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Formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) perovskite without methylammonium and/or Cs cations is considered the most promising candidate for perovskite photovoltaics. However, the crystallization of photoactive α‐FAPbI3 requires high‐temperature annealing (≥150 °C) and a controlled humidity environment when methylammonium‐containing additives are absent. A methylammonium‐free ink is reported that enables low‐temperature (≤80 °C) crystallization of photoactive α‐FAPbI3 films, while also demonstrating compatibility with blade‐coating large‐area films in ambient air. The synergistical effects of methylphenyl sulfoxide and PbCl2 facilitate the formation of an intermediate phase of nanoscale‐disordered δ‐FAPbI3, which dramatically reduces the crystallization temperature of α‐FAPbI3 down to 80 °C and even below. The 80 °C crystalized α‐FAPbI3 exhibits reduced strain and improved uniformity compared to high‐temperature annealed counterparts. The synthesized ink and the corresponding intermediate precursor film are also found remarkably stable, allowing open‐air processing without the need for humidity control. Highly efficient n–i–p structured α‐FAPbI3 minimodules can be fabricated under an ambient environment RH 50% with the ink at 80 °C, achieving a power conversion efficiency of up to 22.4%. The discovery of the low‐temperature FAPbI3 ink paves a new avenue for printing perovskite solar cells and associated optoelectronic applications, accelerating the commercialization progress of perovskite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for measuring light absorption using photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS) is investigated. Typical reflectance and transmittance (R & T) absorption measurements have low spectral resolution (SR) with standard setups. It is believed that absorption measurements using PDS solve this problem because of its high sensitivity, even at a high SR. However, accurate absorption measurements have not been obtained using conventional PDS. The reflectance of the sample must be considered in the absorptance calculations. Various absorption measurement methods are compared and a novel calculation method for accurate PDS absorption measurements is proposed. A sample with quantum structures is fabricated and PDS measurements are performed. Exciton absorption peaks are also observed. The high SR of PDS is demonstrated and the measured exciton absorption peaks are confirmed using piezoelectric photothermal measurements. Furthermore, it is confirmed that the absolute values of absorptance derived from the R & T and PDS measurements agree well. The new PDS absorption measurement technique enables to obtain accurate absorption characteristics, which are indispensable for designing and optimizing optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since January 2024 are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its growing popularity as a solar material, there is no comprehensive reference to aid with determining various polymorphs of copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) in the lab. Understanding the diverse electronic, optical and vibrational properties of these polymorphs is crucial to further enhance the conversion efficiency of CZTS solar cells. Here, findings are presented that suggest the effective hole mass in a monoclinic polymorph, that is likely to form along with the more commonly reported tetragonal variations, is about 10 times heavier than that of its tetragonal counterparts, thereby affecting key attributes such as carrier transport and concentration. Among tetragonal polymorphs, the so‐called primitive mixed CuAu (PMCA) arrangement is likely to undergo a direct‐indirect gap transition due to internal strains. Optical absorption between different polymorphs could also vary by up to 90% in the visible spectrum. Finally, accurate Raman footprint of each polymorph is predicted to help establish a definitive method for their detection. From a modeling perspective, Becke‐Lee‐Yang‐Parr with spin‐orbit coupling is shown to be a superior yet 100X faster alternative to hybrid functionals when applied to studying electronic structure of CZTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidimensional simulations for diverse solar cells often encounter distinctive configurations, even when employing the same simulation software. The complexity and inefficiency of this process are further exacerbated when employing different simulators. From our extensive decade‐long experience in numerical simulations of diverse solar cells, we have identified ten common simulation steps intrinsic to typical electrical and optical simulations. Subsequently, we propose ten sets of variables that encompass all the relevant details required for these steps. To address the challenge of varying information requirements for each variable across different simulations, we assign a list, a versatile data type, to each variable. This approach, by design, enables concise, coherent, and flexible input, accommodating the unique demands of each simulation. However, to ensure unambiguous simulations, precise specifications for these variables are essential. Computer code has been successfully implemented to ensure adherence to specifications and expedite variable synchronization with Sentaurus, the de facto standard for device simulation. Within this framework, users are only tasked with editing variables in a plain text file, obviating the need for in‐depth knowledge of Sentaurus. This streamlines the prerequisites for engaging in numerical simulation significantly. Through thoughtful design considerations, we preserve the simulation capacity while simultaneously enhancing productivity considerably. This open‐source framework welcomes global collaboration within the photovoltaic community and has the potential to generate an extensive dataset for cost‐effective artificial intelligence training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kesterite is an earth‐abundant energy material with high predicted power conversion efficiency, making it a sustainable and promising option for photovoltaics. However, a large open circuit voltage Voc deficit due to non‐radiative recombination at intrinsic defects remains a major hurdle, limiting device performance. Incorporating Ge into the kesterite structure emerges as an effective approach for enhancing performance by manipulating defects and morphology. Herein, how different amounts of Ge affect the kesterite growth pathways through the combination of advanced microscopy characterization techniques are systematically investigated. The results demonstrate the significance of incorporating Ge during the selenization process of the CZTSSe thin film. At high temperature, the Ge incorporation effectively delays the selenization process due to the formation of a ZnSe layer on top of the metal alloys through decomposition of the Cu‐Zn alloy and formation of Cu‐Sn alloy, subsequently forming of Cu‐Sn‐Se phase. Such an effect is compounded by more Ge incorporation that further postpones kesterite formation. Furthermore, introducing Ge mitigates detrimental "horizontal" grain boundaries by increasing the grain size on upper layer. The Ge incorporation strategy discussed in this study holds great promise for improving device performance and grain quality in CZTSSe and other polycrystalline chalcogenide solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oleanolic acid (OA) is a pentacyclic triterpene with reported protective effects against various diseases, including diabetes, hepatitis, and different cancers. However, the effects of OA on obesity‐induced muscle atrophy remain largely unknown. This study investigated the effects of OA on skeletal muscle production and proliferation of C2C12 cells. We report that OA significantly increased skeletal muscle mass and improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. OA inhibited dexamethasone (Dex)‐induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 myoblasts by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In addition, it also inhibited expression of MuRF1 and Atrogin1 genes in skeletal muscle of obese mice suffering from muscle atrophy, and increased the activation of PI3K and Akt, thereby promoting protein synthesis, and eventually alleviating muscle atrophy. Taken together, these findings suggest OA may have potential for the prevention and treatment of muscle atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Exercise can reduce body weight and promote white fat browning, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study investigated the role of fibronectin type III domain‐containing protein 5 (FNDC5)/Irisin, a hormone released from exercising muscle, in the browning of white fat in circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs). Methods: Mice were subjected to a 4 weeks of running table exercise, and fat browning was analyzed via histology, protein blotting and qPCR. Circulating EVs were extracted by ultrahigh‐speed centrifugation, and ELISA was used to measure the irisin concentration in the circulating EVs. Circulating EVs that differentially expressed irisin were applied to adipocytes, and the effect of EV‐irisin on adipocyte energy metabolism was analyzed by immunofluorescence, protein blotting, and cellular oxygen consumption rate analysis. Results: During sustained exercise, the mice lost weight and developed fat browning. FNDC5 was induced, cleaved, and secreted into irisin, and irisin levels subsequently increased in the plasma during exercise. Interestingly, irisin was highly expressed in circulating EVs that effectively promoted adipose browning. Mechanistically, the circulating EV‐irisin complex is transported intracellularly by the adipocyte membrane receptor integrin αV, which in turn activates the AMPK signaling pathway, which is dependent on mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 to cause mitochondrial plasmonic leakage and promote heat production. After inhibition of the AMPK signaling pathway, the effects of the EV‐irisin on promoting fat browning were minimal. Conclusion: Exercise leads to the accumulation of circulating EV‐irisin, which enhances adipose energy metabolism and thermogenesis and promotes white fat browning in mice, leading to weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly[bis(4‐phenyl)(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amine (PTAA) is one of the most efficient hole transport materials for p–i–n structured perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the hydrophobicity of PTAA causes wettability problems and is thereby associated with low yield and poor reproducibility. Herein, a new strategy for improving the perovskite precursor wettability on PTAA is developed. A Cu2(Thiourea)Br2 complex interfacial layer is introduced on the PTAA, improving the coverage of perovskite precursors and thereby the perovskite film. Partially dissolved Cu2(Thiourea)Br2 in the perovskite absorber further enhances band alignment and carrier extraction between layers. With the addition of Cu2(Thiourea)Br2 layer on nondoped PTAA, PSCs in p–i–n structure with a bandgap of 1.63 eV have achieved over 21% efficiency both on 0.1 and 1.0 cm2 sized devices with a significantly improved yield and reproducibility. Unencapsulated devices retain 100% of their initial efficiency after 2000 h at 65 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human skin comprises multiple hierarchical layers that perform various functions such as protection, sensing, and structural support. Developing electronic skin (E‐skin) with similar properties has broad implications in health monitoring, prosthetics, and soft robotics. While previous efforts have predominantly concentrated on sensory capabilities, this study introduces a hierarchical polymer system that not only structurally resembles the epidermis‐dermis bilayer structure of skin but also encompasses sensing functions. The system comprises a polymeric hydrogel, representing the "dermis", and a superimposed nanoporous polymer film, forming the "epidermis". Within the film, interconnected nanoparticles mimic the arrangement of interlocked corneocytes within the epidermis. The fabrication process employs a robust in situ interfacial precipitation polymerization of specific water‐soluble monomers that become insoluble during polymerization. This process yields a hybrid layer establishing a durable interface between the film and hydrogel. Beyond the structural mimicry, this hierarchical structure offers functionalities resembling human skin, which includes (1) water loss protection of hydrogel by tailoring the hydrophobicity of the upper polymer film; (2) tactile sensing capability via self‐powered triboelectric nanogenerators; (3) built‐in gold nanowire‐based resistive sensor toward temperature and pressure sensing. This hierarchical polymeric approach represents a potent strategy to replicate both the structure and functions of human skin in synthetic designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organic spacer cation plays a crucial role in determining the exciton fine structure in 2D perovskites. Here, magneto‐optical spectroscopy is used to gain insight into the influence of the organic spacer on dark excitons in Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskites. Using modest magnetic field strengths (<1.5 T), the optically forbidden dark exciton state can be identified and its emission properties significantly modulated via application of in‐plane magnetic fields, up to temperatures of 15 K. At low temperatures, an increase in collected photoluminescence efficiency of >30% is demonstrated, signifying the critical role of the dark exciton state for light‐emitting applications of 2D perovskites. The exciton fine structure and the degree of magnetic‐field‐induced mixing are significantly impacted by the choice of organic spacer cation, with 4–methoxyphenylethylammonium (MeO‐PEA) showing the largest effect due to larger bright–dark exciton splitting. This study distinguishes between interior (bulk) and surface dark‐exciton emission, showing that bright–dark exciton splitting differs between the interior and surface. The results emphasize the significance of the organic spacer cation in controlling the exciton fine structure in 2D perovskites and have important implications for the development of optoelectronic technology based on 2D perovskites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tandem solar cells are rationally designed and fabricated by stacking multiple subcells to achieve power conversion efficiency well above the Shockley‐Queisser (SQ) limit. There is a large selection pool for the subcell candidates, such as Si, III–V, Kesterite, Perovskite, and organic solar cells. A series of different combinations of these subcells have been successfully demonstrated in practical tandem solar cell devices. However, there has not been a systematic summary of how to connect subcells in a tandem solar cell using a practical, cost‐effective, and efficiency‐beneficial fashion. In this work, the connection manners of subcells within a tandem cell are classified into three main categories, performing sequential growth, using the physical connection, and applying an intermediate layer, focusing on systematical description of intermediate layers using different materials. The advantages and disadvantages of these connection methods and their applicability to tandem cell types are further elaborated using two typical example models, III–V/Si and Perovskite inclusive tandem cell devices. Eventually, this work can provide useful guidance on how to carry out a suitable intermediate connection in the design of tandem solar cells depending on the selected subcells and device structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined and new entries since July 2023 are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the levels of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and Klotho, and to study their relationship with girls with rapidly progressive central precocious puberty (RP-CPP). This is a cross-sectional study on the progression rate of central precocious puberty in girls, who complained of breast development before the age of 8 years and were followed between June 2021 and June 2022. At the same time, 28 healthy girls less than 8 years old who had not started puberty were recruited as the control group. The physical examination and laboratory evaluation of each group was completed. Only patients with CPP received pelvic ultrasound examination and bone age test. Bone age index (BAI), basal LH levels (BLH), basal LH levels/basal FSH levels (BFSH), peak LH (PLH)/peak FSH (PFSH), IGF-1, Klotho, FGF23, and ovarian volume in the RP-CPP group were higher than those in slowly progressive CPP (SP-CPP) group. In the RP-CPP group, IGF-1 was correlated with Klotho, FGF23, and BLH; Klotho was correlated with FGF23 and BLH; FGF23 was correlated with BLH. Conclusion: The BLH, FGF23, Klotho, and IGF-1 have a certain correlation with RP-CPP, which may play an important role in the speed of girls' sexual development. What is Known: • The association between IGF-1 and RP-CPP. What is New: • We found the association between FGF23, Klotho and RP-CPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since January 2023 are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intraseasonal oscillations (30–100 days, ISO) in the MLT (mesosphere and lower thermosphere) horizontal wind are investigated based on observations from the Mengcheng meteor radar. There is a clear seasonal variation in ISO in the horizontal wind at 80 km, which is strongest during the winter and weakest during the summer. At 100 km, ISO occurs throughout most of the year except winter, and there are significant differences in periods and amplitudes from year to year. From 2015 to 2016, ISOs with periods of 40–60 days were present in the 100 km horizontal wind, whereas none were simultaneously observed in the 80 km horizontal wind. Cross wavelets were used to study the relationship between ISO in the MLT region and ISO in the lower atmosphere. Some of the ISO activity is linked to tropospheric tropical convective activity, but the ISO connections with that in tropospheric convection are not consistent in the upper mesosphere and in the lower thermosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a common chronic metabolic disease that induces chronic systemic inflammation in the body, eventually leading to related complications such as insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndromes such as cardiovascular disease. Exosomes transfer bioactive substances to neighboring or distal cells through autosomal, paracrine, or distant secretion, regulating the gene and protein expression levels of receptor cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes (BMSC‐Exos) on high‐fat diet obese mice and mature 3T3‐L1 adipocyte models of IR. BMSC‐Exo treatment of obese mice promoted their metabolic homeostasis, including reduction of obesity, inhibition of M1‐type proinflammatory factor expression, and improvement of insulin sensitivity. In vitro analysis revealed that BMSC‐Exos improved IR and lipid droplet accumulation in mature 3T3‐L1 adipocytes treated with palmitate (PA). Mechanistically, BMSC‐Exos cause increased glucose uptake and improved IR in high‐fat chow‐fed mice and PA‐acting 3T3‐L1 adipocytes by activating the phosphoinositide 3‐kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway and upregulating glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT4) expression. This study offers a new perspective for the development of treatments for IR in obese and diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We developed the DAS–ELISA to investigate the infection and prevalence of GyH1 in chickens and wild birds in China. We found that natural GyH1 infections were widespread in chickens and wild birds. Importantly, young chickens are more susceptible to GyH1, and local chicken species in China are genetically resistant to GyH1. In particular, we found a significantly higher GyH1–positive rate in wild birds than in chickens, implying that there may be a risk of GyH1 transmission from wild birds to chickens. Gyrovirus homsa1 (GyH1) is an emerging pathogenic single–stranded circular DNA virus that leads to immunosuppression, aplastic anemia, and multisystem damage in chickens. However, the prevalence of GyH1 infection in chickens and wild birds remains unknown. Here, we developed a double–antibody sandwich enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay (DAS–ELISA) to investigate GyH1 infection in 8 chicken species and 25 wild bird species. A total of 2258 serum samples from chickens (n = 2192) in 15 provinces, and wild birds (n = 66) in Jinan Wildlife Hospital were collected from 2017 to 2021 in China. The GyH1–positive rates in chickens and wild birds were 9.3% (203/2192) and 22.7% (15/66), respectively. GyH1 was present in all flocks in 15 provinces. From 2017 to 2021, the positive rate ranged from 7.93% (18/227) to 10.67% (56/525), and the highest positive rate was present in 2019. Upon chicken age, the highest positive rate (25.5%) was present in young chickens (14–35 days old). Moreover, the GyH1–positive rate in broiler breeders (12.6%, 21/167) was significantly higher than that in layer chickens (8.9%, 14/157). This study shows that GyH1 has spread in chicken flocks and wild birds, and the higher GyH1–positive rate in wild birds indicates the risk of spillover from wild birds to chickens. Our study expanded the GyH1 epidemiological aspects and provided a theoretical basis for GyH1 prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible photovoltaics have been and will be increasingly in demand in modern and future society in various applications. Searching for ideal flexible photovoltaic technologies that can perfectly meet these expanding demands has long been an active branch of photovoltaic research. Flexible kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) has emerged in recent years owning to its great potential to be an abundant, low-cost, stable, and high-efficiency 'green' photovoltaic material that can be widely deployed with the lowest detrimental environmental impact. Here, we review the recent progress with flexible kesterite solar cells in thin-film and monograin technologies, discuss the key challenges and strategies associated with the flexible substrates, and finally provide the future perspectives on further pushing the efficiency toward commercial-competitive levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The all-sky meteor radar is an important means to detect 70–110 km wind fields. Previous studies have shown that the wind field retrieved by all-sky meteor radars is closely related to the meteor count detected by the radar. However, the precision of the wind field is still unclear. In this paper, the influence of the meteor counts detected by two all-sky meteor radars operating simultaneously at Kunming station on wind fields is analyzed based on the observations of the two radars from 1 November 2013 to 31 December 2014. First, the meteor counts detected by the two meteor radars are approximately 100–3000 per hour, and the meteor count detected by the 37.5 MHz meteor radar is more than that according to the 53.1 MHz meteor radar. The meteor counts detected by the two radars vary with the local time and altitude. The meteor counts detected from 20 UTC to 02 UTC are the largest in the altitude range of 84–92 km, while the meteor counts detected from 09 UTC to 15 UTC are the lowest at other altitudes. Second, the more meteors detected by the two radars, the smaller the wind field differences retrieved by the two radars, and the closer the wind fields are to the real average wind field. Third, because the performance of the two radars is basically identical, except that the meteor counts detected by the two radars are different due to their different operating frequencies, the meteor count is the main system error of the wind fields retrieved, and the errors can be determined by the correlation coefficients of the wind fields retrieved by the two radars. Finally, in the altitude range of 76–100 km, the mean wind field differences of the two radars are less than 5 m/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) with earth‐abundant and environmental‐benign constituents has been regarded as a promising solar energy harvesting material for green and cost‐effective photovoltaic applications. The record efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells has recently been refreshed twice after years‐long stagnation, keeping it in the spotlight. Nevertheless, the champion efficiency of 13.6% is still far behind its counterpart Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) (23.35%) despite being endowed with a similar electronic structure and nearly‐identical device architecture. In fact, CZTSSe solar cells are more susceptible to non‐radiative recombination at bulk and interfaces, which must be improved for further efficiency advancement. In this review, the state‐of‐art strategies to enhance the power conversion efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells are summarized and discussed, with focus given to three critical device regions i) kesterite absorber, ii) buffer/kesterite interface, and iii) kesterite/back contact interface. With the further elucidation of the latest progress and disclosure of fundamental mechanisms, novel insights toward high‐efficiency kesterite solar cells are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiro-OMeTAD, one of the most widely used hole-transport materials (HTMs) in optoelectronic devices, typically requires chemical doping with a lithium compound (LiTFSI) to attain sufficient conductivity and efficient hole extraction. However, the doping step requires an activation process that comprises exposure of the blend films to an ambient atmosphere. Additionally, the lithium dopant induces crystallization, and its hygroscopic nature negatively impacts device performance and lifetime. Here we report a facile approach based on the incorporation of a low-cost alkylthiol additive (1-dodecanethiol, DDT) in the spiro-OMeTAD HTM. We discover that DDT provides a more efficient and controllable doping process with significantly reduced doping duration, enabling the HTM to achieve comparable performance before air activation. The coordination between DDT and LiTFSI increases the concentration of dopants in the HTM bulk, reduces their accumulation at interfaces, and enhances the structural integrity of the HTM under wetting, heat and light stress. We fabricate perovskite solar cells using DDT-treated spiro-OMeTAD as the HTM. Our best devices exhibit a certified power conversion efficiency of 23.1%. Furthermore, the devices can retain 90% of peak performance under continuous illumination for 1,000 h. Our findings represent an important step forward in the production of doped spiro-OMeTAD, as well as its reliable application and future device commercialization. The addition of DDT to the spiro-OMeTAD hole transport material enhances the stability of perovskite solar cells to humidity, heat and illumination stress. Fabricated devices exhibit a champion certified power conversion efficiency of 23.1%. Also, the devices could retain 90% of the initial efficiency after 1,000 h of continuous illumination, 97% under moisture stress for 530 h and 91% under 144 h of heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin film solar cells have been regarded as one of the most promising thin film photovoltaic technologies, offering a low-cost and environmentally friendly solar energy option. Although remarkable advances have been achieved in kesterite solar cells, the performance gap relative to mature thin film photovoltaic technologies such as CIGSe and CdTe remains large. Significant open-circuit voltage (VOC) deficit has been recognized as the main limiting factor to performance improvement, with undesirable intrinsic defects being a key culprit contributing to the low VOC. To realize the promise inherent in kesterite CZTS to become an earth-abundant alternative to existing thin film photovoltaic technologies with comparable performance, significant research effort has been invested to tackle the challenging defect issues. In this review, recent progress and achievements relevant to engineering improvements to the defect properties of the semiconductor have been examined and summarized. Promising strategies include: (i) manipulating the synthesis process to obtain a desirable reaction pathway and chemical environment; (ii) introducing cation substitution to increase the ionic size difference and supress the related band tailing deep-level defects; (iii) applying post deposition treatment (PDT) with alkaline elements to passivate the detrimental defects. These advances obtained from work on kesterite solar cells may lead to future high performance from this material and may be further extended to other earth-abundant chalcogenide photovoltaic technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since July 2022 are reviewed. Graphs showing progress with each cell technology over the 30‐year history of the tables are also included plus an updated list of designated test centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth‐abundant and air‐stable Cu2BaSnS4−xSex (CBTSSe) and related thin‐film absorbers are regarded as prospective options to meet the increasing demand for low‐cost solar cell deployment. Devices based on vacuum‐deposited CBTSSe absorbers have achieved record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.2% based on a conventional device structure using CdS buffer and i‐ZnO/indium tin oxide (ITO) window layers, with open‐circuit voltage (VOC) posing the major bottleneck for improving solar cell performance. The current study demonstrates a >20% improvement in VOC (from 0.62 to 0.75 V) and corresponding enhancement in PCE (from 5.1% to 6.2% without antireflection coating; to 6.5% with MgF2 antireflection coating) for solution‐deposited CBTSSe solar cells. This performance improvement is realized by introducing an alternative successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction‐deposited Zn1−xCdxS buffer combined with sputtered Zn1−xMgxO/Al‐doped ZnO window/top contact layer, which offers lower electron affinities relative to the conventional CdS/i‐ZnO/ITO stack and better matching with the low electron affinity of CBTSSe. A combined experimental (temperature‐ and light intensity‐dependent VOC measurements) and device simulation (SCAPS‐1D) evaluation points to the importance of addressing relative band offsets for both the buffer and window layers relative to the absorber in mitigating interfacial recombination and optimizing CBTSSe solar cell performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effectively incorporating alkali metals or alternative isovalent cations into Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is considered one of the most promising strategies for realizing a step‐change improvement in the photovoltaic device performance. Herein, the local distribution of Na and Cd by a moisture‐assisted postdeposition annealing (MAPDA) treatment combined with a subsequent heterojunction heat treatment is manipulated. The MAPDA treatment facilitates the controllable reduction of the Na concentration, thus promoting the spontaneous diffusion of Cd into the heterojunction region. A subsequent 150 °C low‐temperature heterojunction heat treatment after MAPDA treatment enables further modification of Cd and Na distributions, leading to significantly enhanced optoelectronic properties at the CZTS/CdS heterojunction and greatly improved device performance with a peak conversion efficiency of 9.40%. The modified heterojunction significantly improves quasi‐Fermi‐level splitting under low‐photon injection, making CZTS solar cells more feasible in low‐light applications. This work provides an effective approach to simultaneously manipulate the distribution of Na and Cd, enabling pronounced modification of the heterojunction quality of CZTS solar cells and boost of conversion efficiencies. Insights gleaned herein may also be applicable to manipulating other critical trace elements in chalcogenide materials in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) is a promising wide‐bandgap photovoltaic material, and a potential top‐cell candidate for next‐generation Si‐based tandem solar cells. The most widely used electron transport layers in Sb2S3 solar cells are TiO2 and CdS, which present an obvious performance variation in open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and short current (Jsc). However, the mechanisms behind the performance disparity because of the electron transport layer (ETL) have not been disclosed. Herein, a comprehensive comparative study of using TiO2 and CdS as the electron transport layers in Sb2S3 solar cells is presented, which covers their influence on preferential crystal orientation, band alignment, interface, and bulk defects. It is found that the CdS ETL results in less interfacial defects and more favorable band alignment, enabling a higher VOC, while the high resistance of the CdS film and parasitic light absorption restricts the JSC. The findings provide a substantial guidance on device optimization for Sb2S3 solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, titled "Methylammonium-Free Ink for Low-Temperature Crystallization of α-FAPbI3 Perovskite," was published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials. The authors, Tian Hou, Meng Zhang, Xiaoran Sun, Yihao Wang, Kaipeng Chen, Zhipeng Fu, Mingrui He, Xu Liu, Ziheng Liu, Yuelong Huang, Martin A. Green, and Xiaojing Hao, discuss a new method for fabricating α-FAPbI3 perovskite at low temperatures without the use of methylammonium (MA). The article includes an image illustrating the phase transition from hexagonal δ-FAPbI3 to cubic α-FAPbI3, and explains how the addition of PbCl2 and MPSO helps facilitate this transition. For more details, readers are directed to the full article. [Extracted from the article]

Sulfide kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cells, containing earth‐abundant and environmentally benign constituents, are regarded as promising candidates for thin‐film photovoltaic technologies. CZTS device performance, however, is currently limited by severe nonradiative recombination caused by abundant deep‐level defects. Herein, an effective defect engineering approach for high bandgap CZTS solar cells using a newly introduced moisture‐assisted post‐deposition annealing treatment is reported. This treatment modifies the local chemical composition within the heterojunction and CZTS grain boundaries and enhances the incorporation of Cd within the CZTS layer during CdS deposition. Cd not only accumulates at the grain boundaries, but it also presents in grain interiors where it occupies Cu lattice sites. The overall modification of the local chemical environment suppresses deep level defects and activates relatively shallow acceptor CuZn antisites and Cu vacancies, giving rise to remarkably improved device performance. This work opens a new direction for defect engineering of kesterite materials, which may also be applicable to other thin film semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) overpassing 25% have proved to be the most promising competitor for the next‐generation photovoltaic technology. Massive efforts are devoted to the improvement of the performance and stability of PSCs, whereas the hole transport layer (HTL) has attracted significant interest. Among diverse hole transport materials, poly[bis(4‐phenyl)(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amine (PTAA) is one of the most promising candidates due to its ease of fabrication, transparency to visible light, mechanical flexibility, conductivity, and stability. Over the past few years, there has been an increasing amount of research using PTAA as the HTL first in n–i–p and then in p–i–n PSCs with extended applications in flexible, large‐area, and tandem devices. Herein, a progress review on PTAA for PSC applications is provided, which enables a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of PTAA, as well as the approaches to fully realizing its tremendous potential. The emerging and promising research directions for PTAA‐based PSCs are discussed, shedding light on the practical applications of PTAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rain height is crucial for rain attenuation prediction along slant paths, such as Earth-space links. The global digital map of the mean annual rain height is given in Recommendation ITU-R P.839-4. The disadvantage of this model is that heavy rainfall in most regions of the middle and high latitudes of the world is typically concentrated over a few months, such as summer in North China, and the mean rain height during these months and the mean annual rain height are often significantly different. In this study, a new weighted mean annual rain height is proposed by using the ratio of the mean monthly rainfall to the mean annual rainfall as the weight. The analysis shows that the weighted mean annual rain heights have been closer to the statistical rain heights during heavy rainfall in general. On the other hand, the work of this paper helps to improve the accuracy of the rain attenuation prediction model on Earth-space links in China. However, the weighted mean annual rain heights have different characteristics for different rainfall climate zones. This study will contribute to the research of rain attenuation modelling on Earth-space links. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since January 2022 are reviewed. An appendix describing temporary electrical contacting of large‐area solar cells approaches and terminology is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) causes significant economic loss to the poultry industry. However, the exact causative agents are obscure. Here we examine the virome of proventriculus from specified pathogen free (SPF) chickens that reproduced by infection of proventricular homogenate from broiler chicken with TVP using long read sequencing of the Pacific Biosciences RSII platform. The normal SPF chickens were used as control. Results: Our investigation reveals a virome of proventriculitis, including three Gyrovirus genera of the Aneloviridae: Gyrovirus homsa1 (GyH1) (also known as Gyrovirus 3, GyV3) (n = 2662), chicken anemia virus (CAV) (n = 482) and Gyrovirus galga1 (GyG1) (also known as avian Gyrovirus 2, AGV2) (n = 11); a plethora of novel CRESS viral genomes (n = 26) and a novel genomovirus. The 27 novel viruses were divided into three clusters. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the GyH1 strain was more closely related to the strains from chicken (MG366592) than mammalian (human and cat), the GyG1 strain was closely related to the strains from cat in China (MK089245) and from chicken in Brazil (HM590588), and the CAV strain was more closely related to the strains from Germany (AJ297684) and United Kingdom (U66304) than that previously found in China. Conclusion: In this study, we revealed that Gyrovirus virome showed high abundance in chickens with TVP, suggesting their potential role in TVP, especially GyH1. This study is expected to contribute to the knowledge of the etiology of TVP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gyrovirus homsa1 (GyH1) (also known as Gyrovirus 3, GyV3) is a non-enveloped, small, single-stranded DNA virus, which was first identified in children with acute diarrhea, and was subsequently detected in marketed chickens, broilers with transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP), and mammals. GyH1 is a pathogenic virus in chickens, causing aplastic anemia, immunosuppression, and multisystem damage. However, the seroepidemiology of GyH1 infection in chickens remains unclear. Here, we investigated the seroprevalence of GyH1 in chickens by ELISA to reveal the endemic status of GyH1 in China. Results: An indirect ELISA with high sensitivity and specificity was developed for investigation of seroepidemiology of GyH1 in chickens in China. The seropositive rate of GyH1 ranged from 0.6% to 7.7% in thirteen provinces, and ranged from 4.1% to 8.1% in eight species chickens. The seropositive rate of GyH1 in broiler breeders was significantly higher than that of in layers. There was a negative correlation between seropositive rate and age of chickens. The highest and lowest seropositive rate were present in chickens at 30–60 days and over 180 days, respectively. Conclusions: The seroepidemiological investigation results demonstrated that natural GyH1 infection is widespread in chickens in China. Different species showed different susceptibility for GyH1. Aged chickens showed obvious age-resistance to GyH1. GyH1 has shown a high risk to the poultry industry and should be highly concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rain height is crucial for rain attenuation prediction along slant paths, such as Earth-space links. The global digital map of the mean annual rain height is given in Recommendation ITU-R P.839-4. The disadvantage of this model is that heavy rainfall in most regions of the middle and high latitudes of the world is typically concentrated over a few months, such as summer in North China, and the mean rain height during these months and the mean annual rain height are often significantly different. In this study, a new weighted mean annual rain height is proposed by using the ratio of the mean monthly rainfall to the mean annual rainfall as the weight. The analysis shows that the weighted mean annual rain heights have been closer to the statistical rain heights during heavy rainfall in general. On the other hand, the work of this paper helps to improve the accuracy of the rain attenuation prediction model on Earth-space links in China. However, the weighted mean annual rain heights have different characteristics for different rainfall climate zones. This study will contribute to the research of rain attenuation modelling on Earth-space links. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares the hourly mesospheric horizontal winds observed by two collocated and independent low-latitude meteor radars operating at 37.5 MHz and 53.1 MHz in Kunming, China (25.6°N, 103.8°E). Upon analyzing simultaneously detected meteor echoes, we find a fixed angular deviation between the baselines of the two meteor radar antenna arrays within the east–north–up coordinate system. Then, we correct the deviation in the antenna azimuth direction using a novel method and recalculate the horizontal zonal and meridional winds. A comparison of the results before and after the correction shows strong consistency between the winds observed by both meteor radars within the entire detection altitude range. Furthermore, we summarize the performance of different techniques for measuring mesospheric winds. Ultimately, our statistical analysis approach allows the uncertainties associated with meteor radar wind observations to be more precisely estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcostibite CuSbS2 is a promising alternative absorber material for thin film solar cells but the poor photovoltaic device performance limits its wide application. In this work, one of the main loss mechanisms of structural defects such as voids and pin-holes has been investigated systematically via a quasi in situ method. Through studying the formation mechanisms of voids and pin-holes in CuSbS2 synthesized by sulfurizing a co-sputtered Cu–Sb metallic precursor, it is found that Cu vacancies can be formed and accumulated in preliminary voids as a result of the outward diffusion of Cu atoms during the heating process via the Kirkendall effect. Subsequently, the cracks between newly formed layers and small spaces caused by volume expansion further contributed to the final visible voids. In addition, two possible mechanisms, uneven grain growth of CuSbS2 and volume shrinkage estimated by the Pilling–Bedworth model, are proposed to explain the formation of pin-holes, paving the way to achieve high efficiency CuSbS2 solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimony sulfide is an emerging 1D nontoxic Earth‐abundant photovoltaic material with favorable wide bandgap as a suitable top‐cell candidate for multijunction tandem solar cells. However, the current fabrication technology for Sb2S3 solar cells relies heavily on a high‐purity Sb2S3 source, which limits its large‐scale deployment. Therefore, it is attractive to fabricate the Sb2S3 solar cells directly from the raw stibnite source, which can be cost effective by avoiding the complicated, costly purification and refinement process of the stibnite ore, while reducing process‐emitted pollution. Herein, high‐quality Sb2S3 films (thickness: ≈1 μm) by the vapor transport deposition of raw stibnite ore powder are obtained, followed by a sulfurization process to remove the surface oxides and facilitate alkali element redistribution. In this way, the particle size is increased from ≈500 nm to ≈1.5 μm, the carrier concentration of the Sb2S3 film is increased from ≈1015 to ≈1016 cm−3, and the power conversion efficiency of Sb2S3 solar cell is increased by more than two times. Through the elemental distribution analysis, it is found that it is the redistribution of alkali elements introduced from the natural stibnite ore that induces the grain growth, contributes toward defect suppression, and leads toward enhanced device performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CZTS Solar Cells In article number 2400010, Yaghoubi and Hao suggest that non‐Kesterite polymorphs with 10 times heavier charge carriers may be to blame for the stagnating efficiency of CZTS (copper zinc tin sulfur) solar cells and use Raman spectroscopy as an effective method for detecting them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses the lack of a comprehensive reference for identifying various polymorphs of copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS), crucial for improving CZTS solar cells. It discusses the optoelectronic properties of different polymorphs, highlighting the significant differences in hole mass, optical absorption, and the importance of accurate Raman detection methods.

Antimony selenosulfide, Sb2(S,Se)3, has emerged as a promising light-harvesting material due to its high absorption coefficient, suitable bandgap, and low-toxic and low-cost constituents. Previously, high-efficiency Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells were fabricated exclusively using Spiro-OMeTAD as the hole-transporting layer (HTL) with an n–i–p device architecture. However, the poor stability and high cost of the widely used Spiro-OMeTAD hole-transporting material may restrict its potential large-scale applications in solar cells. Here, we report stable and high-efficiency all-inorganic Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells enabled by an evaporated inorganic manganese sulfide (MnS) hole-transporting layer. MnS shows better valence band alignment with the Sb2(S,Se)3 absorber than Spiro-OMeTAD. With post-deposition heat treatment, MnS demonstrates increased carrier concentration and work function. These in turn result in the highest efficiency of 9.67% in all-inorganic Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells. Moreover, the unencapsulated all-inorganic Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cell demonstrates a remarkably enhanced stability compared to the Spiro-OMeTAD-based cells. These exciting results illustrate that MnS possesses a larger efficiency potential than Spiro-OMeTAD. This low-cost, efficient, stable, and up-scalable MnS hole-transporting layer may also be applicable to other emerging solar cells, paving a better pathway toward commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]