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For photoelectrochemical water splitting, tungsten trioxide (WO3) films with a monoclinic structure were synthesized on fluorine-doped tin oxide coated glass substrates with a vacuum evaporation method. To control the WO3 film thickness from 0.42 to 5.6 μm, the crystal orientation was intergraded from the (200) crystal plane to the (002) one. In x-ray diffraction measurements, the intensity ratio of the (002) crystal plane to the (200) one was defined as rp. In the WO3 photoelectrode with higher (002)-preferred orientation, the photocurrent continued to flow even when the incident light against the photoelectrode was completely blocked after the irradiation for 60 s. This suggests that hydrogen continues to be produced owing to the electrons charged by the formation of a hydrogen tungsten bronze (HxWO3) phase. After 72 s, the photocurrent density of the WO3 photoelectrode with rp = 42 became one-tenth of the value before the incident light was blocked. This charge release time was remarkably long compared to those of the WO3 photoelectrodes with (200)-preferred orientation and non-orientation. Therefore, it was considered that the hydrogen ion diffusion through the defects in the WO3 crystals tends to occur in the [002] crystal direction. However, the improvement in the (002)-preferred orientation can facilitate the structural change from the WO3 phase to the HxWO3 one for the entire film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main challenge for solar cell devices is harvesting photons beyond the visible by reaching the red-edge (650–780 nm). Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) devices combine the optical absorption and the charge separation processes by the association of a sensitizer as a light-absorbing material (dye molecules, whose absorption can be tuned and designed) with a wide band gap nanostructured semiconductor. Conformational and environmental effects (i.e., solvent, pH) can drastically influence the photophysical properties of molecular dyes. This study proposes a combined experimental and computational approach for the comprehensive investigation of the electronic and vibrational properties of a unique class of organic dye compounds belonging to the family of red-absorbing dyes, known as squaraines. Our focus lies on elucidating the intricate interplay between the molecular structure, vibrational dynamics, and optical properties of squaraines using state-of-the-art density functional theory calculations and spectroscopic techniques. Through systematic vibrational and optical analyses, we show that (i) the main absorption peak in the visible range is influenced by the conformational and protonation equilibria, (ii) the solvent polarity tunes the position of the UV–vis absorption, and (iii) the vibrational spectroscopy techniques (infrared and Raman) can be used as informative tools to distinguish between different conformations and protonation states. This comprehensive understanding offers valuable insights into the design and optimization of squaraine-based DSSCs for enhanced solar energy conversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing dyes with high open-circuit photovoltage (Voc) is a vital strategy to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of co-sensitized solar cells (co-DSSCs). Herein, three organic fluorine-containing dyes [YY-ThP(3F), YY-ThP(2F), and YY-ThP(26F)] are designed and synthesized for investigating the fluorine-induced effect on photophysical and photovoltaic performances. Consequently, this effect can significantly broaden the UV–vis absorption spectra of dyes but fail to improve the light-harvesting capability of DSSCs. Strikingly, YY-ThP(3F), featuring 3-position fluorine substitution to cyanoacrylic acid, yields a relatively high Voc compared to the corresponding fluorine-free dye (YY-ThP). Furthermore, the co-sensitization of YY-ThP+YY-ThP(3F) achieves a remarkably high PCE and long-term stability. This work implies that the combination of judicious molecular engineering and co-sensitization is a promising strategy for highly efficient and stable DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ternary metal oxide materials are being explored as potential electrode materials for dye-sensitized solar cells due to their adjustable electronic band structures through elemental composition modifications. Perovskite materials based on zinc and titanium have been utilised in DSSC and show moderate performance. Considerable research has been dedicated to this field to improve their performances. The focus was primarily on the synthetic variabilities due to their impact on performance under varying synthetic conditions. According to this perspective, no comparative studies have found superior methodologies for utilising zinc titanate as a potential photoanode in DSSC. We synthesised a zinc titanate material using thermal, sol-gel, and plasma irradiation techniques. The materials' structural variability was analysed using PXRD and FT-IR techniques. A mixed-phase composition of spinel cubic and hexagonal has been identified. The SEM images provide insights into the particle distribution and morphology of the zinc titanate materials. Investigating absorption properties, band gap energy levels and aggregation behaviours provided initial insights into the potential use of the three zinc titanate materials. The DSSC devices were fabricated using zinc titanate materials with varying properties, and the results are detailed in this discussion. Based on the findings, the plasma and thermal irradiation techniques yielded more favourable zinc titanate materials for dye-sensitized solar cell use. The efficiency reached 0.04 % when operating with polymeric gel electrolytes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we demonstrate an optimization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) through the development of single-layer and double-layer configurations. Focusing on the incorporation of brookite and anatase phases in varying ratios, the study aims to determine the optimal composition for enhanced photovoltaic performance. The active layer, composed of anatase- and brookite-TiO2 nanoparticles, is further modified with a scattering layer comprising a mixture of anatase nanoparticles and brookite-TiO2 in the form of nanocube or rice-like particles. The synthesis of TiO2 nanostructures with various morphologies and phase compositions and their subsequent application in single-layer and double-layer DSSCs are presented. The results highlight the superior light-harvesting capabilities achieved through the strategic incorporation of brookite phase into the anatase phase, emphasizing the importance of optimizing the anatase: brookite ratio. The single-layer DSSCs exhibit a peak efficiency of 8.73%, achieved with a composition of 30 wt.% brookite and 70 wt.% anatase at a thickness of 15 μ ms. In the context of double-layer DSSCs, the combined optimization of the active layer composition, scattering layer morphology, and utilization of anatase nanoparticles leads to a remarkable efficiency of 9.18%. These findings underscore the critical role of composition and morphology in enhancing the performance of DSSCs, showcasing the potential for brookite-based DSSCs in solar energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The film photocatalyst is easily recycled and has attracted the widely research interesting. Here the ferroelectric Hf 0.5 Zr 0 · 5 O 2 (HZO) thin film synthesized through the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method is used as a photocatalyst for the rhodamine B (RhB) dye decomposition under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic RhB dye decomposition performances with or without an external magnetic field excitation provided by a commercial NdFeB magnet are experimentally characterized. With the increasing of the external direct-current (DC) magnetic field from 0 to 3000 Gs, the photocatalytic RhB dye decomposition ratio by HZO film obviously increases from 87.20 % to 98.17 %, which is attributed to the enhanced separation of the photo-induced positive and negative carrier due to the magnetic Lorentz effect. The magnetically-induced enhancement of photocatalysis in the ferroelectric HZO film, provides a method with these advantages of simple external excitation method, remarkable promotion effect and friendly-environment to enhance the dye decomposition ratio, and is potential in the practical application of photocatalytic dye wastewater treatment through harvesting the clean solar energy in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sluggish kinetics of BiVO4 limits its applications in solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion. In this work, the zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-67 as a cocatalyst was immobilized on a BiVO4 nanocone via a solution-based photo-deposition method for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. Under the assistance of the nano-tip effect induced by the BiVO4 tip, nanoflower-like ZIF-67 was selectively grown at the vertex of the BiVO4 nanocone. The constructed BiVO4/ZIF-67 composite photoelectrode yielded a photocurrent of 0.92 mA cm−2 at ∼1.23 VRHE, which is about 3.5-fold that of pure BiVO4. In addition, surface/bulk charge separation efficiencies (ηsurf and ηbulk) were elevated when compared to those of the BiVO4 photoelectrode. Photoelectrochemical impedance spectroscopy (PEIS) and intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) measurements were further investigated to reveal the critical role of the modification of ZIF-67 in suppressing charge recombination and improving the photoelectrochemical activity of BiVO4. This research presents a feasible way to design a BiVO4/MOF composite photoanode induced by the nano-tip effect for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overall urea–water electrolysis has the potential to be employed in the purification of urea-containing wastewater and the production of hydrogen. However, the lack of cost-effective catalysts currently presents a significant obstacle to the further development of this technology. Through a simple template-directed selenium reaction in a novel type of highly active solution, an interface engineering strategy was designed to synthesize hollow CuSe nanocubes as an efficient bifunctional catalyst. The unique hollow CuSe nanocubes exhibit significant catalytic efficiency because of their larger electrolyte contact area and faster ion transport. In 1 M KOH with a 0.5 M urea electrolyte, CuSe/NF required an overpotential of 199 mV for HER and a potential of 1.38 V for UOR to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. It can work stably for 24 h without significant degradation of activity at 10 mA cm−2, showing excellent durability and excellent stability. For overall urea–water electrolysis, it exhibits a remarkable activity with a low cell voltage of 1.61 V at 10 mA cm−2. Consequently, the design strategy of this unique hollow-structured CuSe provides a new insight to improve electrocatalytic performance and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The employment of catalysts to split water to create hydrogen is viewed as an effective solution to the energy crisis problem. In this work, type II heterojunction CdIn2S4/g-C3N4 nanocomposites with different mass ratios were successfully synthesised using a simple sonication technique. The results show that the constructed CdIn2S4/g-C3N4 heterojunctions exhibit better catalytic performance in the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting reaction, and the photocurrent density of the composite with a composite ratio of 15% reaches 0.35 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V (vs. RHE), which is a 2.33-fold enhancement relative to g-C3N4. The constructed heterojunction facilitates the photogenerated charge transfer between CdIn2S4 and g-C3N4, effectively accelerating the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. This work provides theoretical guidance for efficient PEC water splitting technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adding dopants to the structure and coupling cocatalysts on the surface are traditional strategies to inhibit carrier recombination and high catalytic barriers for enhancing the performance of water splitting of the BiVO4 photoanode. An inexpensive post-treatment method was developed herein via modifying the BiVO4 (BVO) photoanode with KBr solution. Unlike the traditional strategies, this approach effectively overcomes carrier recombination on the BVO photoanode surface. The Br–BiVO4 (Br–BVO) photoanode was optimized and exhibited a remarkable cathodic shift (350 mV) of the onset potential, as well as an excellent photocurrent density, which was increased to 256% of the pure BVO photoanode. The Faraday efficiencies of oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution (FEO2, FEH2) were 98.4% and 96.7%, respectively. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) characterization revealed that the adsorption of Br− on the BVO photoanode induced surface polarization and can rapidly trap holes and prolong carriers' lifetimes, facilitating the participation of most holes in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Adsorption of Br− also decreased the overpotential of the OER on the BVO photoanode, consequently enhancing reaction kinetics. This study presents a straightforward and feasible approach to enhance the PEC performance of the BiVO4-based photoanode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of heterojunction photocatalysts is an excellent strategy for treating wastewater. Herein, a three-dimensional nanoflower-like TiO 2 /WO 3 heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized in situ on the surface of pure Ti substrate by plasma electrolyte oxidation (PEO) combined with a subsequent process, and the abundant network topology and lattice defects improved the adsorption performance of the photocatalyst. The construction of Z-scheme heterojunction not only promotes the separation of photogenerated carriers, but also enhances the light absorption ability and greatly improves the photocatalytic performance of photocatalysts. Under the synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalysis, the degradation rate of MB reached 86.2 % in 2 h, which was significantly higher than that of the single-component photocatalyst. Finally, the synthesis of TiO 2 /WO 3 heterojunction photocatalysts by this process and the reaction mechanism of heterojunction photocatalysts for the degradation of organic dyes were illustrated by combining experiments and DFT calculations. In conclusion, this study opens up a new process for synthesizing Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts, which brings new insights for photocatalytic treatment of water pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy storage technology ensures a sustainable and reliable energy supply. Herein, we show that electrons generated in semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) of CsPbBr3 by visible light excitation can be stored in polyoxometalates (POMs) of W10O32, and extracted as an electric current using a photoelectrochemical cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Cu- and Zn-doped SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by using the solvothermal method. The synthesized NPs were explored to check their supercapacitor, photovoltaic and magnetic properties. The Cu-doped SnO2 NPs showed a high specific capacitance of 386 F g−1 at 20 mV s−1 in 1 M KOH electrolyte and remarkable catalytic performance as a counter electrode (CE) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.70%, comparable to that of Pt CE. Moreover, Cu-doped SnO2 NPs displayed the highest room-temperature ferromagnetism, indicating their potential for magnetic device applications. Our results suggest that doped SnO2 NPs are promising candidates for multifunctional nanomaterials in energy and information technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) have been used as antimicrobial agents, surfactants, and ionic liquids in electrical double-layer capacitors, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and dye-sensitized solar cells. It is well known that solvents and reactants strongly affect the Menshutkin reaction. However, QASs are potentially harmful to humans and the environment. To address these issues, we report the effects of solvent polarity on the thermochemistry of two selected Menshutkin reactions, (1) trimethylamine and 1-iodopropane yielded propyltrimethylammonium, and (2) methylacetamide and 1-iodopropane yielded acetylpropylmethylammonium. We systematically constructed possible QAS unique conformers within the first-principles framework in solvents that have three various polarities: toluene, acetonitrile, and water. The polar solvent shifted both reactions toward exergonic and decreased the Gibbs free activation energy. In addition, the polar solvent changed the favorable reaction for the acetylpropylmethylammonium formation only due to an intramolecular hydrogen bond. Therefore, we suggest that selecting high solvent polarity should be considered to address the potential health and environmental effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • CS-PVA@DFC composite hydrogel was first developed. • CS-PVA@DFC hydrogel showed significantly enhanced mechanical properties. • Simultaneous evaporation and dye adsorption performance was evaluated. • CS-PVA@DFC showed a high and stable evaporation rate of 2.34 kg·m−2·h−1. • A mechanism of simultaneous evaporation and dye adsorption was proposed. Solar-driven photothermal conversion can produce clean water from dye wastewater while leaving the dye in the evaporation medium. Herein, a biomass-based composite hydrogel via down-fiber carbon (DFC) aerogel modified with chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol (CS-PVA) hydrogel was designed to address the aforementioned problem. The CS-PVA@DFC hydrogel integrated the capacity of simultaneous clean water production/dye adsorption during the day and continuous dye adsorption during the night. Furthermore, the modification of the CS-PVA hydrogel endowed the composite hydrogel with enhanced compression stress of 190.07 kPa (76.03 times that of DFC aerogel of 2.50 kPa) and impressive resilient recovery. Moreover, the CS-PVA@DFC hydrogel possessed solar light absorption of 99.56 % and strengthened water replenishment capacity due to the high porosity and CS-PVA hydrophilic network structure. The CS-PVA@DFC hydrogel demonstrated a stable, high evaporation rate of 2.34 kg·m−2·h−1 and simultaneous dye adsorption capacity of 70.39 % for treating methyl orange dye solution within 5 h. Additionally, the 24-h outdoor test showed that the CS-PVA@DFC hydrogel possessed excellent clean water production capacity during the daytime (reaching 4.17 kg·m−2·h−1 at 1:00p.m.) and continuous satisfactory dye adsorption capacity all day (89.68 %). These findings will inspire researchers seeking opportunities to improve the mechanical properties of aerogel and its application for treating wastewater, especially wastewater with harmful dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO 2 is one of the most promising photoanodes in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting due to its chemical stability, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. However, the TiO 2 nanoparticles with high surface area and fast electron transfer have been grown on a Ti foil substrate through dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma using Ar/O 2 mixture gas. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was utilized to detect the reactive species existing in DBD plasma discharge during the process of treating titanium foil. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images revealed the morphology of TiO 2 nanoparticles aggregated to form a microwire structure on a Ti foil substrate. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns agreed with the anatase phase of the monoclinic TiO 2 nanoparticles. PEC measurement showed that the synthesis of TiO 2 nanoparticles using Ar/O 2 DBD plasma for a duration of 3-min resulted in the highest photocurrent response. This response reached the highest photocurrent density of 1.92 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE (versus a reversible hydrogen electrode). The photoconversion efficiency (ŋ) improved from 1.31 to 1.85 as the plasma treatment time increased from 1 min to 3 min. The remarkable performance can be attributed to the large surface area of the nanoparticles and their low charge resistance. Transient photocurrent-time curves are utilized to demonstrate the stability and repeatability of TiO 2 nanoparticles. Ar/O 2 DBD plasma treatment is a promising superior method to enhance the functionality of TiO 2 in PEC water-splitting applications, as demonstrated in the literature comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical reservoir computing (PRC) with visible-light signals was demonstrated using dye-sensitized solar cells. The short-term memory required for PRC was confirmed using light pulse inputs. Waveform learning was demonstrated for nonlinear autoregressive moving-average time series level 2 (NARMA2) signals with normalized mean square error of 0.027. The relatively slow (milliseconds to seconds) and complex charge transfer dynamics in the TiO2 porous layer with redox reactions in the solution phase provided the characteristics required for PRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnO2 is a wide-band gap N-type semiconductor material with a higher electron transfer rate than TiO2. Therefore, SnO2 has broad application prospects in the photoanode composite materials of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). In this study, SnO2–TiO2 composite nanofibers with different molar ratios (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were prepared by double-needle electrospinning technology, and the nanofibers were characterized after adjusting the solution composition. Different molar ratios of TiO2 and SnO2–TiO2 composite nanofiber photoanodes were fabricated by spin-coating, and the adsorption behavior of dyes on the photoanodes was investigated. Moreover, the electrochemical impedance of the photoanodes and DSSC and their photoelectric performance were also tested. The experimental results showed that SnO2–TiO2 composite nanofibers with a molar ratio of 10% exhibited excellent properties, including a peak specific surface area of 93.01 m2/g, strong dye adsorption capacity, small interfacial resistance, and fast electron transfer rate. These outstanding properties significantly promoted the generation of photoelectrons and improved the photoelectric conversion efficiency of DSSC. Compared with single-component TiO2, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of SnO2–TiO2 nanofiber photoanode composite material improved by 85.65%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research introduces a hybrid humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination unit and dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) system to produce power and drinking water using the hot and humid waste air from buildings equipped with wind towers. The thermodynamic, exergeoeconomic and carbon footprint study of this hybrid system is conducted in five arid and semiarid regions, including Tehran, Isfahan, Birjand, Yazd and Kerman, located in Iran. The proposed hybrid system's thermodynamic, cost and CO2 emission rates are evaluated and compared by varying design parameters. The results indicate that increasing wind tower height and DSSC tilt angle significantly improve the thermodynamic performance of the system while rising water-to-air mass flow rate ratio (MR) and saline water temperature, respectively, lessen the cost and CO2 emission rates of the system in all desired regions. Furthermore, the system's optimum performance in each zone is identified using the multi-objective moth-flame optimization (MOMFO) and decision-making procedure. Optimization results indicate that the highest power and freshwater of 783.4 W and 120.5 kg/month, respectively, can be achieved in Birjand, and the highest energy and exergy efficiencies are obtained by 10.8% and 11.41% in Kerman. Moreover, the system delivers the lowest cost and CO2 emission rates of 0.73 $/month and 4.61 kgCO2/month in Tehran. The obtained theoretical results can be a guide for optimal design and practical application of such a system in arid and semiarid regions from the thermodynamic, economic and environmental perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye-sensitized solar cell with a scattering layer as a light mobility enhancer has been fabricated in this work. The cells were fabricated with two types of semiconductor materials which are Titanium dioxide and Tin dioxide. Natural sensitizer from Pandan leaves was also used as an electron generator combined with liquid electrolyte redox couple Iodide/Tri-Iodide. The photovoltaic performance was measured with four types of semiconductor configurations. It was Titanium dioxide only, Titanium dioxide with scattering layer, Tin dioxide only and Tin dioxide with scattering layer. Pandan dyes have higher photovoltaic performance when fabricated with scattering layers in both semiconductor cells. The scattering layer has boosted the light management inside the photo-anode film and increased the Photo-conversion efficiency. Photo-conversion efficiency parameters such as short-circuit current and open circuit voltage were monitored to improve compared to cells without the scattering layer. Higher electron injection were contributed from the increase of light path on photo-anode film with scattering layers. The incident photon-to-current efficiency graph confirmed that the cells with Titanium dioxide with scattering layer had a higher photon-to-current density than the cells with Tin dioxide only on 300 to 500 nm. The incident photon-to-current efficiency of the device with Tin dioxide with scattering layer was higher than that of the device with Tin dioxide only in the wavelength range of 300 to 700 nm, the dominant effect of the scattering layer was found to affect more in Tin dioxide than Titanium dioxide semiconductors on low to high wavelength of the incident photon-to-current efficiency. It concludes that light management is an important strategy to improve the performance of low-cost and eco-friendly solar cells. This strategy is suitable to enhance the efficiency of DSSC for further low-cost solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mixing of N3 and N719 metal-complex dyes was investigated in this work to determine the effects of the combination of dyes on TiO2film for application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The dyes were mixed in a ratio of 1:1, and their performance in the DSSCs was measured using current–voltage curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicated that the efficiency of the DSSCs increased to 7% with the addition of the N719 dye to the N3 dye. The surface morphology revealed a smooth and homogeneous distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles, and the mixed dyes showed broad absorption spectra in the visible region. The EIS results indicated a low electron recombination rate and long electron lifetime for the mixed dye-sensitized solar cells. Overall, the study demonstrated the potential for using a combination of N3 and N719 dyes to improve the efficiency of DSSCs. The employment of mixed dye as a photosensitizer in DSSCs may offer a promising approach for achieving high-performance and cost-effective DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Ga2O3 blocking layers (BLs) are used to improve the properties of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by sputtering. The wide energy bandgap of Ga2O3 BLs not only can passivate the surface defects of TiO2 working electrodes but also can prevent the reverse leakage current from narrow energy bandgap of TiO2 working electrode. Compared with conventional narrow energy bandgap BLs, wide energy bandgap BLs are more effective in enhancing the power generation efficiency of DSSCs. After Ga2O3 BL deposited on TiO2 working electrode, the proportions of Ti3+ and Ti2+ can be reduced and the proportion of stable valence Ti4+ can be increased considerably. Moreover, the efficiency of DSSC with Ga2O3 BL increased from 4.06% to 5.72%. According to the results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis, the Ga2O3 BL increased the DSSC carrier lifetime from 0.17 to 0.35 ms and charge collection efficiency from 55.28% to 61.77%. Accordingly, the results of this study indicate that wide energy bandgap Ga2O3 BLs effectively prevent the formation of reverse leakage current, passivate working electrode defects in DSSCs, and are suitable for improving the performance of optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents the development of niobium (Nb)‐doped titania (TiO2)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites (NTR NCs) for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The novelty lies in two aspects: introducing Nb (V) ions into TiO2/rGO nanocomposites via an in‐situ sol‐gel method with doping concentrations from 1.0 to 3.0 mol %, and fabricating photoanodes using the doctor blade technique, sensitized with a Co2+/Co3+‐based PEO‐PEG polymer gel electrolyte‐assisted D‐π‐A carbazole metal‐free (SK3) dye. Detailed investigations into the optoelectrical, structural, and morphological properties were conducted using various spectral and analytical tools. Notably, DSSCs based on Nb‐doped TiO2/rGO nanocomposites with 2.0 mol % Nb (NTR‐2) achieved a remarkable solar efficiency (η) of 5.48 % under AM 1.5 solar simulation, significantly outperforming devices based on bare TiO2 nanoparticles and undoped TiO2/rGO NCs by factors of 4.15 and 2.97, respectively. The substantial enhancement in photovoltaic performance is attributed to superior charge transfer properties and higher carrier density, as revealed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott‐Schottky (M–S) analysis. Nb‐doping results in an energetic surface nature, improved optical absorption, and reduced charge transfer resistance, collectively boosting the overall efficiency of DSSCs. This work underscores the potential of Nb‐doped TiO2/rGO NCs as effective photoanode materials in enhancing DSSC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for the production of a biofuel precursor and additive (γ-valerolactone) using in-situ generated hydrogen is reported. Firstly, a potential non-carbon fuel as hydrogen is generated from water through a photoelectrochemical approach employing a set of TiO 2 nanostructures synthesized by hydrodynamic anodization. Secondly, this system was coupled with a reactor in a way that the hydrogen produced reacts with levulinic acid in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst to yield γ-valerolactone. The preparation procedure of TiO 2 nanostructures was optimized and the influence of factors such as the rotation speed and the anodization media was investigated. The best photoelectrochemical performance corresponds to the nanostructure synthesized in lactic acid and using hydrodynamic conditions at a rotation speed of 1000 rpm. The optimal nanostructure was used as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production by water splitting, with the generated hydrogen being directly used for the transformation of levulinic acid into γ-valerolactone in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst supported on alumina. Using this optimal TiO 2 and the ruthenium catalyst, a yield to γ-valerolactone of 93 % was obtained in only 5 h at 60 °C and atmospheric pressure. [Display omitted] • Optimization of photoelectrochemical water splitting with titania nanostructures. • Tandem process: photoelectrocatalysis and conventional heterogeneous catalysis. • In-situ generated hydrogen for biofuel production. • Clean fuels: hydrogen and γ-valerolactone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Fe 2 O 3 has been regarded as an ideal n-type photoanode material due to its exceptional stability, environmental friendliness, optimal band structure (1.9∼2.2 eV), and valence band position (approximately 2.3 V). However, α-Fe 2 O 3 still faces challenges such as low absorption coefficient, poor conductivity, short carrier lifetime, low carrier mobility, facile recombination of photogenerated charges, and sluggish kinetics of water oxidation. To address these issues comprehensively and effectively, this study initially synthesized Ti-doped Fe 2 O 3 nanorods through doping and hydrothermal methods. Subsequently, a PdCoP amorphous layer was deliberately fabricated on the Ti:Fe 2 O 3 nanorods (TF) photoelectrode through facile solution impregnation and phosphorization treatment. The experimental results demonstrate that Ti doping effectively enhances carrier separation, leading to a photocurrent of 0.52 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V RHE , which is 2.08 times higher than the undoped counterpart. Moreover, upon further modification with the PdCoP amorphous layer, the photocurrent density of PdCoP/TF photoanode significantly increases under illumination, reaching 2.82 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V RHE , which is 11.28 times higher than pure Fe 2 O 3. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations performed at the interface between the amorphous layer and substrate indicate that surface modification of PdCoP on TF alters its surface electronic structure while reducing the energy barrier for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), thereby enhancing its performance in photoelectrochemical water splitting. [Display omitted] • The electronic structure of α-Fe 2 O 3 is optimized through Ti doping and modification of the amorphous layer. • The PdCoP/TF photoanode exhibits high efficiency in converting solar energy. • Revealing the active sites and mechanisms for water splitting through DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different modified solar cells have been passivated with copper sulfide (CuS) on a TiO2 electrode and manganese sulfide (γ‐MnS) hexagonal as photon absorbers. The MnS were prepared using (a-c) bis(N‐Piperl‐N‐p‐anisildithiocarbamato)Manganese(II) Complexes Mn[N-Piper‐N‐p‐Anisdtc] as (MnS_1), N‐p-anisidinyldithiocarbamato Mn[N‐p-anisdtc] as (MnS_2) and N‐piperidinyldithiocarbamato Mn[N‐piperdtc] as (MnS_3). The corresponding passivated films were denoted as CM-1, CM-2, and CM-3. The influence of passivation on the structural, optical, morphological, and photochemical properties of the prepared devices has been investigated. Raman spectra show that the combination of this heterostructure is triggered by the variation in particle size and surface effect, thus resulting in good electronic conductivity. The narrow band gaps could be attributed to good interaction between the passivative materials on the TiO2 surface. CM-2 cells, stability studies show that the cell is polarized and current flows due to electron migration across the electrolyte and interfaces at this steady state. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) curve for the CM-3 with the highest current density promotes the electrocatalytic activity of the assembled solar cell. The catalytic reactions are further confirmed by the interfacial electron lifetimes in the Bode plots and the impedance spectra. The current–voltage (J–V) analysis suggests that the electrons in the conduction band of TiO2/CuS recombine with the semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and the iodolyte HI-30 electrolyte, resulting in 5.20–6.85% photo-conversions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potential photovoltaic technology includes the newly developed dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. Owing to their diverse qualities, polymers can be employed in third-generation photovoltaic cells to specifically alter their device elements and frameworks. Polymers containing phenothiazine, either as a part of their structure or as a dopant, are easy and economical to synthesize, are soluble in common organic solvents, and have the potential to acquire desired electrochemical and photophysical properties by mere tuning of their chemical structures. Such polymers have therefore been used either as photosensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells, where they have produced power conversion efficiency (PCE) values as high as 5.30%, or as donor or acceptor materials in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Furthermore, they have been employed to prepare liquid-free polymer electrolytes for dye-sensitized and bulk heterojunction solar cells, producing a PCE of 8.5% in the case of DSSCs. This paper reviews and analyzes almost all research works published to date on phenothiazine-based polymers and their uses in dye-sensitized and bulk heterojunction solar cells. The impacts of their structure and molecular weight and the amount when used as a dopant in other polymers on the absorption, photoluminescence, energy levels of frontier orbitals, and, finally, photovoltaic parameters are reviewed. The advantages of phenothiazine polymers for solar cells, the difficulties in their actual implementation and potential remedies are also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research has developed a process for producing ZnO thin film from DEZn deposited onto a PET substrate with low-pressure, high-frequency Ar + O2 plasma using a chemical vapor deposition technique. The aim is to study the film production conditions that affect electrical properties, optical properties, and thin film surfaces. This work highlights the use of plasma energy produced from a mixture of gases between Ar + O2. Plasma production is stimulated by an RF power supply to deliver high chemical energy and push ZnO atoms from the cathode inside the reactor onto the substrate through surface chemical reactions. The results showed that increasing the RF power in plasma production affected the chemical reactions on the substrate surface of film formations. Film preparation at an RF power of 300 W will result in the thickest films. The film has a continuous columnar formation, and the surface has a granular structure. This results in the lowest electrical resistivity of 1.8 × 10−4 Ω. In addition, when fabricated into a DSSC device, the device tested the PCE value and showed the highest value at 5.68%. The reason is due to the very rough surface nature of the ZnO film, which increases the scattering and storage of sunlight, making cells more efficient. Therefore, the benefit of this research is that it will be a highly efficient prototype of thin film production technology using a chemical process that reduces production costs and can be used in the industrial development of solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review focuses on functional materials that contain terpyridine (terpy) units, which can be synthesized from biomass-derived platform chemicals. The latter are obtained by the chemical conversion of raw biopolymers such as cellulose (e.g., 2-furaldehyde) or lignin (e.g., syringaldehyde). These biomass-derived platform chemicals serve as starting reagents for the preparation of many different terpyridine derivatives using various synthetic strategies (e.g., Kröhnke reaction, cross-coupling reactions). Chemical transformations of these terpyridines provide a broad range of different ligands with various functionalities to be used for the modification or construction of various materials. Either inorganic materials (such as oxides) or organic ones (such as polymers) can be combined with terpyridines to provide functional materials. Different strategies are presented for grafting terpy to materials, such as covalent grafting through a carboxylic acid or silanization. Furthermore, terpy can be used directly for the elaboration of functional materials via complexation with metals. The so-obtained functional materials find various applications, such as photovoltaic devices, heterogeneous catalysts, metal–organic frameworks (MOF), and metallopolymers. Finally, some possible developments are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is imperative to develop high-efficiency polymer electrolytes to advance energy storage technologies. The goal of this research is to use the exceptional properties of ionic liquids such as their superior ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and adjustable physical and chemical characteristics to improve polymer electrolytes through doping. This study explores the incorporation of ionic liquids into polymer matrices to create novel ionic-liquid-doped polymer electrolytes (ILDPEs). We synthesized a ILDPEs using Poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) as the host polymer with salt sodium iodide (NaI) doped with a new ionic liquid (1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide) synthesized using solution cast technique. Impedance spectroscopy revealed that doping ionic liquid enhances the ionic conductivity of the PEMA + NaI complex. Ionic conductivity significantly increased upon the addition of the ionic liquid (IL), reaching a maximum value of 7.7 × 10–4 S/cm at room temperature. The ionic transference number (tion) for the polymer electrolyte with the highest ionic conductivity was calculated using Wagner polarization method while electrochemical stability window was calculated by linear Sweep Voltammetry. The crystalline nature of the ILDPEs films was studied using Polarizing Optical Microscopy (POM). To confirm the complex formation and bonding structure, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were also employed. Finally, dye-synthesized solar cell (DSSC) and electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) were fabricated using the highest ionic conducting polymer electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the pivotal domain of hydrogen production through photocatalytic processes, providing insights into its potential as a sustainable energy source. In the initial section, the role of hydrogen as a versatile energy carrier is discussed, emphasizing its importance in meeting the world's energy needs. An extensive overview of current hydrogen production methods is provided, emphasizing their limitations. The research also highlights the significance of photocatalytic semiconductor materials and tandem cell configurations, pointing towards innovative approaches for enhancing hydrogen production. The core of this research involves a comprehensive literature review. It delves into the theory of water-splitting, elucidating the principles of photocatalytic water-splitting within photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells. The application of photocatalysis for water-splitting is examined, along with a deep dive into the factors that influence this process. These factors include the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, the mechanisms underlying photoanode instability, and the substantial impact of photocurrent density on hydrogen production efficiency. In addition, the integration of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) as an auxiliary technology is also being explored. By addressing the limitations of current hydrogen production methods and providing a comprehensive overview of photocatalytic processes, this work lays the foundation for further advancements in sustainable energy production. The findings open doors to innovative research, offering pathways to overcome challenges and optimize hydrogen production through photocatalysis for a greener and more sustainable future. In conclusion, this research unearths the potential for clean hydrogen production and renewable energy solutions. • Emphasizing the significance of hydrogen as an energy carrier and the diverse methods used to produce it. • Delves into the subject of photocatalytic semiconductor materials and tandem cells, illustrating their roles in hydrogen production. • Encompassing hydrogen production methods, the theoretical and principles of photocatalytic water splitting, and the utilization of TiO 2 photocatalysts in PEC cells. • Explore the integration of Dye Solar Cell (DSC) to act as an additional layer in the photovoltaic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyaniline (PANI)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/Mn0.3Fe2.7O4/TiO2 nanocomposite thin film was successfully synthesized via the doctor blade method. The results of XRD characterization show that the crystal structure of the samples indicated the presence of Mn0.3Fe2.7O4 and TiO2 diffraction peaks and PANI semicrystals. The crystal size of Mn0.3Fe2.7O4 increased with the increase in PANI composition and was inversely proportional to the decrease in crystal size of TiO2. The saturation magnetization of the samples decreased as the mass composition of PANI increased. The design of PANI addition also affected the reduction in the sample band-gap energy from 3.78 eV to 2.87 eV, which caused the increase in electron excitation motion. Through simulator tests, the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on the PANI/PVP/Mn0.3Fe2.7O4/TiO2 nanocomposite thin film exhibited the best performance in reaching the optimum PANI composition. Thus, the PANI/PVP/Mn0.3Fe2.7O4/TiO2 nanocomposite thin film has good potential to be applied in solar cell applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the impact of mechanical cleaning, citric acid+sodium hydroxide (CA), and nitric acid (NA) passivation on welded SS304 stainless steel plates, taking into consideration surface roughness. An innovative EIS paste–based cell is employed for this purpose. Welded systems in both the heat-affected (HAZ) zone and base metal (BM) are being analyzed before and after each treatment. Specifically, one welded plate underwent mechanical cleaning, another was solely subjected to CA passivation, and a third received both mechanical cleaning and CA passivation. Aging tests were conducted in a condensation chamber to confirm the effectiveness of cleaning and passivation treatments. Regarding open-circuit potential (OCP), most samples remained within the passive region, except for the mechanically cleaned heat-affected zone and the intentionally abraded surface immediately after abrasion. Rp values, which are in line with the OCP measurements, range from 104 to 107 Ω cm2 for all the observed samples. As the degree of abrasion on the NA-passivated surface increases, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) spectrum shifts from that characteristic of the passive towards that characteristic of the active state of the stainless steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron selenide (FeSe2), cobalt selenide (Co3Se4), and iron cobalt selenide (FeCo2Se4) have been synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal process. The formation of FeSe2, Co3Se4, and FeCo2Se4 has been proven by sample characterization to support their catalytic activity as the counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP)/propylene carbonate (PC)/1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME)/1-methyl-3-propyl imidazolium iodide (MPII)/sodium iodide (NaI)/iodine (I2) gel electrolytes were assembled into DSSCs with FeCo2Se4, FeSe2, Co3Se4, or platinum (Pt) as the counter electrode. The DSSC with FeCo2Se4 counter electrode shows an efficiency of 8.55%, whereas Pt counter electrode shows an efficiency of 7.06%. The highest performance of DSSC achieved with FeCo2Se4 can be attributed to its highest surface area and pore volume. Hence, FeCo2Se4 can be used as a Pt-free counter electrode for high-performance DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye-sensitized solar cells were fabricated with a polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based quasi-solid (gel) electrolyte consisting of the ionic liquid 1-hexil-3-methylimidazoliym iodide (HMII), and tetrapropyl ammonium iodide (Pr4N+I−) as the two iodide salts with two dissimilar cations. Titanium dioxide powder (TiO2) (P-25) was added to the polymer electrolyte to enhance the iodide ion conductivity further by the nanofiller effect. The electrolyte and the solar cells were characterized by ionic conductivity and impedance measurements, DC polarization test, and current-voltage measurements. The maximum ionic conductivity of 6.95 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 30 °C was exhibited by the electrolyte composition with a 5 wt% TiO2 nanofiller concentration, and the activation energy of this electrolyte was 0.181 eV. The solar cell with this conductivity-optimized gel electrolyte had the highest short-circuit photocurrent of 8.72 mA cm−2 and the highest efficiency of 4.04% with an open-circuit voltage of 685.4 V and a fill factor of 67.6%. The addition of TiO2 nanofiller to the PEO-based gel polymer electrolyte has increased the electron recombination lifetime in the TiO2 photoanode from 2.23 ms for the TiO2 nanofiller-free electrolyte to 33.84 ms for the filler-added electrolyte. The enhancement of the solar cell efficiency is attributed to the mixed cation effect and the diffusion-mediated ionic conductivity increase due to the presence of the TiO2 nanofiller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye sensitized solar cell has been shown to be a promising technology for energy conversion. It presented in composition a scaffold material, an electrolyte, a counter electrode and a photosensiting molecule. Due to the costs of the most applied ruthenium-organic material, new compounds are synthesized with the aim of reducing costs. This work describes the synthesis and application of (E)-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) but-3-en-2-one (1), a monocarbonyl analog of curcumin, as a photosensiting material in a photovoltaic system. Devices were prepared using TiO2 as scaffold material sensitized with compound 1, graphene as a counter electrode, and I−/I3− as an electrolyte. The results showed the possibility of using new organic materials, providing an efficient device in energy conversion, with parameters of Jsc = 0.31 mA cm−2; Voc = 0.54 V, FF = 0.47, PCE = 0.07% and τ n = 0.637 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the optical, structural, and chemical characteristics of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Although GQDs have the potential to enhance photon absorption in DSSCs, direct contact with the dye can lead to the degradation of GQD properties and reduced DSSC performance. To address this issue, PEG was applied as a passivation layer on GQDs co-sensitized with N719 dye, resulting in improved DSSC efficiency. The PEG-GQDs produced enhanced blue luminescence and good ultraviolet-to-visible light absorption with minimum structural defects confirmed by the Raman results. PEG also functions as a linker, facilitating the effective attachment of GQDs and dye. The nonpolar pro-oil groups on the GQD surface are adsorbed through coordination bond exchange (–OH functional group of the GQD), allowing for good dye permeability. The DSSC based on GQDs achieved a lower power conversion efficiency (0.93%) compared to the DSSC based on PEG-GQDs (1.27%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on six D‐π‐A systems, utilizing diverse π‐spacers as bridges. Comprehensive analysis through Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time‐dependent Functional Theory (TD‐DFT) methods at B3LYP using 6‐31G (d.p) basis set explores geometrical, electrical, optical, photovoltaic, and absorption properties. EHOMO, ELUMO, and energy gap (Egap), for all of these dyes have been determined and discussed using ground state optimization. TD‐DFT calculates optical properties, unveiling enhanced excitation energies and HOMO‐LUMO energy levels, indicative of improved electron injection and dye regeneration processes. Examination of energy gap, open‐circuit voltage (VOC), free energy change (ΔGinject), light harvesting efficiency (LHE), and absorption spectra reveals D4 dye′s lower Egap and robust absorption in the visible spectrum. Molecular tailoring emerges as a promising technique for optimizing D‐π‐A sensitizer design, offering potential advancements in DSSCs applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel synthesis process and characterization of nano-calcium fluoride (n-CaF2) single crystal prepared from phosphogypsum waste. The phosphogypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) powder has been mechanically mixed with NH4F in presence of a controlled amount of water. The mixture still sintered for 48 hours until the formation of nano calcium fluoride particles. The n-CaF2 particles have been characterized by several techniques, The techniques utilized included X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Therefore, it was confirmed that very pure n-CaF2 was obtained with a Ca/F ratio of 0.5 and an average crystalizing size measured according to the Debye-Scherrer equation of 11 nm. Based on the findings reached, The characterization data revealed successful synthesis of n-CaF2 from phosphogypsum. Additionally, the adsorption performance of the elaborated n-CaF2 was tested in Reactive Blue 21 (RB21) anionic dye removal, Adsorption tests were conducted in a batch reactor, focusing on key factors such as contact time, which can significantly influence the adsorption results. adsorption amount, pH, and dye concentration were tested. Hence results show an important adsorption performance of n-CaF2 with Reactive Blue 21 removal rate up to 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the influence of photosensitizer selection and the polymer electrolyte composition on the performance of quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (QsDSSCs). Two benchmark ruthenium dyes, N719 and Z907, alongside a novel photoactive phenothiazine dye were used. Each dye was incorporated into a QsDSSC architecture employing poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) as the gel electrolyte matrix, with varying molecular weights, to investigate their impacts on the overall device performance and long-term stability. Our results demonstrated that the N719 dye exhibited the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE), attributed to its strong absorption in the visible spectrum and efficient electron injection into the TiO2 photoanode. Z907, on the other hand, showed moderate PCE due to its broader absorption profile but slower electron injection kinetics. The phenothiazine dye revealed promising PCE, with tunable absorption properties and efficient charge transfer. Furthermore, the impact of PVDF-HFP polymer gel electrolytes with varying molecular weights on cell stability was explored. The QsDSSC incorporating the PVH80 polymer with the phenothiazine dye exhibited reduced dye desorption, due to the effective dye molecules' immobilization by the gel matrix, and consequently enhanced long-term stability over 600 h. This comparative study sheds light on the interplay between dye selection, the polymer gel's properties, and QsDSSCs' performance. These insights are crucial in designing robust and efficient QsDSSCs for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO nanowires (ZnO NWs), ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and carbon dots (C-dots) were synthesized by hydrothermal, sol-gel and hydrothermal methods respectively. They were also characterized and applied for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The effects of C-dots on ZnO NWs and ZnO NPs have been evaluated. The C-dots were used at a mole ratio of citric acid (CA) to ethylene diamine (EDA) of 1 : 1.5. These C-dots were found to enhance the performance of the flexible electrode DSSCs. After the addition of C-dots, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ZnO NPs was boosted to be two times higher than that of ZnO NPs DSSCs without C-dots. Similarly, the ultraviolet (UV)-band revealed a blue shift, resulting in a lower band gap and a reduced charge transfer resistance, which can enhance the PCE of DSSCs. The loaded quantity on the flexible electrode substrate made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was optimized (50 mg). For DSSCs, the PET flexible electrode conductive polymer has produced positive outcomes. For ZnO NWs and ZnO NWs@C-dots, the PCE values were 1.45% and 4.25%; while for ZnO NPs and ZnO NPs@C-dots, they were 2.34% and 5.81%, respectively. This work achieved remarkable and competitive performance when compared to solid (indium tin oxides/glass)-based substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), materials classified as Transparent Conducting Oxides (TCOs) have the capacity to conduct electricity and transmit light at the same time. Their exceptional blend of optical transparency and electrical conductivity makes them popular choices for transparent electrodes in DSSCs. Fluorine Tin Oxide (FTO) was utilized in this experiment. The optical and electrical characteristics of TCOs may be negatively impacted by their frequent exposure to hostile environments and potential for deterioration. TCOs are coated with passivating layers to increase their performance, stability, and defense against environmental elements including oxygen, moisture, and chemical pollutants. Because of its superior dielectric qualities, strong chemical stability, and suitability with TCO materials, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) was utilized as a passivating layer for the FTO. In this research work, Al2O3 was deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD) to form thin mesoporous layers as a passivator in the photoanode (working electrode). The work focuses on finding an appropriate thickness of Al2O3 for optimum performance of the dye-sensitized solar cells. The solar simulation and sheet resistance analysis clearly showed 200 cycles of Al2O3 to exhibit an efficiency of 4.31%, which was the most efficient performance. The surface morphology and topography of all samples were discussed and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Anthraquinone dyes have an anthraquinone structure as their nucleus, with one or more substituents forming different organic dyes. Anthraquinone dyes have a complex structure that allows them to exist stably in water environment, but also makes them more toxic than azo dyes. This results in varying degrees of harm to both humans and the environment as a result of residual dyes in the water or on the material' surface. Sodium percarbonate (SPC) is a highly promising oxidant due to its green end product. Therefore, in this study, the catalytic performance and kinetic study of cobalt oxide (CoO) on SPC under different conditions were systematically investigated using RB19 as the target pollutant. The Box–Behnken Design (BBD) model was used to model the degradation of RB19 by CoO/SPC system, which gives the basis for practical application. The types of reactive oxygen species that effectively degrade RB19 and the potential degradation mechanism of the CoO/SPC system were revealed. At the same time, the CoO/SPC system was evaluated in terms of its practicality. RESULTS: In this work, the activation of SPC using CoO towards reactive blue 19 (RB19) degradation was explored. Experimental results showed that nearly 93.8% of RB19 could be removed within 30 min using 1 mmol L−1 SPC and 30 mg L−1 CoO. The three‐factor interaction effects of SPC concentration, CoO dosage and initial pH were investigated. The BBD model was set up to obtain the optimum working conditions of 1.039 mmol L−1 SPC, 33.35 mg L−1 CoO and the initial pH of 7.82, which gave a degradation rate of 95.372%. Additionally, it was confirmed that the solubility of Co2+ is consistently <150 μg L−1, meeting the emission standard (1 ppm). The presence of Cl−, NO3–, and HA had a similar profile, with a slight promoting effect in small amounts and an inhibitory effect when introduced in excess. The introduction of SO42– had a negligible effect on RB19 degradation, whereas the presence of HCO3− produced a slight inhibitory effect. Furthermore, the presence of PO43– showed a strong inhibitory effect. The CoO/SPC system is suitable for other organic dyes (32.7%–100%) and antibiotics (97.1–100%). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis and quenching experiments confirmed the presence and relative contribution of free radicals in the CoO/SPC system as CO3•‐ (88.12%) >O2•‐ (51.11%) >1O2 (37.21%) >•OH (5.27%) > SPC (3.33%) >CoO (0.09%). It has been confirmed that CoO activates SPC through electron transfer. CONCLUSION: The present study describes a less time‐consuming, and more efficient method of treating anthraquinone dye wastewater that requires less oxidizer and catalyst, making it more economical. This proposes a straightforward, cost‐effective and efficient technique using SPC triggered by transition metal oxides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are garnering significant interest because of their cost-effective production process and promising potential for future prospects. This paper presents an innovative approach to the fabrication of DSSCs. Further, a comparative study of DSSCs has been carried to evaluate the performance of the solar cells. BaSnO3 (BSO)- and TiO2-based DSSCs were fabricated with the incorporation of a ruthenium-based N719 dye [(Bu4N)2(Ru)(dcbpyH)2(NCS)2]. The sol–gel technique, facilitated by a microwave oven, was employed for the synthesis of the solar cell materials. Subsequently, these materials were deposited on a fluorine-doped SnO2 glass substrate via doctor blade method. Comprehensive analysis of the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the powder and FTO/BSO/N719/electrolyte/Pt and FTO/TiO2/N719/electrolyte/Pt cells was conducted using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, and current–voltage (J–V) characteristics. The BSO DSSC demonstrated higher incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency in the UV–Vis region and better overall performance than the TiO2-based cell with a similar experimental environment. The BSO-based DSSC exhibited maximum conversion efficiency (ƞ) of 2.64%, whereas the TiO2-based DSSC demonstrated maximum conversion efficiency of 2.19%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we fabricated an efficient and low-cost carbon-doped titania (C–TiO2) counter electrode (CE) as a substitute for platinum (Pt) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). By varying different weight ratios, C–TiO2 samples were synthesized through the hydrothermal synthesis method followed by calcination in a tube furnace. The doctor blade coating method was used to deposit thin films of the synthesized samples onto the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates. Structural and morphological properties were studied by using various analytical techniques. Moreover, the electrochemical and photo-conversion characteristics of the fabricated CEs were investigated. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) results of the fabricated CEs showed electrocatalytic activity comparable to the Pt in the DSSCs. Meanwhile, photovoltaic measurement results showed the best-performing 15% C–TiO2 CE having 1.56% power conversion efficiency (PCE) as compared to Pt, which is 2.12%. This study proposed a simple method to fabricate a low-cost and efficient C–TiO2 CE for DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo-Fenton catalysis plays an important role in the degradation of organic pollutants in environmental sewage. In this paper, magnetic 0D/1D ZnFe2O4/ZnCO3 rod-like nanocomposites were fabricated by a simple one-pot solvothermal method, and then the produced magnetic 0D/1D ZnFe2O4/ZnO rod-like nanocomposites were formed via calcination at high temperature. The obtained 0D/1D ZnFe2O4/ZnCO3 has been fully investigated by x-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Furthermore, the photocatalytic Fenton reaction of these two catalysts has been preliminarily evaluated for the degradation performance of organic dyes and antibiotics in wastewater. The results showed that, under visible-light irradiation, the ZnFe2O4/ZnCO3 composite material and its product, ZnFe2O4/ZnO, after high-temperature firing can achieve more than 90% photo-Fenton catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and tetracycline (TC) within 30 min, superior to that of ZnFe2O4, ZnCO3 , and ZnO monomers due to their larger specific surface area and more active sites. The magnetization saturation values of ZnFe2O4/ZnCO3-2 and ZnFe2O4/ZnO-2 were, respectively, around 34.20 emu/g and 15.00 emu/g, indicating that both have good magnetic recovery properties. After five cycles of experiments, the photo-Fenton catalytic properties of ZnFe2O4/ZnCO3-2 and ZnFe2O4/ZnO-2 on TC decreased slightly within 30 min, but the Fenton catalytic properties of RhB still maintained more than 98%, indicating that both have good magnetic recovery properties and strong structural stability. A possible photo-Fenton catalytic mechanism has been proposed based on free radical identification, electrochemical impedance spectra, photocurrent curves, and a Mott–Schottky diagram. This study provided two catalysts with excellent performance for the photo-Fenton catalytic degradation of pollutants in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document titled "Photovoltaics Literature Survey (No. 192)" is a compilation of recently published journal articles that cover a wide range of topics related to photovoltaics. These articles discuss various aspects of solar energy technology, including improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells, advancements in other types of solar cells, the use of quantum dots and quantum wells in solar cells, optimization of photovoltaic systems, and the policy, economics, education, health, environment, and recycling aspects of solar energy. [Extracted from the article]