Collector Electrode Research Articles

Optimization and scalability assessment of supercapacitor electrodes based on hydrothermally grown MoS2 on carbon cloth.

MoS2 is a well-known 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) with feasibility for energy storage applications due to its eco-friendliness and high electroactive surface area. Electrodes based on MoS2 are typically made by either immobilizing its multiphase nanocomposites, having binders and conductive fillers, or by directly growing the materials on current collectors. In this work, we follow and optimize this latter approach by applying a hydrothermal route to directly synthesize MoS2 nanostructures on carbon cloth (MoS2@CC) hence enabling binder-free current collector electrodes. Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy analyses confirmed the formation of 2H MoS2 nanosheets with hexagonal structure. The as-prepared electrodes were used to assemble symmetric supercapacitor cells, whose performance were tested in various types of electrolytes. Electrochemical measurements indicate that both precursor concentration and growth time significantly affect the device performance. Under optimized conditions, specific capacitance up to 226 F g-1 (at 1 A g-1 in 6 M KOH) was achieved, with corresponding energy and power densities of 5.1 W h kg-1 and 2.1 W kg-1. The device showed good stability, retaining 85% capacitance after 1000 cycles. Furthermore, the electrodes assessed in PYR14-TFSI showed energy and power densities of up to 26.3 W h kg-1 and 2.0 kW kg-1, respectively, indicating their feasibility not only in aqueous but also in ionic liquid electrolytes. In addition, galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements conducted on devices having footprint sizes from 1 cm2 to 25 cm2 show very similar specific capacitances, which proves scalability and thus the practical relevance of the binder-free electrodes demonstrated in this study.

Effect of the back contact electrode on the performances of the ultra-thin photovoltaic cells based on the CdS/CdTe heterojunction

This paper proposes a comparative study between two sub-micrometric multi-layered photovoltaic cells, based on AII–BVI compounds, using different structures for the holes transport and collection electrode. Using the modified form of the Shockley equation, the diode factor, 𝑛𝑛, the reverse saturation current, 𝐼𝐼0, and the series 𝑅𝑅𝑠𝑠 and shunt 𝑅𝑅𝑠𝑠ℎ resistances were evaluated and their effect on the photovoltaic cells performances were discussed. The photovoltaic performances were analysed by current-voltage characteristics at illumination in standard AM 1.5 conditions, and the specific parameters were determined.

Facilitation polysulfides adsorption/catalysis by nitrogen/phosphorous co-doped carbon nanofibers networks for advanced lithium/polysulfides batteries

The development of lithium‑sulfur batteries was hindered due to the shuttling of lithium polysulfides in electrolytes and sluggish electrochemical kinetics of polysulfides transformation. Herein, multi heteroatoms (nitrogen and phosphorus) co-doped carbon nanofibers (NP-CF) is elaborately designed, which acted as the current collector and binder free membrane electrode containing Li2S6 catholyte for lithium/polysulfides batteries. The conductivity of mesoporous NP-CF provide fast electronic transport and polarity of substrate possess a strong affinity to sulfur species, which could effectively anchor lithium polysulfides, boost their redox reaction catalytically-accelerate the reversible soluble/insolube phases conversion process, and greatly improve the utilization of active material. On the basis of density functional theory calculations on the bonding energies between NP-CF and lithium polysulfides (Li2Sn, n = 4, 6), it is found the NP-CF possesses higher binding energies toward polysulfides than N-CF. As a result, the cell with NP-CF membrane electrode with 4.6 mg cm−2 sulfur loading exhibits stability cycling capacity, which delivers a high intial capacity of 1023.3 mAh g−1 at 0.2C and sustains a capacity of 709.2 mAh g−1 over 300 cycles. NP-CF/Li2S6 electrode also performs well in cyclic performance with a sulfur loading of 8.4 mg cm−2, delivers a high specific capacity of 7.8 mAh and still maintains 6.4 mAh after 100 cycles.

Non-linear processing and reinforcement learning to predict rTMS treatment response in depression

BackgroundForecasting the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy can lead to substantial time and cost savings by preventing futile treatments. To achieve this objective, we've formulated a machine learning approach aimed at categorizing patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) into two groups: individuals who respond (R) positively to rTMS treatment and those who do not respond (NR). MethodsPreceding the commencement of treatment, we obtained resting-state EEG data from 106 patients diagnosed with MDD, employing 32 electrodes for data collection. These patients then underwent a 7-week course of rTMS therapy, and 54 of them exhibited positive responses to the treatment. Employing Independent Component Analysis (ICA) on the EEG data, we successfully pinpointed relevant brain sources that could potentially serve as markers of neural activity within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). These identified sources were further scrutinized to estimate the sources of activity within the sensor domain. Then, we integrated supplementary physiological data and implemented specific criteria to yield more realistic estimations when compared to conventional EEG analysis. In the end, we selected components corresponding to the DLPFC region within the sensor domain. Features were derived from the time-series data of these relevant independent components. To identify the most significant features, we used Reinforcement Learning (RL). In categorizing patients into two groups – R and NR to rTMS treatment – we utilized three distinct classification algorithms including K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP). We assessed the performance of these classifiers through a ten-fold cross-validation method. Additionally, we conducted a statistical test to evaluate the discriminative capacity of these features between responders and non-responders, opening the door for further exploration in this field. ResultsWe identified EEG features that can anticipate the response to rTMS treatment. The most robust discriminators included EEG beta power, the sum of bispectrum diagonal elements in the delta and beta frequency bands. When these features were combined into a single vector, the classification of responders and non-responders achieved impressive performance, with an accuracy of 95.28 %, specificity at 94.23 %, sensitivity reaching 96.29 %, and precision standing at 94.54 %, all achieved using SVM. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that the proposed approach, utilizing power, non-linear, and bispectral features extracted from relevant independent component time-series, has the capability to forecast the treatment outcome of rTMS for MDD patients based solely on a single pre-treatment EEG recording session. The achieved findings demonstrate the superior performance of our method compared to previous techniques.

Parallel Planar Heterojunction Strategy Enables Sb2S3 Solar Cells with Efficiency Exceeding 8 %

AbstractSolution‐processed solar cells based on inorganic heterojunctions provide a potential approach to the efficient, stable and low‐cost solar cells required for the terrestrial generation of photovoltaic energy. Antimony trisulfide (Sb2S3) is a promising photovoltaic absorber. Here, an easily solution‐processed parallel planar heterojunction (PPHJ) strategy and related principle are developed to prepare efficient multiple planar heterojunction (PHJ) solar cells, and the PPHJ strategy boosts the efficiency of solution‐processed Sb2S3 solar cells up to 8.32 % that is the highest amongst Sb2S3 devices. The Sb2S3‐based PPHJ device consists of two kinds of conventional planar heterojunction (PHJ) subcells in a parallel connection: Sb2S3‐based PHJ subcells dominating the absorption and charge generation and CH3NH3PbI3‐based PHJ subcells governing the electron transport towards collection electrode, but it belongs to an Sb2S3 device in nature. The resulting PPHJ device combines together the distinctive structural features of Sb2S3 absorbing layer as a main absorber and the duplexity of well‐crystallized/oriented CH3NH3PbI3 layer in charge transportation as an additional absorber, while the presence of perovskite does not affect device stability. The PPHJ strategy maintains the facile preparation by the conventional sequential depositions of multiple layers, but eliminates the normal complexity in both tandem and parallel tandem PHJ systems.

Parallel Planar Heterojunction Strategy Enables Sb2 S3 Solar Cells with Efficiency Exceeding 8 .

Solution-processed solar cells based on inorganic heterojunctions provide a potential approach to the efficient, stable and low-cost solar cells required for the terrestrial generation of photovoltaic energy. Antimony trisulfide (Sb2 S3 ) is a promising photovoltaic absorber. Here, an easily solution-processed parallel planar heterojunction (PPHJ) strategy and related principle are developed to prepare efficient multiple planar heterojunction (PHJ) solar cells, and the PPHJ strategy boosts the efficiency of solution-processed Sb2 S3 solar cells up to 8.32 % that is the highest amongst Sb2 S3 devices. The Sb2 S3 -based PPHJ device consists of two kinds of conventional planar heterojunction (PHJ) subcells in a parallel connection: Sb2 S3 -based PHJ subcells dominating the absorption and charge generation and CH3 NH3 PbI3 -based PHJ subcells governing the electron transport towards collection electrode, but it belongs to an Sb2 S3 device in nature. The resulting PPHJ device combines together the distinctive structural features of Sb2 S3 absorbing layer as a main absorber and the duplexity of well-crystallized/oriented CH3 NH3 PbI3 layer in charge transportation as an additional absorber, while the presence of perovskite does not affect device stability. The PPHJ strategy maintains the facile preparation by the conventional sequential depositions of multiple layers, but eliminates the normal complexity in both tandem and parallel tandem PHJ systems.

Performance evaluation of microbial fuel cell fabricated using green nano-graphene oxide as coating anode material

AbstractA dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was fabricated and optimized for electricity generation. Titanium wire, graphite rod, and carbon cloth supported on stainless steel mesh were the best current collector, anode, and cathode electrode materials, respectively. To enhance the efficacy of the system, carbon-based materials in nano-scale (nanocarbonized materials) were prepared from pomegranate peel waste at different hydrothermal temperatures (300, 500, and 700 oC), and were used as anode coating material. The synthesized coating materials were characterized using EDX, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, fluorescence, UV, and XPS analyses. Data showed that nanocarbonized material prepared at 500 oC exhibited high surface area (682 m2/g), high pore size (122 nm), and indicated the presence of graphene oxide (GO) structure. The electrochemical behavior of MFC was monitored by cyclic voltammetry and impedance measurements. Results revealed that the anode coated with GO provided high MFC performance with a maximum voltage of around 1000 mV, and a maximum current of 0.1 mA, corresponding to a maximum power density of 12.46 W/m2, which is 2.85-fold higher than that of a cell with a free graphite plate as an anode. Furthermore, the large charge transfer resistance and the low diffusive resistance observed upon coating the anode demonstrated the anode is functioning as a capacitor. The reported results proposed graphene oxide prepared from pomegranate peels as a novel coating anode material prepared from waste sustaining the idea of green curricular economy

Flexible dye solar cells with TiO2 nanopaper and Ti back contact electrodes

Flexible dye solar cells (F-DSCs) have attracted great attention because of their low cost, flexibility and lightweight, and their advantages for wearable electronic devices and other applications. We propose here a novel structure of F-DSCs using flexible TiO2 nanopapers as substrates and Ti back contact electrodes(Ti BCE) as electron collection electrodes. By combining the high-temperature hydrothermal nanowire synthesis with conventional paper preparation, TiO2 nanopapers (long nanowire TiO2 free-standing membranes) with good mechanical strength and flexibility were prepared. This TiO2 nanopapers from pure long inorganic nanowires, can be used as an ideal flexible substrate for Ti BCE and nanocrystalline TiO2 films, because they retain their excellent mechanical strength and flexibility at high temperatures. The PCE of F-DSCs with TiO2 nanopaper substrate and the porous Ti BCE reached 4.38% under AM 1.5G and 100 mW cm−2 simulated solar irradiation. The F-DSCs remained stable after 100 bending tests at 16 mm bending radius.

Development and evaluation of a triangular prism-multiple tubular wet electrostatic precipitator for capturing moxibustion oil fumes

Moxibustion oil fumes (MOF) have caused serious indoor air pollution. To solve the high costs problem existing in the current air purification technology, a triangular prism-multiple tubular wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) was developed. The discharge characteristics of the modified WESP and the factors affecting its fractional collection efficiency (FCE) were explored in detail, and the collection performance of the modified WESP was further characterized by laboratory-scale tests. The results showed that the flushing water not only effectively cleaned the collection electrodes but also enhanced the corona current. Although increasing the applied voltage and reducing the flue gas velocity can improve the FCE, it was necessary to ensure that the ozone concentration met the emission standards. Specifically, the FCE of the modified WESP reached 43.09 %-97.48 % when the applied voltage was 15.5 kV, the flue gas velocity was 0.9 m·s−1, and the water consumption was 7.93 L· min−1·m−2. Under the optimal operation parameters, the modified WESP had an extremely low pressure drop (23 Pa) and a high clean air delivery rate (43.38 m3·h−1). After 12-h of continuous operation, the FCE of the modified WESP decreased slightly, but the FCE can be effectively recovered by cleaning the discharge electrodes. In conclusion, the modified WESP had the potential to efficiently capture MOF at low cost. Furthermore, the characteristic of MOF particles charged by the combustion process also helped us understand the high FCE of the modified WESP for MOF. Moreover, a modified efficiency equation of the triangular prism-multiple tubular WESP was proposed, and the experimental data were in good agreement with theoretical values. In addition, the modified WESP can provide a viable technical pathway to control oily particles emission.

Metal/bacteria cellulose nanofiber bilayer membranes for high-performance hydrovoltaic electric power generation

Hydrovoltaic devices that produce electricity from water represent a promising solution for green energy harvesting. Hydrovoltaic power generators based on various emerging nanostructured materials have shown great potential in water-enabled electricity generation. However, the development of high-performance and practical hydrovoltaic devices remains limited because of low electric power generation, high cost of precursor materials, and complicated fabrication processes. In this study, we developed a novel metal-coated bacteria cellulose nanofiber bilayer membrane (MBCBM) for high-performance hydrovoltaic power-generation devices. The top side of the MBCBM has metal-bacteria cellulose (BC) nanofibers that serve as a conducting electrode for fast charge carrier collection, whereas the bottom side has BC nanofibers that serve as hydrovoltaic materials for high efficient energy generation. A Schottky barrier was incorporated into the hydrovoltaic device, which enhanced the electric power output. Experiments revealed that the optimized single-MBCBM based hydrovoltaic device generated a maximum voltage of 0.935 V, current of 7.51 mA, and power output of 6.07 mW with a 50 μl electrolyte solution. The hybrid membrane and device design concept is expected to effectively utilize practical sustainable and clean energy sources for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and self-powered wearable devices in next-generation electronics.

Enhancing fog collection by optimizing wettability combination and fork-row collector arrangement: light and heavy fog

Fog collection is essential to alleviate water scarcity in arid areas. However, the vast majority of existing fog collectors only work effectively in heavy fog. To broaden the fog concentration range for efficient work, an optimization strategy based on wettability combination and fork-row arrangement is proposed in this work. Single-layer experiment results show that a hydrophilic (HL) surface with high deposition capacity collects droplets at a faster rate in light fog (25–80 g h−1), while the collection rate of a hydrophobic (HB) surface with high drainage capacity is higher in heavy fog (220–500 g h−1). Double-layer experiment results show that in light fog, the best combination of double-layer collection electrodes is HL–HL, while HB–HL performs best in heavy fog. A 35% improvement in collection rate can be obtained simply by changing the arrangement from smooth-row (S) to fork-row (F), which is attributed to the increased effective collision area of droplets. In our series of experiments, at 50 g h−1, the collection rate of double-layer combination HL–HL(F) is 56.7% higher than that of single-layer HL. In particular, the collection rate of HB–HL(F) reaches 1434.7 mg cm−2 h−1 at 500 g h−1. Such a good performance is attributed to the force imbalance of hanging droplets caused by wettability differences, which tends to transport small droplets on HB towards HL directionally, resulting in a rapid droplet slippage. Therefore, the HB–HL accelerates drainage and refreshes capture points. Furthermore, fog collection performance is also influenced by layer spacing, which has an optimal distance. These findings provide a promising method for practical applications of fog collectors in a wide range of fog flow quantities, enhancing adaptability to variable environments.

Test-beam performance results of the FASTPIX sub-nanosecond CMOS pixel sensor demonstrator

Within the ATTRACT FASTPIX project, a monolithic pixel sensor demonstrator chip was developed in a modified 180 nm CMOS imaging process technology, targeting sub-nanosecond timing precision for single ionizing particles. It features a small collection electrode design on a 25 μm-thick epitaxial layer and contains 32 mini matrices of 68 hexagonal pixels each, with pixel pitches ranging from 8.66 to 20 μm. Four pixels are transmitting an analog output signal and 64 are transmitting binary hit information. Various design variations are explored, aiming at accelerating the charge collection and making the timing of the charge collection more uniform over the pixel area. Signal treatment of the analog waveforms, as well as reconstruction of digital position, time and charge information, is carried out off-chip. This contribution introduces the design of the sensor and readout system and presents performance results for various pixel designs achieved in recent test-beam measurements with external tracking and timing reference detectors. A time resolution below 150 ps is obtained at full efficiency for all pixel pitches.

Analysis of asymmetrical supercapacitor with horizontally configured electrodes

Energy is available in several forms but its use to humans is predominantly in the electrical form. Since electrical energy is not immediately consumed post conversion, energy storage devices are required for its storage. This reinforces the importance of research in electrical energy storage devices. Till date, very few energy storage devices have been developed for commercial use. Asymmetrical supercapacitors are the newest addition to this list and have the potential to replace conventional energy storage devices in times to come. They can be further classified based on their electrode orientation namely horizontally and vertically configured electrodes. Research has been conducted on asymmetrical supercapacitors with horizontally configured electrodes as they have a better performance over vertically configured electrode. Analysis of asymmetrical supercapacitor with horizontally configured electrodes through statistical modelling approach is presented in the paper which is useful in setting electrode parameter values during the manufacture of this device. Electrode material loading on current collector of both electrodes is found to be affecting specific-capacitance values; they also add to nonlinearity in the device. Metal oxide contents are an addition to the interaction effect. Modelling approach adopted has provided better insights as to how various electrode parameters interact and in turn affect the specific capacitance. Presented research work also brings out need of extra negative plate or bigger size negative plate in asymmetrical supercapacitors. Findings of this research work can be used as basis for study of other electrical energy storage devices such as battery, fuel cell etc.

MALTA-Cz: a radiation hard full-size monolithic CMOS sensor with small electrodes on high-resistivity Czochralski substrate

Depleted Monolithic Active Pixel Sensor (DMAPS) sensors developed in the Tower Semiconductor 180 nm CMOS imaging process have been designed in the context of the ATLAS ITk upgrade Phase-II at the HL-LHC and for future collider experiments. The “MALTA-Czochralski (MALTA-Cz)” full size DMAPS sensor has been developed with the goal to demonstrate a radiation hard, thin CMOS sensor with high granularity, high hit-rate capability, fast response time and superior radiation tolerance. The design targets radiation hardness of > 1015 (1 MeV) neq/cm2 and 100 Mrad TID. The sensor shall operate as tracking sensor with a spatial resolution of ≈ 10 μm and be able to cope with hit rates in excess of 100 MHz/cm2 at the LHC bunch crossing frequency of 40 MHz. The 512 × 512 pixel sensor uses small collection electrodes (3.5 μm) to minimize capacitance. The small pixel size (36.4 × 36.4 μm2) provides high spatial resolution. Its asynchronous readout architecture is designed for high hit-rates and fast time response in triggered and trigger-less detector applications. The readout architecture is designed to stream all hit data to the multi-channel output which allows an off-sensor trigger formation and the use of hit-time information for event tagging.The sensor manufacturing has been optimised through process adaptation and special implant designs to allow the manufacturing of small electrode DMAPS on thick high-resistivity p-type Czochralski substrate. The special processing ensures excellent charge collection and charge particle detection efficiency even after a high level of radiation. Furthermore the special implant design and use of a Czochralski substrate improves the sensor's time resolution. This paper presents a summary of sensor design optimisation through process and implant choices and TCAD simulation to model the signal response. Beam and laboratory test results on unirradiated and irradiated sensors have shown excellent detection efficiency after a dose of 2 × 1015 1 MeV neq/cm2. The time resolution of the sensor is measured to be σ = 2 ns.

Eliminating the Imbalanced Mobility Bottlenecks via Reshaping Internal Potential Distribution in Organic Photovoltaics.

The imbalanced carrier mobility remains a bottleneck for performance breakthrough in even those organic solar cells (OSCs) with recorded power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Herein, a counter electrode doping strategy is proposed to reshape the internal potential distribution, which targets to extract the low mobility carriers at far end. Device simulations reveal that the key of this strategy is to partially dope the active layer with a certain depth, therefore it strengthens the electric field for low mobility carriers near counter electrode region while avoids zeroing the electric field near collection electrode region. Taking advantage of these, PCE enhancements are obtained from 15.4% to 16.2% and from 16.9% to 18.0%, respectively, via cathode p-doping and anode n-doping. Extending its application from opaque to semitransparent devices, the PCE of dilute cell rises from 10.5% to 12.1%, with a high light utilization efficiency (LUE) of 3.5%. The findings provide practical solutions to the core device physical problem in OSCs.

Convective heat transfer enhancement by corona discharge in a wire–cylinder electrostatic precipitator with the water-cooling system

Aiming at the current wet plume problem, we present a novel technique to integrate electrostatic precipitator (ESP) and heat exchanger in order to simultaneously increase heat exchange efficiency, collect water and control particle emission from flue gases. Unlike the conventional ESP, a lab-scale wire–cylinder type ESP with the collection electrode cooling by water is used for investigations in this paper. Our research indicates that the heat transfer coefficient of the ESP rises with reducing gaseous velocity, increasing applied voltage, corona current or gas temperature. The maximum improvement of the total heat transfer coefficient of 271% was achieved at 0.15 m/s, 80 °C and 16 kV of the negative discharge. Moreover, the presence of Particle matters can enhance the heat transfer coefficient by 9%–16%. The ionic wind, which is quantitatively expressed by electro-hydrodynamic number, plays a key role in modifying the gas flow patterns and consequently improving the heat exchange coefficient. For lowering the overall energy consumption, it is suggested that the ESP should be operated at a specific mode of low voltage and high current.

Champion Device Architectures for Low-Cost and Stable Single-Junction Perovskite Solar Cells.

High power conversion efficiencies (PCE), low energy payback time (EPBT), and low manufacturing costs render perovskite solar cells (PSCs) competitive; however, a relatively low operational stability impedes their large-scale deployment. In addition, state-of-the-art PSCs are made of expensive materials, including the organic hole transport materials (HTMs) and the noble metals used as the charge collection electrode, which induce degradation in PSCs. Thus, developing inexpensive alternatives is crucial to fostering the transition from academic research to industrial development. Combining a carbon-based electrode with an inorganic HTM has shown the highest potential and should replace noble metals and organic HTMs. In this review, we illustrate the incorporation of a carbon layer as a back contact instead of noble metals and inorganic HTMs instead of organic ones as two cornerstones for achieving optimal stability and economic viability for PSCs. We discuss the primary considerations for the selection of the absorbing layer as well as the electron-transporting layer to be compatible with the champion designs and ultimate architecture for single-junction PSCs. More studies regarding the long-term stability are still required. Using the recommended device architecture presented in this work would pave the way toward constructing low-cost and stable PSCs.

Variable density points pressure sensor with wide sensing range and spatial pressure mapping

Wearable flexible pressure sensors are a novel class of human activity detection device. However, the preparation of pressure sensors with high sensitivity and wide sensing range still faces great challenges. This study reveals an flexible heat-resistant variable density point pressure sensing array (PSA) with ultra-wide sensing range based on Ti3C2Tx-MXene. MXene containing polar oxygen-containing functional groups coated polyester fiber fabricated the pressure sensing layer while a stainless steel wire core is used as a flexible electrode for signal collection. The signal processing device rapidly converts the mechanical signal into electrical signal output to increase the transmission speed and range. Experimental results show that the PSA can effectively sense dynamic and static pressures with high sensitivity (0.14–0.87 kPa−1 over a pressure range of 7.2 Pa–2000 kPa), a wide sensing range (0–15000 kPa), fast response time (80 ms), 10,000 cycles (2000 kPa) stability and maintains a 81.25% current response. The noval fully woven structural flexible PSA exhibited larger area, of which the weave density is varied to control resolution and the pressure mapping is referenced to each pixel point to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze shape and pressure distribution. Variable density points pressure sensor with wide sensing range and spatial pressure mappinghas promising applications in healthcare.

Enhanced high-temperature particle capture through an electrostatic precipitator with assistant electrodes

High-temperature electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are a potentially effective technology for purifying high-temperature gases. In this study, a comprehensive numerical model was developed to investigate the electric field and particle migration characteristics of an ESP at temperatures ranging from 400 to 600 °C. Moreover, an optimized ESP with assistant electrodes for improved high-temperature particle capture was proposed. The electric field, flow field and particle capture characteristics of the two types of ESPs were compared to demonstrate the superiority of the optimized ESP. Results indicated that high temperatures had a negative impact on ESP performance. As the temperature increased, the operating voltage of the ESP decreased, leading to decreases in both the electric field strength and space charge density. The effective migration velocity of the particles also decreased with increasing temperature, and the inhibitory effect of high temperature on particle capture increased with increasing particle size. The optimized ESP with assistant electrodes exhibited more favorable electric field and flow field characteristics for particle capture compared to those of the conventional ESP. The optimized ESP exhibited higher electric field strength, which increased the electric field force on the particles and promoted particle capture. Meanwhile, the space charge density of the optimized ESP was lower, effectively inhibiting the occurrence of back corona. Moreover, the optimized ESP enhanced the ionic wind downstream of the discharge electrode, thereby promoting particle migration towards the collection electrode. Consequently, the ESP with assistant electrodes effectively improved the collection efficiency.

Preparation and Characterization of ZnO NWs/Graphene Nanocomposite as an Effective Photoanode Electrode for Improving the Performance of the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

In the present study, DSSCs were fabricated using pure ZnO NWs and ZnO NWs/Graphene nanocomposite as photoelectrodes. Graphene was incorporated into pure ZnO NWs through a cost-effective Hydrothermal Process to act as an electrical charge carrier. J-V curve of prepared nanocomposite was recorded with a light intensity of 100 mW.cm-2. The created nanocomposites were thoroughly investigated by using different electrical and structural characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, and J-V characteristics. According to SEM examination, the ZnO NWs/graphene composite-based electrode has more porosity than the electrode made using pure ZnO NWs, which will increase the surface area and the amount of dye that can be absorbed. From the graphene advantages the reduced internal resistance and electron recombination loss, these properties allow electrons to transfer to the collection electrode efficiently. Based on these benefits, the ZnO NWs/Graphene nanocomposite photoanode with thickness of 965.11 nm that was used in the DSSC2 was demonstrated a Jsc of 19.50 mA.cm-2 and conversion efficiency of 9.829053%, which opposite to the result of the DSSC1 without graphene. These results can be encouraged for future improved optoelectronic devices.