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Kasaye BB, Shura MW, Dibaba ST. Review of recent progress in the development of electrolytes for Cd/Pb-based quantum dot-sensitized solar cells: performance and stability. RSC Adv 2024; 14:16255-16268. [PMID: 38769954 PMCID: PMC11103669 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01030b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) represent an exciting advancement in third-generation photovoltaic solar cells owing to their ability to generate multiple electron-hole pairs per photon, high stability under light and moisture exposure, and flexibility in size and composition tuning. Although these cells have achieved power conversion efficiencies exceeding 15%, there remains a challenge in enhancing both their efficiency and stability for practical large-scale applications. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to investigate recent progress in improving the long-term stability, analyzing the impact of advanced quantum dot properties on charge-transport optimization, and assessing the role of interface engineering in reducing recombination losses to maximize QDSSC performance and stability. Additionally, this review delves into key elements such as the electrolyte composition, ionic conductivity, and compatibility with counter electrodes and photoanodes to understand their influence on power conversion efficiencies and stability. Finally, potential directions for advancing QDSC development in future are discussed to provide insights into the obstacles and opportunities for achieving high-efficiency QDSSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayisa Batu Kasaye
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Adama Science and Technology University Adama Oromia Ethiopia
| | - Megersa Wodajo Shura
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Adama Science and Technology University Adama Oromia Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Tiruneh Dibaba
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Adama Science and Technology University Adama Oromia Ethiopia
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Kharboot LH, Fadil NA, Bakar TAA, Najib ASM, Nordin NH, Ghazali H. A Review of Transition Metal Sulfides as Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized and Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2881. [PMID: 37049175 PMCID: PMC10095893 DOI: 10.3390/ma16072881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Third-generation solar cells, including dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), have been associated with low-cost material requirements, simple fabrication processes, and mechanical robustness. Hence, counter electrodes (CEs) are a critical component for the functionality of these solar cells. Although platinum (Pt)-based CEs have been dominant in CE fabrication, they are costly and have limited market availability. Therefore, it is important to find alternative materials to overcome these issues. Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have demonstrated capabilities as a more cost-effective alternative to Pt materials. This advantage has been attributed to their strong electrocatalytic activity, excellent thermal stability, tunability of bandgap energies, and variable crystalline morphologies. In this study, a comprehensive review of the major components and working principles of the DSSC and QDSSC are presented. In developing CEs for DSSCs and QDSSCs, various TMS materials synthesized through several techniques are thoroughly reviewed. The performance efficiencies of DSSCs and QDSSCs resulting from TMS-based CEs are subjected to in-depth comparative analysis with Pt-based CEs. Thus, the power conversion efficiency (PCE), fill factor (FF), short circuit current density (Jsc) and open circuit voltage (Voc) are investigated. Based on this review, the PCEs for DSSCs and QDSSCs are found to range from 5.37 to 9.80% (I-/I3- redox couple electrolyte) and 1.62 to 6.70% (S-2/Sx- electrolyte). This review seeks to navigate the future direction of TMS-based CEs towards the performance efficiency improvement of DSSCs and QDSSCs in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Haythoor Kharboot
- Department of Materials, Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia; (L.H.K.); (T.A.A.B.); (A.S.M.N.)
| | - Nor Akmal Fadil
- Department of Materials, Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia; (L.H.K.); (T.A.A.B.); (A.S.M.N.)
- Materials Research and Consultancy Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Tuty Asma Abu Bakar
- Department of Materials, Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia; (L.H.K.); (T.A.A.B.); (A.S.M.N.)
- Materials Research and Consultancy Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Abdillah Sani Mohd Najib
- Department of Materials, Manufacturing, and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia; (L.H.K.); (T.A.A.B.); (A.S.M.N.)
- Materials Research and Consultancy Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Norhuda Hidayah Nordin
- Department of Manufacturing and Material Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Gombak, Kuala Lumpur 53100, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Habibah Ghazali
- College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Footscray Park Campus, Ballarat Road, Footscray, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
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Yao D, Hu Z, Zheng R, Li J, Wang L, Yang X, Lü W, Xu H. Black TiO 2-Based Dual Photoanodes Boost the Efficiency of Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells to 11.7. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:4294. [PMID: 36500917 PMCID: PMC9741270 DOI: 10.3390/nano12234294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSC) have been regarded as one of the most promising candidates for effective utilization of solar energy, but its power conversion efficiency (PCE) is still far from meeting expectations. One of the most important bottlenecks is the limited collection efficiency of photogenerated electrons in the photoanodes. Herein, we design QDSSCs with a dual-photoanode architecture, and assemble the dual photoanodes with black TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), which were processed by a femtosecond laser in the filamentation regime, and common CdS/CdSe QD sensitizers. A maximum PCE of 11.7% with a short circuit current density of 50.3 mA/cm2 is unambiguously achieved. We reveal both experimentally and theoretically that the enhanced PCE is mainly attributed to the improved light harvesting of black TiO2 due to the black TiO2 shells formed on white TiO2 NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danwen Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Zhenyu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Ruifeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Jialun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Liying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xijia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Wei Lü
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Huailiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy and Chongqing Institute, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
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Optimization Strategies of Preparation of Biomass-Derived Carbon Electrocatalyst for Boosting Oxygen Reduction Reaction: A Minireview. Catalysts 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/catal10121472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has attracted considerable attention for clean energy conversion technologies to reduce traditional fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Although platinum (Pt) metal is currently used as an electrocatalyst to accelerate sluggish ORR kinetics, the scarce resource and high cost still restrict its further scale-up applications. In this regard, biomass-derived carbon electrocatalysts have been widely adopted for ORR electrocatalysis in recent years owing to their tunable physical/chemical properties and cost-effective precursors. In this minireview, recent advances of the optimization strategies in biomass-derived carbon electrocatalysts towards ORR have been summarized, mainly focusing on the optimization of pore structure and active site. Besides, some current challenges and future perspectives of biomass-derived carbon as high-performance electrocatalysts for ORR have been also discussed in detail. Hopefully, this minireview will afford a guideline for better design of biomass-derived carbon electrocatalysts for ORR-related applications.
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Zheng W, Zhang S. The effect of CuS counter electrode microtopography on the properties of quantum dot sensitized solar cells. INORG CHEM COMMUN 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2020.108294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Xu P, Chang X, Liu R, Wang L, Li X, Zhang X, Yang X, Wang D, Lü W. Boosting Power Conversion Efficiency of Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells by Integrating Concentrating Photovoltaic Concept with Double Photoanodes. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2020; 15:188. [PMID: 32990822 PMCID: PMC7524932 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-020-03424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite great efforts dedicated to enhance power conversion efficiency (PCE) of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) in the past two decades, the efficiency of QDSSCs is still far behind its theoretical value. The present approaches for improving PCE are mainly focused on tailoring the bandgap of QDs to broadening light-harvesting and optimizing interfaces of component parts. Herein, a new solar cell architecture is proposed by integrating concentrating solar cell (CPV) concept into QDSSCs with double photoanode design. The Cu2S mesh is used as a counter electrode and sandwiched between two photoanodes. This designed battery structure can increase the PCE by 260% compared with a single photoanode. With the most extensively used CdS/CdSe QD sensitizers, a champion PCE of 8.28% (Voc = 0.629 V, Jsc = 32.247 mA cm-2) was achieved. This is mainly due to the increase in Jsc due to the double photoanode design and adoption of the CPV concept. In addition, another reason is that concentrated sunshine illumination induced a photothermal effect, accelerating the preceding chemical reactions associated with the conversion of polysulfide species. The cell fabrication and design reported here provides a new insight for further development of QDSSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, College of Science, Changchun University, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaopeng Chang
- Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, College of Science, Changchun University, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Runru Liu
- Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, College of Science, Changchun University, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education & Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuesong Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education & Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education & Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xijia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education & Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Dejun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, College of Science, Changchun University, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Lü
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education & Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China.
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