Enhanced Conversion Efficiency Research Articles

High-performance CuInS2 quantum dot sensitized solar cells through I-/MPA dual-ligands passivation.

High-efficiency quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) can be received by increasing quantum dot (QD) loading and mitigating QD surface trap states. Herein, the surface state of CuInS2 QDs is optimized through an I-/MPA dual-ligands passivation strategy. The steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion between QDs can be effectively reduced, thereby enabling an increased QD loading capacity. Meanwhile, the I-/MPA dual-ligands passivation strategy can further lower the surface trap density, leading to substantially enhanced charge transfer efficiency of the solar cells. Interestingly, various iodized salts, including TBAI, MAI, and KI, are proved to possess comparable property, underscoring the versatility and broad applicability of this I-/MPA dual-ligands passivation strategy. Eventually, CuInS2 QDSSCs based on the NH4I/MPA dual-ligands exhibit a noteworthy enhancement in photovoltaic conversion efficiency, surpassing the benchmark of 5.71% to reach 7.03%.

Improved glyceraldehyde generation through FeOOH co-catalysts-modified BiVO4 featuring Bi-O-Fe active sites for photoelectrocatalytic glycerol oxidation

Heterojunction engineering is crucial for converting glycerol into valuable organic compounds via photoelectrochemistry, but controlling the structure precisely to enhance conversion efficiency remains challenging. In this study, we effectively created a compound photoanode with unique active regions by growing amorphous FeOOH co-catalysts on BiVO4. The results revealed that the Fe2+ ions located on the surface of the co-catalyst FeOOH facilitate the glycerol transformation process, whereas the electron-rich Bi-O-Fe sites contribute significantly to the preferential transformation of glycerol into glyceraldehyde. These sites not only serve as primary reactive centers, catalyzing the adsorption and conversion of glycerol hydroxyl clusters, but also act as repositories for trapping holes. This dual function accelerates the breaking of CH bonds to generate glycerol aldehyde and exhibits excellent desorption capacity, ensuring exceptional product selectivity. This led to exceptional glyceraldehyde production (709mmol m-2 h−1) compared to pristine BiVO4, showcasing a 14.98-fold increase.

(Invited) Single-Atom Cu Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction – Combining Theory, Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) is a leading sustainable approach for transforming atmospheric CO2 into valuable chemicals. This electrocatalytic process relies on a delicate balance of electron and proton transfer steps, resulting in the formation of diverse 1-carbon and some 2-carbon products, contingent on the surface properties. Extensive exploration of various transition metals for CO2RR has revealed that the binding strength of reaction intermediates on these metals significantly influences product selectivity. Notably, metals such as Au, Ag, Pd, Zn, Cd, Bi, Sn, and In, recognized for their activity in CO2RR, exhibit lower binding strengths for CO2 intermediates, leading to the predominant production of either HCOOH or CO as sole products. In contrast, Cu, with its moderate ability to bind CO2RR intermediates, yields multiple products during CO2RR, albeit with reduced selectivity [1]. Moreover, the overall efficiency of CO2 conversion is hampered by the simultaneous occurrence of the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the potentials required for producing desired products. Thus, it is imperative to develop new, effective catalysts. Catalysts capable of suppressing HER while enhancing selectivity are essential for advancing the overall efficiency of CO2 conversion [2].Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are a relatively new class of materials that hold great promise due to their high specific activity and maximum atom utilization [3]. These catalysts often provide singular types of active sites, enhancing selectivity in reactions. However, the vast array of possible SACs, deployable on various supports, makes it impractical, if not possible, to use the traditional trial-and-error studies to yield high performing catalysts within reasonable timeframes. To navigate this complexity, theoretical investigations, especially DFT computations and machine learning techniques, have emerged as powerful tools. They can facilitate the identification of suitable catalyst structures and enable the precise engineering of atomic arrangement, therefore achieving targeted product formation from CO2 with enhanced conversion efficiency. Additionally, conventional synthesis methods suffer from various drawbacks, involving multiple steps, harsh conditions, and a lack of control over the metal site distribution in the carbon matrix, limiting the desired coordination structure [4, 5].Therefore, the work presented in this talk represents our combined experimental-theoretical effort. Specifically, Cu single atoms were strategically deposited onto defective carbon supports and systematically investigated for their performance as CO2RR electrocatalysts. These catalysts were inspired by DFT results showing how the product profile could be manipulated on catalyst surfaces, along with a prediction of the most likely products that would arise from the reaction.These catalysts were synthesized using a novel method denoted as switched solvent synthesis. This approach involves initially impregnating metals onto a carbon support, followed by switching the solvent from aqueous to an organic solvent with a higher dipole moment, and subsequently reducing the resulting mixture under an H2 environment. This innovative method offers notable advantages, enabling the efficient production of SACs in less time, at lower temperatures (~100-500 °C), and with high yields. In this study, Cu SACs were synthesized, and the influence of reaction parameters on the distribution of Cu metal atoms was systematically examined. The confirmation of SAC formation was achieved through various characterization techniques, including aberration-corrected STEM, XRD, and XPS.To assess the electrochemical activity and CO2 reduction abilities of the Cu SACs, electrochemical characterization techniques were employed under both He and CO2-saturated 0.1 M KHCO3 electrolytes. Furthermore, the product distribution and CO2 conversion efficiencies, including activity, stability, selectivity, and faradaic efficiency, of the Cu SACs were rigorously evaluated through electrolysis in a flow cell setup. Quantification of the results was performed using an integrated GC/MS instrument.

Nonradiative Energy Transfer Enables a hv < Eg Response of Perovskite Quantum Dots in Si-Based Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Solar Cells.

High performance is a crucial factor in seeking a more competitive levelized cost of electricity for the extensive popularization of c-Si solar cells. Here, CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) have been first applied as the light-converting layer to enhance the full-spectrum light response, resulting in an ∼71% enhancement of power conversion efficiency within silicon-based solar cells. Remarkably, even if the photon energy is smaller than the bandgap of CsPbBr3 QDs, the long-wavelength external quantum efficiency shows a significant increase. Such surprising results can be attributed to the nonradiative energy transfer (NRET) mechanism of CsPbBr3 QDs, which can transfer long-wavelength-generated dipoles into the Si base with the assistance of a Coulomb force. Furthermore, a dipole-transferring model, which considers that the Al2O3 passivation layer would play a negative role in the NRET process, is creatively but supportively proposed. These results highlight a simple, low-cost but promising strategy to improve the performance of c-Si solar cells.

A high-efficiency poly-input boost DC–DC converter for energy storage and electric vehicle applications

This research paper introduces an avant-garde poly-input DC–DC converter (PIDC) meticulously engineered for cutting-edge energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) applications. The pioneering converter synergizes two primary power sources—solar energy and fuel cells—with an auxiliary backup source, an energy storage device battery (ESDB). The PIDC showcases a remarkable enhancement in conversion efficiency, achieving up to 96% compared to the conventional 85–90% efficiency of traditional converters. This substantial improvement is attained through an advanced control strategy, rigorously validated via MATLAB/Simulink simulations and real-time experimentation on a 100 W test bench model. Simulation results reveal that the PIDC sustains stable operation and superior efficiency across diverse load conditions, with a peak efficiency of 96% when the ESDB is disengaged and an efficiency spectrum of 91–95% during battery charging and discharging phases. Additionally, the integration of solar power curtails dependence on fuel cells by up to 40%, thereby augmenting overall system efficiency and sustainability. The PIDC’s adaptability and enhanced performance render it highly suitable for a wide array of applications, including poly-input DC–DC conversion, energy storage management, and EV power systems. This innovative paradigm in power conversion and management is poised to significantly elevate the efficiency and reliability of energy storage and utilization in contemporary electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructures.

Advancing large-scale thin-film PPLN nonlinear photonics with segmented tunable micro-heaters

Thin-film periodically poled lithium niobate (TF-PPLN) devices have recently gained prominence for efficient wavelength conversion processes in both classical and quantum applications. However, the patterning and poling of TF-PPLN devices today are mostly performed at chip scales, presenting a significant bottleneck for future large-scale nonlinear photonic systems that require the integration of multiple nonlinear components with consistent performance and low cost. Here, we take a pivotal step towards this goal by developing a wafer-scale TF-PPLN nonlinear photonic platform, leveraging ultraviolet stepper lithography and an automated poling process. To address the inhomogeneous broadening of the quasi-phase matching (QPM) spectrum induced by film thickness variations across the wafer, we propose and demonstrate segmented thermal optic tuning modules that can precisely adjust and align the QPM peak wavelengths in each section. Using the segmented micro-heaters, we show the successful realignment of inhomogeneously broadened multi-peak QPM spectra with up to 57% enhancement of conversion efficiency. We achieve a high normalized conversion efficiency of 3802% W−1 cm−2 in a 6 mm long PPLN waveguide, recovering 84% of the theoretically predicted efficiency in this device. The advanced fabrication techniques and segmented tuning architectures presented herein pave the way for wafer-scale integration of complex functional nonlinear photonic circuits with applications in quantum information processing, precision sensing and metrology, and low-noise-figure optical signal amplification.

Tuning Ce-doping La0.7Sr0.3Fe0.9Ni0.1O3-δ internal reforming catalyst to enhanced conversion efficiency and coking tolerance of solid oxide fuel cells fueled by oxygen-bearing low concentration coal mine methane

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) possess the potential to directly utilize abundant low concentration coal mine methane for power generation, which is crucial for energy conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Herein, Ce-doped La0.55Ce0.15Sr0.3Fe0.9Ni0.1O3-δ (LCSFN) perovskite is firstly employed as an anode internal reforming catalyst to enhance the electrochemical performance, stability, and resistance against carbon deposition in SOFCs. The results demonstrate that Ni-Fe alloy nanoparticles can be effectively precipitated from LCSFN under reducing atmosphere, thereby significantly promoting the partial oxidation reaction of methane while preventing direct contact between methane and Ni particles for the anode. The anode-supported single cells demonstrated exceptional electrochemical performance using a composite catalytic layer consisting of LCSFN-Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ (LCSFN-GDC). At 800℃, the utilization of both H2 and 16 %CH4-1 %O2-N2 resulted in the attainment of maximum power densities (MPD) measuring 881.66 mW·cm−2 and 824.69 mW·cm−2, respectively, with the recorded values for polarization resistance were 0.32 and 1.16 Ω·cm2. Additionally, the single cells equipped with LCSFN-GDC internal reforming catalytic exhibit remarkable resistance to carbon deposition, maintaining stable performance for a duration of 100 h using 16 %CH4-1 %O2-N2. These findings underscore the efficacy of methane catalysts in SOFCs, as it not only enhances power generation efficiency through using internal reforming catalyst but also ensures long-term stability by mitigating carbon-related issues.

Efficient wideband tunable radio frequency-optical conversion via triply resonant photonic molecules.

Electro-optic (EO) transduction of weak radio frequency (RF) and millimeter-wave signals, such as those received by an antenna, onto laser sidebands for processing in the optical domain requires efficient EO modulators. Microrings offer spatial density and efficiency advantages over Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs), but conventional single-ring modulators suffer a fundamental trade-off between resonantly enhanced conversion efficiency and the RF carrier frequency that it can accommodate. Dual-cavity "photonic molecule" modulators resolve this trade-off, allowing high efficiency independent of the RF carrier frequency by providing separate resonant supermodes to enhance the laser local oscillator (LO) and the narrowband RF-detuned sideband. However, the RF frequency is fixed at design time by geometry, with efficiency dropping quickly for RF carriers away from the design value. We propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, triple-cavity configuration with an off-resonant middle ring acting as an effective tunable coupler between two active modulator cavities. This configuration provides wideband tunability of the target RF carrier while maintaining efficient sideband conversion. When the middle ring is passive (high Q), this configuration provides wide RF tunability with no efficiency penalty over the fixed dual-cavity case and could become an important building block for future RF/mm-wave photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

Stable colour conversion layer with enhanced conversion efficiency by incorporating nanoparticles for micro-LED display application

Due to their promising optical performance, micro-light emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) based on colour conversion layer (CCL) have garnered significant attention as the next-generation display technology. However, fabricating CCL with excellent conversion efficiency (CE) with minimal blue light leakage for miniaturized sub-pixel designing is still in its infancy. Herein, we have demonstrated CCL of a thickness (<3.5 μm) based on an organic-inorganic hybrid system incorporated with Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles (NPs) with high CE. The inclusion of the NPs enhances the absorption of blue light within the CCL. We further combined the CCL with a colour purification filter to mitigate blue light leakage, which recycles blue light and suppresses blue light loss, resulting in improved CE. Specifically, we achieved a CE of 83.80 % for the green CCL and 66.97 % for the red CCL. Subsequently, full-colour arrays with a pixel size of 4 μm × 4 μm were successfully patterned and fabricated based on reduced thickness and improved optical performance using NP-doped CCL. This paves the way for cost-effective higher-resolution micro-LED displays for various applications.

Target therapy at buried interfaces toward efficient and stable inorganic perovskite solar cells

The enhancement of power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is critically affected by charge recombination induced by buried interface defects. In light of this, a simple and effective target therapy strategy has been developed by doping 4-(diphenylphosphino)benzoic acid (4DBA) molecules at the tin oxide (SnO2)/perovskite interface. The effects of 4DBA on carrier transport, perovskite growth, defect passivation, and PSCs properties were systematically investigated. It is illustrated that 4DBA molecules not only passivate oxygen vacancy (OV) defects on the SnO2 surface, enhancing the conductivity of the SnO2 film and accelerating electron transfer, but also passivate perovskite interface defects, thereby improving the quality of the perovskite film. Ultimately, the efficiency of CsPbBr3 device with 4DBA-modified buried interface increased from 8.87% to 10.78%, an improvement of 21.53%. Furthermore, the efficiency of CsPbI2Br increased from 12.83% to 14.44%, an improvement of 12.55%, further demonstrating the effectiveness and universality of this strategy. Excitingly, the unencapsulated PSCs exhibit excellent long-term stability under high relative humidity and high temperatures.

Enhancing the Efficiency and Stability of Inverted Formamidinium-Cesium Lead-Triiodide Perovskite Solar Cells through Lewis Base Pretreatment of Buried Interfaces.

Mixed components of formamidinium(FA) and cesium (Cs)-based perovskite solar cells are the most hopeful for commercialization owing to their excellent operational and phase stabilities, especially for devices with inverted structure. The nonradiative recombination of carriers can be effectively suppressed through interface optimization, therefore, the performance of devices can be improved. Notably, the buried interface emerges as critical aspects such as charge transport, charge recombination kinetics, and morphology of perovskite films. This study focuses on a straightforward yet effective approach to overcome buried interface challenges between organic polymers (poly(-triarylamine) (PTAA) and FACs-based perovskite films. The PTAA substrate is pretreated with a Lewis base known as 2-butynoic acid (BA) with a C═O functional group. First, it can be an interfacial buffering layer, harmonizing stress mismatch between the perovskite and PTAA layers, consequently optimizing crystallization and improving perovskite film quality. Second, Pb2+ defect can be passivated at the buried interface of the perovskite film through binding with the C═O group of the BA molecule. This dual-function strategy leads to a substantial enhancement in both photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of devices. Finally, the PCE of the device-modified buried interface with BA reaches an impressive 23.33%. Furthermore, unencapsulated devices with BA treatment maintain approximately 94% of their initial efficiency after aging at maximum power point tracking for 1000 h.

Systematic Engineering of Near-Infrared Small Molecules Based on 4H-Cyclopenta[1,2-b:5,4-b']dithiophene Acceptors for Organic Solar Cells.

Nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) have emerged as tremendous materials, efficiently advancing bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs) technology. Unlike their fullerene counterparts, NFAs offer the unique advantage of finely tunable electronic energy levels and optical characteristics, which correspond to substantial enhancement in power conversion efficiency of OSCs. Herein, we have introduced a new series of near-infrared NFAs (AY1-AY8) to advance this technology further. Our research deeply investigates the structure-property relationship and thoroughly explores the optical, optoelectronics, photophysical, and photovoltaic characteristics of a synthetic reference molecule (R) and the modeled AY1-AY8 NFAs series. We performed advanced quantum chemical simulations using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT methods. Additionally, we also estimated key geometric characteristics such as frontier molecular orbitals, hole-electron overlap, density of states, molecular electrostatic potential, molecular excitation and binding energies, transition density matrix, and reorganizational energy of electrons and holes and compared them with those of a synthetic reference molecule (R). Our findings show that all designed materials (AY1-AY8) exhibit red-shift absorption, improved electronic charge mobility, and low binding and excitation energies compared to R. Notably, these designed materials (AY1-AY8) display significantly narrower electronic energy gaps (E g 1.89-1.71 eV), indicating enhanced charge shifting from the highest occupied molecular orbital to lowest unoccupied molecular orbital and broadening of the absorption spectrum. Moreover, we also revealed a comprehensive study of the donor/acceptor complex of PTB7-Th/AY8 to understand charge shifting between donor and acceptor molecules. Therefore, we strongly recommend this designed (AY1-AY8) series to the experimentalists for the future development of highly efficient OSC devices.

Plasmonically-boosted high-performance UV self-biased photodetector based on SiC-based low-dimensional heterojunction via Pt nanostructures deposition

While possessing fully superior electrical, optical and mechanical capabilities, the third-generation semiconductor SiC is extensively recognized as one of the most important candidates to developing high-temperature CMOS, intense-radiation hard detectors, high-power electron devices, and other fields. However, the fabrication of low-dimensional SiC structures presents a challenge, limiting its forward-looking applications, particularly for the miniaturized and integrated self-powered ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors. Herein, a high-performance UV photodetector, which involving a p-SiC film, a Ga-doped ZnO microwire coated by Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs@ZnO:Ga MW), a single-layer graphene (Gr) as transparent electrode, was constructed. The device exhibits pronounced UV photodetection capabilities, containing a high On/Off ratio (>105), a peak responsivity approaching 0.266 A/W, a specific detectivity exceeding 1.50 × 1013 Jones, and an exceptional external quantum efficiency closing to 98.7% upon 335 nm illumination at 0 V bias. The detector shows an admirable performance and quite competitive within their class. In the device, the surface-coated PtNPs enable to optimize ZnO:Ga/SiC interfacial performances containing significant enhancement of photoelectric conversion efficiency, efficient suppression of surface/interface defects and trapping centers, and other parameters, thus giving rise to qualitative enhancement of the overall detector properties. Simultaneously, the use of Gr electrode as transparent window allows for maximum UV light absorption and boosts transport properties for the photocarriers. This work presents a valuable reference for the development of high-performance low-dimensional SiC-based photodetecting devices, exploring an important step toward potential optoelectronic applications.

Anions Regulation of 1D Perovskite Intrusion-Behavior for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

Constructing a 1D/3D perovskite heterojunction has recently emerged as a prevalent approach for elevating the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), due to the excellent defect-passivation capacity and enhanced resistance to water and oxygen of 1D perovskite. However, the 1D perovskite commonly exhibits much poorer charge carrier transport ability when compared with its 3D counterpart. Tailoring the intrusion depth of a 1D perovskite into the 1D/3D heterojunction is thus of key importance for PSCs but remains a great challenge. We introduce herein a novel anion-regulation strategy that can effectively tune the intrusion behavior of 1D perovskite into 3D perovskite to form a 1D/3D heterojunction with gradual structure and gradient energy-level alignment. This gradual 1D/3D-perovskite interface leads to outstanding defect passivation performance, together with a desired balance between charge transport and moisture/oxygen blocking. Consequently, the PSCs with a 1D/3D perovskite heterojunction resulting from tetra-n-butylammonium acetate (TBAAc) treatment yield a remarkable enhancement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 18.4 to 20.1%. The unencapsulated device also demonstrates excellent stability and retains 90% of its initial PCE after 2400 h of storage in the air atmosphere with 30 ± 5% humidity at 25 ± 5 °C.

High-quality on-chip entangled photon source with broad tunable range based on coupling compensation

This paper introduces a tunable and high-quality photon source that utilizes evanescent-wave coupling phase matching. By adjusting the coupling gap, the signal light can be tuned from 1307 nm to 1493.9 nm, and the idler light can be tuned from 1612.8 nm to 1907 nm. Throughout the entire tuning range, the purity of the photon pairs remains above 92%. In specific tuning ranges (signal photons from 1307 nm to 1421.7 nm and idler photons from 1706.4 nm to 1907 nm), the purity exceeds 99% and the full width at half-maximum of the generated photon spectra is less than 1.85 nm. The photon source is designed using a silicon–organic hybrid waveguide, which effectively minimizes the impact of two-photon absorption and achieves a 15 dB enhancement in four-wave mixing conversion efficiency compared to a strip waveguide. This design may promote efficient and precise generation of high-quality photons at desired frequencies, offering promising potential for various applications in quantum technologies.

Counter-Doping Effect by Trivalent Cations in Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells.

Tin (Sn) -based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) normally show low open circuit voltage due to serious carrier recombination in the devices, which can be attributed to the oxidation and the resultant high p-type doping of the perovskite active layers. Considering the grand challenge to completely prohibit the oxidation of Sn-based perovskites, a feasible way to improve the device performance is to counter-dope the oxidized Sn-based perovskites by replacing Sn2+ with trivalent cations in the crystal lattice, which however is rarely reported. Here, the introduction of Sb3+, which can effectively counter-dope the oxidized perovskite layer and improve the carrier lifetime, is presented. Meanwhile, Sb3+ can passivate deep-level defects and improve carrier mobility of the perovskite layer, which are all favorable for the photovoltaic performance of the devices. Consequently, the target devices yield a relative enhancement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 31.4% as well as excellent shelf-storage stability. This work provides a novel strategy to improve the performance of Sn-based PSCs, which can be developed as a universal way to compensate for the oxidation of Sn-based perovskites in optoelectronic devices.

Depolarization Field-Induced Photovoltaic Effect in Graphene/α-In2Se3/Graphene Heterostructures.

The ferroelectric photovoltaic effect (FPVE) enables alternate pathways for energy conversion that are not allowed in centrosymmetric materials. Understanding the dominant mechanism of the FPVE at the ultrathin limit is important for defining the ultimate efficiency. In contrast to the wide band gap conventional thin-film ferroelectrics, 2D α-In2Se3 has an ideal band gap of 1.3 eV and enables the fabrication of ultrathin and stable heterostructures, providing the perfect platform to explore FPVE in the nanoscale limit. Here, we study the ferroelectric layer thickness-dependent FPVE in vertical few-layer graphene/α-In2Se3/graphene heterostructures. We find that the short-circuit photocurrent is antiparallel to the ferroelectric polarization and increases exponentially with decreasing thickness. We show that the observed behavior is predicted by the depolarization field model, originating from the unscreened bound charges due to the finite density of states in semimetal few-layer graphene. As a result, the heterostructures show enhancement of the power conversion efficiency, reaching 2.56 × 10-3% under 100 W/cm2 in 18 nm thick α-In2Se3, approximately 275 times more than the 50 nm thick α-In2Se3. These results demonstrate the importance of the depolarization field at the nanoscale and define design principles for the potential of harnessing FPVE at reduced dimension.

Simulation of multijunction solar cell interfaces for enhancement of the power conversion efficiency

Simulation of multijunction solar cell interfaces for enhancement of the power conversion efficiency

Polyvinyl Chloride-Based Luminescent Downshifting Film with High Flame Retardancy and Excellent UV Resistance for Silicon Solar Cells.

Solar power generation, as a clean energy source, has significant potential for development. This work reports the recent efforts to address the challenge of low power conversion efficiency in photovoltaic devices by proposing the fabrication of a luminescence downshifting layer using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with added fluorescent dots to enhance light utilization. A photoluminescent microsphere (HCPAM) is synthesized by cross-linking hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene, 2-iminobenzimidazoline, and polyethyleneimine. Low addition of HCPAM can improve the fire safety of PVC films, raising the limiting oxygen index of PVC to 32.4% and reducing the total heat release and smoke production rate values by 14.5% and 42.9%, respectively. Additionally, modified PVC film remains a transparency of 88% and shows down-conversion light properties. When the PVC+1%HCPAM film is applied to the solar cell, the short-circuit current density increases from 42.3 to 43.8mAcm-2, resulting in a 7.0% enhancement in power conversion efficiency. HCPAM also effectively delays the photooxidative aging of PVC, particularly at a 3% content, maintaining the surface morphology and optical properties of PVC samples during ultraviolet aging. This study offers an innovative strategy to enhance the fire and UV-resistant performance of PVC films and expand their applications in protecting and efficiently utilizing photovoltaic devices.

Account of doping photocatalyst for water splitting

In the field of photocatalytic water splitting, the strategy of doping photocatalysts has emerged as a significant and extensively studied approach. Doping can effectively facilitate the modification of both the microstructure and energy band structure of the photocatalyst, addressing key performance limitations such as light absorption, position of the conduction and valence band minima (CBM and VBM), photogenerated carrier separation, and surface chemical reactions. In recent years, we have reported several works about the doping of rare earth elements into bismuth-based composite oxides. These endeavors are aimed at enhancing the conduction band minimum and achieving overall water splitting under visible light. Based on these bismuth-based composite oxides, we studied the effects of doping on the microstructures of photocatalysts, including exposed surfaces, surface properties, and defects. Recently, we introduce an innovative asymmetric doping technique—Selected Local Gradient Doping, intricately placing doped ions within nanocapsules. This approach allows for the gradual, controlled, and localized release of doped ions to the primary photocatalyst. Therefore, this account is to review our related research in the field of doping for photocatalytic water splitting. The primary focus on doping bismuth-based composite oxides and Asymmetry doping would significantly make contribution to the exploration of novel materials for photocatalytic water splitting under visible light and the enhancement of energy conversion efficiency.