Advancing the Sustainable Application of Nanostructured Materials in Solar Cells

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Solar Energy and Solar Cells".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 8071

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Guest Editor
Materials Science, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan 215316, China
Interests: development of high performance nanostructured and nanocomposite materials based on superthin/thin/thick films using novel and advanced materials synthesis methods for solar cells; energy storage; optoelectronics applications; non-vacuum Chemical Vapour Deposition technology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The continuous development of society and economy has generated an ever-increasing demand for energy. However, the current reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels not only contributes to the energy crisis but also leads to detrimental environmental pollution. To address these challenges, countries worldwide are actively pursuing sustainable approaches to energy development. Solar energy, as a clean and renewable source, holds immense potential in resolving the energy crisis and preserving the environment. While significant progress has been made in recent decades, further advancements are still needed to fully replace conventional energy sources with solar cells.

One promising approach to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of solar cells is the utilization of nanostructured materials. For instance, the integration of quantum dots and nanowires with unique optical properties can enhance light absorption across a broader spectrum, resulting in increased light harvesting and overall efficiency. Nanomaterials also offer a high surface-to-volume ratio, facilitating a larger interface between the active layer of the solar cell and the incident light. This leads to improved light absorption, more efficient charge separation, and consequently, higher power conversion efficiency. Additionally, nanomaterials can be designed and engineered to achieve an optimized bandgap for efficient light absorption and improved power conversion. Furthermore, nanostructured materials enhance charge transport properties, minimize charge recombination, and maximize the collection of charge carriers, thereby improving solar cell efficiency. Moreover, nanomaterials can be integrated into flexible substrates and processed using scalable, low-cost, and low temperature manufacturing techniques, expanding the applications of solar cells. Various nanomaterials with unique properties can also be combined with other perovskite materials, inorganic or organic semiconductors, to create high-performance hybrid solar cells.

This Special Issue aims to compile recent advancements in utilizing nanomaterials to enhance the efficiency, stability, and versatility of solar cells, thereby promoting more sustainable and efficient conversion of solar energy. We cordially invite researchers to submit original research articles and reviews covering a broad range of topics related to the advancements of nanomaterials in solar cells, including but not limited to:

  • Development of novel nanomaterials to improve light absorption;
  • Strategies for enhancing charge transport and collection in nanomaterial-based solar cells;
  • Bandgap engineering and optimization techniques using nanomaterials;
  • Integration of nanomaterials with other advanced technologies for synergistic effects in solar cell performance;
  • Design and fabrication of flexible and lightweight solar cells utilizing nanomaterials;
  • Enhancements in stability and durability through the incorporation of nanomaterials;
  • Exploration of sustainable and earth-abundant nanomaterials for solar cell applications;
  • Low-energy methods for nanomaterial fabrication in solar cell production;
  • Innovative device nanostructures incorporating nanomaterials for improved performance.

Contributions on all types of solar cells are welcome, including but not limited to tandem solar cells, perovskite solar cells, tandem perovskite-silicon solar cells, organic solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, quantum-dot-based solar cells, chalcogenides-based nanomaterials for solar cells, hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells and other relevant solar cell technologies.

We eagerly anticipate your valuable contributions, as they will significantly contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of nanomaterials for solar cell applications.

Prof. Dr. Kwang Leong Choy
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • solar cells
  • nanomaterials
  • sustainable solutions
  • solar energy
  • photovoltaic performance
  • light absorption
  • power conversion efficiency
  • charge transport
  • stability and durability
  • perovskite solar cells

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 2151 KiB  
Article
Influence of Hole Transport Layers on Buried Interface in Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Phase Segregation
by Fangfang Cao, Liming Du, Yongjie Jiang, Yangyang Gou, Xirui Liu, Haodong Wu, Junchuan Zhang, Zhiheng Qiu, Can Li, Jichun Ye, Zhen Li and Chuanxiao Xiao
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(11), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110963 - 1 Jun 2024
Viewed by 848
Abstract
Light-induced phase segregation, particularly when incorporating bromine to widen the bandgap, presents significant challenges to the stability and commercialization of perovskite solar cells. This study explores the influence of hole transport layers, specifically poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine (PTAA) and [4-(3,6-dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (Me-4PACz), on the dynamics of [...] Read more.
Light-induced phase segregation, particularly when incorporating bromine to widen the bandgap, presents significant challenges to the stability and commercialization of perovskite solar cells. This study explores the influence of hole transport layers, specifically poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine (PTAA) and [4-(3,6-dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (Me-4PACz), on the dynamics of phase segregation. Through detailed characterization of the buried interface, we demonstrate that Me-4PACz enhances perovskite photostability, surpassing the performance of PTAA. Nanoscale analyses using in situ Kelvin probe force microscopy and quantitative nanomechanical mapping techniques elucidate defect distribution at the buried interface during phase segregation, highlighting the critical role of substrate wettability in perovskite growth and interface integrity. The integration of these characterization techniques provides a thorough understanding of the impact of the buried bottom interface on perovskite growth and phase segregation. Full article
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13 pages, 5095 KiB  
Article
Fabricating Planar Perovskite Solar Cells through a Greener Approach
by Sajid Sajid, Salem Alzahmi, Nouar Tabet, Yousef Haik and Ihab M. Obaidat
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(7), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070594 - 28 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1535
Abstract
High-quality perovskite thin films are typically produced via solvent engineering, which results in efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Nevertheless, the use of hazardous solvents like precursor solvents (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)) and antisolvents (chlorobenzene (CB), dibutyl ether (DEE), [...] Read more.
High-quality perovskite thin films are typically produced via solvent engineering, which results in efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Nevertheless, the use of hazardous solvents like precursor solvents (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)) and antisolvents (chlorobenzene (CB), dibutyl ether (DEE), diethyl ether (Et2O), etc.) is crucial to the preparation of perovskite solutions and the control of perovskite thin film crystallization. The consumption of hazardous solvents poses an imminent threat to both the health of manufacturers and the environment. Consequently, before PSCs are commercialized, the current concerns about the toxicity of solvents must be addressed. In this study, we fabricated highly efficient planar PSCs using a novel, environmentally friendly method. Initially, we employed a greener solvent engineering approach that substituted the hazardous precursor solvents with an environmentally friendly solvent called triethyl phosphate (TEP). In the following stage, we fabricated perovskite thin films without the use of an antisolvent by employing a two-step procedure. Of all the greener techniques used to fabricate PSCs, the FTO/SnO2/MAFAPbI3/spiro-OMeTAD planar device configuration yielded the highest PCE of 20.98%. Therefore, this work addresses the toxicity of the solvents used in the perovskite film fabrication procedure and provides a promising universal method for producing PSCs with high efficiency. The aforementioned environmentally friendly approach might allow for PSC fabrication on an industrial scale in the future under sustainable conditions. Full article
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24 pages, 3618 KiB  
Article
Donor-Acceptor Copolymers with 9-(2-Ethylhexyl)carbazole or Dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide Donor Units and 5,6-Difluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole Acceptor Units for Photonics
by Věra Cimrová, Petra Babičová, Mariem Guesmi and Drahomír Výprachtický
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(22), 2939; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13222939 - 13 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1529
Abstract
Semiconducting polymers, particularly of the third generation, including donor-acceptor (D-A) copolymers, are extensively studied due to their huge potential for photonic and electronic applications. Here, we report on two new D-A copolymers, CP1 and CP2, composed of different electron-donor (D) units: 9-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole or [...] Read more.
Semiconducting polymers, particularly of the third generation, including donor-acceptor (D-A) copolymers, are extensively studied due to their huge potential for photonic and electronic applications. Here, we report on two new D-A copolymers, CP1 and CP2, composed of different electron-donor (D) units: 9-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole or dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide, respectively, and of 4,7-bis(4′-(2-octyldodecyl)thiophen-2′-yl)-5,6-difluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole building block with central 5,6-difluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole electron-acceptor (A) units, which were synthesized by Suzuki coupling in the high-boiling solvent xylene and characterized. The copolymers exhibited very good thermal and oxidation stability. A copolymer CP1 with different molecular weights was prepared in order to facilitate a comparison of CP1 with CP2 of comparable molecular weight and to reveal the relationship between molecular weight and properties. The photophysical, electrochemical, and electroluminescence properties were examined. Intense red photoluminescence (PL) with higher PL efficiencies for CP1 than for CP2 was observed in both solutions and films. Red shifts in the PL thin film spectra compared with the PL solution spectra indicated aggregate formation in the solid state. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed differences in the arrangement of molecules in thin films depending on the molecular weight of the copolymers. Light-emitting devices with efficient red emission and low onset voltages were prepared and characterized. Full article
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11 pages, 3206 KiB  
Article
Tsuchime-like Aluminum Film to Enhance Absorption in Ultra-Thin Photovoltaic Cells
by Mikita Marus, Yauhen Mukha, Him-Ting Wong, Tak-Lam Chan, Aliaksandr Smirnov, Aliaksandr Hubarevich and Haibo Hu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(19), 2650; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13192650 - 26 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1177
Abstract
Ultra-thin solar cells enable materials to be saved, reduce deposition time, and promote carrier collection from materials with short diffusion lengths. However, light absorption efficiency in ultra-thin solar panels remains a limiting factor. Most methods to increase light absorption in ultra-thin solar cells [...] Read more.
Ultra-thin solar cells enable materials to be saved, reduce deposition time, and promote carrier collection from materials with short diffusion lengths. However, light absorption efficiency in ultra-thin solar panels remains a limiting factor. Most methods to increase light absorption in ultra-thin solar cells are either technically challenging or costly, given the thinness of the functional layers involved. We propose a cost-efficient and lithography-free solution to enhance light absorption in ultra-thin solar cells—a Tsuchime-like self-forming nanocrater (T-NC) aluminum (Al) film. T-NC Al film can be produced by the electrochemical anodization of Al, followed by etching the nanoporous alumina. Theoretical studies show that T-NC film can increase the average absorbance by 80.3%, depending on the active layer’s thickness. The wavelength range of increased absorption varies with the active layer thickness, with the peak of absolute absorbance increase moving from 620 nm to 950 nm as the active layer thickness increases from 500 nm to 10 µm. We have also shown that the absorbance increase is retained regardless of the active layer material. Therefore, T-NC Al film significantly boosts absorbance in ultra-thin solar cells without requiring expensive lithography, and regardless of the active layer material. Full article
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Review

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25 pages, 5505 KiB  
Review
A Review on Pulsed Laser Preparation of Quantum Dots in Colloids for the Optimization of Perovskite Solar Cells: Advantages, Challenges, and Prospects
by Liang Sun, Yang Li, Jiujiang Yan, Wei Xu, Liangfen Xiao, Zhong Zheng, Ke Liu, Zhijie Huang and Shuhan Li
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191550 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 879
Abstract
In recent years, academic research on perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has attracted remarkable attention, and one of the most crucial issues is promoting the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability of PSCs. Generally, modification of the electron or hole transport layers between [...] Read more.
In recent years, academic research on perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has attracted remarkable attention, and one of the most crucial issues is promoting the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability of PSCs. Generally, modification of the electron or hole transport layers between the perovskite layers and electrodes via surface engineering is considered an effective strategy because the inherent structural defects between charge carrier transport layers and perovskite layers can be reshaped and modified by adopting the functional nanomaterials, and thus the charge recombination rate can be naturally decreased. At present, large amounts of available nanomaterials for surface modification of the perovskite films are extensively investigated, mainly including nanocrystals, nanorods, nanoarrays, and even colloidal quantum dots (QDs). In particular, as unique size-dependent nanomaterials, the diverse quantum properties of colloidal QDs are different from other nanomaterials, such as their quantum confinement effects, quantum-tunable effects, and quantum surface effects, which display great potential in promoting the PCE and operational stability of PSCs as the charge carriers in perovskite layers can be effectively tuned by these quantum effects. However, preparing QDs with a neat and desirable size remains a technical difficulty, even though the present chemical engineering is highly advanced. Fortunately, the rapid advances in laser technology have provided new insight into the precise preparation of QDs. In this review, we introduce a new approach for preparing the QDs, namely pulsed laser irradiation in colloids (PLIC), and briefly highlight the innovative works on PLIC-prepared QDs for the optimization of PSCs. This review not only highlights the advantages of PLIC for QD preparation but also critically points out the challenges and prospects of QD-based PSCs. Full article
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21 pages, 3814 KiB  
Review
Advancing Silver Bismuth Sulfide Quantum Dots for Practical Solar Cell Applications
by Fidya Azahro Nur Mawaddah and Satria Zulkarnaen Bisri
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161328 - 8 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1477
Abstract
Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) show unique properties that distinguish them from their bulk form, the so-called quantum confinement effects. This feature manifests in tunable size-dependent band gaps and discrete energy levels, resulting in distinct optical and electronic properties. The investigation direction of colloidal [...] Read more.
Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) show unique properties that distinguish them from their bulk form, the so-called quantum confinement effects. This feature manifests in tunable size-dependent band gaps and discrete energy levels, resulting in distinct optical and electronic properties. The investigation direction of colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) materials has started switching from high-performing materials based on Pb and Cd, which raise concerns regarding their toxicity, to more environmentally friendly compounds, such as AgBiS2. After the first breakthrough in solar cell application in 2016, the development of AgBiS2 QDs has been relatively slow, and many of the fundamental physical and chemical properties of this material are still unknown. Investigating the growth of AgBiS2 QDs is essential to understanding the fundamental properties that can improve this material’s performance. This review comprehensively summarizes the synthesis strategies, ligand choice, and solar cell fabrication of AgBiS2 QDs. The development of PbS QDs is also highlighted as the foundation for improving the quality and performance of AgBiS2 QD. Furthermore, we prospectively discuss the future direction of AgBiS2 QD and its use for solar cell applications. Full article
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