Co-reporter:Qunwei TangWanlu Zhu, Benlin He, Peizhi Yang
ACS Nano 2017 Volume 11(Issue 2) pp:
Publication Date(Web):February 6, 2017
DOI:10.1021/acsnano.6b06867
A great challenge for state-of-the-art solar cells is to generate electricity in all weather. We present here the rapid conversion of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from carbohydrates (including glucose, maltol, sucrose) for an all-weather solar cell, which comprises a CQD-sensitized mesoscopic titanium dioxide/long-persistence phosphor (m-TiO2/LPP) photoanode, a I–/I3– redox electrolyte, and a platinum counter electrode. In virtue of the light storing and luminescent behaviors of LPP phosphors, the generated all-weather solar cells can not only convert sunlight into electricity on sunny days but persistently realize electricity output in all dark–light conditions. The maximized photoelectric conversion efficiency is as high as 15.1% for so-called all-weather CQD solar cells in dark conditions.Keywords: all-weather solar cells; energy harvest; light absorption; photoanodes; solar energy utilization;
Co-reporter:Jialong Duan;Yanyan Duan;Yuanyuan Zhao;Benlin He
Chemical Communications 2017 vol. 53(Issue 72) pp:10046-10049
Publication Date(Web):2017/09/05
DOI:10.1039/C7CC04645F
We present here a symmetrically structured bifacial solar cell tailored by two fluorescent photoanodes and a platinum/titanium/platinum counter electrode, yielding extra-high short-circuit current densities as high as 28.59 mA cm−2 and 119.9 μA cm−2 in simulated sunlight irradiation (100 mW cm−2, AM1.5) and dark–light conditions, respectively.
Co-reporter:Wanlu Zhu;Yuanyuan Zhao;Jialong Duan;Yanyan Duan;Benlin He
Chemical Communications 2017 vol. 53(Issue 71) pp:9894-9897
Publication Date(Web):2017/08/31
DOI:10.1039/C7CC05480G
We present here a carbon quantum dot (CQD) tailored counter electrode (CE) for a bifacial dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Arising from wide spectral absorption, high optical transmission and the electron-enriched surface of the CE, the final bifacial DSSC device yields front and rear efficiencies of 9.08% and 7.01%, respectively.
Co-reporter:Jialong Duan;Jing Wang;Benlin He;Wei Wang
Chemical Communications 2017 vol. 53(Issue 22) pp:3209-3212
Publication Date(Web):2017/03/14
DOI:10.1039/C7CC00537G
We present here a rational design and fabrication for all-weather dye-sensitized solar cells tailored with long-persistence phosphor materials, yielding a maximized photoelectric conversion efficiency of 8.86% under simulated sunlight and up to 26% in the dark.
Co-reporter:Yingli Wang;Jialong Duan;Yanyan Duan;Yuanyuan Zhao;Zhibin Pang;Benlin He
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2017 vol. 5(Issue 35) pp:18551-18560
Publication Date(Web):2017/09/12
DOI:10.1039/C7TA05050J
Photovoltaics have been regarded as a promising solution to energy and environmental problems, however the state-of-the-art photovoltaics cannot harvest energy or therefore generate electricity in completely dark conditions. To address this issue, we present here the realization of physical proof-of-concept hybridized solar cells by tailoring photovoltaics with polyaniline and its derivates for harvesting energy from the sun and rain. Through interfacial engineering, the optimized polyaniline–graphene/PtCo tailored solar cell yields a photo efficiency of 9.09% under air mass 1.5 illumination and a dark efficiency of up to 25.58% as well as current and voltage under the stimulus of real rain. This work may enable scientists to explore advanced all-weather solar cells revolutionizing photovoltaics.
Co-reporter:Yuanyuan Meng, Yue Zhang, Weiyin Sun, Min Wang, Benlin He, Haiyan Chen, Qunwei Tang
Electrochimica Acta 2017 Volume 257(Volume 257) pp:
Publication Date(Web):10 December 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2017.10.086
•CQDs are converted from soybean powders by a hydrothermal method.•The biomass converted CQDs are used for all-weather DSSCs.•The so-called all-weather DSSCs can generate electricity in the daytime and dark.•A dark efficiency as high as 7.97% is determined on the all-weather photovoltaics.•The launched solar cell extend our knowledge of advanced all-weather solar cells.A great challenge for state-of-the-art photovoltaic devices is to realize electric power generation in all weathers. We constructively demonstrate here the conversion from biomass to carbon quantum dots for all-weather carbon quantum dot solar cells that can generate electricity in the daytime and in the dark. The combination of green-emitting long persistence phosphors with mesoscopic titanium dioxide realizes optical storage by composite photoanode under illumination and excitation to monochromatic green light in the dark. The optimized all-weather solar cell yields maximized dark power conversion efficiency as high as 7.97% along with persistent electricity output for several hours. This work begins a photovoltaic revolution to forward all-weather solar cells as future energy solutions.Download high-res image (115KB)Download full-size image
Co-reporter:Mingming Ma, Qunwei Tang, Haiyan Chen, Benlin He, Peizhi Yang
Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 2017 Volume 160(Volume 160) pp:
Publication Date(Web):1 February 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.solmat.2016.09.047
•Perovskite halides are synthesized by a solvothermal method.•Gel matrix is utilized to imbibe cell materials into 3D framework.•The resultant perovskite solar cells have multi-deformability.•The cell efficiencies increase under deformations.Application-specific requirements for future perovskite solar cells include lightweight, mechanical resilience, and deformability for multi-purpose utilizations ranging from electronic skin and implant in the body to wearable textiles. Here we demonstrate the experimental realization of intrinsically bendable, stretchable, twistable, and compressible perovskite solar cells made by adsorbing hole-transporting polyaniline, solvothermal-processed halide (5-AVA)y(CH3NH3)1−yPbI3 or (5-AVA)y(CH3NH3)1−yPbI3−xClx precursor as well as electron-transporting [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl with three-dimensional amphiphilic gel matrix. The multi-deformable perovskite solar cell with CH3NH3PbI3 crystals yields a power conversion efficiency of 3.62% at undeformed state and AM1.5 G sunlight irradiation, while the efficiency can increase to 4.51% at a bending angle of 140°, to 4.46% at an elongation of 220%, to 5.10% at a twist angle of 360°, and to 5.57% at a compression ratio of 80%. After hundreds of arbitrary deformations, the solar cell still remains ~130% efficiency. Owing to an amphiphilic surface, the solar cell is relatively stable for 7 days when exposed in 78%-humidity ambient air. This work represents a significant step forward, as it realizes the solvothermal synthesis of halide CH3NH3PbX3 (X=I, Cl) precursors and low-temperature fabrication, arbitrary deformations without sacrificing power conversion efficiency along with promising humidity-resistance in ambient atmosphere for perovskite solar cells.Download high-res image (316KB)Download full-size image
Co-reporter:Benlin He, Xin Zhang, Hongna Zhang, Jinyu Li, ... Qunwei Tang
Solar Energy 2017 Volume 147(Volume 147) pp:
Publication Date(Web):1 May 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.solener.2017.03.059
•Aniline-MoS2 complexes are synthesized by a reflux method.•PANi-MoS2 complexes are employed as cost-effective and transparent CEs.•The incident light from rear side can compensate for the light from anode.•The DSSC employing PANi-6 wt‰ MoS2 complex CE shows a bifacial efficiency of 9.71%Exploration of cost-effective and transparent counter electrodes (CEs) with high electrocatalytic activity has been a persistent objective of bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) development. Here, with an aim of accelerating charge transfer and increasing the active sites of a transparent CE, molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) decorated aniline complexes are synthesized by a reflux technique and subsequently in-situ polymerized for transparent polyaniline (PANi)-MoS2 complex CEs for efficient bifacial DSSCs. The preliminary results indicate that the electrocatalytic activity toward I3− reduction of PANi-MoS2 complex CE is dramatically enhanced due to the fast charge transfer between PANi (N atoms) and MoS2 (Mo atoms) by the metal (dπ)-nitrogen (pπ) antibonding interaction. Owing to the high optical transparency, electrocatalytic reduction toward I3− species, superior charge-transfer ability for I−/I3− redox couples, the bifacial DSSCs based on PANi-6 wt‰ MoS2 complexes CE yield a maximum power conversion efficiency of 7.99% from front irradiation, 3.40% from rear irradiation and 9.71% from both irradiation, which are higher than front, rear and both efficiencies of 6.37%, 1.78% and 7.50% for DSSC employing PANi CE, respectively. The high optical transparency and electrocatalytic activity along with simple preparation, relatively low cost and scalability demonstrate the potential use of PANi-MoS2 complex as a robust CE in bifacial DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Yingli Wang, Jialong Duan, Yuanyuan Zhao, Yanyan Duan, Qunwei Tang
Nano Energy 2017 Volume 41(Volume 41) pp:
Publication Date(Web):1 November 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.09.007
•Self-powered monoelectrodes from PEDOT and derivates are made to harvest rain energy.•High electron concentration promotes electricity outputs.•PEDOT-graphene/PtCo monoelectrode can harvest maximized rain energy.Self-powered electrodes for harvesting clean energy from nature is a promising solution to meet specific requirements of multi-purpose applications. In the current work, a category of self-powered monoelectrodes are made from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT-graphene complex and PEDOT-graphene/PtCo to harvest rain energy. Arising from charging/discharging processes of electron/cation pesudo-capacitances at monoelectrode/rain interfaces, the self-powered monoelectrodes yield maximized current of 4.41 μA/droplet and voltage of 136.66 μV/droplet. By enriching electrons at these self-powered monoelectrodes, the electricity outputs can be further enhanced. The reasonable electrical signals and good durability extend our knowledge to advanced rain energy harvesting platforms. By further increasing power outputs, these self-powered monoelectrodes are promising for potential applications in rain enriched regions.Self-powered monoelectrodes from PEDOT derivates are made to harvest rain energy, yielding maximized current of 4.41 μA/drop and voltage 136.66 μV/drop. The successful realization of physical proof-of-concept monoelectrodes demonstrates a promising revenue of harvesting rain energy.Download high-res image (214KB)Download full-size image
Co-reporter:Wanlu Zhu, Jialong Duan, Yanyan Duan, Yuanyuan Zhao, Qunwei Tang
Journal of Power Sources 2017 Volume 367(Volume 367) pp:
Publication Date(Web):1 November 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2017.09.055
•Hybridized solar cells are realized by N719, PEG-m-CQDs and LPP.•PEG-m-CQDs can convert NIR into visible light.•PEG-m-CQDs can extract holes from N719 dye to redox electrolyte quickly.•LPP are used to store solar energy and release at dark.Photovoltaics are promising solutions to energy crisis and environmental pollution problems. The dye-sensitized solar cells with mesoscopic structures have attracted growing interests because of zero emissions, easy fabrication, scalable materials and techniques, etc. However, the state-of-the-art dye-sensitized solar cells have narrow spectral absorption for photoelectric conversion and high electron-hole recombination rate under sunlight illumination. Therefore, it is a persistent object to make wide-spectral absorption and fast charge extraction solar cells for energy harvest in both solar and dark-light conditions. To address this issue, we present here experimental realization of a category of solar cells converting visible and near-infrared light into electricity by co-sensitizing photoanode with N719 dye and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified carbon quantum dots (PEG-m-CQDs), arising from up-conversion and hole-transporting behaviors of PEG-m-CQDs as well as photofluorescence of green-emitting long persistence phosphors. The optimized solar cell yields maximized photoelectric conversion efficiencies of 9.89% and 25.81% under simulated sunlight (air mass 1.5, 100 mW cm−2) illumination and dark conditions, respectively. This work is far from optimization, but the physical proof-of-concept hybridized solar cell may markedly increase electricity generation time and total power output of photovoltaic platforms.Download high-res image (248KB)Download full-size image
Co-reporter:Yuanyuan Zhao, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Peizhi Yang
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 2017 Volume 42, Issue 21(Volume 42, Issue 21) pp:
Publication Date(Web):25 May 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.04.115
•Mo doped W18O49 NFs are synthesized by a template-free solvothermal method.•The catalytic electrodes from Mo doped W18O49 NFs are robust and stable for HER.•1 at% Mo doped W18O49 NFs have maximized catalytic performances.Creation of robust and stable electrocatalysts is a persistent objective for high-efficiency hydrogen evolution by water splitting. We present here the experimental realization of one-dimensional Mo incorporated W18O49 nanofibers (NFs) by a template-free solvothermal method. When utilized as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution through water splitting, the preliminary results demonstrate that the optimized catalytic electrode from 1 at% Mo doped W18O49 NFs yields an onset overpotential of 89 mV and Tafel slope of 49 mV dec−1 as well as maximal exchange current density up to 1.60 × 10−2 mA cm−2. An overpotential as low as 462 mV is required to attain current density of 50 mA cm−2 in comparison with 587 mV for pristine W18O49 NFs. Moreover, the Mo doped W18O49 NFs display relative stability by applying a potential of 503 mV and a current density of 80 mA cm−2 over 24 h in 0.5 M H2SO4 aqueous solution, making them promising in practical applications.
Co-reporter:Wanlu Zhu, Min Wang, Zhongling Wang, Weiyin Sun, Benlin He, Qunwei Tang
Electrochimica Acta 2017 Volume 254(Volume 254) pp:
Publication Date(Web):10 November 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2017.09.141
•All-weather dye-sensitized solar cells are realized.•LPP tailored fluorescence film are used to store solar energy and release at dark.•A photoelectric conversion efficiency at dark is as high as 21%.•The all-weather solar cells can lighten a lamp in the dark.A promising but challenging problem for state-of-the-art solar cells is to persistently generate power in the daytime and dark. To address this profound issue, all-weather bifacial solar cells are built by combining long persistence phosphor (LPP) tailored fluorescent film with bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells. On behalf of the solar energy storage and fluorescent excitation behaviors of LPP phosphors, the so-called all-weather solar cells yield a maximized photoelectric conversion efficiency of 10.04% and a dark efficiency as high as 21%. Moreover, the newly launched all-weather solar cells with 32 modules can lighten a lamp, demonstrating a predictable application in future energy harvesting. The current work could also extend our knowledge to more advanced all-weather solar cells.All-weather dye-sensitized solar cells are built by coating green-emitting long persistence phosphor tailored fluorescent film on bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells, realizing a photo efficiency of 10.04% and a dark efficiency of 21%.Download high-res image (171KB)Download full-size image
Co-reporter:Junxia Yang;Qi Meng;Zhifang Zhang;Jinyu Li;Benlin He;Peizhi Yang
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2017 vol. 5(Issue 5) pp:2143-2150
Publication Date(Web):2017/01/31
DOI:10.1039/C6TA09261F
Since the birth of solar cells, photovoltaic devices have experienced persistent breakthroughs in either crucial materials or technologies. However, the ability for power generation is only limited under sunlight illumination, i.e., all state-of-the-art solar cells can realize high-efficiency electricity outputs on sunny days. The power conversion efficiencies are zero at nights because of relatively low visible-light intensity. We present here a simple hydrothermal conversion from strawberry powders to carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for all-weather solar cell applications. Using green-emitting long persistence phosphors (LPPs) as light placeholders, the unabsorbed light ranging from visible to infrared light across CQD sensitized mesoscopic titanium dioxide (m-TiO2) can be converted into green fluorescence, allowing for persistent CQD irradiation and therefore electricity generation at nights.
Co-reporter:Yuanyuan Zhao;Peizhi Yang;Benlin He
Chemical Communications 2017 vol. 53(Issue 31) pp:4323-4326
Publication Date(Web):2017/04/13
DOI:10.1039/C7CC01249G
We report here robust electrocatalysts from metal doped W18O49 nanofibers (NFs) for high-efficiency hydrogen evolution. By tuning Pd dosages, the optimal 5 at% Pd doped W18O49 NFs yield an onset overpotential of only 65 mV and exchange current densities up to 2.36 × 10−3 mA cm−2. Moreover, the resultant electrocatalyst is relatively stable during persistent operation.
Co-reporter:Qunwei Tang;Min Wang;Zhongling Wang;Weiyin Sun;Ruoxu Shang
Chemical Communications 2017 vol. 53(Issue 35) pp:4815-4817
Publication Date(Web):2017/04/27
DOI:10.1039/C7CC00929A
An all-weather quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell is built using a long persistence phosphor tailored mesoscopic TiO2 photoanode and a three-dimensional conducting polymer gel electrolyte. The so-called all-weather solar cell yields a maximum efficiency of 28.7% in the dark, making a promising photovoltaic revolutionary for state-of-the-art photovoltaics.
Co-reporter:Jie Ding;Yuanyuan Zhao;Jialong Duan;Yanyan Duan
Chemical Communications 2017 vol. 53(Issue 90) pp:12233-12235
Publication Date(Web):2017/11/09
DOI:10.1039/C7CC07653C
Hollow optical fiber induced dye-sensitized solar cells are made by twisting Ti wire/N719-TiO2 nanotube photoanodes and Ti wire/Pt (CoSe, Pt3Ni) counter electrodes, yielding a maximized efficiency of 0.7% and good stability. Arising from optical energy storage ability, the solar cells can generate electricity without laser illumination.
Co-reporter:Yue Zhang, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He and Peizhi Yang
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2016 vol. 4(Issue 34) pp:13235-13241
Publication Date(Web):28 Jul 2016
DOI:10.1039/C6TA05276B
Future solar cells are expected to generate electricity under all weather conditions. To address this profound issue, we take the first step to produce solar cells that can generate electricity under both rainy and sunny conditions. In the current study, a bifunctional solar cell realizing photoelectric conversion under solar irradiation along with the electric signals by dropping raindrops was produced by integrating a monolayer graphene with a solar cell, yielding a maximal photoelectric conversion efficiency of 7.69% under AM1.5 irradiation as well as a current of 0.66 μA per raindrop and a voltage of 61.8 μV per raindrop by simulated raindrops. Owing to the optical loss across the monolayer graphene, the solar cell architecture was optimized, yielding a solar cell efficiency of 9.14% as well as a current of a few microamps per raindrop and a voltage of tens of microvolts per raindrop. Moreover, the newly launched solar cell has good stability under the persistent dropping of simulated rain. The current work can also extend our knowledge of advanced all-weather solar cells.
Co-reporter:Qunwei Tang and Peizhi Yang
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2016 vol. 4(Issue 25) pp:9730-9738
Publication Date(Web):23 May 2016
DOI:10.1039/C6TA03107B
With the abundance of traditional energy conversion devices such as solar cells, fuel cells, lithium batteries and supercapacitors, the integration of graphene with water is an increasingly used method for promising electricity generation (including current, voltage, and power) in the last few years. We present here a review on the significant advances in tailored graphene-based materials for unprecedented power generation by flowing, raining, waving, or penetrating water. This article highlights the potential principles behind the electric signals to guide the design and synthesis of graphene-based systems for emerging power generation methods. Use of the peculiar performances of creating electric signals, the methodologies of constructing advanced devices using these graphene-based electrodes for real applications and identification of the challenges facing the water-enabled graphene for electricity generation are also discussed.
Co-reporter:Hongyan Li, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He and Peizhi Yang
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2016 vol. 4(Issue 17) pp:6513-6520
Publication Date(Web):09 Mar 2016
DOI:10.1039/C6TA00785F
A prerequisite for creating green hydrogen energy is to develop cost-effective electrocatalysts with reduced overpotentials, increased current density, and therefore enhanced catalytic activity toward water splitting. We present here the fabrication of an alloyed Pt–Ru–M (M = Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Mo)-decorated titanium mesh by a simple electrodeposition technique. The resultant electrocatalysts were thoroughly characterized and evaluated by catalyzing seawater splitting. The preliminary results demonstrate that the titanium-mesh-supported Pt–Ru–M electrodes have markedly enhanced catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction in comparison to the corresponding Pt or Pt–Ru electrode, arising from the alloying effects between the transition metals and Pt species. Moreover, the resultant Pt–Ru–Mo alloy electrodes show remarkable stability over 172 h of operation, suggesting their promise for use in practical applications.
Co-reporter:Qunwei Tang, Lei Zhang, Benlin He, Liangmin Yu and Peizhi Yang
Chemical Communications 2016 vol. 52(Issue 17) pp:3528-3531
Publication Date(Web):22 Jan 2016
DOI:10.1039/C5CC10105K
We present here the realization of cylindrical dye-sensitized solar cells composed of Ti wire supported TiO2 nanotube anodes and transparent metal selenide counter electrodes. The optimized device yields a high efficiency of 6.63%, good stability over time, and identical efficiency output at arbitrary incident angles.
Co-reporter:Junjun Zhang, Mingming Ma, Qunwei Tang, Liangmin Yu
Journal of Power Sources 2016 Volume 303() pp:243-249
Publication Date(Web):30 January 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.11.012
•PtM (M = Ni, Fe, Co) alloy CEs are synthesized by a multistep electrodeposition.•The resultant PtM alloy CEs are fabricated into DSSCs.•The PtM alloy CEs have markedly enhanced catalytic activity.•The optimized DSSC yields a maximum efficiency of 8.65%.The preferred platinum counter electrode (CE) has been a burden for commercialization of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) due to high expense and chemical corrosion by liquid electrolyte. In the current study, we have successfully realized the multistep deposition of platinum alloy CEs including PtNi, PtFe, and PtCo for liquid-junction DSSC applications. The preliminary results demonstrate that the enhanced electrochemical activities are attributable to high charge-transfer ability and matching work functions of the PtM (M = Ni, Fe, Co) alloy CEs to redox potential of I−/I3− electrolyte. The resultant DSSCs yield impressive power conversion efficiencies of 8.65%, 7.48%, and 7.08% with PtNi, PtFe, and PtCo CEs, respectively. On behalf of the competitive reactions between transition metals with liquid electrolyte, the PtM alloy CEs display enhanced long-term stability.
Co-reporter:Pinjiang Li, Qunwei Tang
Journal of Power Sources 2016 Volume 317() pp:43-48
Publication Date(Web):15 June 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2016.03.081
•Transparent CuMSe (M = Fe, Co) alloys are synthesized by a hydrothermal method.•The transparent CuMSe are used as CE catalysts for bifacial DSSCs.•The CuMSe CEs have superior optical transparencies and activity activities.•Front and rear efficiencies of 7.81% and 5.95% are recorded on the optimal DSSC.Creation of transparent counter electrode (CE) electrocatalysts for bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is a persistent objective for reducing cost of photovoltaic conversion. We present here the experimental realization of highly transparent CuSe CEs by a mild solution method for liquid-junction bifacial DSSCs. The resultant CuSe CEs show superior electrocatalytic activity toward I3− reduction reaction. By optimizing the pH values in synthesizing CuSe electrodes, the maximal front efficiency of 6.21% and rear efficiency of 4.72% are recorded on the corresponding bifacial DSSC. Both catalytic activity and photovoltaic performances can be further elevated by alloying CuSe with Co or Fe, yielding promising efficiencies of 7.81% and 5.38% under front and rear irradiations, respectively.
Co-reporter:Ru Li, Qunwei Tang, Liangmin Yu, Xuefeng Yan, Zhiming Zhang, Peizhi Yang
Journal of Power Sources 2016 Volume 309() pp:231-237
Publication Date(Web):31 March 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2016.01.095
•Conducting polymers are intercalated into graphene.•The intercalated electrodes are used for DSSC applications.•The intercalated electrodes have superior catalytic activity.•The efficiencies are markedly enhanced for intercalated electrode based DSSCs.Creation of cost-effective and platinum-free counter electrodes (CEs) is persistent for developing advanced dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We present here the fabrication of conducting polymers such as polyaniline (PANi), polypyrole (PPy), or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) intercalated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) CEs on flexible Ti foil or polyethylene-terephthalate substrate for liquid-junction DSSC applications. The ration architecture integrates the high electron-conducting ability of graphene and good electrocatalytic activity of a conducting polymer into a single CE material. The preliminary results demonstrate that the resultant CEs follow an order of rGO/PPy > rGO/PANi > rGO/PEDOT > rGO. A maximal cell efficiency of 6.23% is determined on the optimized solar cell device, yielding 104.9% enhancement in comparison to rGO based device.
Co-reporter:Jing Wang, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Peizhi Yang
Journal of Power Sources 2016 Volume 328() pp:185-194
Publication Date(Web):1 October 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2016.08.029
•Polymorphic hollow PtNi alloy CEs are synthesized with ZnO templates.•The resultant PtNi alloy CE has superior electrocatalytic activity to redox electrolyte.•A promising cell efficiency of 8.43% is determined on the optimal DSSC.•The dissolution-resistance of PtNi alloy electrode is markedly enhanced.Precious platinum counter electrode (CE) has been an economic burden for future commercialization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Low-platinum alloy CE catalysts are promising in bringing down the solar cell cost without reducing photovoltaic performances. We present here a facile strategy of fabricating ZnO nanorods assisted platinum-nickel (PtNi) alloy microtube CEs for liquid-junction DSSCs. By adjusting the concentration of zinc precursors, the ZnO nanostructures and therefore PtNi alloys are optimized to maximize the electrocatalytic behaviors toward triiodide reduction reaction. The maximal power conversion efficiency is determined as high as 8.43% for liquid-junction DSSC device with alloyed PtNi microtube CE synthesized at 75 mM Zn(NO3)2 aqueous solution, yielding a 32.8% enhancement in cell efficiency in comparison with the solar cell from pristine platinum electrode. Moreover, the dissolution resistance and charge-transfer ability toward redox couples have also been markedly enhanced due to competitive dissolution reactions and alloyed effects.
Co-reporter:Jialong Duan, Qunwei Tang, Huihui Zhang, Yuanyuan Meng, Liangmin Yu, Peizhi Yang
Journal of Power Sources 2016 Volume 302() pp:361-368
Publication Date(Web):20 January 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.10.083
•Cu@M@Pt nanowire electrocatalysts are synthesized by galvanic displacement.•Cu@M@Pt alloy catalysts are employed as CEs for DSSCs.•The catalytic activity is markedly enhanced by alloying Cu, M with Pt.•The DSSCs yield maximum efficiency of 8.21%.Pursuit of cost-effective counter electrode (CE) electrocatalysts with no sacrifice of photovoltaic performances has been a persistent objective for advanced dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) platforms. Here we demonstrate the experimental realization of CE electrocatalysts from Cu@M@Pt (M = Fe, Co, Ni) coaxial alloy nanowires for efficient DSSCs. The reasonable electrocatalytic activity is attributed to work function matching of alloy CEs to potential of I−/I3−I−/I3− and redistribute the electronic structure on the Pt surface. In comparison with 8.48% for the Pt nanotube CE based DSSC, the solar cells yield power conversion efficiencies up to 8.21%, 7.85%, and 7.30% using Cu@Fe@Pt, Cu@Co@Pt, and Cu@Ni@Pt NWs, respectively. This work represents an important step forward, as it demonstrates how to make the CE catalyst active and to accelerate the electron transport from CE to electrolyte for high-efficiency but cost-effective DSSC platforms.Cu@M@Pt (M = Fe, Co, Ni) NWs were synthesized by a simple galvanic displacement and employed as counter electrode (CE) catalysts for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), yielding markedly enhanced catalytic activities and therefore power conversion efficiencies in their devices.
Co-reporter:Yanjuan Li, Qunwei Tang, Liangmin Yu, Xuefeng Yan, Lei Dong
Journal of Power Sources 2016 Volume 305() pp:217-224
Publication Date(Web):15 February 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.11.063
•PtxM100−x (M = Ni, Co, Fe) alloy CEs are synthesized by a facile method.•These alloys CEs with ultra low Pt doages significantly reduce the cost.•The Pt0.28M99.72 alloy CE shows super-catalytic behavior toward −I3I3− reduction.•The DSSC with Pt0.28Ni99.72 CE yields an efficiency of 6.42%.One of the challenges in developing advanced dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is the pursuit of cost-effective and robust counter electrodes (CEs). We present here the successful synthesis of binary PtxM100−x (M = Ni, Co, Fe) alloy nanostructures on Ti foil by a facile and environmental-friendly strategy for utilization as CEs in liquid-junction DSSCs. Due to the reasonable charge-transfer ability and excellent electrocatalytic activity, the resultant DSSC yields a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.42% with binary Pt0.28Ni99.72 CE in comparison with 6.18% for pristine Pt CE based device. The easy synthesis, cost-effectiveness, and good electrocatalytic property may help the Pt0.28Ni99.72 nanostructure stand out as an alternative CE electrocatalyst in a DSSC.
Co-reporter:Peizhi Yang, Qunwei Tang
Electrochimica Acta 2016 Volume 188() pp:560-565
Publication Date(Web):10 January 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2015.12.066
•Metal selenides are deposited on Ti grid for CEs of DSSCs.•The PAA-PEG gel electrolyte is optical semitransparent.•The bifacial quasi-solid-state DSSC can generate electricity from either side•Ti grid supported RuSe CE displays the maximum electrocatalytic activity.•The front efficiency of 6.51% and rear efficiency of 1.84% are recorded in the DSSC.Bifacial dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a promising solution to reduce the cost of photovoltaic conversion. We present here the experimental realization of bifacial quasi-solid-state DSSC from a TiO2 photoanode, a semitransparent gel electrolyte, and a Ti grid supported metal selenide (MSe, M = Co, Ni, Ru) counter electrode (CE). In comparison with front efficiency of 4.87% and rear efficiency of 1.19% for Ti grid supported Pt based DSSC, the efficiencies are enhanced to 6.51% and 1.84% on the solar cell with cost-effective Ti grid supported RuSe CE. The preliminary results demonstrate that this architecture is promising in realizing cost-effective bifacial quasi-solid-state DSSCs without sacrificing photovoltaic performances.
Co-reporter:Xiaoman Niu, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Peizhi Yang
Electrochimica Acta 2016 Volume 208() pp:180-187
Publication Date(Web):1 August 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2016.04.184
•Ruthenium alloy catalysts are used for hydrogen evolution from seawater.•The resultant ruthenium alloy electrocatalysts are robust and stable for HER•The Ti foil supported RuCoMox are promising for seawater splitting.Seawater splitting by complicated electrocatalytic processes is promising for hydrogen evolution. Here we present a series of robust electrodes by electrodepositing RuCo and RuCoMox alloys on Ti foil substrates for hydrogen evolution from seawater splitting. The preliminary results demonstrate that Ti foil supported RuCo and RuCoMox alloy electrodes require overpotentials of ∼387 and ∼550 mV to drive the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at a benchmark current density of 10 mA cm−2, respectively. Moreover, the resultant Ti foil supported RuCoMox electrode shows excellent stability under persistent operation at a constant current density of −1.2 V over 12 h.
Co-reporter:Benlin He, Qunwei Tang, Huihui Zhang, Liangmin Yu
Solar Energy 2016 Volume 124() pp:68-75
Publication Date(Web):February 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.solener.2015.11.022
•Pd–Co alloy catalysts are fabricated by a facile rapid chemical reduction method.•The charge-transfer ability toward iodide reduction is significantly enhanced.•A conversion efficiency of 6.44% is obtained in its DSSC.•The strategy provides new opportunities for efficient but low-cost DSSCs.A class of alloyed Pd–Co catalysts are prepared by a mild solution method and subsequently blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) binder for coating cost-effective counter electrodes (CEs) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The electrocatalytic activity for the I−/I3− redox electrolyte as well as photovoltaic performances of DSSCs are optimized by adjusting stoichiometric Pd/Co ratios. Due to the merits of resultant Pd–Co alloy CEs on good electrical conduction, rapid charge-transfer ability, and increased electrocatalytic activity, a maximum conversion efficiency of 6.44% is determined on the optimized DSSCs in comparable to 6.18% for Pt CE based DSSC. It is obvious that Pd–Co alloy CEs can be a better cost-effective and efficient alternative due to the expensive price and scarcity of Pt for the large scale applications of DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Peizhi Yang, Qunwei Tang
Applied Surface Science 2016 Volume 362() pp:28-34
Publication Date(Web):30 January 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2015.11.216
Highlights
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A branching NiCuPt alloy CE is synthesized for DSSC applications.
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The catalytic activity is markedly enhanced by optimizing synthesis conditions.
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The dissolution resistance of NiCuPt alloy CE is enhanced.
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The DSSC with NiCuPt yields an optimal efficiency of 9.66%.
Co-reporter:Mingming Ma, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He and Peizhi Yang
RSC Advances 2016 vol. 6(Issue 64) pp:59429-59437
Publication Date(Web):16 Jun 2016
DOI:10.1039/C6RA08816C
State-of-the-art flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are generally built on conductive plastic substrates, but they are limited to bending strain effects. We present here the spatial confinement growth of (6-ACA)0.038(CH3NH3)0.962PbI3 nanocrystals from a solvothermal-processed precusor for ultra-flexible PSCs made in a three-dimensional gel framework. Our focus is placed on systematic studies of photovoltaic behavior at arbitrary deformations. The optimized PSC yields a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 0.88% in the undeformed state, and it increases to 2.51% at a bending angle of 120°, to 3.04% at an elongation of 180%, to 2.35% at a twist angle of 360°, and to 1.79% at a compression ratio of 30%. The PSC demonstrates enhanced photovoltaic performance when suffering repeated deformations and remains 82.1% efficient when exposed in 70%-humidity ambient air over 120 h.
Co-reporter:Peizhi Yang, Qunwei Tang
Materials Letters 2016 Volume 164() pp:206-209
Publication Date(Web):1 February 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.matlet.2015.10.146
•Alloyed PtNiCo CE is synthesized using ZnO microrod templates.•The catalytic activity and charge-transfer ability are markedly enhanced.•The DSSC with PtNiCo alloy CE yields a 8.85% efficiency.•The DSSC has good on–off switches and persistent stability.Counter electrode (CE) is crucial in catalyzing triiodide reduction reaction and therefore in enhancing power conversion efficiency of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). We present here the alloying of Pt with Ni microtubes and Co nanosheets for cost-effective CE electrocatalyst using ZnO microrod templates. In comparison with pristine Pt electrode, the resultant PtNiCo alloy CE displays significantly elevated electrocatalytic activity and charge transfer ability, yielding an impressive efficiency of 8.85% in its liquid-junction DSSC platform.
Co-reporter:Hongna Zhang, Benlin He, Qunwei Tang
Materials Chemistry and Physics 2016 Volume 173() pp:340-346
Publication Date(Web):15 April 2016
DOI:10.1016/j.matchemphys.2016.02.021
•TiO2/La0.95Tb0.05PO4 nanocrystallites are fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method.•The light intensity and therefore dye excitation have been markedly enhanced.•A conversion efficiency of 7.27% for the DSSC employing TiO2/0.5 wt% La0.95Tb0.05PO4 is obtained.•The strategy provides new opportunities for efficient DSSCs.With an aim of enhancing light harvesting for dye adsorption and therefore photovoltaic performances of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), we present here an employment of La0.95Tb0.05PO4 incorporated TiO2 nanocrystallites as photoanodes. The preliminary results demonstrate that the dye absorption and therefore electron generation have been markedly enhanced, arising from the conversion of ultraviolet to visible light by La0.95Tb0.05PO4. The crystal structure and light harvesting performances of photoanodes are optimized by adjusting La0.95Tb0.05PO4 dosage. The power conversion efficiency is enhanced from 6.52% for pristine TiO2 based DSSC to 7.27% for the device employing TiO2/0.5 wt% La0.95Tb0.05PO4, yielding an efficiency enhancement by 11.35%. This study provides a new strategy for the fabrication of highly efficient DSSCs.
Co-reporter: Qunwei Tang;Xiaopeng Wang; Peizhi Yang;Dr. Benlin He
Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2016 Volume 55( Issue 17) pp:5243-5246
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/anie.201602114
Abstract
All-weather solar cells are promising in solving the energy crisis. A flexible solar cell is presented that is triggered by combining an electron-enriched graphene electrode with a dye-sensitized solar cell. The new solar cell can be excited by incident light on sunny days and raindrops on rainy days, yielding an optimal solar-to-electric conversion efficiency of 6.53 % under AM 1.5 irradiation and current over microamps as well as a voltage of hundreds of microvolts by simulated raindrops. The formation of π-electron|cation electrical double-layer pseudocapacitors at graphene/raindrop interface is contributable to current and voltage outputs at switchable charging–discharging process. The new concept can guide the design of advanced all-weather solar cells.
Co-reporter: Qunwei Tang;Xiaopeng Wang; Peizhi Yang;Dr. Benlin He
Angewandte Chemie 2016 Volume 128( Issue 17) pp:5329-5332
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/ange.201602114
Abstract
All-weather solar cells are promising in solving the energy crisis. A flexible solar cell is presented that is triggered by combining an electron-enriched graphene electrode with a dye-sensitized solar cell. The new solar cell can be excited by incident light on sunny days and raindrops on rainy days, yielding an optimal solar-to-electric conversion efficiency of 6.53 % under AM 1.5 irradiation and current over microamps as well as a voltage of hundreds of microvolts by simulated raindrops. The formation of π-electron|cation electrical double-layer pseudocapacitors at graphene/raindrop interface is contributable to current and voltage outputs at switchable charging–discharging process. The new concept can guide the design of advanced all-weather solar cells.
Co-reporter:Bingbing Hu;Fengying Dai;Zhanming Fan;Guanghui Ma;Xin Zhang
Advanced Materials 2015 Volume 27( Issue 37) pp:5499-5505
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/adma.201502227
Co-reporter:Yanyan Duan, Qunwei Tang, Yuran Chen, Zhiyuan Zhao, Yang Lv, Mengjin Hou, Peizhi Yang, Benlin He and Liangmin Yu
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2015 vol. 3(Issue 10) pp:5368-5374
Publication Date(Web):22 Jan 2015
DOI:10.1039/C4TA06393G
The pursuit of cost-effective and efficient solid-state electrolytes is a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, we present the experimental design of iodide/triiodide (I−/I3−)-incorporated poly(ethylene oxide)/polyaniline (PEO/PANi) solid-state electrolytes, aiming at expanding the catalytic event of I3− reduction from the electrolyte/counter electrode interface to both the interface and electrolyte system and shortening the charge diffusion path length. Except for I− species, the conjugated PANi is also responsible for dye regeneration and hole transfer to the counter electrode. A DSSC with (I−/I3−)-incorporated PEO/1.0 wt% PANi electrolyte yields a maximum efficiency of 6.1% in comparison with 0.8% obtained from a PANi-free electrolyte-based solar cell and 0.1% for a PANi-based solar cell.
Co-reporter:Jialong Duan, Huihui Zhang, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He and Liangmin Yu
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2015 vol. 3(Issue 34) pp:17497-17510
Publication Date(Web):02 Jul 2015
DOI:10.1039/C5TA03280F
Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) present promising cost-effective alternatives to conventional silicon solar cells due to their distinctive properties such as simplicity in fabrication, possibility to realize light absorption in wide solar spectrum regions, and theoretical conversion efficiency up to 44%. This review highlights recent developments in critical materials including quantum dots, photoanodes, counter electrodes (CEs), and electrolytes for QDSC applications. Among them, electron recombination at the photoanode/electrolyte interface limits the evolution of high-efficiency QDSCs, therefore the optimized construction of quantum dots, the various microtopographies of wide bandgap semiconductors (TiO2, ZnO) as well as emerging CEs having good electrocatalytic activity are elaborated in this paper. We argue that these key factors can provide design guidelines for future successful applications and significantly promote the development of QDSCs. Liquid, quasi-solid-state, and solid-state electrolytes for QDSCs are summarized, aiming at enhancing the long-term stability of QDSCs. This review presented below gives a succinct summary of materials for QDSC applications, with a conclusion and future prospects section.
Co-reporter:Xiaoxu Chen, Qunwei Tang, Zhiyuan Zhao, Xinghui Wang, Benlin He and Liangmin Yu
Chemical Communications 2015 vol. 51(Issue 10) pp:1945-1948
Publication Date(Web):11 Dec 2014
DOI:10.1039/C4CC09083G
We present here the feasibility of growing well-aligned TiO2 nanorod arrays by a dc reactive magnetron sputtering strategy for flexible dye-sensitized solar cells. These flexible devices yield an efficiency of 5.3% in comparison to 1.2% from traditional TiO2 nanoparticles by a low-temperature technique.
Co-reporter:Xiaopeng Wang, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Ru Li and Liangmin Yu
Chemical Communications 2015 vol. 51(Issue 3) pp:491-494
Publication Date(Web):05 Nov 2014
DOI:10.1039/C4CC07549H
We report the feasibility of assembling rear-irradiated flexible dye-sensitized solar cells employing a transparent Ni–Se alloy counter electrode along with a groove stored TiO2 and liquid electrolyte. The flexible device with the NiSe counter electrode and anode at a groove depth of 36 μm yielded a maximum efficiency of 7.35%.
Co-reporter:Yanyan Duan, Yuran Chen, Qunwei Tang, Zhiyuan Zhao, Mengjin Hou, Ru Li, Benlin He, Liangmin Yu, Peizhi Yang, Zhiming Zhang
Journal of Power Sources 2015 Volume 284() pp:178-185
Publication Date(Web):15 June 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.03.032
•The DSSC having PANi species in each component yield an efficiency of 3.1%.•The solar cell consists of a PANi/TiO2 anode, a PANi CE, and a PANi electrolyte.•The PANi electrolyte can shorten charge diffusion path length.•The new concept is also applicable to all-carbon solar cells, etc.Pursuit of technological implementation with no sacrifice of photovoltaic performances has been a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We launch here the experimental realization of a class of DSSCs consisting of polyaniline (PANi) incorporated TiO2 anodes, PANi counter electrodes (CEs), and iodide doped PANi solid-state electrolytes. The PANi filled in photoanode can inject electrons for dye recovery, whereas the PANi CE fulfills the function of reducing triiodide into iodide ions. In particular, the solid PANi electrolyte has an ability of catalyzing triiodide species, shortening charge diffusion path length, and recovering dye molecules at anode/electrolyte interface. The photovoltaic performances are optimized by adjusting assembly process and lithium iodide dosage, yielding a maximum efficiency as high as 3.1% in the resultant DSSC device accompanied with fast start-up, multiple start/stop cycling, and good stability under persistent irradiation.
Co-reporter:Jialong Duan, Qunwei Tang, Ru Li, Benlin He, Liangmin Yu, Peizhi Yang
Journal of Power Sources 2015 Volume 284() pp:369-376
Publication Date(Web):15 June 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.03.060
•Graphene is incorporated into microporous PAAm matrix.•The catalytic reaction of redox couples is conducted into conducting gel electrolyte.•Liquid electrolyte is driven by osmotic pressure and capillary diffusion.•A power conversion efficiency of 2.34% is recorded in the quasi-solid-state QDSC.Pursuit of a high efficiency and stability has been a persistent objective for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). Here we launch a strategy of synthesizing graphene implanted polyacrylamide (PAAm-G) conducting gel electrolytes for quasi-solid-state QDSCs. With an aim of elevating the dosage of S2−/Sx2− redox couples and therefore charge-transfer ability, both osmotic press across the PAAm-G and capillary force within the three-dimensional micropores are utilized as driving forces. A promising power conversion efficiency of 2.34% is recorded for the QDSCs by optimizing graphene dosage in the conducting gel electrolyte. The enhanced conversion efficiency of solar cell is attributed to the expanded catalytic area from counter electrolyte/electrolyte interface to both interface and the conducting gel electrolyte.
Co-reporter:Juan Liu, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Liangmin Yu
Journal of Power Sources 2015 Volume 282() pp:79-86
Publication Date(Web):15 May 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.02.045
•Nanoporous FeSe alloy counter electrodes are synthesized by a mild solution method.•Surfactant DBSA is utilized as a template for preparing nanopores.•The resultant FeSe alloy electrode has high optical transparency.•The transparent FeSe alloy CEs are used for bifacial DSSC applications.•The DSSC with FeSe CE yields front and rear efficiencies of 9.16% and 5.38%, respectively.Pursuit of cost-effective and efficient counter electrodes (CEs) is a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We present here the design of transparent Fe–Se nanoporous alloy CEs for bifacial DSSC applications. Due to the superior charge-transfer ability for I−/I3− redox couples, electrocatalytic reduction toward I3− species, and optical transparency in visible-light region, the bifacial DSSC with FeSe alloy electrode yields maximum front and rear efficiencies of 9.16% and 5.38%, respectively. A fast start-up, high multiple start capability, and good stability of the FeSe alloy CE demonstrate the potential applications in driving solar panels. The impressive efficiency along with simple preparation of the cost-effective Fe–Se nanoporous alloy CEs highlights their potential application in robust bifacial DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Yanyan Duan, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Zhiyuan Zhao, Ling Zhu, Liangmin Yu
Journal of Power Sources 2015 Volume 284() pp:349-354
Publication Date(Web):15 June 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.03.045
•Binary Co0.85Se alloy CE is synthesized by a mild solution method.•The resultant Co0.85Se alloy CE shows high optical transparency.•The DSSC with Co0.85Se CE can generate electricity from either side.•Maximum front and rear efficiencies of 8.30% and 4.63% are measured in the DSSC, respectively.High power conversion efficiency and cost-effectiveness are two persistent objectives for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Electricity generation from either front or rear side of a bifacial DSSC has been considered as a facile avenue of bringing down the cost of solar-to-electric conversion. Therefore, the fabrication of a transparent counter electrode (CE) with a high electrocatalytic activity is a prerequisite to realize this goal. We present here the feasibility of utilizing transparent cobalt selenide (Co–Se) binary alloy counter electrode for bifacial DSSC application, in which binary Co–Se alloy electrode is synthesized by a mild solution strategy and the cell device is irradiated by either front or rear side. Due to the high optical transparency, charge-transfer ability, and electrocatalytic activity, maximum front and rear efficiencies of 8.30% and 4.63% are recorded under simulated air mass 1.5 (AM1.5) irradiation, respectively. The impressive efficiency along with fast start-up, multiple start capability, and simple preparation highlights the potential application of cost-effective and transparent Co–Se alloy CE in robust bifacial DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Qunwei Tang, Juan Liu, Huihui Zhang, Benlin He, Liangmin Yu
Journal of Power Sources 2015 Volume 297() pp:1-8
Publication Date(Web):30 November 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.07.091
•Fe@M alloy nanospheres catalysts are synthesized by galvanic displacement.•Fe@M alloy catalysts are employed as CEs for DSSCs.•The catalytic activity is markedly enhanced by alloying Fe with Pt or Pd.•The DSSCs with Fe@Pt and Fe@Pd yield efficiencies of 8.74%, and 7.22%, respectively.Pursuit of cost-effective counter electrode (CE) electrocatalysts with no sacrifice of photovoltaic performances has been a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Here we demonstrate the galvanic replacement realization of cost-effective CEs from Fe@M (M = Pd, Pt) nanospheres for DSSCs. Due to the enhanced catalytic activity originated from compressive strain and extended surface in tuning the electronic structure of Pd (or Pt) shell along with competitive dissolution reaction of Fe with electrolyte, the cells with high durability display efficiencies of 8.74% and 7.22%. The impressive results along with simple synthesis highlight the potential application of Fe@M nanospheres in robust DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Peizhi Yang, Jialong Duan, Danyang Liu, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He
Electrochimica Acta 2015 Volume 173() pp:331-337
Publication Date(Web):10 August 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2015.05.073
•Polyaniline-graphene complexes are synthesized by a reflux strategy.•Multi-interfacial (PANi-G/Pt)n electrode is assembled by a LbL technique for DSSC.•The DSSC with (PANi-10wt‰G/Pt)9 electrode yields an efficiency of 7.45%.•The concept is applicable to other multi-interfacial CE systems.Pursuit of multi-interfacial counter electrodes (CEs) for enhanced triiodide (I3−) reduction reaction has been a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Here we report the synthesis of multilayer CEs consisting of positively charged polyaniline-graphene (PANi-G) complex and negatively charged platinum (Pt) nanoparticles. The (PANi-G/Pt)n (n represents the bilayer number) multilayer displays multi-interfaces for I3− reduction and charge transfer. Moreover, the complexation between PANi and G can markedly accelerate the electron migration from G to PANi. The DSSC with (PANi-10wt‰G/Pt)9 electrode yields an impressive power conversion efficiency of 7.45% under simulated air mass 1.5 global sunlight. The promising efficiency along with cost-effectiveness and scalable materials demonstrates the multi-interfacial CEs to be good candidates for robust DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Peizhi Yang, Jialong Duan, Qunwei Tang
Electrochimica Acta 2015 Volume 184() pp:64-69
Publication Date(Web):1 December 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2015.10.050
•Aniline-CoS complexes are synthesized by a reflux strategy.•PANi-CoS electrocatalysts are polymerized as CEs for DSSCs.•The covalent bonds between PANi/CoS accelerate the charge transfer.•An efficiency of 8.55% is recorded on the DSSC with optimized PANi-CoS CE.•Reflux technique is promising in synthesizing efficient CE electrocatalysts.The practical commercialization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) requires persistent exploration of cost-effective counter electrodes (CEs). Aiming at increasing the active sites and accelerating charge transfer of a CE electrocatalyst, cobalt sulfide decorated aniline complexes are synthesized by a reflux technique and subsequently in-situ polymerized for Pt-free polyaniline-cobalt sulfide (PANi-CoS) electrocatalysts in liquid-junction DSSCs. The preliminary results suggest that an enhanced electrocatalytic activity for I3− reduction is ascribed to the fast electron-transfer ability of PANi and the high catalytic activity of CoS. The optimized DSSC device based on PANi-7 wt% CoS yields an impressive power conversion efficiency up to 8.55% under an illumination of air mass 1.5 global simulated solar light, which is much higher than 5.65% and 5.79% for the solar cells with pure PANi and pristine Pt CEs, respectively.
Co-reporter:Zubin Wang, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Haiyan Chen, Liangmin Yu
Electrochimica Acta 2015 Volume 178() pp:18-24
Publication Date(Web):1 October 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2015.07.120
•Curved silicate microsheets are incorporated with TiO2 for light harvesting in DSSC•The optical matching between silicate and TiO2 is superior to light reflection.•The curved silicate can hinder the recombination reaction of electrons with I3−.•The DSSC with TiO2/curved silicate photoanode shows an efficiency of 9.22%Enhancement of light harvesting has been a persistent objective for elevating dye excitation and therefore power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Here we launch a strategy of markedly enhancing light harvesting by caging TiO2 nanoparticles with curved silica microsheets. The results show that the strategy is versatile in suppressing the recombination reaction of electrons with I3− species in liquid electrolyte. Due to the superior reflective behaviors of curved silica microsheets, an optimal efficiency of 9.22% is recorded under simulated air mass 1.5 global sunlight on the DSSC in comparison with 6.51% and 7.51% from pristine TiO2 and planar silicate microsheet incorporated TiO2 photoanode based solar cells, respectively. This strategy is also believed to be applicable to other solar cells such as perovskite solar cells and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells.
Co-reporter:Benlin He, Qunwei Tang, Liangmin Yu, Peizhi Yang
Electrochimica Acta 2015 Volume 158() pp:397-402
Publication Date(Web):10 March 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2015.01.194
•Pt–Ni alloy CEs are synthesized by an electrochemical codeposition method•The dosage of Pt is markedly reduced to fabricate cost−effective CE•Alloying of Pt with Ni can favor electronic perturbation for enhanced electrocatalysis•The DSSC with PtNi0.75 yields an efficiency of 8.59%Pursuit of cost−effective and efficient counter electrodes (CEs) has been a persistent objective for dye−sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Aiming at reducing fabrication cost without sacrificing power conversion efficiency of DSSCs, here we report the successful design of binary Pt–Ni alloy CEs by a simple cyclic voltammetry technique. Due to the rapid charge transfer ability and electrocatalytic activity, the power conversion efficiency of the DSSC employing binary PtNi0.75 alloy CE has been elevated to 8.59% in comparison with 6.98% from Pt−based solar cell. The impressive results along with simple synthesis highlight the potential application of low−Pt alloys in robust DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Peizhi Yang, Qunwei Tang and Benlin He
RSC Advances 2015 vol. 5(Issue 57) pp:46260-46266
Publication Date(Web):30 Apr 2015
DOI:10.1039/C5RA06584D
Pursuit of light harvesting is a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Here we report the synthesis of titanium dioxide/silica (TiO2/SiO2) nanocrystallite photoanodes, aiming at elevating the light harvesting for dye excitation. Due to light interference effect of the reflected light beams from TiO2/SiO2 and SiO2/electrolyte interfaces, the dye excitation and therefore the photocurrent density are markedly enhanced. The photovoltaic performances of the resultant DSSCs are optimized by utilizing three TiO2/SiO2 photoanodes from different synthetic strategies. A maximum power conversion efficiency of 8.56% is measured under simulated air mass 1.5 global sunlight in comparison with 7.06% from pristine TiO2 based DSSC. The high power conversion efficiency in combination with simple preparation demonstrates the potential for utilization of TiO2/SiO2 nanocrystallite anodes in efficient DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Peizhi Yang, Qunwei Tang, Chenming Ji, Haobo Wang
Applied Surface Science 2015 Volume 357(Part A) pp:666-671
Publication Date(Web):1 December 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2015.09.049
Highlights
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In2S3 sensitized TiO2 anode is prepared by combining SILAR with solvothermal process.
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The deposition cycle in SILAR process has an impact on cell performances.
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A promising conversion efficiency of 1.39% is obtained for the optimal device.
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The cell performances are markedly increased compared with SILAR technique.
Co-reporter:Huihui Zhang, Qunwei Tang and Benlin He
RSC Advances 2015 vol. 5(Issue 64) pp:51600-51607
Publication Date(Web):27 May 2015
DOI:10.1039/C5RA04735H
Designing a cost-effective counter electrode (CE) with no sacrifice of photovoltaic performances and power output for a bifacial dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a persistent objective in photovoltaic power generation. We present here the fabrication of a novel transparent binary Pt-Mo alloy CE by an electrochemical strategy for bifacial DSSC application with an aim of bringing down the cost for solar-to-electric conversion. Electrochemical, and therefore photovoltaic performances, are optimized by adjusting stoichiometries of Pt-Mo alloys. Due to high charge-transfer ability, electrocatalytic activity, and optical transparency, maximum power conversion efficiencies of 6.75% and 2.89% are recorded under front and rear irradiation, respectively, which are comparable to 6.74% and 2.47% from a pristine Pt electrode-based solar cell. Due to the compensation effect of light from a transparent alloy CE to the incident light from the anode, the maximum power output of a solar cell has been markedly enhanced under simultaneous irradiation in comparison with either side. The enhanced efficiency along with enhanced power output, fast start-up, multiple start capability, simple preparation, and low Pt dosage highlights the potential application of these cost-effective transparent Pt-Mo alloy CEs in bifacial DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Xiaoxu Chen, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He and Haiyan Chen
RSC Advances 2015 vol. 5(Issue 54) pp:43402-43407
Publication Date(Web):28 Apr 2015
DOI:10.1039/C5RA05078B
The pursuit of technological implementation with no sacrifice of photovoltaic performances is a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, we report an experimental realization of a graphene-incorporated quasi-solid-state DSSC comprising a graphene/TiO2 anode, a graphene integrated polyacrylate–poly(ethylene glycol) (PAA–PEG) gel electrolyte with I−/I3− redox couples, and a graphene counter electrode. An efficiency of 3.62% is measured under global air mass irradiation for the quasi-solid-state solar cell with a graphene/TiO2 photoanode, a PAA–PEG/graphene gel electrolyte, and a graphene counter electrode. The new concept, along with promising results, demonstrates the potential application of the new solar cells for cost-effective electricity generation.
Co-reporter:Jialong Duan, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He and Haiyan Chen
RSC Advances 2015 vol. 5(Issue 42) pp:33463-33467
Publication Date(Web):09 Apr 2015
DOI:10.1039/C5RA05275K
A plastic crystal based solid-state electrolyte composing of plastic crystal succinonitrile and sodium sulfide (Na2S) is creatively synthesized by a simple blending approach. The ionic conductivity, charge-transfer ability, and photovoltaic performance are optimized by adjusting the succinonitrile/Na2S ratio. An optimal power conversion efficiency of 1.29% is measured for its quantum dot-sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) under one sun irradiation. The impressive efficiency along with the simple preparation of the cost-effective Na2S integrated succinonitrile electrolytes highlights the potential application of plastic crystal electrolytes in solid-state QDSSCs.
Co-reporter:Ru Li, Liangmin Yu, Xuefeng Yan and Qunwei Tang
RSC Advances 2015 vol. 5(Issue 16) pp:11917-11924
Publication Date(Web):13 Jan 2015
DOI:10.1039/C4RA14971H
Pursuit of robust and cost-effective photocatalysts has been a persistent objective for environmental pollution problems. Polymorphic Cu2O/ZnO microstructures are successfully fabricated by a mild solution strategy. The integration of Cu2O with ZnO is a facile approach for creating and separating photoelectrons and holes, leading to the high photodegradation efficiency against methyl orange dye under simulated light irradiation. Detailed investigations are carried out by adjusting Cu2+/Zn2+ ratio to optimize the resultant morphology and therefore photocatalytic activity. 87.6% of methyl orange dyes have been photodegradated over 5.5 h-light irradiation. Notably, a pseudo cell comprising a Cu2O/ZnO photoanode, a Pt counter electrode, and a methyl orange aqueous solution is creatively designed to demonstrate the potential mechanism for photoelectrochemical reaction.
Co-reporter:Peizhi Yang, Qunwei Tang
Materials Letters 2015 Volume 161() pp:185-188
Publication Date(Web):15 December 2015
DOI:10.1016/j.matlet.2015.08.104
•Nanoporous TiO2 framework anodes are synthesized by a hydrothermal method.•The light scattering and electron transfer are markedly enhanced.•A promising power conversion efficiency of 8.29% is recorded in optimized DSSC.Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a promising solution to energy depletion, environmental pollution, and ecological destruction. In this communication, we have successfully prepared nanoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) framework by etching traditional TiO2 nanoparticle film for DSSC applications. Due to the enhancement in light-scattering and fast electron transport, a promising power conversion efficiency of 8.29% is recorded from the DSSC employing TiO2 nanoframework in comparison with 6.24% for the solar cell with pristine TiO2 anode.
Co-reporter: Qunwei Tang;Huihui Zhang;Yuanyuan Meng;Dr. Benlin He; Liangmin Yu
Angewandte Chemie 2015 Volume 127( Issue 39) pp:11610-11614
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/ange.201505339
Abstract
The dissolution of platinum (Pt) has been one of the heart issues in developing advanced dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We present here the experimental realization of stable counter-electrode (CE) electrocatalysts by alloying Pt with transition metals for enhanced dissolution resistance to state-of-the-art iodide/triiodide (I−/I3−) redox electrolyte. Our focus is placed on the systematic studies of dissolution engineering for PtM0.05 (M=Ni, Co, Fe, Pd, Mo, Cu, Cr, and Au) alloy CE electrocatalysts along with mechanism analysis from thermodynamical aspects, yielding more negative Gibbs free energies for the dissolution reactions of transition metals. The competitive reactions between transition metals with iodide species (I3−, I2) could protect the Pt atoms from being dissolved by redox electrolyte and therefore remain the high catalytic activity of the Pt electrode.
Co-reporter: Qunwei Tang;Huihui Zhang;Yuanyuan Meng;Dr. Benlin He; Liangmin Yu
Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2015 Volume 54( Issue 39) pp:11448-11452
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/anie.201505339
Abstract
The dissolution of platinum (Pt) has been one of the heart issues in developing advanced dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We present here the experimental realization of stable counter-electrode (CE) electrocatalysts by alloying Pt with transition metals for enhanced dissolution resistance to state-of-the-art iodide/triiodide (I−/I3−) redox electrolyte. Our focus is placed on the systematic studies of dissolution engineering for PtM0.05 (M=Ni, Co, Fe, Pd, Mo, Cu, Cr, and Au) alloy CE electrocatalysts along with mechanism analysis from thermodynamical aspects, yielding more negative Gibbs free energies for the dissolution reactions of transition metals. The competitive reactions between transition metals with iodide species (I3−, I2) could protect the Pt atoms from being dissolved by redox electrolyte and therefore remain the high catalytic activity of the Pt electrode.
Co-reporter:Yanyan Duan, Qunwei Tang, Zihan Chen, Benlin He and Haiyan Chen
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2014 vol. 2(Issue 31) pp:12459-12465
Publication Date(Web):13 Jun 2014
DOI:10.1039/C4TA02312A
Dye illumination is a core factor in enhancing the electron density in the conduction band of TiO2 nanocrystallites and therefore also affects the power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We investigated the use of anodes composed of TiO2/GeO2 nanocrystallites in DSSCs with the aim of increasing the power conversion efficiency. The interference effects from light reflected from the TiO2/GeO2 and GeO2/electrolyte interfaces significantly enhanced the intensity of the light used to illuminate the dye. We found an optimum power conversion efficiency of 7.91% (measured under standard AM 1.5 test conditions) in the DSSC using TiO2/0.5 wt% GeO2 nanocrystallites compared with 6.05% in a DSSC based on pure TiO2, an efficiency enhancement of 30.7%. This strategy provides a new opportunity for the fabrication of highly efficient DSSCs and the efficiency could be further improved using scalable techniques and components.
Co-reporter:Yanyan Duan, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Ru Li and Liangmin Yu
Nanoscale 2014 vol. 6(Issue 21) pp:12601-12608
Publication Date(Web):11 Aug 2014
DOI:10.1039/C4NR03900A
In the current work, we report a series of bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) that provide power conversion efficiencies of more than 10% from bifacial irradiation. The device comprises an N719-sensitized TiO2 anode, a transparent nickel selenide (Ni–Se) alloy counter electrode (CE), and liquid electrolyte containing I−/I3− redox couples. Because of the high optical transparency, electron conduction ability, electrocatalytic activity of Ni–Se CEs, as well as dye illumination, electron excitation and power conversion efficiency have been remarkably enhanced. Results indicate that incident light from a transparent CE has a compensation effect to the light from the anode. The impressive efficiency along with simple preparation of the cost-effective Ni–Se alloy CEs highlights the potential application of bifacial illumination technique in robust DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Hongyuan Cai, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Ru Li and Liangmin Yu
Nanoscale 2014 vol. 6(Issue 24) pp:15127-15133
Publication Date(Web):16 Oct 2014
DOI:10.1039/C4NR04911J
Pursuing a high power conversion efficiency with no sacrifice of cost-effectiveness has been a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). One promising solution to this impasse is increased light harvesting. Previous efforts in light harvesting have been made on setting blocking layers or reflecting layers, or adding a light harvester, resulting in tedious procedures without reducing the expenses. We present a mild solution strategy for synthesizing transparent Ru–Se alloy counter electrodes (CEs) for bifacial DSSC applications, displaying optimal front and rear efficiencies of 8.76% and 5.90%, respectively. In comparison with pristine Pt-based solar cells, the maximum power output has also been markedly enhanced. Moreover, fast start-up, high multiple start capability, and good stability are observed in the bifacial DSSCs with transparent Ru–Se binary alloy electrodes. The impressive efficiencies along with simple preparation of the cost-effective Ru–Se alloy CEs demonstrates their potential application in robust DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Benlin He, Xin Meng, and Qunwei Tang
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2014 Volume 6(Issue 7) pp:4812
Publication Date(Web):March 10, 2014
DOI:10.1021/am405706q
Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a promising solution to global energy and environmental problems because of its merits on clean, low cost, high efficiency, good durability, and easy fabrication. However, the commercial application of DSSCs has been hindered by the high expenses of counter electrodes (CEs) and limited power conversion efficiency. With an aim of significantly enhancing the power conversion efficiency, here we pioneerly synthesize CoPt alloys using an electrochemically codeposition technique which are employed as CEs for DSSCs. Owing to the rapid charge transfer, electrical conduction, and electrocatalysis, power conversion efficiencies of CoPt-based DSSCs have been markedly elevated in comparison with the DSSC using Pt CE. The DSSC employing CoPt0.02 alloy CE gives an impressive power conversion efficiency of 10.23%. The high conversion efficiency, low cost in combination with simple preparation, and scalability demonstrates the potential use of CoPt alloys in robust DSSCs.Keywords: CoPt alloys; Counter electrodes; Dye-sensitized solar cells; Low-Pt composites;
Co-reporter:Benlin He, Qunwei Tang, Min Wang, Haiyan Chen, and Shuangshuang Yuan
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2014 Volume 6(Issue 11) pp:8230
Publication Date(Web):May 14, 2014
DOI:10.1021/am500981w
With an aim of accelerating the charge transfer between polyaniline (PANi) and graphene, polyaniline–graphene (PANi–graphene) complexes are synthesized by a reflux technique and employed as counter electrodes (CEs) for dye–sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Because of the easy charge-transfer between PANi (N atoms) and graphene (C atoms) by a covalent bond, electrical conduction and electrocatalysis of PANi-graphene complex CEs, and therefore power conversion efficiency of their DSSCs have been elevated in comparison with that of PANi–only CE. The resultant PANi–graphene complex CEs are characterized by spectral analysis, morphology observation, and electrochemical tests. The DSSC employing PANi–8 wt ‰ graphene complex CE gives an impressive power conversion efficiency of 7.78%, which is higher than 6.24% from PANi–only and 6.52% from Pt–only CE–based DSSCs.Keywords: charge transfer; counter electrode; dye–sensitized solar cells; polyaniline−graphene complex;
Co-reporter:Qinghua Li, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Peizhi Yang
Journal of Power Sources 2014 Volume 264() pp:83-91
Publication Date(Web):15 October 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2014.04.095
•Ionic liquid-imbibed gel electrolyte is synthesized to replace traditional liquid electrolyte.•Nonvolatility of ionic liquid is expected to enhance the long-term stability of DSSCs.•The ionic conductivity of ionic liquid-imbibed gel electrolyte is enhanced.•The conversion efficiency of the quasi-solid-state DSSC is 7.19%.Liquid electrolytes containing redox species have been widely used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), whereas the volatility of organic solvents has been a tremendous obstacle for their commercial application. To assemble durable DSSCs, here we report the synthesis of full-ionic liquid electrolyte, in which 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate is employed as solvent and 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide is iodide source. Using the imbibition performance of amphiphilic poly(acrylic acid/gelatin) [poly(AA/GR)] and poly(acrylic acid/cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide) [poly(AA/CTAB)] matrices, full-ionic liquid electrolytes are imbibed into three-dimensional framework of poly(AA/GR) or poly(AA/CTAB) to form stable gel electrolytes. Room-temperature ionic conductivities as high as 17.82 and 18.44 mS cm−1 are recorded from full-ionic liquid imbibed poly(AA/GR) and poly(AA/CTAB) gel electrolytes, respectively. Promising power conversion efficiencies of 7.19% and 7.15% are determined from their DSSC devices in comparison with 6.55% and 6.12% from traditional acetonitrile-based poly(AA/GR) and poly(AA/CTAB) gel electrolytes, respectively. The new concept along with easy fabrication demonstrates the full-ionic liquid electrolytes to be good alternatives for robust gel electrolytes in quasi-solid-state DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Pinjiang Li, Shuangshuang Yuan, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He
Electrochimica Acta 2014 Volume 137() pp:57-64
Publication Date(Web):10 August 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2014.04.093
•PANi is incorporated into 3D framework of PAA-PEG matrix.•The incorporation manner of PANi has a significant influence on performances.•PANi dosage has a dependence on electrical and electrochemical behaviors.•An impressive power conversion efficiency of 7.36% is recorded.The incorporation of polyaniline (PANi) with three-dimensional (3D) gel matrix is versatile in expanding reduction reaction (triiodide → iodide) area from Pt counter electrode/electrolyte interface to 3D framework of the conducting gel electrolyte and elevating electrocatalytic activity. In the current work, four methods have been applied to fabricate PANi incorporated poly(acrylic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PAA-PEG) conducting gel electrolytes with an aim of enhancing PANi dosage and therefore charge-transfer ability. The electrical and electrochemical performances of the resultant conducting gel electrolytes are thoroughly characterized. An impressive light-to-electric power conversion efficiency of 7.36% is determined from B2 gel electrolyte based dye-sensitized solar cell.
Co-reporter:Jialong Duan, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Liangmin Yu
Electrochimica Acta 2014 Volume 139() pp:381-385
Publication Date(Web):1 September 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2014.06.165
•In2S3 quantum dots are adsorbed on TiO2 by a repeated deposition technique.•The In2S3 loading and electron density on CB of TiO2 are elevated.•A promising power conversion efficiency of 1.30% is recorded in QDSSC.As a branch of dye − sensitized solar cell, quantum dot − sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) have attracted growing interests because of promisingly theoretical electron density on conduction band of TiO2 nanocrystallite. Here we report the synthesis of efficient In2S3 sensitized solar cells. The adsorption cycles are repeated to optimize In2S3 loading and therefore photovoltaic performances. A promising power conversion efficiency of 1.30% (under AM 1.5G) is recorded at 24 cycles of In2S3 adsorption. The relatively high conversion efficiency in combination with simple preparation demonstrates the potential use of In2S3 quantum dots in QDSSCs.
Co-reporter:Min Wang, Qunwei Tang, Peipei Xu, Benlin He, Lin Lin, Haiyan Chen
Electrochimica Acta 2014 Volume 137() pp:175-182
Publication Date(Web):10 August 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2014.05.142
•PANi-graphene complexes are synthesized by a reflux method for rapid charge-transfer.•(PANi-G/GO)n multilayer CEs are fabricated by a self-assembly technique.•The charge-transfer ability toward iodide reduction is significantly enhanced.•A power conversion efficiency of 7.88% is measured in an optimal DSSC.•The strategy provides new opportunities for efficient DSSC assembly.In order to enhance the charge-transfer ability, positively charged polyaniline-graphene complexes are synthesized by a reflux method and assembled into multilayers with negatively charged graphene oxide. The counter electrodes from polyaniline-graphene/graphene oxide (PANi-G/GO)n (n represents the bilayer number) multilayers show superior electrocatalytic activity and electrical conductivity because of enormous interface. An impressive power conversion efficiency of 7.88% is recorded from the DSSC employing PANi-G/GO multilayer counter electrode. The multilayer counter electrodes and the resultant DSSCs are thoroughly assessed by electrochemical characterizations. The results are far from optimal but the preliminary photovoltaic performances make the strategy promising in efficient DSSC applications.
Co-reporter:Benlin He, Qunwei Tang, Xin Meng, Liangmin Yu
Electrochimica Acta 2014 Volume 147() pp:209-215
Publication Date(Web):20 November 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2014.09.121
•Co–Pt alloys are synthesized by a mild solution method.•Co–Pt alloys are implanted into PVDF for coating low–Pt CEs.•The DSSC employing PVDF–implanted Co2Pt alloy CE shows an efficiency of 7.61%.•The resultant CEs are stable and robust for efficient DSSC application.Exploration of cost–effective counter electrodes (CEs) with simple technique for large–scale synthesis has been a persistent objective for dye–sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In the current work, binary cobalt–platinum (Co–Pt) alloys are synthesized by a mild solution method and implanted into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) for coating cost–effective CEs. Owing to the excellent adhesiveness of PVDF, Co–Pt alloys are solidly attached on conductive glass substrate. The electrical conduction ability and electrochemical behavior of interconnected Co–Pt channels demonstrate the potential use of PVDF–implanted Co–Pt alloy CE in robust DSSCs. The electrochemical properties as well as photovoltaic performances are optimized by adjusting stoichiometric ratios of Co/Pt. An optimal power conversion efficiency of 7.61% is recorded from DSSC employing PVDF–implanted Co2Pt alloy CE, which is better than 6.02% from expensive Pt CE or 1.45% from PVDF–implanted Co–CE based DSSC. Relatively stabilities in photocurrent and multiple start/stop cycles are determined for the cell with PVDF–implanted Co–Pt alloy CE.Binary Co–Pt alloys are synthesized by a mild solution method and implanted into PVDF for low-cost CE materials in dye-sensitized solar cells. The kinetics for triiodide reduction is significantly accelerated owing to promising charge-transfer ability and electrocatalytic performances, an optimal power conversion efficiency of 7.61% is recorded in PVDF implanted Co2Pt alloy CE based device.
Co-reporter:Peipei Xu, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Qinghua Li, Haiyan Chen
Electrochimica Acta 2014 Volume 134() pp:281-286
Publication Date(Web):10 July 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2014.03.121
•SiO2 incorporated TiO2 crystallites were used for transmission enhanced photoanodes.•Excitation of dye molecules was significantly elevated.•An efficiency of 9.98% was recorded on DSSC from 1 wt% SiO2 incorporated TiO2.Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a promising solution to energy depletion, environmental pollution, and ecological destruction. However, the further elevation of power conversion efficiency is limited by low electron density on conduction band (CB) of TiO2 crystallite, resulting from the low dye-excitation efficiency, recombination of electrons with ions in liquid electrolyte as well as photodegradation of dye molecules. With an aim of enhancing the power conversion efficiency, here we designed SiO2 incorporated TiO2 crystallite photoanode to elevate dye excitation, to suppress the recombination of electron-electrolyte, and to enhance the dye photostability. We found that the highest conversion occurred at 1 wt% SiO2 incorporated TiO2 crystallite-based DSSC, giving an impressive power conversion efficiency of 9.98% (measured under standard AM1.5 test conditions) in comparison with 6.13% from pure TiO2 photoanode-based DSSC. This strategy provides new opportunities for the fabrication of highly efficient DSSCs.
Co-reporter:Qi Qin;Benlin He;Haiyan Chen;Shuangshuang Yuan ;Xin Wang
Journal of Applied Polymer Science 2014 Volume 131( Issue 16) pp:
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/app.40622
ABSTRACT
To enhance anhydrous proton conductivity of high-temperature proton exchange membranes (PEMs), we report here the realization of H3PO4-imbibed three-dimensional (3D) polyacrylamide-graft-starch (PAAm-g-starch) hydrogel materials as high-temperature PEMs using the unique absorption and retention of crosslinked PAAm-g-starch to concentrated H3PO4 aqueous solution. The 3D framework of PAAm-g-starch matrix provides enormous space to keep H3PO4 into the porous structure, which can be controlled by adjusting crosslinking agent and initiator dosages. Results show that the H3PO4 loading and therefore the proton conductivities of the membranes are significantly enhanced by increasing the amount of crosslinking agent and initiator dosages. Proton conductivities as high as 0.109 S cm−1 at 180°C under fully anhydrous state are recorded. The high conductivities at high temperatures in combination with the simple preparation, low cost, and scalable matrices demonstrate the potential use of PAAm-g-starch hydrogel materials in high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40622.
Co-reporter:Xiaoxu Chen, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He
Materials Letters 2014 Volume 119() pp:28-31
Publication Date(Web):15 March 2014
DOI:10.1016/j.matlet.2013.12.094
Co-reporter:Xiaoxu Chen; Qunwei Tang;Dr. Benlin He;Dr. Lin Lin; Liangmin Yu
Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2014 Volume 53( Issue 40) pp:10799-10803
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/anie.201406982
Abstract
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted growing interest because of their application in renewable energy technologies in developing modern low-carbon economies. However, the commercial application of DSSCs has been hindered by the high expenses of platinum (Pt) counter electrodes (CEs). Here we use Pt-free binary Co-Ni alloys synthesized by a mild hydrothermal strategy as CE materials in efficient DSSCs. As a result of the rapid charge transfer, good electrical conduction, and reasonable electrocatalysis, the power conversion efficiencies of Co-Ni-based DSSCs are higher than those of Pt-only CEs, and the fabrication expense is markedly reduced. The DSSCs based on a CoNi0.25 alloy CE displays an impressive power conversion efficiency of 8.39 %, fast start-up, multiple start/stop cycling, and good stability under extended irradiation.
Co-reporter:Yanyan Duan; Qunwei Tang;Juan Liu;Dr. Benlin He ; Liangmin Yu
Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2014 Volume 53( Issue 52) pp:14569-14574
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/anie.201409422
Abstract
The exploration of cost-effective and transparent counter electrodes (CEs) is a persistent objective in the development of bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Transparent counter electrodes based on binary-alloy metal selenides (M-Se; M=Co, Ni, Cu, Fe, Ru) are now obtained by a mild, solution-based method and employed in efficient bifacial DSSCs. Owing to superior charge-transfer ability for the I−/I3− redox couple, electrocatalytic activity toward I3− reduction, and optical transparency, the bifacial DSSCs with CEs consisting of a metal selenide alloy yield front and rear efficiencies of 8.30 % and 4.63 % for Co0.85Se, 7.85 % and 4.37 % for Ni0.85Se, 6.43 % and 4.24 % for Cu0.50Se, 7.64 % and 5.05 % for FeSe, and 9.22 % and 5.90 % for Ru0.33Se in comparison with 6.18 % and 3.56 % for a cell with an electrode based on pristine platinum, respectively. Moreover, fast activity onset, high multiple start/stop capability, and relatively good stability demonstrate that these new electrodes should find applications in solar panels.
Co-reporter:Xiaoxu Chen; Qunwei Tang;Dr. Benlin He;Dr. Lin Lin; Liangmin Yu
Angewandte Chemie 2014 Volume 126( Issue 40) pp:10975-10979
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/ange.201406982
Abstract
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted growing interest because of their application in renewable energy technologies in developing modern low-carbon economies. However, the commercial application of DSSCs has been hindered by the high expenses of platinum (Pt) counter electrodes (CEs). Here we use Pt-free binary Co-Ni alloys synthesized by a mild hydrothermal strategy as CE materials in efficient DSSCs. As a result of the rapid charge transfer, good electrical conduction, and reasonable electrocatalysis, the power conversion efficiencies of Co-Ni-based DSSCs are higher than those of Pt-only CEs, and the fabrication expense is markedly reduced. The DSSCs based on a CoNi0.25 alloy CE displays an impressive power conversion efficiency of 8.39 %, fast start-up, multiple start/stop cycling, and good stability under extended irradiation.
Co-reporter:Yanyan Duan; Qunwei Tang;Juan Liu;Dr. Benlin He ; Liangmin Yu
Angewandte Chemie 2014 Volume 126( Issue 52) pp:14797-14802
Publication Date(Web):
DOI:10.1002/ange.201409422
Abstract
The exploration of cost-effective and transparent counter electrodes (CEs) is a persistent objective in the development of bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Transparent counter electrodes based on binary-alloy metal selenides (M-Se; M=Co, Ni, Cu, Fe, Ru) are now obtained by a mild, solution-based method and employed in efficient bifacial DSSCs. Owing to superior charge-transfer ability for the I−/I3− redox couple, electrocatalytic activity toward I3− reduction, and optical transparency, the bifacial DSSCs with CEs consisting of a metal selenide alloy yield front and rear efficiencies of 8.30 % and 4.63 % for Co0.85Se, 7.85 % and 4.37 % for Ni0.85Se, 6.43 % and 4.24 % for Cu0.50Se, 7.64 % and 5.05 % for FeSe, and 9.22 % and 5.90 % for Ru0.33Se in comparison with 6.18 % and 3.56 % for a cell with an electrode based on pristine platinum, respectively. Moreover, fast activity onset, high multiple start/stop capability, and relatively good stability demonstrate that these new electrodes should find applications in solar panels.
Co-reporter:Lin Lin, Yingchao Yang, Long Men, Xin Wang, Dannong He, Yuchao Chai, Bin Zhao, Soumitra Ghoshroy and Qunwei Tang
Nanoscale 2013 vol. 5(Issue 2) pp:588-593
Publication Date(Web):16 Nov 2012
DOI:10.1039/C2NR33109H
Shell@core-nanostructured TiO2@ZnO n–p–n heterojunction nanorods with diameter of 30 nm were successfully fabricated via a hydrothermal method. The photodegradation rate of the TiO2@ZnO n–p–n nanorods evaluated by photodegrading methyl orange has been demonstrated to increase three times compared to that of wurtzite hexagonal ZnO. Anatase TiO2 and Ti2O3 grow along ZnO crystal lattices, which forms p-type Zn2+ doped Ti2O3 in the interface of TiO2/ZnO and therefore numerous n–p–n heterojunctions owing to the substitution of Ti3+ by Zn2+. Under the drive of inner electric field, the photogenerated electrons are both injected to the conduction band of Zn2+ doped Ti2O3 from conduction bands of ZnO and TiO2, which efficiently enhances the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and accelerates the transport of charges. The results suggest that TiO2@ZnO n–p–n heterojunction nanorods are very promising for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts.
Co-reporter:Qunwei Tang, Shuangshuang Yuan and Hongyuan Cai
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2013 vol. 1(Issue 3) pp:630-636
Publication Date(Web):22 Oct 2012
DOI:10.1039/C2TA00116K
To enhance the H3PO4 loading and therefore proton conductivity, freeze-dried microporous polyacrylamide (PAM) was doped with a highly concentrated H3PO4 aqueous solution, leading to high percentages of cages of H3PO4 in the PAM membranes for potential use in high-temperature proton exchange membranes (PEMs). A H3PO4 fraction of 92.0 wt% and a proton conductivity as high as 0.132 S cm−1 at 183 °C were obtained. The H3PO4 loading by microporous PAM membranes obeys a Fickian diffusion process. Protons migrate along the channels from the H3PO4 bonded PAM framework or PO⋯H–O hydrogen bonds of H3PO4 molecules according to the Grotthuss mechanism. This new concept, in combination with high conductivity, good H3PO4 retention and simple-synthesis, opens a new approach to high-temperature PEMs.
Co-reporter:Qunwei Tang, Jing Wang, Benlin He, Peizhi Yang
Nano Energy (March 2017) Volume 33() pp:
Publication Date(Web):March 2017
DOI:10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.01.047
•All-weather dye-sensitized solar cells are realized.•Long persistence phosphors are used to store solar energy and release at dark.•A photoelectric conversion efficiency at dark is as high as 26.69%.•The all-weather solar cells are promising for future power generation devices.Energy harvest requirements for future photovoltaic devices include high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and persistent power-generation in all weathers. To address this issue, we present here all-weather dye-sensitized solar cells that can generate electricity in the daytime and in the dark by incorporating long persistence phosphors (LPPs) into mesoscopic TiO2 (m-TiO2) photoanodes. When suffered simulated sunlight (air mass 1.5, 100 mW cm−2) illumination, the all-weather solar cell having fluorescent-emitting m-TiO2/LPP photoanode yields a maximal photoelectric conversion efficiency of 10.08%. The unabsorbed red and infrared light across dye-sensitized m-TiO2 layer is stored in LPP phosphors, and is subsequently converted into monochromatic fluorescence for persistent dye illumination at dark conditions, yielding a maximized photoelectric conversion efficiency up to 26.69% as well as duration lasting for several hours.Dye-sensitized solar cells that can generate electricity in the daytime and dark are fabricated by combining long persistence phosphors with mesoscopic TiO2 photoanodes.
Co-reporter:Qunwei Tang, Min Wang, Zhongling Wang, Weiyin Sun and Ruoxu Shang
Chemical Communications 2017 - vol. 53(Issue 35) pp:NaN4817-4817
Publication Date(Web):2017/03/31
DOI:10.1039/C7CC00929A
An all-weather quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell is built using a long persistence phosphor tailored mesoscopic TiO2 photoanode and a three-dimensional conducting polymer gel electrolyte. The so-called all-weather solar cell yields a maximum efficiency of 28.7% in the dark, making a promising photovoltaic revolutionary for state-of-the-art photovoltaics.
Co-reporter:Yuanyuan Zhao, Qunwei Tang, Peizhi Yang and Benlin He
Chemical Communications 2017 - vol. 53(Issue 31) pp:NaN4326-4326
Publication Date(Web):2017/03/27
DOI:10.1039/C7CC01249G
We report here robust electrocatalysts from metal doped W18O49 nanofibers (NFs) for high-efficiency hydrogen evolution. By tuning Pd dosages, the optimal 5 at% Pd doped W18O49 NFs yield an onset overpotential of only 65 mV and exchange current densities up to 2.36 × 10−3 mA cm−2. Moreover, the resultant electrocatalyst is relatively stable during persistent operation.
Co-reporter:Qunwei Tang, Shuangshuang Yuan and Hongyuan Cai
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2013 - vol. 1(Issue 3) pp:NaN636-636
Publication Date(Web):2012/10/22
DOI:10.1039/C2TA00116K
To enhance the H3PO4 loading and therefore proton conductivity, freeze-dried microporous polyacrylamide (PAM) was doped with a highly concentrated H3PO4 aqueous solution, leading to high percentages of cages of H3PO4 in the PAM membranes for potential use in high-temperature proton exchange membranes (PEMs). A H3PO4 fraction of 92.0 wt% and a proton conductivity as high as 0.132 S cm−1 at 183 °C were obtained. The H3PO4 loading by microporous PAM membranes obeys a Fickian diffusion process. Protons migrate along the channels from the H3PO4 bonded PAM framework or PO⋯H–O hydrogen bonds of H3PO4 molecules according to the Grotthuss mechanism. This new concept, in combination with high conductivity, good H3PO4 retention and simple-synthesis, opens a new approach to high-temperature PEMs.
Co-reporter:Qunwei Tang and Peizhi Yang
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2016 - vol. 4(Issue 25) pp:NaN9738-9738
Publication Date(Web):2016/05/23
DOI:10.1039/C6TA03107B
With the abundance of traditional energy conversion devices such as solar cells, fuel cells, lithium batteries and supercapacitors, the integration of graphene with water is an increasingly used method for promising electricity generation (including current, voltage, and power) in the last few years. We present here a review on the significant advances in tailored graphene-based materials for unprecedented power generation by flowing, raining, waving, or penetrating water. This article highlights the potential principles behind the electric signals to guide the design and synthesis of graphene-based systems for emerging power generation methods. Use of the peculiar performances of creating electric signals, the methodologies of constructing advanced devices using these graphene-based electrodes for real applications and identification of the challenges facing the water-enabled graphene for electricity generation are also discussed.
Co-reporter:Hongyan Li, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He and Peizhi Yang
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2016 - vol. 4(Issue 17) pp:NaN6520-6520
Publication Date(Web):2016/03/09
DOI:10.1039/C6TA00785F
A prerequisite for creating green hydrogen energy is to develop cost-effective electrocatalysts with reduced overpotentials, increased current density, and therefore enhanced catalytic activity toward water splitting. We present here the fabrication of an alloyed Pt–Ru–M (M = Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Mo)-decorated titanium mesh by a simple electrodeposition technique. The resultant electrocatalysts were thoroughly characterized and evaluated by catalyzing seawater splitting. The preliminary results demonstrate that the titanium-mesh-supported Pt–Ru–M electrodes have markedly enhanced catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction in comparison to the corresponding Pt or Pt–Ru electrode, arising from the alloying effects between the transition metals and Pt species. Moreover, the resultant Pt–Ru–Mo alloy electrodes show remarkable stability over 172 h of operation, suggesting their promise for use in practical applications.
Co-reporter:Xiaopeng Wang, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He, Ru Li and Liangmin Yu
Chemical Communications 2015 - vol. 51(Issue 3) pp:NaN494-494
Publication Date(Web):2014/11/05
DOI:10.1039/C4CC07549H
We report the feasibility of assembling rear-irradiated flexible dye-sensitized solar cells employing a transparent Ni–Se alloy counter electrode along with a groove stored TiO2 and liquid electrolyte. The flexible device with the NiSe counter electrode and anode at a groove depth of 36 μm yielded a maximum efficiency of 7.35%.
Co-reporter:Junxia Yang, Qunwei Tang, Qi Meng, Zhifang Zhang, Jinyu Li, Benlin He and Peizhi Yang
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2017 - vol. 5(Issue 5) pp:NaN2150-2150
Publication Date(Web):2016/12/21
DOI:10.1039/C6TA09261F
Since the birth of solar cells, photovoltaic devices have experienced persistent breakthroughs in either crucial materials or technologies. However, the ability for power generation is only limited under sunlight illumination, i.e., all state-of-the-art solar cells can realize high-efficiency electricity outputs on sunny days. The power conversion efficiencies are zero at nights because of relatively low visible-light intensity. We present here a simple hydrothermal conversion from strawberry powders to carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for all-weather solar cell applications. Using green-emitting long persistence phosphors (LPPs) as light placeholders, the unabsorbed light ranging from visible to infrared light across CQD sensitized mesoscopic titanium dioxide (m-TiO2) can be converted into green fluorescence, allowing for persistent CQD irradiation and therefore electricity generation at nights.
Co-reporter:Jialong Duan, Jing Wang, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He and Wei Wang
Chemical Communications 2017 - vol. 53(Issue 22) pp:NaN3212-3212
Publication Date(Web):2017/02/20
DOI:10.1039/C7CC00537G
We present here a rational design and fabrication for all-weather dye-sensitized solar cells tailored with long-persistence phosphor materials, yielding a maximized photoelectric conversion efficiency of 8.86% under simulated sunlight and up to 26% in the dark.
Co-reporter:Qunwei Tang, Lei Zhang, Benlin He, Liangmin Yu and Peizhi Yang
Chemical Communications 2016 - vol. 52(Issue 17) pp:NaN3531-3531
Publication Date(Web):2016/01/22
DOI:10.1039/C5CC10105K
We present here the realization of cylindrical dye-sensitized solar cells composed of Ti wire supported TiO2 nanotube anodes and transparent metal selenide counter electrodes. The optimized device yields a high efficiency of 6.63%, good stability over time, and identical efficiency output at arbitrary incident angles.
Co-reporter:Xiaoxu Chen, Qunwei Tang, Zhiyuan Zhao, Xinghui Wang, Benlin He and Liangmin Yu
Chemical Communications 2015 - vol. 51(Issue 10) pp:NaN1948-1948
Publication Date(Web):2014/12/11
DOI:10.1039/C4CC09083G
We present here the feasibility of growing well-aligned TiO2 nanorod arrays by a dc reactive magnetron sputtering strategy for flexible dye-sensitized solar cells. These flexible devices yield an efficiency of 5.3% in comparison to 1.2% from traditional TiO2 nanoparticles by a low-temperature technique.
Co-reporter:Yue Zhang, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He and Peizhi Yang
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2016 - vol. 4(Issue 34) pp:NaN13241-13241
Publication Date(Web):2016/07/28
DOI:10.1039/C6TA05276B
Future solar cells are expected to generate electricity under all weather conditions. To address this profound issue, we take the first step to produce solar cells that can generate electricity under both rainy and sunny conditions. In the current study, a bifunctional solar cell realizing photoelectric conversion under solar irradiation along with the electric signals by dropping raindrops was produced by integrating a monolayer graphene with a solar cell, yielding a maximal photoelectric conversion efficiency of 7.69% under AM1.5 irradiation as well as a current of 0.66 μA per raindrop and a voltage of 61.8 μV per raindrop by simulated raindrops. Owing to the optical loss across the monolayer graphene, the solar cell architecture was optimized, yielding a solar cell efficiency of 9.14% as well as a current of a few microamps per raindrop and a voltage of tens of microvolts per raindrop. Moreover, the newly launched solar cell has good stability under the persistent dropping of simulated rain. The current work can also extend our knowledge of advanced all-weather solar cells.
Co-reporter:Yanyan Duan, Qunwei Tang, Yuran Chen, Zhiyuan Zhao, Yang Lv, Mengjin Hou, Peizhi Yang, Benlin He and Liangmin Yu
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2015 - vol. 3(Issue 10) pp:NaN5374-5374
Publication Date(Web):2015/01/22
DOI:10.1039/C4TA06393G
The pursuit of cost-effective and efficient solid-state electrolytes is a persistent objective for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, we present the experimental design of iodide/triiodide (I−/I3−)-incorporated poly(ethylene oxide)/polyaniline (PEO/PANi) solid-state electrolytes, aiming at expanding the catalytic event of I3− reduction from the electrolyte/counter electrode interface to both the interface and electrolyte system and shortening the charge diffusion path length. Except for I− species, the conjugated PANi is also responsible for dye regeneration and hole transfer to the counter electrode. A DSSC with (I−/I3−)-incorporated PEO/1.0 wt% PANi electrolyte yields a maximum efficiency of 6.1% in comparison with 0.8% obtained from a PANi-free electrolyte-based solar cell and 0.1% for a PANi-based solar cell.
Co-reporter:Jialong Duan, Huihui Zhang, Qunwei Tang, Benlin He and Liangmin Yu
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2015 - vol. 3(Issue 34) pp:NaN17510-17510
Publication Date(Web):2015/07/02
DOI:10.1039/C5TA03280F
Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs) present promising cost-effective alternatives to conventional silicon solar cells due to their distinctive properties such as simplicity in fabrication, possibility to realize light absorption in wide solar spectrum regions, and theoretical conversion efficiency up to 44%. This review highlights recent developments in critical materials including quantum dots, photoanodes, counter electrodes (CEs), and electrolytes for QDSC applications. Among them, electron recombination at the photoanode/electrolyte interface limits the evolution of high-efficiency QDSCs, therefore the optimized construction of quantum dots, the various microtopographies of wide bandgap semiconductors (TiO2, ZnO) as well as emerging CEs having good electrocatalytic activity are elaborated in this paper. We argue that these key factors can provide design guidelines for future successful applications and significantly promote the development of QDSCs. Liquid, quasi-solid-state, and solid-state electrolytes for QDSCs are summarized, aiming at enhancing the long-term stability of QDSCs. This review presented below gives a succinct summary of materials for QDSC applications, with a conclusion and future prospects section.
Co-reporter:Yanyan Duan, Qunwei Tang, Zihan Chen, Benlin He and Haiyan Chen
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 2014 - vol. 2(Issue 31) pp:NaN12465-12465
Publication Date(Web):2014/06/13
DOI:10.1039/C4TA02312A
Dye illumination is a core factor in enhancing the electron density in the conduction band of TiO2 nanocrystallites and therefore also affects the power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We investigated the use of anodes composed of TiO2/GeO2 nanocrystallites in DSSCs with the aim of increasing the power conversion efficiency. The interference effects from light reflected from the TiO2/GeO2 and GeO2/electrolyte interfaces significantly enhanced the intensity of the light used to illuminate the dye. We found an optimum power conversion efficiency of 7.91% (measured under standard AM 1.5 test conditions) in the DSSC using TiO2/0.5 wt% GeO2 nanocrystallites compared with 6.05% in a DSSC based on pure TiO2, an efficiency enhancement of 30.7%. This strategy provides a new opportunity for the fabrication of highly efficient DSSCs and the efficiency could be further improved using scalable techniques and components.
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