of North Dakota in the United States. BWGS uses an AC collector grid rated at 34.5 kV and a symmetrical bipolar high-voltage DC (HVDC) transmission grid rated at ±250 kV. The HVDC line transfers a total power of 0.5 GW, while both the HVDC rectifier and inverter substations use line-commuted converters (LCCs). The LCC-based rectifier adopts constant DC current control to regulate HVDC current, while the inverter operates in constant extinction angle control mode to maintain a fixed HVDC voltage. This paper proposes a frequency scan-based approach to obtain the d–q impedance model of (i) BWGS AC collector grids with Type 4 wind turbines that use permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs) and two fully rated converters, and (ii) an LCC-HVDC system. The impedance frequency response of the BWGS is acquired by exciting the AC collector grid and LCC-HVDC with multi-sine voltage perturbations during its steady-state operation. The resulting voltage and current signals are subjected to a fast Fourier transform (FFT) to extract frequency components. By analyzing the impedance frequency response measurement of BWGS, a linear time–invariant (LTI) representation of its dynamics is obtained using the vector fitting (VF) technique. Finally, a Bode plot is applied, considering the impedance of the BWGS and grid to perform stability analyses. This study examines the influence of the short circuit ratio (SCR) of the grid and the phase lock loop (PLL) frequency bandwidth on the stability of the overall system. The findings provide valuable insights for the design and verification of an AC collector and LCC-based HVDC transmission systems. The findings suggest that the extraction of the impedance model of a real-world wind farm, achieved through frequency scanning and subsequent representation as an LTI system using VF, is regarded as a robust, suitable, and accurate methodology for investigating the dynamics, unstable operating conditions, and control interaction of the wind farm and LCC-HVDC system with the AC grid.

Impact of La doping on the optoelectronic and structural properties of CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cell

Inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells (IPSC) have high power conversion efficiency (PCE). Currently, heteroatom substitution is a promising method for enhancing the properties of perovskite materials and the performance of associated devices. This study outlines the production process of a perovskite solar cell made from inorganic CsPbIBr2 with a 4 % La doping. The cubic crystal structure with large grain size and small band gap energy is observed at 4 % La–CsPbIBr2. The optoelectronic and structural characteristics of CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cells have been substantiated through various methodologies, such as the determination of space charge restricted current, examination of the photoluminescence decay profile, assessment of charge transfer resistance, and utilization of Mott Schottky analysis. The incorporation of lanthanum-doped cesium lead iodide bromide (La-doped CsPbIBr2) resulted in a notable enhancement in both the open circuit voltage (Voc), and the short circuit current density (Jsc), leading to a much higher overall efficiency of 9.89 % compared to the pristine counterpart, which exhibited an efficiency of 8.62 %.

Atomic level mechanism of disorder-order transformation kinetics at nanoscale in FePt based systems

Abstract L10 ordered FePt is one of the most promising materials for spintronic and recording media applications. In the present work, the mechanism of L10 phase transformation in FePt based films with varying initial structures is examined at the nanoscale to understand the ordering process using synchrotron based GIXRD, MOKE, VSM, and techniques with sub nanometer depth selectivity like XRR and SIMS. Precisely controlled compositions of the films are deposited using magnetron sputtering. Rapid thermal annealing is used for post-deposition processing. It is evaluated experimentally that for a shorter annealing time of 70 s at 400oC, besides volume diffusion, short circuit diffusion paths along the intercrystallite region owing to the presence of nanostructured grains play a dominant role in alloying behavior. A study of the L10 ordering process reveals the crucial role of film structure in controlling the transformation kinetics, texturing of nanograins, and magnetic coercivity. Diffusion studies disclose that type B diffusion kinetics is activated for the annealing time during which L10 transformation occurs in the films.

Harnessing Green Electricity from Food: A Split Black Gram-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for a Self-Powered Autonomous Lighting System and Portable Electronics.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a promising solution to mounting environmental concerns associated with battery disposal amid the escalating demand for portable electronics. However, prevailing TENG fabrication predominantly relies on nonbiodegradable, nonbiocompatible, and synthetic materials, posing a grave ecological threat. To mitigate this, there is a pressing need to develop eco-friendly and green TENGs leveraging sustainable, naturally occurring materials. This study pioneers the use of split black gram (SBG) as a tribo-positive material for TENGs. SBG's effectiveness as a tribo-positive material stems from its abundance of oxygen-containing functional groups, as confirmed by FTIR analysis, facilitating electron donation during the triboelectric process. SBG offers compelling advantages, including widespread availability, cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, and hydrophobic and adhesive properties due to its richness in starch and protein, positioning it as an optimal choice for eco-conscious TENG manufacturing. The fabrication process of an SBG-TENG is not only economical and facile but also solvent-free, requiring no specialized tools. Demonstrating commendable performance, the SBG-TENG achieves a maximum power density of 15.36 μW/cm2 at 1 MΩ, with an open circuit voltage of 84 V and short circuit current of 28 μA, comparable to recent studies. In practical applications, the SBG-TENG seamlessly integrates with LEDs and portable electronic devices via a full bridge rectifier, successfully powering them postcapacitor charging. Moreover, an autonomous lighting system is developed by embedding the SBG-TENG in a foot mat, enabling wireless light control through human stepping on the mat, introducing power-saving functionality for residential and office environments. In essence, the introduction of the SBG-TENG not only delivers cost-effectiveness but also minimizes the environmental impact by harnessing sustainable energy from food sources.

Fluorinated hole transport material resistant to high annealing temperature applied in inverted perovskites solar cells

A dopant-free and low-cost hole transport material (HTM) with dibenzo[b,d]thiophene as the center unit, bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amine as the terminal unit, and fluorine substitution adjacent to the methoxyl (named DBT-4F-MOP) is designed and applied in inverted organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (OIH-PSCs). The synthetic cost of DBT-4F-MOP in the lab is just as low as 115 CNY/g, which is much lower than the benchmark HTM poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA, 2500 CNY/g). Due to the introduction of the fluorine atoms, the annealing temperature of the HTM can be increased by over 150 ℃. The highest efficiency of the inverted device based on it can reach 16.8 %, with an open circuit voltage of 1.04 V, a short circuit current of 21.57 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 74.69 %, while the reference device based on PTAA can reach a PCE of 17.54 %. This work provides an avenue for the design of low-cost, dopant-free, and high-annealing temperature HTMs for inverted OIH-PSCs.

Three-dimensional electrochemical-magnetic-thermal coupling model for lithium-ion batteries and its application in battery health monitoring and fault diagnosis

Storage batteries with elevated energy density, superior safety and economic costs continues to escalate. Batteries can pose safety hazards due to internal short circuits, open circuits and other malfunctions during usage, hence real-time surveillance and error diagnosis of the battery’s operational state is imperative. In this paper, a three-dimensional model of electrochemical-magnetic field-thermal coupling is formulated with lithium-ion pouch cells as the research focus, and the spatial distribution pattern of the physical field such as magnetic field and temperature when the battery is operational is acquired. Furthermore, this manuscript also investigates the diagnostic methodology for defective batteries with internal short circuits and fissures, that is, the operational state of the battery is evaluated and diagnosed by the distribution of the magnetic field surrounding the battery. To substantiate the method’s practical viability, the present study extends its examination to the 18650-battery pack. We obtained the magnetic field images of the normal operation of the battery pack and the failure state of some batteries and analyzed the relationship between the magnetic field distribution characteristics and the performance of the battery pack, providing a new method for the health monitoring and fault diagnosis of the battery pack. This non-contact method incurs no damage to the battery, concurrently exhibiting elevated sensitivity and extremely rapid response time. Meanwhile, it provides an effective means for non-destructive research on the batteries and can be applied to areas such as battery safety screening and non-destructive testing. This research not only helps to facilitate our understanding of the battery’s operating mechanism, but also provides robust support for safe operation and optimal battery design.

Advancing Integration of Direct C-H Arylation-Derived Star-Shaped Oligomers as Second Acceptors for Ternary Organic Solar Cells.

Organic solar cells (OSCs) could benefit from the ternary bulk heterojunction (BHJ), a method that allows for fine-tuning of light capture, cascade energy levels, and film shape, in order to increase their power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this work, the third components of PM6:Y6 and PM6:BTP-eC9 BHJs are a set of four star-shaped unfused ring electron acceptors (SSUFREAs), i.e., BD-IC, BFD-IC, BD-2FIC, and BFD-2FIC, that are facilely synthesized by direct C-H arylation. The four SSUFREAs all show complete complementary absorption with PM6, Y6, and BTP-eC9, which facilitates light harvesting and exciton collection. When BFD-2FIC is added as a third component, the PCEs of PM6:Y6 and PM6:BTP-eC9 binary BHJs are able to be improved from 15.31% to 16.85%, and from 16.23% to 17.23%, respectively, showing that BFD-2FIC is useful for most effective ternary OSCs in general, and increasing short circuit current (JSC) and better film morphology are two additional benefits. The ternary PM6:Y6:BFD-2FIC exhibits a 9.7% percentage of increase in PCE compared to the PM6:Y6 binary BHJ, which is one of the highest percentage increases among the reported ternary BHJs, showing the huge potential of BFD-2FIC for ternary BHJ OSCs.

Thymus schimperi Ronniger plant flowers extracted dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract Today’s energy demand is highly increased with the world’s population growth and technological advancement. Natural dye-sensitized solar cells (N-DSSCs) are attracting research areas as an alternative and renewable energy source due to their simple preparation technique, availability, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally friendliness. In the present work, we have successfully fabricated DSSC from Thymus schimperi Ronniger plant flowers for the first time. The solvents used for extraction of the flower dye were deionized water and its mixture with ethanol. The Thymus schimperi Ronniger flowers extracted dye solutions and sensitized photoanodes were characterized by FTIR and UV-Vis characterization techniques. The crystallinity of TiO2 film was analyzed by the XRD technique and shows pure anatase phase behavior. The photoelectrochemical solar cell performance parameters, like, short circuit current density (JSC), open circuit voltage VOC), fill factor (FF), and efficiency were evaluated from the current density-voltage (J-V) measurement using a Keithley 2450 source meter. DSSC sensitized with extracted dye solution by the mixture of water and ethanol showed better performance (1.37%) as compared with that of extracted dye solution by Deionized water alone (1,02%). 

Keywords: Renewable energy, Dye-sensitized solar cells, Thymus Schimperi Ronniger, photoelectrochemical

Filtered spectrum modeling of high-performance perovskite tandem solar cells: Tailoring absorber properties and electron/hole transport layers for 31.55 % efficiency

In this study, the perovskite tandem solar cell (TPSC) has been accomplished using SCAPS-1D. The present study focuses on comprehensive exploration and detailed optimization using various strategies constructing a tandem device. To calculate high photovoltaic power conversion efficiency (PCE), the numerical analysis has been carried out for a wide-bandgap halide (WBH) FA0.75Cs0·25Pb(I0·8Br0.2)3 of bandgap 1.67eV and a Pb–Sn based narrow-bandgap halide (NBH) FA0.7MA0.3Pb0·5Sn0·5I3 of bandgap 1.22eV as absorber layer in top-cell (TCELL) and bottom-cell (BCELL) respectively. The WBH has huge potential as a front light absorber and the NBH based BCELL provides stability and high performance by accepting high and low energy photons respectively. This method mitigates thermalization and non-absorbed photon loss which results in the growth in PCE. The proposed work demonstrates the impact of active-layer thickness along with defect density on the solar-cell parameters. It has been observed that defect density is low for the optimal performance. An investigation for various electron transport medium (ETMs) and hole transport medium (HTMs) has been done to secure an optimum performing TCELL as well as BCELL. Using filtered-spectrum study along with current-matching method, every PV metric parameter has been analyzed after their deployment into tandem configuration. The numerical investigation has shown promising photovoltaic parameters with aa high open circuit voltage (VOC) of 2.33 V, a short circuit current density (JSC) of 17.07 mA/cm2, a fill factor (FF) of 79.34 % and PCE of 31.55 % in tandem configuration.

Design and optimization of Cs2SnI6 based inorganic perovskite solar cell model: numerical simulation

To overcome the drawbacks of high lead toxicity and poor corrosion resistance of lead-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and to compensate for the poor air stability of Sn2+ compound-based perovskite, Cs2SnI6 (Sn4+ compound) is selected as the absorber for the PSC in this study. Using FTO/ETL/Cs2SnI6/HTL/Au as the model, the high-performance non-toxic inorganic PSC structure is explored through theoretical simulation and calculation by SCAPS-1D. The conduction band offsets (CBO) and valence band offsets (VBO) of commonly used electron transport layer materials (ETMs), hole transport layer materials (HTMs), and Cs2SnI6 are calculated based on electron affinity potential (χ) and bandgap (E g ). Then, by analyzing the pn junction composed of ETL and HTL and the bandgap structure at the n-i, i-p interfaces, the most matching n-i-p planar heterojunction model, FTO/IGZO/Cs2SnI6/Cu2BaSnS4/Au, was selected. Finally, by analyzing and adjusting the material thickness, defect density of each layer, operation temperature, the optimal performance of PSC was determined to be 30.39% power conversion efficiency (PCE), 1.27 V open circuit voltage (V oc ), 28.46 mA cm−2 short circuit current (J sc ), and 84.02% fill factor (FF). A new and more efficient PSC is proposed in this study, providing some terrific clues for finding high-quality alternatives to lead-based PSCs.

A theoretical analysis to reveal the prospects of MoS2 as a back surface field layer in TiS3-based near infrared photodetector

Abstract In this article, a photodetector based on TiS3 absorber material, featuring a narrow direct bandgap of 1 eV, has been simulated. Throughout this research, the J-V (current-voltage) curves and spectral responses have been explored by systematically varying the thickness, doping concentration, and defect density of specific layers. The JSC (short circuit current) and VOC (open circuit voltage) of the heterostructure photodetector are found to be 45.77 mA/cm2 and 0.693 V respectively. Also, the responsivity (R) and detectivity (D*) are 0.81 A/W and 2.19×1014 Jones at a light wavelength of 1100 nm. The spectral response exhibits significantly elevated values within the wavelength range of 800 nm to 1200 nm, indicating the device's ability to detect light in the near-infrared (NIR) region effectively. The novel research offers valuable insights, emphasizing the material's suitability for photodetector (PD) applications and signaling a promising direction for further research interest in photodetector development.

Sound pressure level determination around the transformer using coherent and incoherent analytical summation methods

In this paper, coherent and incoherent analytical summation methods from elementary sound sources on the transformer’s tank are presented. They aim to determine a one-third-octave spectrum of sound pressure levels (SPL) in points around the transformer. Each part of the transformer’s surface is treated as a separate plane source so the analytical calculation can be applied to find SPL in the surroundings. Reflections from the ground are also considered by putting an image of the plane sources on the other side of the reflecting plane and adding its contributions to the total pressure in the desired points. Grid-like vibration measurements of vibration velocity on the tank surfaces are used as input parameters. Vibrations and sound pressure levels are measured to validate the method on the 5 MVA transformer experimental object. The SPL around the transformer in short-circuit (SC) and open-circuit (OC) tests is measured in the semi-anechoic chamber to compare it with theoretical results. By analyzing the results, the coherent calculation with reflection provided the most accurate results. In the SC operating condition, the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) is 17.2%, and in the OC operating condition, it is 10.9%. The novelty of the presented method is that it considers complicated transformer geometry where each surface is calculated as a separate noise source. It calculates noise at a distance from the elementary vibration sources, considering phase and reflection from the hard ground, and provides detailed noise maps that can be used for noise modeling around the substations.

Enhanced photovoltaic response in WSe2 photodetector with asymmetric two-dimensional contacts

Asymmetric contact pairs with different work functions provide an efficient method to extract photogenerated carriers in optoelectrical devices. Specifically, vertical optoelectrical devices based on two-dimensional (2D) materials utilize graphene layers as the bottom and top contacts. Whereas an additional terminal is required for electrostatic doping in either top or bottom graphene to enlarge the built-in electric field. Herein, we present an enhanced photovoltaic response in a vertical WSe2 photodetector utilizing asymmetric 2D contacts. A graphite layer and a degenerate SnSe2 are used as the top and bottom contacts, respectively, with a significant difference in their work functions. By establishing a large built-in electric field across the vertical WSe2 layer, a strong photovoltaic effect is achieved, resulting in an open-circuit voltage of 0.37 V and a short-circuit current of 0.42 μA under 532 nm illumination. The device shows high-performance photodetection characteristics, with a responsivity of 32.04 A W−1, external quantum efficiency of 7475%, and specific detectivity of 3.61 × 1012 Jones. Furthermore, the device can generate a maximum output electrical power of 70.9 nW, enabling a high-power conversion efficiency of 3.5%.

Cellulose-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator Prepared by Multi-Fluid Electrospinning for Respiratory Protection and Self-Powered Sensing

A cellulose-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with fiber–wave–arch structure was prepared through a multi-fluid electrospinning process for air filtration and wind sensing. The TENG is composed of a cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)/zein membrane and a cyanoethyl cellulose (CEC)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane. The results show that the addition of CEC improves the output performance and filterability of TENG. At the same time, the reduced diameter and high roughness of CEC/PVDF nanofibers improve the output performance of the TENG. The TENG with a 6 wt% CEC/PVDF solution concentration has the highest output performance with a short-circuit current of 3.30 μA and an open-circuit voltage of 10.01 V. The particle filtration of 12 wt% CEC/PVDF TENG is the best, showing an efficiency of 98.84% and a pressure drop of 50 Pa. The TENG also has a good formaldehyde filtration capability with an efficiency of 92% at 0.25 mg/m3. The TENG shows great potential in self-powered sensor applications.

Formation of a potential barrier by a ZnSXSe1−X electron-blocking layer to improve the efficiency of CdSe0.3S0.7/CdSe quantum dot sensitized solar cells

We designed and fabricated multilayer quantum dots sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) with TiO2 NPs/CdSe0.3S0.7/CdSe/ZnSXSe1−X, X = S/S + Se = 0, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1 photoelectrodes to achieve optimum power conversion efficiency (PCE). In the corresponding structure, incoming light is absorbed by the CdSe0.3S0.7 and CdSe quantum dots (QDs), while the ZnSXSe1−X QDs act as an electron blocking layer or passivation layer, forming an energy barrier that restricts electron mobility from the light absorbers to the polysulfide electrolyte. The beneficial effect of the alloyed ZnSXSe1−X layer is the adjustability of its nanoparticle size/bandgap energy proportional to variations in the concentration of anionic precursors X, according to optical results. The PCE value of the reference cell with the TiO2 NPs/CdSe0.3S0.7/CdSe photoanode is 4.15 %. Following the coating of ZnSe, ZnS0.7Se0.3, ZnS0.8Se0.2, ZnS0.9Se0.1, and ZnS QDs via two successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) cycles (2Sc) on the CdSe0.3S0.7/CdSe co-sensitized photoelectrode increasing stability and improving the PCE value to 4.9 %, 5.40 %, 5.70, 5.25 %, and 5.05 %, respectively. Next, by modifying the thickness of the champion cell's passivation layer, the QDSCs with TiO2 NPs/CdSe0.3S0.7/CdSe/ZnS0.8Se0.2 (3Sc) photoelectrode exhibit maximum photovoltaic performance parameters of short circuit current density (JSC) = 26.25 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (VOC) = 560 mV, fill factor (FF) = 0.42 % and PCE = 6.15 %. This improvement in performance is the result of decreased internal energy loss and recombination of charge carriers at the interface between the electrolyte and photoelectrode, which increases electron collection efficiency and electron injection efficiency in the visible region according to the external and internal quantum efficiency curves.

How Components of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Contribute to Efficient Solar Energy Capture

Herein, we reviewed the main components of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) which are an emerging cheap and environmentally benign alternative for solar energy capture and conversion to electricity. The role of individual parts such as the semiconductor electrode, counter electrode, photosensitizer, electrolyte, and substrate and their contribution to the overall efficiency (η) of DSSCs are discussed. In addition, parameters such as short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and fill factor used to quantify the efficiency of DSSCs are addressed. The highest solar-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 13 % has been achieved using titanium dioxide as a semiconductor electrode, a triiodide system as a redox couple, and platinum counter electrodes. Semiconductors are made up of materials such as glass, carbon, conductive polymers and other metal oxides have lower efficiencies (< 8 %). In addition, synthetic photosensitizers especially ruthenium complexes have higher efficiencies (10-11 %) compared to natural dyes among which the highest efficiency (4.6 %) was achieved using chlorophyll. The performance of natural dyes based on efficiency of the DSSC is generally in the order: chlorophyll > anthocyanins > carotenoids that is highly attributed to their structure which not only dictates electron release and recombination but also attachment to other components. The DSSC performance is not fixed but rather tunable by variations in the components to achieve desired structural and electronic properties such as firm anchorage between the photosensitizer and the semiconductors, the reduction of the energy band gap by incorporation of other metal salts to extend the absorption range and use of additives that prevent electron recombination with the photosensitizer or any hindrances in the electrolyte redox reactions.

Operando insights into ammonium-mediated lithium metal stabilization: surface morphology modulation and enhanced SEI development

Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) with graphite as an anode and lithiated transition metal oxide as a cathode are approaching their specific energy and power theoretical values. To overcome the limitations of LiBs, lithium metal anode with high specific capacity and low negative redox potential is necessary. However, practical application in rechargeable cells is hindered by uncontrolled lithium deposition manifesting, for instance, as Li dendrite growth which can cause formation of dead Li, short circuits and cell failure.The electrochemical behaviour of a protic additive (NH4PF6) in a carbonate-based electrolyte has been investigated by operando confocal Raman spectroscopy, in situ optical microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, elucidating its functional mechanism. The ammonium cation promotes a chemical modification of the lithium metal anode-electrolyte interphase by producing an N-rich solid electrolyte interphase and chemically modifying the lithium surface morphology by electrochemical pitting. This novel method results in stable lithium deposition and stripping by a decreasing the local current density on the electrode, thus limiting dendritic deposition.

Synergistic effects of coordinated metals and fluoridation in metal-covalent organic framework for efficient triboelectric nanogenerator

Improving the performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) depends on the development of new and effective friction electrode materials. Metal-covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs) are promising functional materials with applications in various fields owing to their structural diversity and tunability; howerver, the use of MCOFs in the preparation of TENG devices has not yet been investigated. In this study, a MCOF (Cu-COF) was designed and constructed via the post-metalation method by introducing transition metal ions through the delicate chelating structure of a CF3 substituted covalent organic framework (CF3-COF) for the first time. The constructed Cu-COF exhibited higher triboelectric nanogenerator output performance, with a peak value of short circuit current of 104.0 µA and an output voltage of 1107 V, which are 1.47 and 1.39 times those of CF3-COF, respectively. This can be attributed to the excellent charge density, improved conductivity and narrow band gap of Cu-COF. In addition, the Cu-COF-based TENG exhibits excellent stability and power density, and is capable of lighting 1440 commercial green LEDs. This study also suggests that the strategy for engineering metalation coordination environments on the skeletons of COFs could provide a novel method to fabricate TENG devices with MCOFs.

Enabling Low Pressure, Low Temperature, and Particle Control for Anisotropic Conductive Adhesives

AbstractAnisotropic conductive adhesives (ACAs) are the preferred interconnection technology for applications that employ large dies, flexible substrates, and ultra fine‐pitch interconnects. Conventional ACAs require relatively high bonding pressures and temperatures, and ultra fine‐pitch applications challenge the trade‐off between low interconnect resistance and risk of short circuits. This study introduces an ACA‐like interconnection technology that addresses these limitations, allowing for low‐pressure, low‐temperature assembly processes with enhanced particle control at the interconnects. Conductive particles are deposited onto a patterned carrier and subsequently transferred to electrical pads using either non‐conductive film or Ag sintering. The Ag sintering process is performed at a low temperature (140 °C) and low bonding pressure (1 N for a 10 × 10 mm2 chip). The capability of controlling the position and number of conductive particles within individual interconnects is demonstrated. This presents possibilities for achieving ultra‐fine pitch interconnects with negligible risk of short circuits, without compromising electrical resistance. It is demonstrated that interconnect resistance can be tuned by varying the number of conductive particles (achieving a resistance as low as 33 mΩ with 25 particles per interconnect). This approach is applicable to scenarios where the bonding force and temperature must remain low due to the nature of substrate materials.