Sun Condition Research Articles

Ionic liquid (1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide) incorporated corn starch polymer electrolyte for solar cell and supercapacitor application

Taking into account energy demand a new highly conducting ionic liquid (IL) c (EmImTCM) mixed corn starch (CS) biopolymer electrolyte is synthesized for dual electrochemical application electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) and the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application. Electrical, structural, thermal, and optical studies are carried out in detail and presented in this communication. Maximum conducting IL-incorporated biopolymer electrolyte film has been sandwiched between electrodes to develop EDLC and DSSC. The sandwich-structured EDLC delivers a high specific capacitance of 250 F/gram while DSSC shows 1.44 % efficiency at one sun condition.

Self-powered wireless sensor system utilizing a thermoelectric generator for photovoltaic module monitoring application

In this work, we demonstrate a self-powered wireless PV module monitoring system that utilizes a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to convert residual thermal energy from the PV module into electrical power. We investigated the TEG performance with and without the heat sink. Results show that the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the TEG increased to 7.2 °C with the heat sink, compared to only 1 °C without it, at a hot side temperature of 50 °C. We integrated the TEG/heat sink with the PV module, which served as the heat source, achieving a maximum output power of 0.981 mW at a voltage of 0.06 V under a temperature gradient of 3.6 °C in a 1 sun condition. We successfully demonstrated a self-powered wireless PV monitoring sensor system by integrating a step-up voltage converter, microcontroller, IR thermometer, Bluetooth communication module, and the TEG/heat sink, which generated sufficient power for the monitoring system operation. The findings introduce a novel solution for wireless PV module monitoring that operates independently of grid connections or battery power. This innovation not only signifies advancements in renewable energy management but also opens new opportunities in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector.

Performance of yellow and pink oyster mushroom dyes in dye sensitized solar cell

A solar photovoltaic (PV) cell, is an electrical device that uses the PV effect to convert light energy into electricity. The application of oyster mushroom dyes in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a novel strategy to substitute the costly chemical production process with easily extractable, environmentally acceptable dyes. Both dyes of yellow and pink oyster mushrooms were extracted using the same process but dried into powder form using two techniques, warm drying and freeze drying. The characterization was carried out utilizing current-voltage (I-V) characterization for electrical properties, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer for optical properties, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for the structural properties. It was found that freeze-dried pink and yellow oyster mushroom had shown the good properties for DSSC application as it produced energy bandgap which lies within the range of efficient dye sensitizer; 1.7 eV and 2.2 eV, the most uniform distribution of pores and a nearly spherical form in FESEM analysis, and AFM result obtained with the highest root mean square (RMS) roughness value (26.922 and 34.033) with stereoscopic morphologies. The data proved that mushroom dyes can be incorporated in DSSC with the optimization of drying method in the extraction process, dilution of dye and the layer of deposition on the glass substrate. The current density-voltage (J–V) characteristics of fabricated DSSC was characterized using Newport Oriel Sol3A solar simulator under AM 1.5 Sun condition (100 mW/cm2, 25 oC). From the result obtained by solar simulator, the fabricated FTO/TiO2/Pleurotus djamor dye/Pt indicated the Voc of 0.499 V and Jsc of 0.397 mA/cm2.

Stable Efficient Solid-State Supercapacitors and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Ionic Liquid-Doped Solid Biopolymer Electrolyte.

As synthetic and nonbiodegradable compounds are becoming a great challenge for the environment, developing polymer electrolytes using naturally occurring biodegradable polymers has drawn considerable research interest to replace traditional aqueous electrolytes and synthetic polymer-based polymer electrolytes. This study shows the development of a highly conducting ionic liquid (1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide)-doped corn starch-based polymer electrolyte. A simple solution cast method is used to prepare biopolymer-based polymer electrolytes and characterized using different electrical, structural, and photoelectrochemical studies. Prepared polymer electrolytes are optimized based on ionic conductivity, which shows an ionic conductivity as high as 1.90 × 10-3 S/cm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms the complexation and composite nature, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and polarized optical microscopy (POM) affirm the reduction of crystallinity in biopolymer electrolytes after doping with ionic liquid (IL). Thermal and photoelectrochemical studies further affirm that synthesized material is well stable above 200 °C and shows a wide electrochemical window of 3.91 V. The ionic transference number measurement (t ion) confirms the predominance of ionic charge carriers in the present system. An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) were fabricated by using the highest conducting corn starch polymer electrolyte. The fabricated EDLC and DSSC delivered an average specific capacitance of 130 F/g and an efficiency of 1.73% in one sun condition, respectively.

Conducting Carbon Black Nano‐Filler Doped Polymer Electrolyte for Electrochemical Application

AbstractThis study provides a development of polymer electrolytes with an emphasis on their use in electrochemical devices. In present study we develop a new conducting carbon black (CB) powder dispersed into polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer electrolyte using solution cast method. Various characterization techniques such as Impedance spectroscopy technique (EIS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Window stability (LSV) Linear sweep voltammetry has been studied in detail. The maximum ionic conductivity polymer electrolyte was at 0.05 wt%. of CB with σ value 1.20×10−5 S/cm. Finally the prepared CB dispersed polymer electrolyte using maximum conductivity sample is sandwiched between electrodes to fabricate an Electric double layer capacitor and Dye‐sensitized solar cell which show highest electrical capacity value of 68.5 F/gm at 5 mV/s respectively and 2.97 % efficiency shown by solar cell at 1 sun condition.

Direct deposition of Ti/MgF2 photoabsorber on PTFE membrane with enhanced robustness via plasma pretreatment for photothermal membrane distillation

Deposition of metal-dielectric hybrid composite on the polymer based membrane is important for the electrochemical, photochemical and photothermal reactions on the membrane surface. The hydrophilic reactants such as catalysts and photothermal materials are not easy to be deposited directly on the hydrophobic membrane surface, so in most cases, binder material has been adapted to stably combine them. In this study, commercial PTFE membrane and Ti/MgF2 photothermal layers were combined without any binder. Ar plasma pretreatment was applied to a membrane surface before depositing optimized Ti/MgF2 stacks to fabricate a mechanically robust photothermal membrane. The successful fabrication of Ar plasma pretreated Ti/MgF2 photothermal membrane was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), atomic force microscope (AFM) characterization. Through Ar plasma pretreatment, an increase in Ti/MgF2 photothermal membrane heating temperature of 40.5 % was achieved under 1 sun condition compared with unpretreated membrane. This membrane showed improved performance and reduced energy loss in solar desalination. Utilizing these membranes in a membrane distillation system, water flux increased by up to 26.9 %, performance ratio (PR) increased by 18.9 % and thermal efficiency improved by 21.9 %. After 24-h stress test, the Ar plasma pretreated Ti/MgF2 photothermal membranes demonstrated durability and maintained thermal efficiency.

Novel approach: Simultaneous application of ionic liquid doped polymer electrolyte in supercapacitor and dye-sensitized solar cells

The present study reports the synthesis, characterization, and application as energy devices of an ionic liquid blended polymer electrolyte film in which the host polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is mixed with low viscosity ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate. Various characterization tools have been used further to elaborate electrical, structural, and photoelectrochemical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and polarized optical microscope (POM) affirm the reduction of crystallinity of polymer, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows complexation and composite nature. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows an enhancement in ionic conductivity by IL doping, where the highest conductivity is achieved at 60 wt% of IL concentration with a conductivity value of 6.21 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm. The ionic transference number (tion) and electrochemical stability measurement show the film's predominantly ionic nature and a reasonable stability window. Using maximum conducting film sandwiched between electrodes, we have successfully fabricated two devices, i.e., an electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The fabricated EDLC capacitor shows a specific capacitance of 125 F/g, while DSSC shows an efficiency of 1.1 % at one sun condition.

RF sputtered metal oxide layers as ARCs to improve photovoltaic performance of commercial monocrystalline solar cell

The rf-sputtered ZnO, MgO and Al2O3 transition metal oxide nano layers were developed as efficient antireflection coatings (ARCs) on commercial monocrystalline silicon (m-Si) photovoltaic cells. Wavelength dependence reflectance measurements show minimal reflectance (i.e., ∼1.3–2.0%) between 350 and 800 nm wavelength regions affirming antireflection behavior of oxide layers. The phase formation studies of these oxide layers display the crystalline phase however the presence of non-crystalline phase is noted in Al2O3 diffractogram pattern. Cross section microstructure characterization carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to know the ARC layer thickness illustrates MgO, ZnO and Al2O3 layers with coating thickness around 85 nm, 87 nm and 77 nm respectively. Also, the thickness of antireflection coatings computed using wavelength dependent refractive index measurement is consistent with cross section microstructure images. Photon to energy conversion (PEC) of ARC coated device under 1 sun condition display 1.99%, 1.07% and 0.39% improvement in efficiencies compared with commercial m-Si-solar cell endorsing suitability of selected transition metal oxides as efficient ARC materials. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements show notable improvement in efficiency for MgO, ZnO and Al2O3 coated devices reaffirming their usability as efficient ARC materials on commercial m-Si-solar cells.

PSO Training Neural Network MPPT with CUK Converter Topology for Stand-Alone PV Systems Under Varying Load and Climatic Conditions

Temperature and irradiance levels are two examples of environmental variables that affect the power value produced by photovoltaic panels. Therefore, in order to transfer the maximum power value from the PV panel to the load under varying climatic conditions, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms and DC-DC converter topologies are used. In this study, the performances of boost converter and CUK converter circuit topologies are investigated under variable irradiance and variable load conditions by using a neural network-based MPPT algorithm learning particle swarm optimization (PSO). As the first scenario, it is analyzed assuming that the temperature and irradiance values coming to the panel are constant. As the second scenario, the performance evaluation of the converter topologies according to the current, voltage and power parameters is made for the variable load situation. As the last scenario, the difference in the irradiance value coming to the panel depending on the sun's condition during the day has been examined. Canadian Solar CS6P-250P PV panel is used in the study. 50 kHz is selected as the switching frequency. According to the results obtained, it has been observed that the CUK converter circuit topology reaches the maximum power point faster than the boost converter circuit topology both in dynamic environmental conditions and load change, and the oscillation at this point is less. It is aimed to increase the performance of this method, which uses boost converter topology and MPPT in the literature, by applying CUK converter topology.

A Ferrocene Capping Layer Enabling Highly Efficient and Stable Sn–Pb Mixed Perovskite Solar Cells

The Sn–Pb mixed perovskite with a narrow bandgap is essential for the construction of all‐perovskite tandem solar cells. However, the oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+ makes the fabrication of Sn–Pb perovskite solar cells (PSCs) challenging. Herein, a ferrocene (Fc) capping layer is introduced on the surface of Sn–Pb mixed perovskite to maintain a reducing environment. This is due to a strong electron supply capacity from the π‐orbitals in cyclopentadiene in Fc, which effectively suppresses the oxidation of Sn2+, reduces the defect density, and leads to an improvement in carrier lifetime. Therefore, the Fc capping layer significantly improves the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single‐junction Sn–Pb PSCs from 17.49% to 21.02%. It maintains 87% of its initial PCE after light exposure at 1 sun condition in N2 atmosphere for 288 h, demonstrating good long‐term stability. The strategy outlined herein offers a straightforward and efficient approach to enhance the stability and PCE of narrow‐bandgap Sn–Pb mixed PSCs.

Innovative mushroom-like hemp-based evaporators enhanced by biochar for efficient seawater desalination

Inadequate access to clean water and wasteful resource consumption during production pose significant challenges in global development. To combat these issues, interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) has emerged as an energy-efficient solution to mitigate the ongoing water scarcity crisis. However, the application of ISSG is hindered by high costs and intricate fabrication processes associated with synthetic functional materials. In response, this study introduces an innovative approach that repurposes abundant by-products generated from hemp fiber production. Hemp fiber noil are transformed into a nonwoven fabric substrate, onto which hemp stem-derived biochar is seamlessly integrated using a straightforward spray-coating technique, establishing an efficient solar-to-heat conversion evaporator. Leveraging the durability of hemp fibers, this system achieves an impressive seawater evaporation rate of 1.47 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun condition, making it highly competitive in seawater desalination research. This pioneering strategy combines waste green materials and their functional counterparts, unlocking practical applications, addressing resource scarcity, and mitigating environmental pollution. This research highlights the potential of sustainable material utilization to tackle pressing global challenges.

Multifunctional Structure-Modified Quaternary Compounds Co9Se8-CuSe2-WSe2 Mixed with MWCNT as a Counter Electrode Material for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

In this study, a trimetallic selenide material with a hollow spherical structure (Co9Se8-CuSe2-WSe2) was synthesized through two consecutive solvothermal reactions. The synergistic effect between the quaternary elements, the benefits of the selenization of metals, and the unique morphology led to the prominent electrocatalytic ability of Co9Se8-CuSe2-WSe2 hollow spheres. Co9Se8-CuSe2-WSe2 hollow spheres were then mixed with oxygen plasma-treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as counter electrode (CE) material for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), achieving a photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of 9.23% under one sun condition (AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm-2), surpassing the 8.08% of devices with platinum counter electrodes (PtCEs). For indoor conditions, a T5 light source was applied to the DSSCs with Co9Se8-CuSe2-WSe2 + MWCNT CE, and the efficiency increased to 14.14% under 3600 lx irradiance. Finally, Co9Se8-CuSe2-WSe2 + MWCNT CE demonstrated good stability with 92.23% retention after 1000 cycles of cyclic voltammetry, exceeding the 82.49% of PtCE. Therefore, Co9Se8-CuSe2-WSe2 + MWCNT shows potential as a substitute for platinum as CE material for DSSCs.

Innovative photovoltaic approach: Cd1-xBexTe mixed semiconductor crystals for novel dye-sensitized solar cells

This paper deals with the synthesis and properties of new ternary mixed Cd1-xBexTe (cadmium beryllium telluride) crystal-based electrodes for photovoltaic cells which is a modified version of dye- sensitized solar cells. We determined the thermal stability and photovoltaic performance of the obtained devices. Cd1-xBexTe crystals are grown using the Bridgman technique at high temperatures and pressure for different compositions. Using the modified doctor blade method, we fabricated dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) using Cd1-xBexTe-based film as working electrodes. The mixed crystals with the highest beryllium content (10 %) and the lowest (1 %) are used. At the same time, the counter electrode and polymer electrolytes are common. Comparative studies with standard DSSC are also undertaken to compare the stability and charge mechanism. As prepared, DSSC using ternary Cd1-xBexTe showed efficiency as high as 3.11 % at 1 sun condition. The life span measurement indicated promising results, and DSSC is stable up to 720 h with a reasonable decrease in fill factor from 84 to 55.

Solar Desalination with Monolithic Foams Containing a Combination of Graphite and SnSe Featured with a Hierarchical Structure and Bimodal Pores for Spontaneous Salt Rejection

The increasing interest in solar water evaporation technology is due to its potential to replace conventional desalination systems. In this study, we suggest a new solar desalination system that has a hierarchical photothermal structure and is structurally monolithic. The overall membrane is made up of a macroscale porous melamine foam frame that acts as a porous insulator and a mass transfer layer. The mass transfer layer is designed with a bimodal porous structure of melamine foam, with large pores coated with a composite of graphite and SnSe (G-SnSe) and small pores. This simple structure provides many benefits. First, it combines two photothermal mechanisms, thermal vibration in graphite and non-radiative relaxation in SnSe, to achieve synergies in the conversion of light to heat energy. Second, compared to the single materials, graphite or SnSe alone, the nanocomposite of G-SnSe has a higher effective surface area, resulting in increased solar absorption. Finally, the melamine foam structure with bimodal pores enhances seawater wicking and has a high salt rejection capacity due to its volumetric porosity bimodal configuration of up to 35%. The monolithic melamine foam with a hierarchical photothermal structure minimizes interference with water transport due to the resistance-free presence of a continuous interfacial layer.The monolithic structure evaporaters (MSE) achieved a high evaporation rate of 1.303 kg m-2h-1 under 1 sun condition due to increased capillarity by the small-scale pores in the photothermal layer. Furthermore, spontaneous salt rejection was observed during solar desalination, attributed to the presence of intrinsic large-scale pores in melamine foam for draining the concentrated salt water from the surface. The feasibility of outdoor solar desalination was established, with a high evaporation rate of 1.259 kg m-2h-1. The mechanical stability of MSE was achieved by incorporating a small amount of binder (less than 3% of total photothermal materials), maintaining efficient performance for up to 30 days without degradation. The proposed strategy in the simple monolithic structure with bimodal porosity provides a general toolkit for designing high-performance solar desalination devices due to high evaporation rate and spontaneous salt rejection capability.In summary, the solar water evaporation technology is becoming increasingly popular as a possible replacement for traditional desalination systems. We propose a novel monolithic solar desalination system with a hierarchical photothermal structure, which is composed of a macroscale porous melamine foam as a skeleton which has both roles : an insulator and a mass transfer layer. The bimodal porous structure of melamine foam with large pores coated with a composite of graphite and SnSe provides many benefits, including increased solar absorption and a high salt rejection capacity. The MSE structure achieves a high evaporation rate and spontaneous salt rejection, making it a feasible option for outdoor solar desalination. The proposed strategy provides a general toolkit for designing high-performance solar desalination devices.

Enhancing the Performance and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells via Morpholinium Tetrafluoroborate Additive Engineering: Insights and Implications

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs), since their inception in 2009, have experienced a meteoric rise in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), challenging established photovoltaic technologies. However, their commercial deployment is hindered by stability and performance issues related to the presence of defects at the perovskite surface and grain boundaries. This study focused on the exploration of Morpholinium tetrafluoroborate (MOT) as a post-treatment additive to mitigate these challenges. Comprehensive characterization techniques revealed that the synergistic action of Morpholine and BF4− ions in MOT substantially improved the quality of the perovskite films and passivates surface and bulk defects, yielding notable enhancements in device PCE and stability. MOT-doped PSCs exhibited a PCE of 23.83% and retain 92% of the initial PCE after 2000 h of continuous illumination under one sun condition. The findings underscore the significance of additive engineering in advancing perovskite solar cell technology, opening up prospects for high-performing and durable perovskite photovoltaic devices.

Design of near-ideal and omnidirectional selective solar absorber for high-temperature applications

Efficient absorption of solar radiation with minimal thermal losses is required for efficient solar-to-thermal energy conversion. For this purpose, spectrally selective and omnidirectional surfaces are required that have strong, ideally unity, absorption in the solar spectral window for all incident angles and low, ideally zero, emissivity in the spectral range of blackbody radiation at operating temperature. In this article, we propose theoretically and experimentally lithographic free broadband and omnidirectional solar absorber for high-temperature applications made in a dielectric-metal-dielectric-metal fashion. We have used chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and tungsten (W) as a metal layer in the designed absorber due to their high thermal stability at high temperatures and compared their performance. The power balance equation is used to calculate the steady-state temperature considering free and forced convection conditions. W-based absorber shows >90% absorption in the solar window below cutoff wavelength for blackbody working at 600 K with <10% emissivity in the thermal window. Finally, we fabricate the W-based sample and experimentally measure the temperature rise of 100 K under one sun condition. The designed absorber can be used for several solar-thermal applications including solar-steam to electricity generation, water purification, space heating, and solar-thermal energy storage.

Synergistic, adaptive, continuous-flow, and low-carbon solar evaporation and electrochemical treatment (SEET) system – a combined numerical and experimental study

A synergistic, adaptive, continuous-flow, and low-carbon solar evaporation and electrochemical treatment (SEET) system was proposed and researched for energy-efficient and sustainable decentralized water treatment. The hybrid system integrated anodic oxidation with solar evaporation to enhance organic degradation and optimize mass transport through the photo-thermal effect. A novel four-step numerical simulation method was proposed to design the system and examine the water evaporation process and mass transport of salts and organics. A case study was implemented, revealing that system parameters related to evaporation and organics degradation exhibited strong interdependence. The relationships between these parameters were well-established, and adaptive water flow rate ranges were also identified to prevent salt accumulation while ensuring efficient organic degradation. The adaptability demonstrated the system's potential for use in varying influent scenarios. A prototype of the system was constructed, and the experimental data matched well with the simulation results. In the experiments, the local water temperature reached 45–50 °C in the continuous-flow mode under one sun condition, resulting in a 2–5 times reduction in outlet organic concentrations compared to traditional electrochemical systems. Energy analysis confirmed that the system primarily relied on clean and sustainable solar energy, maintaining a low carbon footprint. In conclusion, this innovative approach offers significant potential for addressing the clean drinking water crisis and enhancing pollutant removal in future decentralized water treatment systems.

Biomass production of a sub-tropical grass under different photovoltaic installations using different grazing strategies

CONTEXTWith increasing population growth and land-use competition, pasture production under photovoltaic installations offers an alternative paradigm for crop-livestock integration. The levels of pasture biomass production and potential for livestock grazing under photovoltaic installations depend considerably on the mode of the photovoltaic system. OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to model pasture production for sub-tropical grass under different photovoltaic installations and assess the effects of different grazing methods on sub-tropical pasture productivity in Australia. METHODSPasture biomass production under a fixed-tilt array, single-axis tracking array, and dual-axis tracking array were measured for the calibration and validation of Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) to simulate four different grazing strategies: (1) without grazing; (2) 21 days grazing interval; (3) 45 days grazing interval; and (4) continuous stocking. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe APSIM model showed satisfactory performance in simulating sub-tropical pasture production under different photovoltaic installations, with the best correspondence under the fixed-tilt array (observed value 6073 kg ha−1 and simulated value 6292 kg ha−1). As compared to full sun condition, biomass production was found to be 15.82, 13.53, and 8.03% higher with the fixed-tilt, single-axis tracking, and dual-axis tracking array, respectively. The model was then used in scenario analysis to evaluate pasture biomass production under different grazing strategies. Simulation results depict the grazing effect on pastures under the photovoltaic systems. Without grazing, maximum biomass production occurred under the fixed-tilt array (7798 kg ha−1) compared to under the single-axis tracking array (7671 kg ha−1), dual-axis tracking array (7186 kg ha−1), and full sun (6766 kg ha−1). In the case of 21 days and 45 days of grazing, the 25-year biomass production under the full sun was lower than all other systems. Compared to other treatments, the fixed titled array offers better performing pasture-grazing integration under a photovoltaic system. We found that models predicted that an increase in grazing pressure via continuous grazing had comparatively similar impacts on sub-tropical pasture biomass production irrespective of photovoltaic installations. Therefore, the potential exists to maximise land use efficiency where options are available to grow and graze pasture under photovoltaic installations. SIGNIFICANCEThis study confirms that the APSIM-Growth model, calibrated for Bambatsi Panic, can simulate pasture growth in different shading phenomena under the agrivoltaic system. Additionally, this simulation of the grazing systems is essential to identify crucial modelling and direct investigations that could expand knowledge of the procedures and relationships required for model development of pasture production under photovoltaic farms.

Hierarchical structure design of sea urchin Shell-Based evaporator for efficient omnidirectional Solar-Driven steam generation

Solar-driven steam generation (SSG) is regarded as a feasible solution to the problem of fresh water scarcity. Although several attempts have been devoted to increase the efficiency of solar-to-steam conversion, it remains difficult to fabricate cost-effective, steady, and multi-angle sunlight-absorbing evaporators from readily available biomass materials. Herein, a novel hierarchical structured SSG evaporator (PDA@Shell-NaClO) is developed through a simple, low-cost, and scalable etching treatment on discarded sea urchin (SU) shells. Attributing to the dedicatedly designed microneedles array structure and porous skeleton structure of the SU shell, this PDA@Shell-NaClO evaporator shows an outstanding average light absorption performance (>90%) in a broad range of angles from 0° to 60° and exceedingly high evaporation rate of 2.81 kg m-2 h−1 under one sun condition. Furthermore, the prepared evaporator also maintains an overall stable evaporation performance and exhibits an excellent durability for a long time of up to two weeks in actual seawater. This full-ocean biomass-based SSG evaporator with plentiful raw material availability offers innovative opportunities for large-scale fresh water production.

Morphological studies of Si nanowires effect on the photovoltaic s

Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) were produced by an electroless method on FZ-Si (100) wafer, in HF/AgNO3 solution. The influence of etching time and temperature on SiNWs morphology were studied using FESEM images. Optical properties were also investigated by optical absorption spectroscopy and low-temperature photoluminescence at 4.2 K. Considering their role as active regions, photo- voltaic properties of SiNWs solar cells were studied for their different lengths. Photovoltaic measurements were taken in 1 sun condition under AM 1.5 illumination supplied by a solar simulator. Measurements indicated a reduction in effi ciency as SiNWs length increased, which might be attributed to increased dangling states on nanowires surfaces.