GaP/GaPN core/shell nanowire array on silicon for enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen production

Simultaneously improving the efficiency and stability on a large scale is significant for the development of photoelectrochemical(PEC)water splitting systems.Here,we demonstrated a novel design of GaP/GaPN core/shell nanowire(NW)decorated p-Si photocathode for improved PEC hydrogen production performance compared to that of bare p-Si photocathode.The formation of the p-n junction between p-Si and GaP NW promotes charge separation,and the lower conduction band position of GaPN relative to that of GaP further facilitates the transfer of photogenerated electrons to the electrode surface.In addition,the NW morphology both shortens the carrier collection distance and increases the specific surface area,which result in superior reaction kinetics.Moreover,introduction of N in GaP is beneficial for enhancing the light absorption as well as stability.Our efficient and facile strategy can be applied to other solar energy conversion systems as well.

Advancements in the Development of Various Types of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells:A Comparative Review

The global increase in energy demand has resulted in the depletion of non-renewable resources and caused environmental degradation.Consequently,emerging renewable technologies are a potential solution to fulfil energy demand and mitigate the effect of global warming.Low-cost solar energy harvesting technologies are most feasible technologies.Various solar cells technologies have been developed with improved overall performance and conversion effi-ciency.However,due to low cost and a wide range of applications,dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs)have been immensely focused on one of the most promising third-generation solar cells.The highest conversion efficiency of DSSC achieved after three decades of research is more than 14%,but the commercialization of this technology is still a challenge.In this review paper,an attempt has been made to present the comparison of different articles published,that gives the in-depth study of recent developments in various types of DSSCs based on architectural assembly and physical appearance.An overview of the limitations and challenges with their possible improvement strategies have also been discussed.This review paper concludes that appropriate selection of electrolytes dramatically affects the performance of DSSC,and quasi-solid-state electrolyte proves to be a better option.Besides,it also concludes that tandem structures are widely agreed with the approach to expand light utilization spectrum for an overall increase in its performance.However,still,the research is required,which could efficiently widen the applications of the DSSCs.

Solution-Processed Titanium Chelate Used as Both Electrode Modification Layer and Intermediate Layer for Efficient Inverted Tandem Polymer Solar Cells

ABSTRACT Organic polymer solar cells （PSCs） have attracted increasing attention due to light weight, low cost, flexibility and roll-to-roll manufacturing. However, the limited light harvest range of the photoactive layer greatly restrains the power conversion efficiency （PCE） enhancement. In order to expand the light absorption range and further enhance the PCE of the PSCs, tandem structures have been designed and demonstrated. In tandem solar cell, the intermediate layer （IML） plays a critical role in physically and electrically connection of the two subcells. Herein, we apply titanium （diisopropoxide） bis（2,4-pentanedionate） （TIPD） as both electrode modification layer and intermediate layer to investigate the feasibility in inverted tandem polymer solar cells. The same photoactive layers of PTB7-Th：PC71BM are adopted in both front and rear subcells to simplify the evaluation of effectiveness of TIPD layer in tandem structures. By modulating the treatment condition of IML and the thickness of photoactive layer, efficient inverted tandem PSCs have been achieved with minimized voltage loss and excellent charge transportation, giving a best Voc of 1.54 V, which is almost two times that of the single bulk heterojunction （BHJ）-PSC （0.78 V） and an enhanced PCE up to 8.11%.