Organic electronics on fibers for energy conversion applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Connor, Brendan T.

Currently, there is great demand for pollution-free and renewable sources of electricity. Solar cells are particularly attractive from the standpoint of sunlight abundance. However, truly widespread adoption of solar cells is impeded by the high cost and poor scalability of existing technologies. For example, while 53,000 mi2 of 10% efficient solar cell modules would be required to supply the current U.S. energy demand, only about 50 mi2 have been installed worldwide. Organic semiconductors potentially offer a route to realizing low-cost solar cell modules, but currently suffer from low conversion efficiency. For organic-based solar cells to become commercially viable, further research is required to improve device performance, develop scalable manufacturing methods, and reduce installation costs via, for example, novel device form factors. This thesis makes several contributions to the field of organic solar cells, including the replacement of costly and brittle indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes by inexpensive and malleable, thin metal films, and the application of external dielectric coatings to improve power conversion efficiency. Furthermore, we show that devices with non-planar geometries (e.g. organic solar cells deposited onto long fibers) can have higher efficiencies than conventional planar devices. Building on these results, we demonstrate novel fiber-based organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) that offer substantially improved color quality and manufacturability as a next-generation solid-state lighting technology. An intriguing possibility afforded by the fiber-based device architectures is the ability to integrate energy conversion and lighting functionalities with textiles, a mature, commodity-scale technology.

All-silicon tandem solar cells: Practical limits for energy conversion and possible routes for improvement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Xuguang; Puthen-Veettil, Binesh; Xia, Hongze; Yang, Terry Chien-Jen; Lin, Ziyun; Zhang, Tian; Wu, Lingfeng; Nomoto, Keita; Conibeer, Gavin; Perez-Wurfl, Ivan

2016-06-01

Silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) embedded in a dielectric matrix is regarded as one of the most promising materials for the third generation photovoltaics, owing to their tunable bandgap that allows fabrication of optimized tandem devices. Previous work has demonstrated fabrication of Si NCs based tandem solar cells by sputter-annealing of thin multi-layers of silicon rich oxide and SiO2. However, these device efficiencies were much lower than expected given that their theoretical values are much higher. Thus, it is necessary to understand the practical conversion efficiency limits for these devices. In this article, practical efficiency limits of Si NC based double junction tandem cells determined by fundamental material properties such as minority carrier, mobility, and lifetime are investigated. The practical conversion efficiency limits for these devices are significantly different from the reported efficiency limits which use Shockley-Queisser assumptions. Results show that the practical efficiency limit of a double junction cell (1.6 eV Si NC top cell and a 25% efficient c-Si PERL cell as the bottom cell) is 32%. Based on these results suggestions for improvement to the performance of Si nanocrystal based tandem solar cells in terms of the different parameters that were simulated are presented.

High-power waveguide resonator second harmonic device with external conversion efficiency up to 75%

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stefszky, M.; Ricken, R.; Eigner, C.; Quiring, V.; Herrmann, H.; Silberhorn, C.

2018-06-01

We report on a highly efficient waveguide resonator device for the production of 775 nm light using a titanium indiffused LiNbO3 waveguide resonator. When scanning the resonance, the device produces up to 110 mW of second harmonic power with 140 mW incident on the device—an external conversion efficiency of 75%. The cavity length is also locked, using a Pound–Drever–Hall type locking scheme, involving feedback to either the cavity temperature or the laser frequency. With laser frequency feedback, a stable output power of approximately 28 mW from a 52 mW pump is seen over one hour.

Photovoltaic wire derived from a graphene composite fiber achieving an 8.45 % energy conversion efficiency.

PubMed

Yang, Zhibin; Sun, Hao; Chen, Tao; Qiu, Longbin; Luo, Yongfeng; Peng, Huisheng

2013-07-15

Wired for light: Novel wire-shaped photovoltaic devices have been developed from graphene/Pt composite fibers. The high flexibility, mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity of graphene composite fibers resulted in a maximum energy conversion efficiency of 8.45 %, which is much higher than that of other wire-shaped photovoltaic devices. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Thermodynamic limits to the conversion of blackbody radiation by quantum systems. [with application to solar energy conversion devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buoncristiani, A. M.; Smith, B. T.; Byvik, C. E.

1982-01-01

Using general thermodynamic arguments, we analyze the conversion of the energy contained in the radiation from a blackbody to useful work by a quantum system. We show that the energy available for conversion is bounded above by the change in free energy in the incident and reradiated fields and that this free energy change depends upon the temperature of the receiving device. Universal efficiency curves giving the ultimate thermodynamic conversion efficiency of the quantum system are presented in terms of the blackbody temperature and the temperature and threshold energy of the quantum system. Application of these results is made to a variety of systems including biological photosynthetic, photovoltaic, and photoelectrochemical systems.

Dramatically Enhanced Spin Dynamo with Plasmonic Diabolo Cavity.

PubMed

Gou, Peng; Qian, Jie; Xi, Fuchun; Zou, Yuexin; Cao, Jun; Yu, Haochi; Zhao, Ziyi; Yang, Le; Xu, Jie; Wang, Hengliang; Zhang, Lijian; An, Zhenghua

2017-07-13

The applications of spin dynamos, which could potentially power complex nanoscopic devices, have so far been limited owing to their extremely low energy conversion efficiencies. Here, we present a unique plasmonic diabolo cavity (PDC) that dramatically improves the spin rectification signal (enhancement of more than three orders of magnitude) under microwave excitation; further, it enables an energy conversion efficiency of up to ~0.69 mV/mW, compared with ~0.27 μV/mW without a PDC. This remarkable improvement arises from the simultaneous enhancement of the microwave electric field (~13-fold) and the magnetic field (~195-fold), which cooperate in the spin precession process generates photovoltage (PV) efficiently under ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) conditions. The interplay of the microwave electromagnetic resonance and the ferromagnetic resonance originates from a hybridized mode based on the plasmonic resonance of the diabolo structure and Fabry-Perot-like modes in the PDC. Our work sheds light on how more efficient spin dynamo devices for practical applications could be realized and paves the way for future studies utilizing both artificial and natural magnetism for applications in many disciplines, such as for the design of future efficient wireless energy conversion devices, high frequent resonant spintronic devices, and magnonic metamaterials.

Energy harvesting: an integrated view of materials, devices and applications.

PubMed

Radousky, H B; Liang, H

2012-12-21

Energy harvesting refers to the set of processes by which useful energy is captured from waste, environmental, or mechanical sources and is converted into a usable form. The discipline of energy harvesting is a broad topic that includes established methods and materials such as photovoltaics and thermoelectrics, as well as more recent technologies that convert mechanical energy, magnetic energy and waste heat to electricity. This article will review various state-of-the-art materials and devices for direct energy conversion and in particular will include multistep energy conversion approaches. The article will highlight the nano-materials science underlying energy harvesting principles and devices, but also include more traditional bulk processes and devices as appropriate and synergistic. Emphasis is placed on device-design innovations that lead to higher efficiency energy harvesting or conversion technologies ranging from the cm/mm-scale down to MEMS/NEMS (micro- and nano-electromechanical systems) devices. Theoretical studies are reviewed, which address transport properties, crystal chemistry, thermodynamic analysis, energy transfer, system efficiency and device operation. New developments in experimental methods; device design and fabrication; nanostructured materials fabrication; materials properties; and device performance measurement techniques are discussed.

Energy harvesting: an integrated view of materials, devices and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radousky, H. B.; Liang, H.

2012-12-01

Energy harvesting refers to the set of processes by which useful energy is captured from waste, environmental, or mechanical sources and is converted into a usable form. The discipline of energy harvesting is a broad topic that includes established methods and materials such as photovoltaics and thermoelectrics, as well as more recent technologies that convert mechanical energy, magnetic energy and waste heat to electricity. This article will review various state-of-the-art materials and devices for direct energy conversion and in particular will include multistep energy conversion approaches. The article will highlight the nano-materials science underlying energy harvesting principles and devices, but also include more traditional bulk processes and devices as appropriate and synergistic. Emphasis is placed on device-design innovations that lead to higher efficiency energy harvesting or conversion technologies ranging from the cm/mm-scale down to MEMS/NEMS (micro- and nano-electromechanical systems) devices. Theoretical studies are reviewed, which address transport properties, crystal chemistry, thermodynamic analysis, energy transfer, system efficiency and device operation. New developments in experimental methods; device design and fabrication; nanostructured materials fabrication; materials properties; and device performance measurement techniques are discussed.

Evaluation of a Silicon 90Sr Betavoltaic Power Source.

PubMed

Dixon, Jefferson; Rajan, Aravindh; Bohlemann, Steven; Coso, Dusan; Upadhyaya, Ajay D; Rohatgi, Ajeet; Chu, Steven; Majumdar, Arun; Yee, Shannon

2016-12-01

Betavoltaic energy converters (i.e., β-batteries) are attractive power sources because of their potential for high energy densities (>200 MWh/kg) and long duration continuous discharge (>1 year). However, conversion efficiencies have been historically low (<3%). High efficiency devices can be achieved by matching β-radiation transport length scales with the device physics length scales. In this work, the efficiency of c-Si devices using high-energy (>1 MeV) electrons emitted from 90 Sr as a power source is investigated. We propose a design for a >10% efficient betavoltaic device, which generates 1 W of power. A Varian Clinac iX is used to simulate the high-energy electrons emitted from 90 Sr, and a high efficiency c-Si photovoltaic cell is used as the converter. The measured conversion efficiency is 16%. This relatively high value is attributed to proper length scale matching and the generation of secondary electrons in c-Si by the primary β-particles.

Evaluation of a Silicon 90Sr Betavoltaic Power Source

PubMed Central

Dixon, Jefferson; Rajan, Aravindh; Bohlemann, Steven; Coso, Dusan; Upadhyaya, Ajay D.; Rohatgi, Ajeet; Chu, Steven; Majumdar, Arun; Yee, Shannon

2016-01-01

Betavoltaic energy converters (i.e., β-batteries) are attractive power sources because of their potential for high energy densities (>200 MWh/kg) and long duration continuous discharge (>1 year). However, conversion efficiencies have been historically low (<3%). High efficiency devices can be achieved by matching β-radiation transport length scales with the device physics length scales. In this work, the efficiency of c-Si devices using high-energy (>1 MeV) electrons emitted from 90Sr as a power source is investigated. We propose a design for a >10% efficient betavoltaic device, which generates 1 W of power. A Varian Clinac iX is used to simulate the high-energy electrons emitted from 90Sr, and a high efficiency c-Si photovoltaic cell is used as the converter. The measured conversion efficiency is 16%. This relatively high value is attributed to proper length scale matching and the generation of secondary electrons in c-Si by the primary β-particles. PMID:27905521

Evaluation of a Silicon 90Sr Betavoltaic Power Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dixon, Jefferson; Rajan, Aravindh; Bohlemann, Steven; Coso, Dusan; Upadhyaya, Ajay D.; Rohatgi, Ajeet; Chu, Steven; Majumdar, Arun; Yee, Shannon

2016-12-01

Betavoltaic energy converters (i.e., β-batteries) are attractive power sources because of their potential for high energy densities (>200 MWh/kg) and long duration continuous discharge (>1 year). However, conversion efficiencies have been historically low (<3%). High efficiency devices can be achieved by matching β-radiation transport length scales with the device physics length scales. In this work, the efficiency of c-Si devices using high-energy (>1 MeV) electrons emitted from 90Sr as a power source is investigated. We propose a design for a >10% efficient betavoltaic device, which generates 1 W of power. A Varian Clinac iX is used to simulate the high-energy electrons emitted from 90Sr, and a high efficiency c-Si photovoltaic cell is used as the converter. The measured conversion efficiency is 16%. This relatively high value is attributed to proper length scale matching and the generation of secondary electrons in c-Si by the primary β-particles.

Efficient, flexible and mechanically robust perovskite solar cells on inverted nanocone plastic substrates.

PubMed

Tavakoli, Mohammad Mahdi; Lin, Qingfeng; Leung, Siu-Fung; Lui, Ga Ching; Lu, Hao; Li, Liang; Xiang, Bin; Fan, Zhiyong

2016-02-21

Utilization of nanostructures on photovoltaic devices can significantly improve the device energy conversion efficiency by enhancing the device light harvesting capability as well as carrier collection efficiency. However, improvements in device mechanical robustness and reliability, particularly for flexible devices, have rarely been reported with in-depth understanding. In this work, we fabricated efficient, flexible and mechanically robust organometallic perovskite solar cells on plastic substrates with inverted nanocone (i-cone) structures. Compared with the reference cell that was fabricated on a flat substrate, it was shown that the device power conversion efficiency could be improved by 37%, and reached up to 11.29% on i-cone substrates. More interestingly, it was discovered that the performance of an i-cone device remained more than 90% of the initial value even after 200 mechanical bending cycles, which is remarkably better than for the flat reference device, which degraded down to only 60% in the same test. Our experiments, coupled with mechanical simulation, demonstrated that a nanostructured template can greatly help in relaxing stress and strain upon device bending, which suppresses crack nucleation in different layers of a perovskite solar cell. This essentially leads to much improved device reliability and robustness and will have significant impact on practical applications.

Highly efficient periodically poled KTP-isomorphs with large apertures and extreme domain aspect-ratios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canalias, Carlota; Zukauskas, Andrius; Tjörnhamman, Staffan; Viotti, Anne-Lise; Pasiskevicius, Valdas; Laurell, Fredrik

2018-02-01

Since the early 1990's, a substantial effort has been devoted to the development of quasi-phased-matched (QPM) nonlinear devices, not only in ferroelectric oxides like LiNbO3, LiTaO3 and KTiOPO4 (KTP), but also in semiconductors as GaAs, and GaP. The technology to implement QPM structures in ferroelectric oxides has by now matured enough to satisfy the most basic frequency-conversion schemes without substantial modification of the poling procedures. Here, we present a qualitative leap in periodic poling techniques that allows us to demonstrate devices and frequency conversion schemes that were deemed unfeasible just a few years ago. Thanks to our short-pulse poling and coercive-field engineering techniques, we are able to demonstrate large aperture (5 mm) periodically poled Rb-doped KTP devices with a highly-uniform conversion efficiency over the whole aperture. These devices allow parametric conversion with energies larger than 60 mJ. Moreover, by employing our coercive-field engineering technique we fabricate highlyefficient sub-µm periodically poled devices, with periodicities as short as 500 nm, uniform over 1 mm-thick crystals, which allow us to realize mirrorless optical parametric oscillators with counter-propagating signal and idler waves. These novel devices present unique spectral and tuning properties, superior to those of conventional OPOs. Furthermore, our techniques are compatible with KTA, a KTP isomorph with extended transparency in the mid-IR range. We demonstrate that our highly-efficient PPKTA is superior both for mid-IR and for green light generation - as a result of improved transmission properties in the visible range. Our KTP-isomorph poling techniques leading to highly-efficient QPM devices will be presented. Their optical performance and attractive damage thresholds will be discussed.

An efficient copper phthalocyanine additive of perovskite precursor for improving the photovoltaic performance of planar perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Shufang; Liu, Qingwei; Zheng, Ya; Li, Renjie; Peng, Tianyou

2017-08-01

Solution processable planar heterojunction perovskite solar cell has drawn much attention as a promising low-cost photovoltaic device, and much effort has been made to improve its power conversion efficiency by choosing appropriate additives for the perovskite precursor solution. Different to those additives reported, a soluble and thermal stable tert-butyl substituted copper phthalocyanine (CuPc(tBu)4) as additive is first introduced into the perovskite precursor solution of a planar perovskite solar cell that is fabricated via the one-step solution process. It is found that the pristine device without CuPc(tBu)4 additive exhibits a power conversion efficiency of 15.3%, while an extremely low concentration (4.4 × 10-3 mM) of CuPc(tBu)4 in the precursor solution leads to the corresponding device achieving an enhanced power conversion efficiency of 17.3%. CuPc(tBu)4 as an additive can improve the quality of perovskite layer with higher crystallinity and surface coverage, then resulting in enhanced light absorption and reduced charge recombination, and thus the better power conversion efficiency. The finding presented here provides a new choice for improving the quality of perovskite layer and the photovoltaic performance of the planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells.

Integrating a dual-silicon photoelectrochemical cell into a redox flow battery for unassisted photocharging.

PubMed

Liao, Shichao; Zong, Xu; Seger, Brian; Pedersen, Thomas; Yao, Tingting; Ding, Chunmei; Shi, Jingying; Chen, Jian; Li, Can

2016-05-04

Solar rechargeable flow cells (SRFCs) provide an attractive approach for in situ capture and storage of intermittent solar energy via photoelectrochemical regeneration of discharged redox species for electricity generation. However, overall SFRC performance is restricted by inefficient photoelectrochemical reactions. Here we report an efficient SRFC based on a dual-silicon photoelectrochemical cell and a quinone/bromine redox flow battery for in situ solar energy conversion and storage. Using narrow bandgap silicon for efficient photon collection and fast redox couples for rapid interface charge injection, our device shows an optimal solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of ∼5.9% and an overall photon-chemical-electricity energy conversion efficiency of ∼3.2%, which, to our knowledge, outperforms previously reported SRFCs. The proposed SRFC can be self-photocharged to 0.8 V and delivers a discharge capacity of 730 mAh l(-1). Our work may guide future designs for highly efficient solar rechargeable devices.

Solar energy conversion with photon-enhanced thermionic emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kribus, Abraham; Segev, Gideon

2016-07-01

Photon-enhanced thermionic emission (PETE) converts sunlight to electricity with the combined photonic and thermal excitation of charge carriers in a semiconductor, leading to electron emission over a vacuum gap. Theoretical analyses predict conversion efficiency that can match, or even exceed, the efficiency of traditional solar thermal and photovoltaic converters. Several materials have been examined as candidates for radiation absorbers and electron emitters, with no conclusion yet on the best set of materials to achieve high efficiency. Analyses have shown the complexity of the energy conversion and transport processes, and the significance of several loss mechanisms, requiring careful control of material properties and optimization of the device structure. Here we survey current research on PETE modeling, materials, and device configurations, outline the advances made, and stress the open issues and future research needed. Based on the substantial progress already made in this young topic, and the potential of high conversion efficiency based on theoretical performance limits, continued research in this direction is very promising and may yield a competitive technology for solar electricity generation.

Direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion via inverted metamorphic multi-junction semiconductor architectures

DOE PAGES

Young, James L.; Steiner, Myles A.; Döscher, Henning; ...

2017-03-13

Solar water splitting via multi-junction semiconductor photoelectrochemical cells provides direct conversion of solar energy to stored chemical energy as hydrogen bonds. Economical hydrogen production demands high conversion efficiency to reduce balance-of-systems costs. For sufficient photovoltage, water-splitting efficiency is proportional to the device photocurrent, which can be tuned by judicious selection and integration of optimal semiconductor bandgaps. Here, we demonstrate highly efficient, immersed water-splitting electrodes enabled by inverted metamorphic epitaxy and a transparent graded buffer that allows the bandgap of each junction to be independently varied. Voltage losses at the electrolyte interface are reduced by 0.55 V over traditional, uniformly p-dopedmore » photocathodes by using a buried p-n junction. Lastly, advanced on-sun benchmarking, spectrally corrected and validated with incident photon-to-current efficiency, yields over 16% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency with GaInP/GaInAs tandem absorbers, representing a 60% improvement over the classical, high-efficiency tandem III-V device.« less

Direct solar-to-hydrogen conversion via inverted metamorphic multi-junction semiconductor architectures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Young, James L.; Steiner, Myles A.; Döscher, Henning

Solar water splitting via multi-junction semiconductor photoelectrochemical cells provides direct conversion of solar energy to stored chemical energy as hydrogen bonds. Economical hydrogen production demands high conversion efficiency to reduce balance-of-systems costs. For sufficient photovoltage, water-splitting efficiency is proportional to the device photocurrent, which can be tuned by judicious selection and integration of optimal semiconductor bandgaps. Here, we demonstrate highly efficient, immersed water-splitting electrodes enabled by inverted metamorphic epitaxy and a transparent graded buffer that allows the bandgap of each junction to be independently varied. Voltage losses at the electrolyte interface are reduced by 0.55 V over traditional, uniformly p-dopedmore » photocathodes by using a buried p-n junction. Lastly, advanced on-sun benchmarking, spectrally corrected and validated with incident photon-to-current efficiency, yields over 16% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency with GaInP/GaInAs tandem absorbers, representing a 60% improvement over the classical, high-efficiency tandem III-V device.« less

Plasma Accelerator and Energy Conversion Research

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-10-29

performance tests have been accomplished. A self-contained recirculating AMTEC device with a thermal to electric conversion efficiency of 19% has been...combined efficiency . These two match up particularly well, because thermionic conversion is a high temperature technique, whereas AMTEC is limited to...EXPERIENTAL: Samples: The samples were prepared with a high rate DC magnetron sputtering apparatus ( SFI model 1 ). The sample set consisted of four

Method to generate high efficient devices which emit high quality light for illumination

DOEpatents

Krummacher, Benjamin C.; Mathai, Mathew; Choong, Vi-En; Choulis, Stelios A.

2009-06-30

An electroluminescent apparatus includes an OLED device emitting light in the blue and green spectrums, and at least one down conversion layer. The down conversion layer absorbs at least part of the green spectrum light and emits light in at least one of the orange spectra and red spectra.

The alkali metal thermoelectric converter /AMTEC/ - A new direct energy conversion technology for aerospace power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bankston, C. P.; Cole, T.; Jones, R.; Ewell, R.

1982-01-01

A thermally regenerative electrochemical device for the direct conversion of heat to electrical energy, the alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC), is characterized by potential efficiencies on the order of 15-40% and possesses no moving parts, making it a candidate for space power system applications. Device conversion efficiency is projected on the basis of experimental voltage vs current curves exhibiting power densities of 0.7 W/sq cm and measured electrode efficiencies of up to 40%. Preliminary radiative heat transfer measurements presented may be used in an investigation of methods for the reduction of AMTEC parasitic radiation losses. AMTEC assumes heat input and rejection temperatures of 900-1300 K and 400-800 K, respectively. The working fluid is liquid sodium, and the porous electrode employed is of molybdenum.

Silicon Nanowire/Polymer Hybrid Solar Cell-Supercapacitor: A Self-Charging Power Unit with a Total Efficiency of 10.5.

PubMed

Liu, Ruiyuan; Wang, Jie; Sun, Teng; Wang, Mingjun; Wu, Changsheng; Zou, Haiyang; Song, Tao; Zhang, Xiaohong; Lee, Shuit-Tong; Wang, Zhong Lin; Sun, Baoquan

2017-07-12

An integrated self-charging power unit, combining a hybrid silicon nanowire/polymer heterojunction solar cell with a polypyrrole-based supercapacitor, has been demonstrated to simultaneously harvest solar energy and store it. By efficiency enhancement of the hybrid nanowire solar cells and a dual-functional titanium film serving as conjunct electrode of the solar cell and supercapacitor, the integrated system is able to yield a total photoelectric conversion to storage efficiency of 10.5%, which is the record value in all the integrated solar energy conversion and storage system. This system may not only serve as a buffer that diminishes the solar power fluctuations from light intensity, but also pave its way toward cost-effective high efficiency self-charging power unit. Finally, an integrated device based on ultrathin Si substrate is demonstrated to expand its feasibility and potential application in flexible energy conversion and storage devices.

Hybrid Perovskite/Perovskite Heterojunction Solar Cells.

PubMed

Hu, Yinghong; Schlipf, Johannes; Wussler, Michael; Petrus, Michiel L; Jaegermann, Wolfram; Bein, Thomas; Müller-Buschbaum, Peter; Docampo, Pablo

2016-06-28

Recently developed organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells combine low-cost fabrication and high power conversion efficiency. Advances in perovskite film optimization have led to an outstanding power conversion efficiency of more than 20%. Looking forward, shifting the focus toward new device architectures holds great potential to induce the next leap in device performance. Here, we demonstrate a perovskite/perovskite heterojunction solar cell. We developed a facile solution-based cation infiltration process to deposit layered perovskite (LPK) structures onto methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) films. Grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering experiments were performed to gain insights into the crystallite orientation and the formation process of the perovskite bilayer. Our results show that the self-assembly of the LPK layer on top of an intact MAPI layer is accompanied by a reorganization of the perovskite interface. This leads to an enhancement of the open-circuit voltage and power conversion efficiency due to reduced recombination losses, as well as improved moisture stability in the resulting photovoltaic devices.

Modeling recombination processes and predicting energy conversion efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells from first principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Wei; Meng, Sheng

2014-03-01

We present a set of algorithms based on solo first principles calculations, to accurately calculate key properties of a DSC device including sunlight harvest, electron injection, electron-hole recombination, and open circuit voltages. Two series of D- π-A dyes are adopted as sample dyes. The short circuit current can be predicted by calculating the dyes' photo absorption, and the electron injection and recombination lifetime using real-time time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) simulations. Open circuit voltage can be reproduced by calculating energy difference between the quasi-Fermi level of electrons in the semiconductor and the electrolyte redox potential, considering the influence of electron recombination. Based on timescales obtained from real time TDDFT dynamics for excited states, the estimated power conversion efficiency of DSC fits nicely with the experiment, with deviation below 1-2%. Light harvesting efficiency, incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency and the current-voltage characteristics can also be well reproduced. The predicted efficiency can serve as either an ideal limit for optimizing photovoltaic performance of a given dye, or a virtual device that closely mimicking the performance of a real device under different experimental settings.

Mushrooms as Efficient Solar Steam-Generation Devices.

PubMed

Xu, Ning; Hu, Xiaozhen; Xu, Weichao; Li, Xiuqiang; Zhou, Lin; Zhu, Shining; Zhu, Jia

2017-07-01

Solar steam generation is emerging as a promising technology, for its potential in harvesting solar energy for various applications such as desalination and sterilization. Recent studies have reported a variety of artificial structures that are designed and fabricated to improve energy conversion efficiencies by enhancing solar absorption, heat localization, water supply, and vapor transportation. Mushrooms, as a kind of living organism, are surprisingly found to be efficient solar steam-generation devices for the first time. Natural and carbonized mushrooms can achieve ≈62% and ≈78% conversion efficiencies under 1 sun illumination, respectively. It is found that this capability of high solar steam generation is attributed to the unique natural structure of mushroom, umbrella-shaped black pileus, porous context, and fibrous stipe with a small cross section. These features not only provide efficient light absorption, water supply, and vapor escape, but also suppress three components of heat losses at the same time. These findings not only reveal the hidden talent of mushrooms as low-cost materials for solar steam generation, but also provide inspiration for the future development of high-performance solar thermal conversion devices. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Phase Conjugated and Transparent Wavelength Conversions of Nyquist 16-QAM Signals Employing a Single-Layer Graphene Coated Fiber Device

PubMed Central

Hu, Xiao; Zeng, Mengqi; Long, Yun; Liu, Jun; Zhu, Yixiao; Zou, Kaiheng; Zhang, Fan; Fu, Lei; Wang, Jian

2016-01-01

We fabricate a nonlinear optical device based on a fiber pigtail cross-section coated with a single-layer graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Using the fabricated graphene-assisted nonlinear optical device and employing Nyquist 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM) signal, we experimentally demonstrate phase conjugated wavelength conversion by degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) and transparent wavelength conversion by non-degenerate FWM in graphene. We study the conversion efficiency as functions of the pump power and pump wavelength and evaluate the bit-error rate (BER) performance. We also compare the time-varying symbol sequence for graphene-assisted phase conjugated and transparent wavelength conversions of Nyquist 16-QAM signal. PMID:26932470

Flexible, highly efficient all-polymer solar cells

PubMed Central

Kim, Taesu; Kim, Jae-Han; Kang, Tae Eui; Lee, Changyeon; Kang, Hyunbum; Shin, Minkwan; Wang, Cheng; Ma, Biwu; Jeong, Unyong; Kim, Taek-Soo; Kim, Bumjoon J.

2015-01-01

All-polymer solar cells have shown great potential as flexible and portable power generators. These devices should offer good mechanical endurance with high power-conversion efficiency for viability in commercial applications. In this work, we develop highly efficient and mechanically robust all-polymer solar cells that are based on the PBDTTTPD polymer donor and the P(NDI2HD-T) polymer acceptor. These systems exhibit high power-conversion efficiency of 6.64%. Also, the proposed all-polymer solar cells have even better performance than the control polymer-fullerene devices with phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the electron acceptor (6.12%). More importantly, our all-polymer solar cells exhibit dramatically enhanced strength and flexibility compared with polymer/PCBM devices, with 60- and 470-fold improvements in elongation at break and toughness, respectively. The superior mechanical properties of all-polymer solar cells afford greater tolerance to severe deformations than conventional polymer-fullerene solar cells, making them much better candidates for applications in flexible and portable devices. PMID:26449658

High efficiency GaP power conversion for Betavoltaic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sims, Paul E.; Dinetta, Louis C.; Barnett, Allen M.

1994-09-01

AstroPower is developing a gallium phosphide (GaP) based energy converter optimized for radio luminescent light-based power supplies. A 'two-step' or 'indirect' process is used where a phosphor is excited by radioactive decay products to produce light that is then converted to electricity by a photovoltaic energy converter. This indirect conversion of beta-radiation to electrical energy can be realized by applying recent developments in tritium based radio luminescent (RL) light sources in combination with the high conversion efficiencies that can be achieved under low illumination with low leakage, gallium phosphide based devices. This tritium to light approach is inherently safer than battery designs that incorporate high activity radionuclides because the beta particles emitted by tritium are of low average energy and are easily stopped by a thin layer of glass. GaP layers were grown by liquid phase epitaxy and p/n junction devices were fabricated and characterized for low light intensity power conversion. AstroPower has demonstrated the feasibility of the GaP based energy converter with the following key results: 23.54 percent conversion efficiency under 968 muW/sq cm 440 nm blue light, 14.59 percent conversion efficiency for 2.85 muW/sq cm 440 nm blue light, and fabrication of working 5 V array. We have also determined that at least 20 muW/sq cm optical power is available for betavoltaic power systems. Successful developments of this device is an enabling technology for low volume, safe, high voltage, milliwatt power supplies with service lifetimes in excess of 12 years.

High efficiency GaP power conversion for Betavoltaic applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sims, Paul E.; Dinetta, Louis C.; Barnett, Allen M.

1994-01-01

AstroPower is developing a gallium phosphide (GaP) based energy converter optimized for radio luminescent light-based power supplies. A 'two-step' or 'indirect' process is used where a phosphor is excited by radioactive decay products to produce light that is then converted to electricity by a photovoltaic energy converter. This indirect conversion of beta-radiation to electrical energy can be realized by applying recent developments in tritium based radio luminescent (RL) light sources in combination with the high conversion efficiencies that can be achieved under low illumination with low leakage, gallium phosphide based devices. This tritium to light approach is inherently safer than battery designs that incorporate high activity radionuclides because the beta particles emitted by tritium are of low average energy and are easily stopped by a thin layer of glass. GaP layers were grown by liquid phase epitaxy and p/n junction devices were fabricated and characterized for low light intensity power conversion. AstroPower has demonstrated the feasibility of the GaP based energy converter with the following key results: 23.54 percent conversion efficiency under 968 muW/sq cm 440 nm blue light, 14.59 percent conversion efficiency for 2.85 muW/sq cm 440 nm blue light, and fabrication of working 5 V array. We have also determined that at least 20 muW/sq cm optical power is available for betavoltaic power systems. Successful developments of this device is an enabling technology for low volume, safe, high voltage, milliwatt power supplies with service lifetimes in excess of 12 years.

Review of nanostructured devices for thermoelectric applications

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Summary A big research effort is currently dedicated to the development of thermoelectric devices capable of a direct thermal-to-electrical energy conversion, aiming at efficiencies as high as possible. These devices are very attractive for many applications in the fields of energy recovery and green energy harvesting. In this paper, after a quick summary of the fundamental principles of thermoelectricity, the main characteristics of materials needed for high efficiency thermoelectric conversion will be discussed, and a quick review of the most promising materials currently under development will be given. This review paper will put a particular emphasis on nanostructured silicon, which represents a valid compromise between good thermoelectric properties on one side and material availability, sustainability, technological feasibility on the other side. The most important bottom-up and top-down nanofabrication techniques for large area silicon nanowire arrays, to be used for high efficiency thermoelectric devices, will be presented and discussed. PMID:25247111

Vertical phase separation in bulk heterojunction solar cells formed by in situ polymerization of fulleride

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lipei; Xing, Xing; Zheng, Lingling; Chen, Zhijian; Xiao, Lixin; Qu, Bo; Gong, Qihuang

2014-01-01

Vertical phase separation of the donor and the acceptor in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells is crucial to improve the exciton dissociation and charge transport efficiencies. This is because whilst the exciton diffusion length is limited, the organic film must be thick enough to absorb sufficient light. However, it is still a challenge to control the phase separation of a binary blend in a bulk heterojunction device architecture. Here we report the realization of vertical phase separation induced by in situ photo-polymerization of the acrylate-based fulleride. The power conversion efficiency of the devices with vertical phase separation increased by 20%. By optimising the device architecture, the power conversion efficiency of the single junction device reached 8.47%. We believe that in situ photo-polymerization of acrylate-based fulleride is a universal and controllable way to realise vertical phase separation in organic blends. PMID:24861168

Three-Dimensional Hetero-Integration of Faceted GaN on Si Pillars for Efficient Light Energy Conversion Devices.

PubMed

Kim, Dong Rip; Lee, Chi Hwan; Cho, In Sun; Jang, Hanmin; Jeon, Min Soo; Zheng, Xiaolin

2017-07-25

An important pathway for cost-effective light energy conversion devices, such as solar cells and light emitting diodes, is to integrate III-V (e.g., GaN) materials on Si substrates. Such integration first necessitates growth of high crystalline III-V materials on Si, which has been the focus of many studies. However, the integration also requires that the final III-V/Si structure has a high light energy conversion efficiency. To accomplish these twin goals, we use single-crystalline microsized Si pillars as a seed layer to first grow faceted Si structures, which are then used for the heteroepitaxial growth of faceted GaN films. These faceted GaN films on Si have high crystallinity, and their threading dislocation density is similar to that of GaN grown on sapphire. In addition, the final faceted GaN/Si structure has great light absorption and extraction characteristics, leading to improved performance for GaN-on-Si light energy conversion devices.

Flat-plate solar array project. Volume 4: High-efficiency solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leipold, M.; Cheng, L.; Daud, T.; Mokashi, A.; Burger, D.; Christensen, E. (Editor); Murry, J. (Editor); Bengelsdorf, I. (Editor)

1986-01-01

The High Efficiency Solar Cell Task was assigned the objective of understanding and developing high efficiency solar cell devices that would meet the cost and performance goals of the Flat Plate Solar Array (FSA) Project. The need for research dealing with high efficiency devices was considered important because of the role efficiency plays in reducing price per watt of generated energy. The R&D efforts conducted during the 1982 to 1986 period are summarized to provide understanding and control of energy conversion losses associated with crystalline silicon solar cells. New levels of conversion efficiency were demonstrated. Major contributions were made both to the understanding and reduction of bulk and surface losses in solar cells. For example, oxides, nitrides, and polysilicon were all shown to be potentially useful surface passivants. Improvements in measurement techniques were made and Auger coefficients and spectral absorption data were obtained for unique types of silicon sheets. New modelling software was developed including a program to optimize a device design based on input characteristics of a cell.

Thermophotovoltaic energy conversion system having a heavily doped n-type region

DOEpatents

DePoy, David M.; Charache, Greg W.; Baldasaro, Paul F.

2000-01-01

A thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion semiconductor device is provided which incorporates a heavily doped n-type region and which, as a consequence, has improved TPV conversion efficiency. The thermophotovoltaic energy conversion device includes an emitter layer having first and second opposed sides and a base layer in contact with the first side of the emitter layer. A highly doped n-type cap layer is formed on the second side of the emitter layer or, in another embodiment, a heavily doped n-type emitter layer takes the place of the cap layer.

Integrating a dual-silicon photoelectrochemical cell into a redox flow battery for unassisted photocharging

PubMed Central

Liao, Shichao; Zong, Xu; Seger, Brian; Pedersen, Thomas; Yao, Tingting; Ding, Chunmei; Shi, Jingying; Chen, Jian; Li, Can

2016-01-01

Solar rechargeable flow cells (SRFCs) provide an attractive approach for in situ capture and storage of intermittent solar energy via photoelectrochemical regeneration of discharged redox species for electricity generation. However, overall SFRC performance is restricted by inefficient photoelectrochemical reactions. Here we report an efficient SRFC based on a dual-silicon photoelectrochemical cell and a quinone/bromine redox flow battery for in situ solar energy conversion and storage. Using narrow bandgap silicon for efficient photon collection and fast redox couples for rapid interface charge injection, our device shows an optimal solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of ∼5.9% and an overall photon–chemical–electricity energy conversion efficiency of ∼3.2%, which, to our knowledge, outperforms previously reported SRFCs. The proposed SRFC can be self-photocharged to 0.8 V and delivers a discharge capacity of 730 mAh l−1. Our work may guide future designs for highly efficient solar rechargeable devices. PMID:27142885

Power conversion efficiency exceeding the Shockley-Queisser limit in a ferroelectric insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spanier, Jonathan E.; Fridkin, Vladimir M.; Rappe, Andrew M.; Akbashev, Andrew R.; Polemi, Alessia; Qi, Yubo; Gu, Zongquan; Young, Steve M.; Hawley, Christopher J.; Imbrenda, Dominic; Xiao, Geoffrey; Bennett-Jackson, Andrew L.; Johnson, Craig L.

2016-09-01

Ferroelectric absorbers, which promote carrier separation and exhibit above-gap photovoltages, are attractive candidates for constructing efficient solar cells. Using the ferroelectric insulator BaTiO3 we show how photogeneration and the collection of hot, non-equilibrium electrons through the bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) yields a greater-than-unity quantum efficiency. Despite absorbing less than a tenth of the solar spectrum, the power conversion efficiency of the BPVE device under 1 sun illumination exceeds the Shockley-Queisser limit for a material of this bandgap. We present data for devices that feature a single-tip electrode contact and an array with 24 tips (total planar area of 1 × 1 μm2) capable of generating a current density of 17 mA cm-2 under illumination of AM1.5 G. In summary, the BPVE at the nanoscale provides an exciting new route for obtaining high-efficiency photovoltaic solar energy conversion.

Improvements to tapered semiconductor MOPA laser design and testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beil, James A.; Shimomoto, Lisa; Swertfeger, Rebecca B.; Misak, Stephen M.; Campbell, Jenna; Thomas, Jeremy; Renner, Daniel; Mashanovitch, Milan; Leisher, Paul O.; Liptak, Richard W.

2018-02-01

This paper expands on previous work in the field of high power tapered semiconductor amplifiers and integrated master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) devices. The devices are designed for watt-class power output and single-mode operation for free-space optical communication. This paper reports on improvements to the fabrication of these devices resulting in doubled electrical-to-optical efficiency, improved thermal properties, and improved spectral properties. A newly manufactured device yielded a peak power output of 375 mW continuous-wave (CW) at 3000 mA of current to the power amplifier and 300 mA of current to the master oscillator. This device had a peak power conversion efficiency of 11.6% at 15° C, compared to the previous device, which yielded a peak power conversion efficiency of only 5.0% at 15° C. The new device also exhibited excellent thermal and spectral properties, with minimal redshift up to 3 A CW on the power amplifier. The new device shows great improvement upon the excessive self-heating and resultant redshift of the previous device. Such spectral improvements are desirable for free-space optical communications, as variation in wavelength can degrade signal quality depending on the detectors being used and the medium of propagation.

Cotton-textile-enabled flexible self-sustaining power packs via roll-to-roll fabrication

PubMed Central

Gao, Zan; Bumgardner, Clifton; Song, Ningning; Zhang, Yunya; Li, Jingjing; Li, Xiaodong

2016-01-01

With rising energy concerns, efficient energy conversion and storage devices are required to provide a sustainable, green energy supply. Solar cells hold promise as energy conversion devices due to their utilization of readily accessible solar energy; however, the output of solar cells can be non-continuous and unstable. Therefore, it is necessary to combine solar cells with compatible energy storage devices to realize a stable power supply. To this end, supercapacitors, highly efficient energy storage devices, can be integrated with solar cells to mitigate the power fluctuations. Here, we report on the development of a solar cell-supercapacitor hybrid device as a solution to this energy requirement. A high-performance, cotton-textile-enabled asymmetric supercapacitor is integrated with a flexible solar cell via a scalable roll-to-roll manufacturing approach to fabricate a self-sustaining power pack, demonstrating its potential to continuously power future electronic devices. PMID:27189776

Polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells with PEDOT:PSS bilayer structure as hole extraction layer.

PubMed

Kim, Wanjung; Kim, Namhun; Kim, Jung Kyu; Park, Insun; Choi, Yeong Suk; Wang, Dong Hwan; Chae, Heeyeop; Park, Jong Hyeok

2013-06-01

A high current density obtained in a limited, nanometer-thick region is important for high efficiency polymer solar cells (PSCs). The conversion of incident photons to charge carriers only occurs in confined active layers; therefore, charge-carrier extraction from the active layer within the device by using solar light has an important impact on the current density and the related to power conversion efficiency. In this study, we observed a surprising result, that is, extracting the charge carrier generated in the active layer of a PSC device, with a thickness-controlled PEDOT:PSS bilayer that acted as a hole extraction layer (HEL), yielded a dramatically improved power conversion efficiency in two different model systems (P3HT:PC₆₀BM and PCDTBT:PC₇₀BM). To understand this phenomenon, we conducted optical strength simulation, photocurrent-voltage measurements, incident photon to charge carrier efficiency measurements, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, and AFM studies. The results revealed that approximately 60 nm was the optimum PEDOT:PSS bilayer HEL thickness in PSCs for producing the maximum power conversion efficiency. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ultrafast acousto-optic mode conversion in optically birefringent ferroelectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lejman, Mariusz; Vaudel, Gwenaelle; Infante, Ingrid C.; Chaban, Ievgeniia; Pezeril, Thomas; Edely, Mathieu; Nataf, Guillaume F.; Guennou, Mael; Kreisel, Jens; Gusev, Vitalyi E.; Dkhil, Brahim; Ruello, Pascal

2016-08-01

The ability to generate efficient giga-terahertz coherent acoustic phonons with femtosecond laser makes acousto-optics a promising candidate for ultrafast light processing, which faces electronic device limits intrinsic to complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. Modern acousto-optic devices, including optical mode conversion process between ordinary and extraordinary light waves (and vice versa), remain limited to the megahertz range. Here, using coherent acoustic waves generated at tens of gigahertz frequency by a femtosecond laser pulse, we reveal the mode conversion process and show its efficiency in ferroelectric materials such as BiFeO3 and LiNbO3. Further to the experimental evidence, we provide a complete theoretical support to this all-optical ultrafast mechanism mediated by acousto-optic interaction. By allowing the manipulation of light polarization with gigahertz coherent acoustic phonons, our results provide a novel route for the development of next-generation photonic-based devices and highlight new capabilities in using ferroelectrics in modern photonics.

Improved Power Conversion Efficiency of Inverted Organic Solar Cells by Incorporating Au Nanorods into Active Layer.

PubMed

He, Yeyuan; Liu, Chunyu; Li, Jinfeng; Zhang, Xinyuan; Li, Zhiqi; Shen, Liang; Guo, Wenbin; Ruan, Shengping

2015-07-29

This Research Article describes a cooperative plasmonic effect on improving the performance of organic solar cells. When Au nanorods(NRs) are incorporated into the active layers, the designed project shows superior enhanced light absorption behavior comparing with control devices, which leads to the realization of organic solar cell with power conversion efficiency of 6.83%, accounting for 18.9% improvement. Further investigations unravel the influence of plasmonic nanostructures on light trapping, exciton generation, dissociation, and charge recombination and transport inside the thin films devices. Moreover, the introduction of high-conductivity Au NRs improves electrical conductivity of the whole device, which contributes to the enhanced fill factor.

Review of solar fuel-producing quantum conversion processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, D. B.; Biddle, J. R.; Fujita, T.

1984-01-01

The status and potential of fuel-producing solar photochemical processes are discussed. Research focused on splitting water to produce dihydrogen and is at a relatively early stage of development. Current emphasis is primarily directed toward understanding the basic chemistry underlying such quantum conversion processes. Theoretical analyses by various investigators predict a limiting thermodynamic efficiency of 31% for devices with a single photosystem operating with unfocused sunlight at 300 K. When non-idealities are included, it appears unlikely that actual devices will have efficiencies greater than 12 to 15%. Observed efficiencies are well below theoretical limits. Cyclic homogeneous photochemical processes for splitting water have efficiencies considerably less than 1%. Efficiency can be significantly increased by addition of a sacrificial reagent; however, such systems are no longer cyclic and it is doubtful that they would be economical on a commercial scale. The observed efficiencies for photoelectrochemical processes are also low but such systems appear more promising than homogeneous photochemical systems. Operating and systems options, including operation at elevated temperature and hybrid and coupled quantum-thermal conversion processes, are also considered.

Review of betavoltaic energy conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olsen, Larry C.

1993-05-01

Betavoltaic energy conversion refers to the generation of power by coupling a beta source to a semiconductor junction device. The theory of betavoltaic energy conversion and some past studies of the subject are briefly reviewed. Calculations of limiting efficiencies for semiconductor cells versus bandgap are presented along with specific studies for Pm-147 and Ni-63 fueled devices. The approach used for fabricating Pm-147 fueled batteries by the author in the early 1970's is reviewed. Finally, the potential performance of advanced betavoltaic power sources is considered.

Review of betavoltaic energy conversion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, Larry C.

1993-01-01

Betavoltaic energy conversion refers to the generation of power by coupling a beta source to a semiconductor junction device. The theory of betavoltaic energy conversion and some past studies of the subject are briefly reviewed. Calculations of limiting efficiencies for semiconductor cells versus bandgap are presented along with specific studies for Pm-147 and Ni-63 fueled devices. The approach used for fabricating Pm-147 fueled batteries by the author in the early 1970's is reviewed. Finally, the potential performance of advanced betavoltaic power sources is considered.

RF rectifiers for EM power harvesting in a Deep Brain Stimulating device.

PubMed

Hosain, Md Kamal; Kouzani, Abbas Z; Tye, Susannah; Kaynak, Akif; Berk, Michael

2015-03-01

A passive deep brain stimulation (DBS) device can be equipped with a rectenna, consisting of an antenna and a rectifier, to harvest energy from electromagnetic fields for its operation. This paper presents optimization of radio frequency rectifier circuits for wireless energy harvesting in a passive head-mountable DBS device. The aim is to achieve a compact size, high conversion efficiency, and high output voltage rectifier. Four different rectifiers based on the Delon doubler, Greinacher voltage tripler, Delon voltage quadrupler, and 2-stage charge pumped architectures are designed, simulated, fabricated, and evaluated. The design and simulation are conducted using Agilent Genesys at operating frequency of 915 MHz. A dielectric substrate of FR-4 with thickness of 1.6 mm, and surface mount devices (SMD) components are used to fabricate the designed rectifiers. The performance of the fabricated rectifiers is evaluated using a 915 MHz radio frequency (RF) energy source. The maximum measured conversion efficiency of the Delon doubler, Greinacher tripler, Delon quadrupler, and 2-stage charge pumped rectifiers are 78, 75, 73, and 76 % at -5 dBm input power and for load resistances of 5-15 kΩ. The conversion efficiency of the rectifiers decreases significantly with the increase in the input power level. The Delon doubler rectifier provides the highest efficiency at both -5 and 5 dBm input power levels, whereas the Delon quadrupler rectifier gives the lowest efficiency for the same inputs. By considering both efficiency and DC output voltage, the charge pump rectifier outperforms the other three rectifiers. Accordingly, the optimised 2-stage charge pumped rectifier is used together with an antenna to harvest energy in our DBS device.

Improved foilless Ku-band transit-time oscillator for generating gigawatt level microwave with low guiding magnetic field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ling, Junpu; He, Juntao, E-mail: hejuntao12@163.com; Zhang, Jiande

2014-09-15

An improved foilless Ku-band transit-time oscillator with low guiding magnetic field is proposed and investigated in this paper. With a non-uniform buncher and a coaxial TM{sub 02} mode dual-resonant reflector, this improved device can output gigawatt level Ku-band microwave with relatively compact radial dimensions. Besides the above virtue, this novel reflector also has the merits of high TEM reflectance, being more suitable for pre-modulating the electron beam and enhancing the conversion efficiency. Moreover, in order to further increase the conversion efficiency and lower the power saturation time, a depth-tunable coaxial collector and a resonant cavity located before the extractor aremore » employed in our device. Main structure parameters of the device are optimized by particle in cell simulations. The typical simulation result is that, with a 380 kV, 8.2 kA beam guided by a magnetic field of about 0.6 T, 1.15 GW microwave pulse at 14.25 GHz is generated, yielding a conversion efficiency of about 37%.« less

Frequency conversion system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanders, Steven (Inventor); Lang, Robert J. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

Laser diode pumped mid-IR wavelength sources include at least one high power, near-IR wavelength, injection and/or sources wherein one or both of such sources may be tunable providing a pump wave output beam to a quasi-phase matched (QPM) nonlinear frequency mixing (NFM) device. The NFM device may be a difference frequency mixing (DFM) device or an optical parametric oscillation (OPO) device. Wavelength tuning of at least one of the sources advantageously provides the ability for optimizing pump or injection wavelengths to match the QPM properties of the NFM device enabling a broad range of mid-IR wavelength selectivity. Also, pump powers are gain enhanced by the addition of a rare earth amplifier or oscillator, or a Raman/Brillouin amplifier or oscillator between the high power source and the NFM device. Further, polarization conversion using Raman or Brillouin wavelength shifting is provided to optimize frequency conversion efficiency in the NFM device.

Improved photovoltaic performance from inorganic perovskite oxide thin films with mixed crystal phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakrabartty, Joyprokash; Harnagea, Catalin; Celikin, Mert; Rosei, Federico; Nechache, Riad

2018-05-01

Inorganic ferroelectric perovskites are attracting attention for the realization of highly stable photovoltaic cells with large open-circuit voltages. However, the power conversion efficiencies of devices have been limited so far. Here, we report a power conversion efficiency of 4.20% under 1 sun illumination from Bi-Mn-O composite thin films with mixed BiMnO3 and BiMn2O5 crystal phases. We show that the photocurrent density and photovoltage mainly develop across grain boundaries and interfaces rather than within the grains. We also experimentally demonstrate that the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit photocurrent measured in the films are tunable by varying the electrical resistance of the device, which in turn is controlled by externally applying voltage pulses. The exploitation of multifunctional properties of composite oxides provides an alternative route towards achieving highly stable, high-efficiency photovoltaic solar energy conversion.

Performance of ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation for indoor air cleaning applications.

PubMed

Hodgson, A T; Destaillats, H; Sullivan, D P; Fisk, W J

2007-08-01

Ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (UVPCO) systems for removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air are being considered for use in office buildings. Here, we report an experimental evaluation of a UVPCO device with tungsten oxide modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) as the photocatalyst. The device was challenged with complex VOC mixtures. One mixture contained 27 VOCs characteristic of office buildings and another comprised 10 VOCs emitted by cleaning products, in both cases at realistic concentrations (low ppb range). VOC conversion efficiencies varied widely, usually exceeded 20%, and were as high as approximately 80% at about 0.03 s residence time. Conversion efficiency generally diminished with increased airflow rate, and followed the order: alcohols and glycol ethers > aldehydes, ketones, and terpene hydrocarbons > aromatic and alkane hydrocarbons > halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons. Conversion efficiencies correlated with the Henry's law constant more closely than with other physicochemical parameters. An empirical model based on the Henry's law constant and the gas-phase reaction rate with hydroxyl radical provided reasonable estimates of pseudo-first order photocatalytic reaction rates. Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, formic acid and acetic acid were produced by the device due to incomplete mineralization of common VOCs. Formaldehyde outlet/inlet concentration ratios were in the range 1.9-7.2. Implementation of air cleaning technologies for both VOCs and particles in office buildings may improve indoor air quality, or enable indoor air quality levels to be maintained with reduced outdoor air supply and concomitant energy savings. One promising air cleaning technology is ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (UVPCO) air cleaning. For the prototype device evaluated here with realistic mixtures of VOCs, conversion efficiencies typically exceeded the minimum required to counteract predicted VOC concentration increases from a 50% reduction in ventilation. However, the device resulted in the net generation of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde from the partial oxidation of ubiquitous VOCs. Further development of the technology is needed to eliminate these hazardous air pollutants before such a UVPCO device can be deployed in buildings.

Evaluation strategy of regenerative braking energy for supercapacitor vehicle.

PubMed

Zou, Zhongyue; Cao, Junyi; Cao, Binggang; Chen, Wen

2015-03-01

In order to improve the efficiency of energy conversion and increase the driving range of electric vehicles, the regenerative energy captured during braking process is stored in the energy storage devices and then will be re-used. Due to the high power density of supercapacitors, they are employed to withstand high current in the short time and essentially capture more regenerative energy. The measuring methods for regenerative energy should be investigated to estimate the energy conversion efficiency and performance of electric vehicles. Based on the analysis of the regenerative braking energy system of a supercapacitor vehicle, an evaluation system for energy recovery in the braking process is established using USB portable data-acquisition devices. Experiments under various braking conditions are carried out. The results verify the higher efficiency of energy regeneration system using supercapacitors and the effectiveness of the proposed measurement method. It is also demonstrated that the maximum regenerative energy conversion efficiency can reach to 88%. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Commercial Development Of Ovonic Thin Film Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ovshinsky, Stanford R.

1983-09-01

One square foot Ovonic amorphous photovoltaic devices are already in commercial production and are manufactured through a continuous web process. The next levels of commercialization required to achieve a large-volume power market will be discussed, and the device specifications correlated with the chemical and electronic properties of the materials that we are developing to achieve even higher efficiencies. It has been long considered a utopian dream to harness the energy of the sun to create electricity that would be competitive in cost to that produced from the conventional sources of energy such as oil, gas, and uranium. The impact on our society of stand-alone power generators without moving parts using the continually available, ubiquitous energy of the sun could certainly lead to a new age with consequences comparable to the first introduction of electricity which greatly accelerated the Industrial Revolution. Low cost, nonpolluting energy not dependent upon or limited by transmission costs could again make DC electricity a realistic option. The relatively young field of photovoltaics suffers from certain dogmas that are just now being questioned. For example, it is thought by many that solar cells utilizing crys-talline materials have inherently higher efficiencies than those using amorphous materials, and that somehow crystalline solar cells, whether fabricated from single crystals or polycrystalline material, in round or rectangular geometries, grown from the melt or by a rib-bon process, can be reduced in cost sufficiently that the economics become attractive enough for large-scale terrestrial generation of power. In this paper, we shall show that amorphous materials can have much higher efficiencies than do crystalline and that the answer to our power generation needs lies not in crystalline but in amorphous technology. At Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD), we have designed and built a production machine (described by my colleague, Dr. Izu, in a subsequent paper) which has clearly demonstrated that the basic barrier to low-cost production has been broken through and that one can now speak realistically of delivering power directly from the sun for under a dollar per peak watt merely by making larger versions of this basic continuous web, large-area thin-film machine. We have made one square foot amorphous silicon alloy PIN devices with conversion efficiencies in the range of 7%, and in the laboratory, we have reported smaller area PIN de-vices in the 10% conversion efficiency range. In addition, much higher energy conversion efficiencies can be obtained within the same process by using multi-cell layered or tandem thin-film solar cell structures (see Figure 1). These devices exhibit enhanced efficiency by utilizing a wider range of the solar spectrum. Since the theoretical maximum efficiency for multi-cell structures is over 60%, one can certainly realistically anticipate the pro-duction of thin-film amorphous photovoltaic devices with efficiencies as high as 30%. Our production device is already a two-cell tandem, as we have solved not only the problems of interfacing the individual cell components but also the difficulties associated with a one foot square format deposited on a continuous web. Figure 2 shows a continuous roll of Ovonic solar cells. Realistic calculations for a three-cell tandem thin-film device using amorphous semiconductor alloys with 1.8eV, 1.5eV, and 1.0eV optical band gaps indicate that solar energy conversion efficiencies of 20-30% can be achieved.

Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) photovoltaic devices made using multistep selenization of nanocrystal films.

PubMed

Harvey, Taylor B; Mori, Isao; Stolle, C Jackson; Bogart, Timothy D; Ostrowski, David P; Glaz, Micah S; Du, Jiang; Pernik, Douglas R; Akhavan, Vahid A; Kesrouani, Hady; Vanden Bout, David A; Korgel, Brian A

2013-09-25

The power conversion efficiency of photovoltaic devices made with ink-deposited Cu(InxGa1-x)Se2 (CIGS) nanocrystal layers can be enhanced by sintering the nanocrystals with a high temperature selenization process. This process, however, can be challenging to control. Here, we report that ink deposition followed by annealing under inert gas and then selenization can provide better control over CIGS nanocrystal sintering and yield generally improved device efficiency. Annealing under argon at 525 °C removes organic ligands and diffuses sodium from the underlying soda lime glass into the Mo back contact to improve the rate and quality of nanocrystal sintering during selenization at 500 °C. Shorter selenization time alleviates excessive MoSe2 formation at the Mo back contact that leads to film delamination, which in turn enables multiple cycles of nanocrystal deposition and selenization to create thicker, more uniform absorber films. Devices with power conversion efficiency greater than 7% are fabricated using the multiple step nanocrystal deposition and sintering process.

Efficiency enhancement of silicon nanowire solar cells by using UV/Ozone treatments and micro-grid electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Junyi; Subramani, Thiyagu; Sun, Yonglie; Jevasuwan, Wipakorn; Fukata, Naoki

2018-05-01

Silicon nanowire solar cells were fabricated by metal catalyzed electroless etching (MCEE) followed by thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In this study, we investigated two effects, a UV/ozone treatment and the use of a micro-grid electrodes, to enhance light absorption and reduce the optic losses in the solar cell device. The UV/ozone treatment successfully improved the conversion efficiency. The micro-grid electrodes were then applied in solar cell devices subjected to a back surface field (BSF) treatment and rapid thermal annealing (RTA). These effects improved the conversion efficiency from 9.4% to 10.9%. Moreover, to reduce surface recombination and improve the continuity of front electrodes, we optimized the etching time of the MCEE process, giving a high efficiency of 12.3%.

A mesoporous nickel counter electrode for printable and reusable perovskite solar cells.

PubMed

Ku, Zhiliang; Xia, Xinhui; Shen, He; Tiep, Nguyen Huy; Fan, Hong Jin

2015-08-28

A mesoporous nickel layer is used as the counter electrode in printable perovskite solar cells. A unique reuse process is realized in such perovskite solar cell devices by repeated loading of the perovskite material. Under standard AM1.5 illumination, the fresh device shows a promising power conversion efficiency of 13.6%, and an efficiency of 12.1% is obtained in the reused devices.

Large-Scale Fabrication of Silicon Nanowires for Solar Energy Applications.

PubMed

Zhang, Bingchang; Jie, Jiansheng; Zhang, Xiujuan; Ou, Xuemei; Zhang, Xiaohong

2017-10-11

The development of silicon (Si) materials during past decades has boosted up the prosperity of the modern semiconductor industry. In comparison with the bulk-Si materials, Si nanowires (SiNWs) possess superior structural, optical, and electrical properties and have attracted increasing attention in solar energy applications. To achieve the practical applications of SiNWs, both large-scale synthesis of SiNWs at low cost and rational design of energy conversion devices with high efficiency are the prerequisite. This review focuses on the recent progresses in large-scale production of SiNWs, as well as the construction of high-efficiency SiNW-based solar energy conversion devices, including photovoltaic devices and photo-electrochemical cells. Finally, the outlook and challenges in this emerging field are presented.

Power Conversion Efficiency and Device Stability Improvement of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells by Using a ZnO:PFN Composite Cathode Buffer Layer.

PubMed

Jia, Xiaorui; Zhang, Lianping; Luo, Qun; Lu, Hui; Li, Xueyuan; Xie, Zhongzhi; Yang, Yongzhen; Li, Yan-Qing; Liu, Xuguang; Ma, Chang-Qi

2016-07-20

We have demonstrated in this article that both power conversion efficiency (PCE) and performance stability of inverted planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells can be improved by using a ZnO:PFN nanocomposite (PFN: poly[(9,9-bis(3'-(N,N-dimethylamion)propyl)-2,7-fluorene)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctyl)-fluorene]) as the cathode buffer layer (CBL). This nanocomposite could form a compact and defect-less CBL film on the perovskite/PC61BM surface (PC61BM: phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester). In addition, the high conductivity of the nanocomposite layer makes it works well at a layer thickness of 150 nm. Both advantages of the composite layer are helpful in reducing interface charge recombination and improving device performance. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the best ZnO:PFN CBL based device was measured to be 12.76%, which is higher than that of device without CBL (9.00%), or device with ZnO (7.93%) or PFN (11.30%) as the cathode buffer layer. In addition, the long-term stability is improved by using ZnO:PFN composite cathode buffer layer when compare to that of the reference cells. Almost no degradation of open circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) was found for the device having ZnO:PFN, suggesting that ZnO:PFN is able to stabilize the interface property and consequently improve the solar cell performance stability.

A polymer scaffold for self-healing perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yicheng; Wei, Jing; Li, Heng; Yan, Yin; Zhou, Wenke; Yu, Dapeng; Zhao, Qing

2016-01-01

Advancing of the lead halide perovskite solar cells towards photovoltaic market demands large-scale devices of high-power conversion efficiency, high reproducibility and stability via low-cost fabrication technology, and in particular resistance to humid environment for long-time operation. Here we achieve uniform perovskite film based on a novel polymer-scaffold architecture via a mild-temperature process. These solar cells exhibit efficiency of up to ~16% with small variation. The unencapsulated devices retain high output for up to 300 h in highly humid environment (70% relative humidity). Moreover, they show strong humidity resistant and self-healing behaviour, recovering rapidly after removing from water vapour. Not only the film can self-heal in this case, but the corresponding devices can present power conversion efficiency recovery after the water vapour is removed. Our work demonstrates the value of cheap, long chain and hygroscopic polymer scaffold in perovskite solar cells towards commercialization.

Growth and device processing of hexagonal boron nitride epilayers for thermal neutron and deep ultraviolet detectors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doan, T. C.; Li, J.; Lin, J. Y.

2016-07-15

Solid-state neutron detectors with high performance are highly sought after for the detection of fissile materials. However, direct-conversion neutron detectors based on semiconductors with a measureable efficiency have not been realized. We report here the first successful demonstration of a direct-conversion semiconductor neutron detector with an overall detection efficiency for thermal neutrons of 4% and a charge collection efficiency as high as 83%. The detector is based on a 2.7 μm thick {sup 10}B-enriched hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) epitaxial layer. The results represent a significant step towards the realization of practical neutron detectors based on h-BN epilayers. Neutron detectors basedmore » on h-BN are expected to possess all the advantages of semiconductor devices including wafer-scale processing, compact size, light weight, and ability to integrate with other functional devices.« less

A polymer scaffold for self-healing perovskite solar cells

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yicheng; Wei, Jing; Li, Heng; Yan, Yin; Zhou, Wenke; Yu, Dapeng; Zhao, Qing

2016-01-01

Advancing of the lead halide perovskite solar cells towards photovoltaic market demands large-scale devices of high-power conversion efficiency, high reproducibility and stability via low-cost fabrication technology, and in particular resistance to humid environment for long-time operation. Here we achieve uniform perovskite film based on a novel polymer-scaffold architecture via a mild-temperature process. These solar cells exhibit efficiency of up to ∼16% with small variation. The unencapsulated devices retain high output for up to 300 h in highly humid environment (70% relative humidity). Moreover, they show strong humidity resistant and self-healing behaviour, recovering rapidly after removing from water vapour. Not only the film can self-heal in this case, but the corresponding devices can present power conversion efficiency recovery after the water vapour is removed. Our work demonstrates the value of cheap, long chain and hygroscopic polymer scaffold in perovskite solar cells towards commercialization. PMID:26732479

A polymer scaffold for self-healing perovskite solar cells.

PubMed

Zhao, Yicheng; Wei, Jing; Li, Heng; Yan, Yin; Zhou, Wenke; Yu, Dapeng; Zhao, Qing

2016-01-06

Advancing of the lead halide perovskite solar cells towards photovoltaic market demands large-scale devices of high-power conversion efficiency, high reproducibility and stability via low-cost fabrication technology, and in particular resistance to humid environment for long-time operation. Here we achieve uniform perovskite film based on a novel polymer-scaffold architecture via a mild-temperature process. These solar cells exhibit efficiency of up to ∼ 16% with small variation. The unencapsulated devices retain high output for up to 300 h in highly humid environment (70% relative humidity). Moreover, they show strong humidity resistant and self-healing behaviour, recovering rapidly after removing from water vapour. Not only the film can self-heal in this case, but the corresponding devices can present power conversion efficiency recovery after the water vapour is removed. Our work demonstrates the value of cheap, long chain and hygroscopic polymer scaffold in perovskite solar cells towards commercialization.

Enhanced optical-to-THz conversion efficiency of photoconductive antenna using dielectric nano-layer encapsulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Abhishek; Rana, Goutam; Bhattacharya, Arkabrata; Singh, Abhishek; Jain, Ravikumar; Bapat, Rudheer D.; Duttagupta, S. P.; Prabhu, S. S.

2018-05-01

Photoconductive antennas (PCAs) are among the most conventional devices used for emission as well as detection of terahertz (THz) radiation. However, due to their low optical-to-THz conversion efficiencies, applications of these devices in out-of-laboratory conditions are limited. In this paper, we report several factors of enhancement in THz emission efficiency from conventional PCAs by coating a nano-layer of dielectric (TiO2) on the active area between the electrodes of a semi-insulating GaAs-based device. Extensive experiments were done to show the effect of thicknesses of the TiO2 layer on the THz power enhancement with different applied optical power and bias voltages. Multiphysics simulations were performed to elucidate the underlying physics behind the enhancement of efficiency of the PCA. Additionally, this layer increases the robustness of the electrode gaps of the PCAs with high electrical insulation as well as protect it from external dust particles.

High-Performance Solid-State Thermionic Energy Conversion Based on 2D van der Waals Heterostructures: A First-Principles Study.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoming; Zebarjadi, Mona; Esfarjani, Keivan

2018-06-18

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) have shown multiple functionalities with great potential in electronics and photovoltaics. Here, we show their potential for solid-state thermionic energy conversion and demonstrate a designing strategy towards high-performance devices. We propose two promising thermionic devices, namely, the p-type Pt-G-WSe 2 -G-Pt and n-type Sc-WSe 2 -MoSe 2 -WSe 2 -Sc. We characterize the thermionic energy conversion performance of the latter using first-principles GW calculations combined with real space Green's function (GF) formalism. The optimal barrier height and high thermal resistance lead to an excellent performance. The proposed device is found to have a room temperature equivalent figure of merit of 1.2 which increases to 3 above 600 K. A high performance with cooling efficiency over 30% of the Carnot efficiency above 450 K is achieved. Our designing and characterization method can be used to pursue other potential thermionic devices based on vdWHs.

Silicon nanowires for photovoltaic solar energy conversion.

PubMed

Peng, Kui-Qing; Lee, Shuit-Tong

2011-01-11

Semiconductor nanowires are attracting intense interest as a promising material for solar energy conversion for the new-generation photovoltaic (PV) technology. In particular, silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are under active investigation for PV applications because they offer novel approaches for solar-to-electric energy conversion leading to high-efficiency devices via simple manufacturing. This article reviews the recent developments in the utilization of SiNWs for PV applications, the relationship between SiNW-based PV device structure and performance, and the challenges to obtaining high-performance cost-effective solar cells.

Graphene-based materials for energy conversion.

PubMed

Sahoo, Nanda Gopal; Pan, Yongzheng; Li, Lin; Chan, Siew Hwa

2012-08-08

With the depletion of conventional energy sources, the demand for renewable energy and energy-efficient devices continues to grow. As a novel 2D nanomaterial, graphene attracts considerable research interest due to its unique properties and is a promising material for applications in energy conversion and storage devices. Recently, the fabrication of fuel cells and solar cells using graphene for various functional parts has been studied extensively. This research news summarizes and compares the advancements that have been made and are in progress in the utilization of graphene-based materials for energy conversion.

Prediction of 4H-SiC betavoltaic microbattery characteristics based on practical Ni-63 sources.

PubMed

Gui, Gui; Zhang, Kan; Blanchard, James P; Ma, Zhenqiang

2016-01-01

We have investigated the performance of 4H-SiC betavoltaic microbatteries under exposure to the practical Ni-63 sources using the Monte Carlo method and Synopsys® Medici device simulator. A typical planar p-n junction betavoltaic device with the Ni-63 source of 20% purity on top is modeled in the simulation. The p-n junction structure includes a p+ layer, a p- layer, an n+ layer, and an n- layer. In order to obtain an accurate and valid predication, our simulations consider several practical factors, including isotope impurities, self-absorption, and full beta energy spectra. By simulating the effects of both the p-n junction configuration and the isotope source thickness on the battery output performance, we have achieved the optimal design of the device and maximum energy conversion efficiency. Our simulation results show that the energy conversion efficiency increases as the doping concentration and thickness of the p- layer increase, whereas it is independent of the total depth of the p-n junction. Furthermore, the energy conversion efficiency decreases as the thickness of the practical Ni-63 source increases, because of self-absorption in the isotope source. Therefore, we propose that a p-n junction betavoltaic cell with a thicker and heavily doped p- layer under exposure to a practical Ni-63 source with an appreciable thickness could produce the optimal energy conversion efficiency. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Single-graded CIGS with narrow bandgap for tandem solar cells.

PubMed

Feurer, Thomas; Bissig, Benjamin; Weiss, Thomas P; Carron, Romain; Avancini, Enrico; Löckinger, Johannes; Buecheler, Stephan; Tiwari, Ayodhya N

2018-01-01

Multi-junction solar cells show the highest photovoltaic energy conversion efficiencies, but the current technologies based on wafers and epitaxial growth of multiple layers are very costly. Therefore, there is a high interest in realizing multi-junction tandem devices based on cost-effective thin film technologies. While the efficiency of such devices has been limited so far because of the rather low efficiency of semitransparent wide bandgap top cells, the recent rise of wide bandgap perovskite solar cells has inspired the development of new thin film tandem solar devices. In order to realize monolithic, and therefore current-matched thin film tandem solar cells, a bottom cell with narrow bandgap (~1 eV) and high efficiency is necessary. In this work, we present Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 with a bandgap of 1.00 eV and a maximum power conversion efficiency of 16.1%. This is achieved by implementing a gallium grading towards the back contact into a CuInSe 2 base material. We show that this modification significantly improves the open circuit voltage but does not reduce the spectral response range of these devices. Therefore, efficient cells with narrow bandgap absorbers are obtained, yielding the high current density necessary for thin film multi-junction solar cells.

Single-graded CIGS with narrow bandgap for tandem solar cells

PubMed Central

Avancini, Enrico; Buecheler, Stephan; Tiwari, Ayodhya N.

2018-01-01

Abstract Multi-junction solar cells show the highest photovoltaic energy conversion efficiencies, but the current technologies based on wafers and epitaxial growth of multiple layers are very costly. Therefore, there is a high interest in realizing multi-junction tandem devices based on cost-effective thin film technologies. While the efficiency of such devices has been limited so far because of the rather low efficiency of semitransparent wide bandgap top cells, the recent rise of wide bandgap perovskite solar cells has inspired the development of new thin film tandem solar devices. In order to realize monolithic, and therefore current-matched thin film tandem solar cells, a bottom cell with narrow bandgap (~1 eV) and high efficiency is necessary. In this work, we present Cu(In,Ga)Se2 with a bandgap of 1.00 eV and a maximum power conversion efficiency of 16.1%. This is achieved by implementing a gallium grading towards the back contact into a CuInSe2 base material. We show that this modification significantly improves the open circuit voltage but does not reduce the spectral response range of these devices. Therefore, efficient cells with narrow bandgap absorbers are obtained, yielding the high current density necessary for thin film multi-junction solar cells. PMID:29707066

High efficiency light source using solid-state emitter and down-conversion material

DOEpatents

Narendran, Nadarajah; Gu, Yimin; Freyssinier, Jean Paul

2010-10-26

A light emitting apparatus includes a source of light for emitting light; a down conversion material receiving the emitted light, and converting the emitted light into transmitted light and backward transmitted light; and an optic device configured to receive the backward transmitted light and transfer the backward transmitted light outside of the optic device. The source of light is a semiconductor light emitting diode, a laser diode (LD), or a resonant cavity light emitting diode (RCLED). The down conversion material includes one of phosphor or other material for absorbing light in one spectral region and emitting light in another spectral region. The optic device, or lens, includes light transmissive material.

High-Efficiency Polycrystalline Thin Film Tandem Solar Cells.

PubMed

Kranz, Lukas; Abate, Antonio; Feurer, Thomas; Fu, Fan; Avancini, Enrico; Löckinger, Johannes; Reinhard, Patrick; Zakeeruddin, Shaik M; Grätzel, Michael; Buecheler, Stephan; Tiwari, Ayodhya N

2015-07-16

A promising way to enhance the efficiency of CIGS solar cells is by combining them with perovskite solar cells in tandem devices. However, so far, such tandem devices had limited efficiency due to challenges in developing NIR-transparent perovskite top cells, which allow photons with energy below the perovskite band gap to be transmitted to the bottom cell. Here, a process for the fabrication of NIR-transparent perovskite solar cells is presented, which enables power conversion efficiencies up to 12.1% combined with an average sub-band gap transmission of 71% for photons with wavelength between 800 and 1000 nm. The combination of a NIR-transparent perovskite top cell with a CIGS bottom cell enabled a tandem device with 19.5% efficiency, which is the highest reported efficiency for a polycrystalline thin film tandem solar cell. Future developments of perovskite/CIGS tandem devices are discussed and prospects for devices with efficiency toward and above 27% are given.

Inverted organic electronic and optoelectronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Small, Cephas E.

The research and development of organic electronics for commercial application has received much attention due to the unique properties of organic semiconductors and the potential for low-cost high-throughput manufacturing. For improved large-scale processing compatibility and enhanced device stability, an inverted geometry has been employed for devices such as organic light emitting diodes and organic photovoltaic cells. These improvements are attributed to the added flexibility to incorporate more air-stable materials into the inverted device geometry. However, early work on organic electronic devices with an inverted geometry typically showed reduced device performance compared to devices with a conventional structure. In the case of organic light emitting diodes, inverted devices typically show high operating voltages due to insufficient carrier injection. Here, a method for enhancing hole injection in inverted organic electronic devices is presented. By incorporating an electron accepting interlayer into the inverted device, a substantial enhancement in hole injection efficiency was observed as compared to conventional devices. Through a detailed carrier injection study, it is determined that the injection efficiency enhancements in the inverted devices are due to enhanced charge transfer at the electron acceptor/organic semiconductor interface. A similar situation is observed for organic photovoltaic cells, in which devices with an inverted geometry show limited carrier extraction in early studies. In this work, enhanced carrier extraction is demonstrated for inverted polymer solar cells using a surface-modified ZnO-polymer composite electron-transporting layer. The insulating polymer in the composite layer inhibited aggregation of the ZnO nanoparticles, while the surface-modification of the composite interlayer improved the electronic coupling with the photoactive layer. As a result, inverted polymer solar cells with power conversion efficiencies of over 8% were obtained. To further study carrier extraction in inverted polymer solar cells, the active layer thickness dependence of the efficiency was investigated. For devices with active layer thickness < 200 nm, power conversion efficiencies over 8% was obtained. This result is important for demonstrating improved large-scale processing compatibility. Above 200 nm, significant reduction in cell efficiency were observed. A detailed study of the loss processes that contributed to the reduction in efficiency for thick-film devices are presented.

Ultrafast acousto-optic mode conversion in optically birefringent ferroelectrics

PubMed Central

Lejman, Mariusz; Vaudel, Gwenaelle; Infante, Ingrid C.; Chaban, Ievgeniia; Pezeril, Thomas; Edely, Mathieu; Nataf, Guillaume F.; Guennou, Mael; Kreisel, Jens; Gusev, Vitalyi E.; Dkhil, Brahim; Ruello, Pascal

2016-01-01

The ability to generate efficient giga–terahertz coherent acoustic phonons with femtosecond laser makes acousto-optics a promising candidate for ultrafast light processing, which faces electronic device limits intrinsic to complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. Modern acousto-optic devices, including optical mode conversion process between ordinary and extraordinary light waves (and vice versa), remain limited to the megahertz range. Here, using coherent acoustic waves generated at tens of gigahertz frequency by a femtosecond laser pulse, we reveal the mode conversion process and show its efficiency in ferroelectric materials such as BiFeO3 and LiNbO3. Further to the experimental evidence, we provide a complete theoretical support to this all-optical ultrafast mechanism mediated by acousto-optic interaction. By allowing the manipulation of light polarization with gigahertz coherent acoustic phonons, our results provide a novel route for the development of next-generation photonic-based devices and highlight new capabilities in using ferroelectrics in modern photonics. PMID:27492493

Broadband and high-efficiency vortex beam generator based on a hybrid helix array.

PubMed

Fang, Chaoqun; Wu, Chao; Gong, Zhijie; Zhao, Song; Sun, Anqi; Wei, Zeyong; Li, Hongqiang

2018-04-01

The vortex beam which carries the orbital angular momentum has versatile applications, such as high-resolution imaging, optical communications, and particle manipulation. Generating vortex beams with the Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase has drawn considerable attention for its unique spin-to-orbital conversion features. Despite the PB phase being frequency independent, an optical element with broadband high-efficiency circular polarization conversion feature is still needed for the broadband high-efficiency vortex beam generation. In this work, a broadband and high-efficiency vortex beam generator based on the PB phase is built with a hybrid helix array. Such devices can generate vortex beams with arbitrary topological charge. Moreover, vortex beams with opposite topological charge can be generated with an opposite handedness incident beam that propagates backward. The measured efficiency of our device is above 65% for a wide frequency range, with the relative bandwidth of 46.5%.

A new rectenna circuit using a bow-tie antenna for the conversion of microwave power to dc power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tran, Michael; Nguyen, Cam

1993-01-01

The novel rectenna circuit presented, which integrated a bowtie antenna with a diode, is capable of broadband, high-efficiency operation, and is insensitive to incident field angle. The device is noted, moreover, to behave as a lowpass filter for dc output. For 2.45 GHz operation, a 79-percent conversion efficiency has been demonstrated.

Current challenges in organic photovoltaic solar energy conversion.

PubMed

Schlenker, Cody W; Thompson, Mark E

2012-01-01

Over the last 10 years, significant interest in utilizing conjugated organic molecules for solid-state solar to electric conversion has produced rapid improvement in device efficiencies. Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are attractive for their compatibility with low-cost processing techniques and thin-film applicability to flexible and conformal applications. However, many of the processes that lead to power losses in these systems still remain poorly understood, posing a significant challenge for the future efficiency improvements required to make these devices an attractive solar technology. While semiconductor band models have been employed to describe OPV operation, a more appropriate molecular picture of the pertinent processes is beginning to emerge. This chapter presents mechanisms of OPV device operation, based on the bound molecular nature of the involved transient species. With the intention to underscore the importance of considering both thermodynamic and kinetic factors, recent progress in elucidating molecular characteristics that dictate photovoltage losses in heterojunction organic photovoltaics is also discussed.

Effect of inversion layer at iron pyrite surface on photovoltaic device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchiyama, Shunsuke; Ishikawa, Yasuaki; Uraoka, Yukiharu

2018-03-01

Iron pyrite has great potential as a thin-film solar cell material because it has high optical absorption, low cost, and is earth-abundant. However, previously reported iron pyrite solar cells showed poor photovoltaic characteristics. Here, we have numerically simulated its photovoltaic characteristics and band structures by utilizing a two-dimensional (2D) device simulator, ATLAS, to evaluate the effects of an inversion layer at the surface and a high density of deep donor defect states in the bulk. We found that previous device structures did not consider the inversion layer at the surface region of iron pyrite, which made it difficult to obtain the conversion efficiency. Therefore, we remodeled the device structure and suggested that removing the inversion layer and reducing the density of deep donor defect states would lead to a high conversion efficiency of iron pyrite solar cells.

Terahertz difference frequency generation in quantum cascade lasers on silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Seungyong; Kim, Jae Hyun; Jiang, Yifan; Vijayraghavan, Karun; Belkin, Mikhail A.

2017-02-01

We demonstrate that an application of a III-V-on-silicon hybrid concept to terahertz (THz) Cherenkov difference frequency generation (DFG) quantum cascade laser (QCL) sources (THz DFG-QCLs) can dramatically improve THz output power and mid-infrared-to-THz conversion efficiency. Completely processed THz DFG-QCLs grown on a 660-μm-thick native InP substrate are transfer-printed onto a 1-mm-thick high-resistive Si substrate using a 100-nm-thick SU-8 as an adhesive layer. Room temperature device performance of the reference InP and hybrid Si THz DFG-QCLs of the same ridge width (22 μm) and cavity length (4.2 mm) have been experimentally compared. The target THz frequency of 3.5 THz is selected for both devices using the dual-period first order surface gratings to select the mid-infrared pump wavelength of 994 cm-1 and 1110 cm-1. At the maximum bias current, the reference InP and hybrid Si devices produced THz power of 50 μW and 270 μW, respectively. The mid-infrared-to-THz conversion efficiency corresponds to 60 μW/W2 and 480 μW/W2, respectively, resulting in 5 times higher THz power and 8 times higher conversion efficiency from the best-performing hybrid devices. A hybrid Si device integrated in a Littrow external-cavity setup showed wavelength tuning from 1.3 THz to 4.3 THz with beam-steering free operation.

R&D100: 6.5kV Enhancement-Mode Silicon Carbide JFET Switch

ScienceCinema

Dries, Chris; Hostetler, John; Atcitty, Stan

2018-06-12

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have partnered with United Silicon Carbide, Inc. to combine advanced materials with novel manufacturing ideas to build a new product for significantly more efficient power conversion. Harnessing the unique features of silicon carbide, this first of its kind device allows higher voltage switching, and reductions in switching losses to significantly boost the efficiency and reliability of power generation and power conversion.

Top-emitting white organic light-emitting devices with down-conversion phosphors: theory and experiment.

PubMed

Ji, Wenyu; Zhang, Letian; Gao, Ruixue; Zhang, Liming; Xie, Wenfa; Zhang, Hanzhuang; Li, Bin

2008-09-29

White top-emitting organic light-emitting devices (TEOLEDs) with down-conversion phosphors are investigated from theory and experiment. The theoretical simulation was described by combining the microcavity model with the down-conversion model. A White TEOLED by the combination of a blue TEOLED with organic down-conversion phosphor 3-(4-(diphenylamino)phenyl)-1-pheny1prop-2-en-1-one was fabricated to validate the simulated results. It is shown that this approach permits the generation of white light in TEOLEDs. The efficiency of the white TEOLED is twice over the corresponding blue TEOLED. The feasible methods to improve the performance of such white TEOLEDs are discussed.

Frequency conversion system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanders, Steven (Inventor); Waarts, Robert G. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

A frequency conversion system comprises first and second gain sources providing first and second frequency radiation outputs where the second gain source receives as input the output of the first gain source and, further, the second gain source comprises a Raman or Brillouin gain fiber for wave shifting a portion of the radiation of the first frequency output into second frequency radiation output to provided a combined output of first and second frequencies. Powers are gain enhanced by the addition of a rare earth amplifier or oscillator, or a Raman/Brillouin amplifier or oscillator between the high power source and the NFM device. Further, polarization conversion using Raman or Brillouin wavelength shifting is provided to optimize frequency conversion efficiency in the NFM device.

Theoretical insights into multiscale electronic processes in organic photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tretiak, Sergei

Present day electronic devices are enabled by design and implementation of precise interfaces that control the flow of charge carriers. This requires robust and predictive multiscale approaches for theoretical description of underlining complex phenomena. Combined with thorough experimental studies such approaches provide a reliable estimate of physical properties of nanostructured materials and enable a rational design of devices. From this perspective I will discuss first principle modeling of small-molecule bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells and push-pull chromophores for tunable-color organic light emitters. The emphasis is on electronic processes involving intra- and intermolecular energy or charge transfer driven by strong electron-phonon coupling inherent to pi-conjugated systems. Finally I will describe how precise manipulation and control of organic-organic interfaces in a photovoltaic device can increase its power conversion efficiency by 2-5 times in a model bilayer system. Applications of these design principles to practical architectures like bulk heterojunction devices lead to an enhancement in power conversion efficiency from 4.0% to 7.0%. These interface manipulation strategies are universally applicable to any donor-acceptor interface, making them both fundamentally interesting and technologically important for achieving high efficiency organic electronic devices.

InP Devices For Millimeter-Wave Monolithic Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Binari, S. C.; Neidert, R. E.; Dietrich, H. B.

1989-11-01

High efficiency, mm-wave operation has been obtained from lateral transferred-electron devices (TEDs) designed with a high resistivity region located near the cathode contact. At 29.9 GHz, a CW power output of 29.1 mW with a conversion efficiency of 6.7% has been achieved with cavity-tuned discrete devices. This result represents the highest power output and efficiency of a lateral TED in this frequency range. The lateral devices also had a CW power output of 0.4 mW at 98.5 GHz and 0.9 mW at 75.2 GHz. In addition, a monolithic oscillator incorporating the lateral TED has been demonstrated at 79.9 GHz. InP Schottky-barrier diodes have been fabricated using selective MeV ion implantation into semi-insulating InP substrates. Using Si implantation with energies of up to 6.0 MeV, n+ layers as deep as 3 μm with peak carrier concentrations of 2 x 1018 cm-3 have been obtained. These devices have been evaluated as mixers and detectors at 94 GHz and have demonstrated a conversion loss of 7.6 dB and a zero-bias detector sensitivity as high as 400 mV/mW.

Indium tin oxide nanopillar electrodes in polymer/fullerene solar cells.

PubMed

Rider, David A; Tucker, Ryan T; Worfolk, Brian J; Krause, Kathleen M; Lalany, Abeed; Brett, Michael J; Buriak, Jillian M; Harris, Kenneth D

2011-02-25

Using high surface area nanostructured electrodes in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices is a route to enhanced power conversion efficiency. In this paper, indium tin oxide (ITO) and hybrid ITO/SiO(2) nanopillars are employed as three-dimensional high surface area transparent electrodes in OPVs. The nanopillar arrays are fabricated via glancing angle deposition (GLAD) and electrochemically modified with nanofibrous PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(p-styrenesulfonate)). The structures are found to have increased surface area as characterized by porosimetry. When applied as anodes in polymer/fullerene OPVs (architecture: commercial ITO/GLAD ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/Al, where P3HT is 2,5-diyl-poly(3-hexylthiophene) and PCBM is [6,6]-phenyl-C(61)-butyric acid methyl ester), the air-processed solar cells incorporating high surface area, PEDOT:PSS-modified ITO nanoelectrode arrays operate with improved performance relative to devices processed identically on unstructured, commercial ITO substrates. The resulting power conversion efficiency is 2.2% which is a third greater than for devices prepared on commercial ITO. To further refine the structure, insulating SiO(2) caps are added above the GLAD ITO nanopillars to produce a hybrid ITO/SiO(2) nanoelectrode. OPV devices based on this system show reduced electrical shorting and series resistance, and as a consequence, a further improved power conversion efficiency of 2.5% is recorded.

Electroluminescence of fluorescent-phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes with regular, inverted, and symmetrical structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Su-Hua; Shih, Po-Jen; Wu, Wen-Jie

2014-11-01

The influence of the device structure on the electroluminescence (EL) properties of fluorescent-phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) was demonstrated. Four devices with regular-, inverted-, compensated- and symmetrical-emission layers (EMLs) were prepared. In regular-EML device, DCJTB emission increased when the phosphorescent sensitized EML was thickened. In inverted-EML device, low electron energy barrier at the Bphen/BCzVB interface resulted in weakened blue emission. The compensated-EML device, prepared with a red color-compensated layer, showed a color-tunable broadband white emission. Conversely, device with a quantum-like symmetrical-EML showed a narrow color-temperature range. Stable EL efficiency was obtained from regular, compensated, and symmetrical-EML devices. In contrast, EL efficiency of inverted-EML device rolled off significantly, though it had the highest EL efficiency of 11.4 cd/A.

Resonant Spin-Transfer-Torque Nano-Oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Abhishek; Tulapurkar, Ashwin A.; Muralidharan, Bhaskaran

2017-12-01

Spin-transfer-torque nano-oscillators are potential candidates for replacing the traditional inductor-based voltage-controlled oscillators in modern communication devices. Typical oscillator designs are based on trilayer magnetic tunnel junctions, which have the disadvantages of low power outputs and poor conversion efficiencies. We theoretically propose using resonant spin filtering in pentalayer magnetic tunnel junctions as a possible route to alleviate these issues and present viable device designs geared toward a high microwave output power and an efficient conversion of the dc input power. We attribute these robust qualities to the resulting nontrivial spin-current profiles and the ultrahigh tunnel magnetoresistance, both of which arise from resonant spin filtering. The device designs are based on the nonequilibrium Green's-function spin-transport formalism self-consistently coupled with the stochastic Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski equation and Poisson's equation. We demonstrate that the proposed structures facilitate oscillator designs featuring a large enhancement in microwave power of around 1150% and an efficiency enhancement of over 1100% compared to typical trilayer designs. We rationalize the optimum operating regions via an analysis of the dynamic and static device resistances. We also demonstrate the robustness of our structures against device design fluctuations and elastic dephasing. This work sets the stage for pentalyer spin-transfer-torque nano-oscillator device designs that ameliorate major issues associated with typical trilayer designs.

Low-Cost III-V Solar Cells | Photovoltaic Research | NREL

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Low-Cost III-V Solar Cells Low-Cost III-V Solar Cells At present, the cost of III-V solar cells is to drastically lower the cost of these devices, while maintaining their conversion efficiency, thus costs in the production of high-efficiency III-V devices: the cost of the epitaxy and the single-crystal

High Efficiency Quantum Well Waveguide Solar Cells and Methods for Constructing the Same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sood, Ashok K. (Inventor); Welser, Roger E. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

Photon absorption, and thus current generation, is hindered in conventional thin-film solar cell designs, including quantum well structures, by the limited path length of incident light passing vertically through the device. Optical scattering into lateral waveguide structures provides a physical mechanism to increase photocurrent generation through in-plane light trapping. However, the insertion of wells of high refractive index material with lower energy gap into the device structure often results in lower voltage operation, and hence lower photovoltaic power conversion efficiency. The voltage output of an InGaAs quantum well waveguide photovoltaic device can be increased by employing a III-V material structure with an extended wide band gap emitter heterojunction. Analysis of the light IV characteristics reveals that non-radiative recombination components of the underlying dark diode current have been reduced, exposing the limiting radiative recombination component and providing a pathway for realizing solar-electric conversion efficiency of 30% or more in single junction cells.

Real-space observation of unbalanced charge distribution inside a perovskite-sensitized solar cell.

PubMed

Bergmann, Victor W; Weber, Stefan A L; Javier Ramos, F; Nazeeruddin, Mohammad Khaja; Grätzel, Michael; Li, Dan; Domanski, Anna L; Lieberwirth, Ingo; Ahmad, Shahzada; Berger, Rüdiger

2014-09-22

Perovskite-sensitized solar cells have reached power conversion efficiencies comparable to commercially available solar cells used for example in solar farms. In contrast to silicon solar cells, perovskite-sensitized solar cells can be made by solution processes from inexpensive materials. The power conversion efficiency of these cells depends substantially on the charge transfer at interfaces. Here we use Kelvin probe force microscopy to study the real-space cross-sectional distribution of the internal potential within high efficiency mesoscopic methylammonium lead tri-iodide solar cells. We show that the electric field is homogeneous through these devices, similar to that of a p-i-n type junction. On illumination under short-circuit conditions, holes accumulate in front of the hole-transport layer as a consequence of unbalanced charge transport in the device. After light illumination, we find that trapped charges remain inside the active device layers. Removing these traps and the unbalanced charge injection could enable further improvements in performance of perovskite-sensitized solar cells.

Enhanced Third-Order Optical Nonlinearity Driven by Surface-Plasmon Field Gradients.

PubMed

Kravtsov, Vasily; AlMutairi, Sultan; Ulbricht, Ronald; Kutayiah, A Ryan; Belyanin, Alexey; Raschke, Markus B

2018-05-18

Efficient nonlinear optical frequency mixing in small volumes is key for future on-chip photonic devices. However, the generally low conversion efficiency severely limits miniaturization to nanoscale dimensions. Here we demonstrate that gradient-field effects can provide for an efficient, conventionally dipole-forbidden nonlinear response. We show that a longitudinal nonlinear source current can dominate the third-order optical nonlinearity of the free electron response in gold in the technologically important near-IR frequency range where the nonlinearities due to other mechanisms are particularly small. Using adiabatic nanofocusing to spatially confine the excitation fields, from measurements of the 2ω_{1}-ω_{2} four-wave mixing response as a function of detuning ω_{1}-ω_{2}, we find up to 10^{-5} conversion efficiency with a gradient-field contribution to χ_{Au}^{(3)} of up to 10^{-19}  m^{2}/V^{2}. The results are in good agreement with the theory based on plasma hydrodynamics and underlying electron dynamics. The associated increase in the nonlinear conversion efficiency with a decreasing sample size, which can even overcompensate the volume decrease, offers a new approach for enhanced nonlinear nano-optics. This will enable more efficient nonlinear optical devices and the extension of coherent multidimensional spectroscopies to the nanoscale.

Enhanced Third-Order Optical Nonlinearity Driven by Surface-Plasmon Field Gradients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kravtsov, Vasily; AlMutairi, Sultan; Ulbricht, Ronald; Kutayiah, A. Ryan; Belyanin, Alexey; Raschke, Markus B.

2018-05-01

Efficient nonlinear optical frequency mixing in small volumes is key for future on-chip photonic devices. However, the generally low conversion efficiency severely limits miniaturization to nanoscale dimensions. Here we demonstrate that gradient-field effects can provide for an efficient, conventionally dipole-forbidden nonlinear response. We show that a longitudinal nonlinear source current can dominate the third-order optical nonlinearity of the free electron response in gold in the technologically important near-IR frequency range where the nonlinearities due to other mechanisms are particularly small. Using adiabatic nanofocusing to spatially confine the excitation fields, from measurements of the 2 ω1-ω2 four-wave mixing response as a function of detuning ω1-ω2, we find up to 10-5 conversion efficiency with a gradient-field contribution to χAu(3 ) of up to 10-19 m2/V2 . The results are in good agreement with the theory based on plasma hydrodynamics and underlying electron dynamics. The associated increase in the nonlinear conversion efficiency with a decreasing sample size, which can even overcompensate the volume decrease, offers a new approach for enhanced nonlinear nano-optics. This will enable more efficient nonlinear optical devices and the extension of coherent multidimensional spectroscopies to the nanoscale.

Evaluation of Ultra-Violet Photocatalytic Oxidation (UVPCO) forIndoor Air Applications: Conversion of Volatile Organic Compounds at LowPart-per-Billion Concentrations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hodgson, Alfred T.; Sullivan, Douglas P.; Fisk, William J.

2005-09-30

Efficient removal of indoor generated airborne particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in office buildings and other large buildings may allow for a reduction in outdoor air supply rates with concomitant energy savings while still maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in these buildings. Ultra-Violet Photocatalytic Oxidation (UVPCO) air cleaners have the potential to achieve the necessary reductions in indoor VOC concentrations at relatively low cost. In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted with a scaled, prototype UVPCO device designed for use in a duct system. The experimental UVPCO contained two 30 by 30-cm honeycomb monoliths coated with titanium dioxide andmore » 3% by weight tungsten oxide. The monoliths were irradiated with 12 UVC lamps arranged in four banks. The UVPCO was challenged with four mixtures of VOCs typical of mixtures encountered in indoor air. A synthetic office mixture contained 27 VOCs commonly measured in office buildings. A cleaning product mixture contained three cleaning products with high market shares. A building product mixture was created by combining sources including painted wallboard, composite wood products, carpet systems, and vinyl flooring. A fourth mixture contained formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Steady-state concentrations were produced in a classroom laboratory or a 20-m{sup 3} environmental chamber. Air was drawn through the UVPCO, and single pass conversion efficiencies were measured from replicate air samples collected upstream and downstream of the reactor section. Concentrations of the mixtures were manipulated, with concentrations of individual VOCs mostly maintained below 10 ppb. Device flow rates were varied between 165 and 580 m{sup 3}/h. Production of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, formic acid, and acetic acid as reaction products was investigated. Conversion efficiency data were generated for 48 individual VOCs or groups of closely related compounds. Alcohols and glycol ethers were the most reactive chemical classes with conversion efficiencies often near or above 70% at the low flow rate and near 40% at the high flow rate. Ketones and terpene hydrocarbons were somewhat less reactive. The relative VOC conversion rates are generally favorable for treatment of indoor air since many contemporary products used in buildings employ oxygenated solvents. A commercial UVPCO device likely would be installed in the supply air stream of a building and operated to treat both outdoor and recirculated air. Assuming a recirculation rate comparable to three times the normal outdoor air supply rate, simple mass-balance modeling suggests that a device with similar characteristics to the study unit has sufficient conversion efficiencies for most VOCs to compensate for a 50% reduction in outdoor air supply without substantially impacting indoor VOC concentrations. Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, formic acid, and acetic acid were produced in these experiments as reaction byproducts. No other significant byproducts were observed. A coupled steady-state mass balance model is presented and applied to VOC data from a study of a single office building. For the operating assumptions described above, the model estimated a three-fold increase in indoor formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations. The outcome of this limited assessment suggests that evaluation of the potential effects of the operation of a UVPCO device on indoor concentrations of these contaminants is warranted. Other suggested studies include determining VOC conversion efficiencies in actual buildings and evaluating changes in VOC conversion efficiency as monoliths age with long-term operation.« less

Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide on Well-Aligned Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Arrays for Betavoltaic Enhancement.

PubMed

Chen, Changsong; Wang, Na; Zhou, Peng; San, Haisheng; Wang, Kaiying; Chen, Xuyuan

2016-09-21

We report a novel betavoltaic device with significant conversion efficiency by using electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) on TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTAs) for enhancing the absorption of beta radiation as well as the transportation of carriers. ERGO on TNTAs (G-TNTAs) were prepared by electrochemical anodization and subsequently cyclic voltammetry techniques. A 10 mCi of (63)Ni/Ni source was assembled to G-TNTAs to form the sandwich-type betavoltaic devices (Ni/(63)Ni/G-TNTAs/Ti). By I-V measurements, the optimum betavoltaic device exhibits a significant effective energy conversion efficiency of 26.55% with an open-circuit voltage of 2.38 V and a short-circuit current of 14.69 nAcm(-2). The experimental results indicate that G-TNTAs are a high-potential nanocomposite for developing betavoltaic batteries.

A review on solar cells from Si-single crystals to porous materials and quantum dots

PubMed Central

Badawy, Waheed A.

2013-01-01

Solar energy conversion to electricity through photovoltaics or to useful fuel through photoelectrochemical cells was still a main task for research groups and developments sectors. In this article we are reviewing the development of the different generations of solar cells. The fabrication of solar cells has passed through a large number of improvement steps considering the technological and economic aspects. The first generation solar cells were based on Si wafers, mainly single crystals. Permanent researches on cost reduction and improved solar cell efficiency have led to the marketing of solar modules having 12–16% solar conversion efficiency. Application of polycrystalline Si and other forms of Si have reduced the cost but on the expense of the solar conversion efficiency. The second generation solar cells were based on thin film technology. Thin films of amorphous Si, CIS (copper–indium–selenide) and t-Si were employed. Solar conversion efficiencies of about 12% have been achieved with a remarkable cost reduction. The third generation solar cells are based on nano-crystals and nano-porous materials. An advanced photovoltaic cell, originally developed for satellites with solar conversion efficiency of 37.3%, based on concentration of the solar spectrum up to 400 suns was developed. It is based on extremely thin concentration cells. New sensitizer or semiconductor systems are necessary to broaden the photo-response in solar spectrum. Hybrids of solar and conventional devices may provide an interim benefit in seeking economically valuable devices. New quantum dot solar cells based on CdSe–TiO2 architecture have been developed. PMID:25750746

A review on solar cells from Si-single crystals to porous materials and quantum dots.

PubMed

Badawy, Waheed A

2015-03-01

Solar energy conversion to electricity through photovoltaics or to useful fuel through photoelectrochemical cells was still a main task for research groups and developments sectors. In this article we are reviewing the development of the different generations of solar cells. The fabrication of solar cells has passed through a large number of improvement steps considering the technological and economic aspects. The first generation solar cells were based on Si wafers, mainly single crystals. Permanent researches on cost reduction and improved solar cell efficiency have led to the marketing of solar modules having 12-16% solar conversion efficiency. Application of polycrystalline Si and other forms of Si have reduced the cost but on the expense of the solar conversion efficiency. The second generation solar cells were based on thin film technology. Thin films of amorphous Si, CIS (copper-indium-selenide) and t-Si were employed. Solar conversion efficiencies of about 12% have been achieved with a remarkable cost reduction. The third generation solar cells are based on nano-crystals and nano-porous materials. An advanced photovoltaic cell, originally developed for satellites with solar conversion efficiency of 37.3%, based on concentration of the solar spectrum up to 400 suns was developed. It is based on extremely thin concentration cells. New sensitizer or semiconductor systems are necessary to broaden the photo-response in solar spectrum. Hybrids of solar and conventional devices may provide an interim benefit in seeking economically valuable devices. New quantum dot solar cells based on CdSe-TiO2 architecture have been developed.

Thermoelectric energy conversion with solid electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cole, T.

1983-09-01

The alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) is a device for the direct conversion of heat to electrical energy. The sodium ion conductor beta-double prime-alumina is used to form a high-temperature regenerative concentration cell for elemental sodium. An AMTEC of mature design should have an efficiency of 20 to 40 percent, a power density of 0.5 kilowatt per kilogram or more, no moving parts, low maintenance requirements, high durability, and efficiency independent of size. It should be usable with high-temperature combustion, nuclear, or solar heat sources. Experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of the AMTEC and confirmed the theoretical analysis of the device. A wide range of applications from aerospace power to utility power plants appears possible.

Thermoelectric energy conversion with solid electrolytes.

PubMed

Cole, T

1983-09-02

The alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) is a device for the direct conversion of heat to electrical energy. The sodium ion conductor beta"- alumina is used to form a high-temperature regenerative concentration cell for elemental sodium. An AMTEC of mature design should have an efficiency of 20 to 40 percent, a power density of 0.5 kilowatt per kilogram or more, no moving parts, low maintenance requirements, high durability, and efficiency independent of size. It should be usable with high-temperature combustion, nuclear, or solar heat sources. Experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of the AMTEC and confirmed the theoretical analysis of the device. A wide range of applications from aerospace power to utility power plants appears possible.

Hybrid photosynthesis-powering biocatalysts with solar energy captured by inorganic devices.

PubMed

Zhang, Tian; Tremblay, Pier-Luc

2017-01-01

The biological reduction of CO 2 driven by sunlight via photosynthesis is a crucial process for life on earth. However, the conversion efficiency of solar energy to biomass by natural photosynthesis is low. This translates in bioproduction processes relying on natural photosynthesis that are inefficient energetically. Recently, hybrid photosynthetic technologies with the potential of significantly increasing the efficiency of solar energy conversion to products have been developed. In these systems, the reduction of CO 2 into biofuels or other chemicals of interest by biocatalysts is driven by solar energy captured with inorganic devices such as photovoltaic cells or photoelectrodes. Here, we explore hybrid photosynthesis and examine the strategies being deployed to improve this biotechnology.

Achieving high performance polymer tandem solar cells via novel materials design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dou, Letian

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices show great promise in low-cost, flexible, lightweight, and large-area energy-generation applications. Nonetheless, most of the materials designed today always suffer from the inherent disadvantage of not having a broad absorption range, and relatively low mobility, which limit the utilization of the full solar spectrum. Tandem solar cells provide an effective way to harvest a broader spectrum of solar radiation by combining two or more solar cells with different absorption bands. However, for polymer solar cells, the performance of tandem devices lags behind single-layer solar cells mainly due to the lack of suitable low-bandgap polymers (near-IR absorbing polymers). In this dissertation, in order to achieve high performance, we focus on design and synthesis of novel low bandgap polymers specifically for tandem solar cells. In Chapter 3, I demonstrate highly efficient single junction and tandem polymer solar cells featuring a spectrally matched low-bandgap conjugated polymer (PBDTT-DPP: bandgap, ˜1.44 eV). The polymer has a backbone based on alternating benzodithiophene and diketopyrrolopyrrole units. A single-layer device based on the polymer provides a power conversion efficiency of ˜6%. When the polymer is applied to tandem solar cells, a power conversion efficiency of 8.62% is achieved, which was the highest certified efficiency for a polymer solar cell. To further improve this material system, in Chapter 4, I show that the reduction of the bandgap and the enhancement of the charge transport properties of the low bandgap polymer PBDTT-DPP can be accomplished simultaneously by substituting the sulfur atoms on the DPP unit with selenium atoms. The newly designed polymer PBDTT-SeDPP (Eg = 1.38 eV) shows excellent photovoltaic performance in single junction devices with PCEs over 7% and photo-response up to 900 nm. Tandem polymer solar cells based on PBDTT-SeDPP are also demonstrated with a 9.5% PCE, which are more than 10% enhancement over those based on PBDTT-DPP. Finally, in Chapter 5, I demonstrate a new polymer system based on alternating dithienopyran and benzothiadiazole units with a bandgap of 1.38 eV, high mobility, deep highest occupied molecular orbital. As a result, a single-junction device shows high external quantum efficiency of >60% and spectral response that extends to 900 nm, with a power conversion efficiency of 7.9%. The polymer enables a solution processed tandem solar cell with certified 10.6% power conversion efficiency under standard reporting conditions, which is the first certified polymer solar cell efficiency over 10%.

MoS2: a two-dimensional hole-transporting material for high-efficiency, low-cost perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohnehpoushi, Saman; Nazari, Pariya; Abdollahi Nejand, Bahram; Eskandari, Mehdi

2018-05-01

In this work MoS2 thin film was studied as a potential two-dimensional (2D) hole-transporting material for fabrication of low-cost, durable and efficient perovskite solar cells. The thickness of MoS2 was studied as a potential factor in reaching high power conversion efficiency in perovskite solar cells. The thickness of the perovskite layer and the different metal back contacts gave distinct photovoltaic properties to the designed cells. The results show that a single sheet of MoS2 could considerably improve the power conversion efficacy of the device from 10.41% for a hole transport material (HTM)-free device to 20.43% for a device prepared with a 0.67 nm thick MoS2 layer as a HTM. On the back, Ag and Al collected the carriers more efficiently than Au due to the value of their metal contact work function with the TiO2 conduction band. The present work proposes a new architecture for the fabrication of low-cost, durable and efficient perovskite solar cells made from a low-cost and robust inorganic HTM and electron transport material.

MoS2: a two-dimensional hole-transporting material for high-efficiency, low-cost perovskite solar cells.

PubMed

Kohnehpoushi, Saman; Nazari, Pariya; Nejand, Bahram Abdollahi; Eskandari, Mehdi

2018-05-18

In this work MoS 2 thin film was studied as a potential two-dimensional (2D) hole-transporting material for fabrication of low-cost, durable and efficient perovskite solar cells. The thickness of MoS 2 was studied as a potential factor in reaching high power conversion efficiency in perovskite solar cells. The thickness of the perovskite layer and the different metal back contacts gave distinct photovoltaic properties to the designed cells. The results show that a single sheet of MoS 2 could considerably improve the power conversion efficacy of the device from 10.41% for a hole transport material (HTM)-free device to 20.43% for a device prepared with a 0.67 nm thick MoS 2 layer as a HTM. On the back, Ag and Al collected the carriers more efficiently than Au due to the value of their metal contact work function with the TiO 2 conduction band. The present work proposes a new architecture for the fabrication of low-cost, durable and efficient perovskite solar cells made from a low-cost and robust inorganic HTM and electron transport material.

Light-induced lattice expansion leads to high-efficiency perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Hsinhan; Asadpour, Reza; Blancon, Jean-Christophe; Stoumpos, Constantinos C.; Durand, Olivier; Strzalka, Joseph W.; Chen, Bo; Verduzco, Rafael; Ajayan, Pulickel M.; Tretiak, Sergei; Even, Jacky; Alam, Muhammad Ashraf; Kanatzidis, Mercouri G.; Nie, Wanyi; Mohite, Aditya D.

2018-04-01

Light-induced structural dynamics plays a vital role in the physical properties, device performance, and stability of hybrid perovskite–based optoelectronic devices. We report that continuous light illumination leads to a uniform lattice expansion in hybrid perovskite thin films, which is critical for obtaining high-efficiency photovoltaic devices. Correlated, in situ structural and device characterizations reveal that light-induced lattice expansion benefits the performances of a mixed-cation pure-halide planar device, boosting the power conversion efficiency from 18.5 to 20.5%. The lattice expansion leads to the relaxation of local lattice strain, which lowers the energetic barriers at the perovskite-contact interfaces, thus improving the open circuit voltage and fill factor. The light-induced lattice expansion did not compromise the stability of these high-efficiency photovoltaic devices under continuous operation at full-spectrum 1-sun (100 milliwatts per square centimeter) illumination for more than 1500 hours.

Highly efficient hybrid energy generator: coupled organic photovoltaic device and randomly oriented electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofiber.

PubMed

Park, Boongik; Lee, Kihwan; Park, Jongjin; Kim, Jongmin; Kim, Ohyun

2013-03-01

A hybrid architecture consisting of an inverted organic photovoltaic device and a randomly-oriented electrospun PVDF piezoelectric device was fabricated as a highly-efficient energy generator. It uses the inverted photovoltaic device with coupled electrospun PVDF nanofibers as tandem structure to convert solar and mechanical vibrations energy to electricity simultaneously or individually. The power conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic device was also significantly improved up to 4.72% by optimized processes such as intrinsic ZnO, MoO3 and active layer. A simple electrospinning method with the two electrode technique was adopted to achieve a high voltage of - 300 mV in PVDF piezoelectric fibers. Highly-efficient HEG using voltage adder circuit provides the conceptual possibility of realizing multi-functional energy generator whenever and wherever various energy sources are available.

Thermionic/AMTEC cascade converter concept for high-efficiency space power

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hagan, T.H. van; Smith, J.N. Jr.; Schuller, M.

1996-12-31

This paper presents trade studies that address the use of the thermionic/AMTEC cell--a cascaded, high-efficiency, static power conversion concept that appears well-suited to space power applications. Both the thermionic and AMTEC power conversion approaches have been shown to be promising candidates for space power. Thermionics offers system compactness via modest efficiency at high heat rejection temperatures, and AMTEC offers high efficiency at modest heat rejection temperature. From a thermal viewpoint the two are ideally suited for cascaded power conversion: thermionic heat rejection and AMTEC heat source temperatures are essentially the same. In addition to realizing conversion efficiencies potentially as highmore » as 35--40%, such a cascade offers the following perceived benefits: survivability; simplicity; technology readiness; and technology growth. Mechanical approaches and thermal/electric matching criteria for integrating thermionics and AMTEC into a single conversion device are described. Focusing primarily on solar thermal space power applications, parametric trends are presented to show the performance and cost potential that should be achievable with present-day technology in cascaded thermionic/AMTEC systems.« less

Functionalization of graphene for efficient energy conversion and storage.

PubMed

Dai, Liming

2013-01-15

As global energy consumption accelerates at an alarming rate, the development of clean and renewable energy conversion and storage systems has become more important than ever. Although the efficiency of energy conversion and storage devices depends on a variety of factors, their overall performance strongly relies on the structure and properties of the component materials. Nanotechnology has opened up new frontiers in materials science and engineering to meet this challenge by creating new materials, particularly carbon nanomaterials, for efficient energy conversion and storage. As a building block for carbon materials of all other dimensionalities (such as 0D buckyball, 1D nanotube, 3D graphite), the two-dimensional (2D) single atomic carbon sheet of graphene has emerged as an attractive candidate for energy applications due to its unique structure and properties. Like other materials, however, a graphene-based material that possesses desirable bulk properties rarely features the surface characteristics required for certain specific applications. Therefore, surface functionalization is essential, and researchers have devised various covalent and noncovalent chemistries for making graphene materials with the bulk and surface properties needed for efficient energy conversion and storage. In this Account, I summarize some of our new ideas and strategies for the controlled functionalization of graphene for the development of efficient energy conversion and storage devices, such as solar cells, fuel cells, supercapacitors, and batteries. The dangling bonds at the edge of graphene can be used for the covalent attachment of various chemical moieties while the graphene basal plane can be modified via either covalent or noncovalent functionalization. The asymmetric functionalization of the two opposite surfaces of individual graphene sheets with different moieties can lead to the self-assembly of graphene sheets into hierarchically structured materials. Judicious application of these site-selective reactions to graphene sheets has opened up a rich field of graphene-based energy materials with enhanced performance in energy conversion and storage. These results reveal the versatility of surface functionalization for making sophisticated graphene materials for energy applications. Even though many covalent and noncovalent functionalization methods have already been reported, vast opportunities remain for developing novel graphene materials for highly efficient energy conversion and storage systems.

Multipositional silica-coated silver nanoparticles for high-performance polymer solar cells.

PubMed

Choi, Hyosung; Lee, Jung-Pil; Ko, Seo-Jin; Jung, Jae-Woo; Park, Hyungmin; Yoo, Seungmin; Park, Okji; Jeong, Jong-Ryul; Park, Soojin; Kim, Jin Young

2013-05-08

We demonstrate high-performance polymer solar cells using the plasmonic effect of multipositional silica-coated silver nanoparticles. The location of the nanoparticles is critical for increasing light absorption and scattering via enhanced electric field distribution. The device incorporating nanoparticles between the hole transport layer and the active layer achieves a power conversion efficiency of 8.92% with an external quantum efficiency of 81.5%. These device efficiencies are the highest values reported to date for plasmonic polymer solar cells using metal nanoparticles.

Co-sensitization of natural dyes for improved efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cell application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, K. Ashok; Subalakshmi, K.; Senthilselvan, J.

2016-05-01

In this paper, a new approach of co-sensitized DSSC based on natural dyes is investigated to explore the possible way to improve the power conversion efficiency. To realize this purpose 10 DSSC devices were fabricated using mono-sensitization and co-sensitization of ethanolic extracts of natural dye sensitizers obtained from Cactus fruit, Jambolana fruit, Curcumin and Bermuda grass. The optical absorption spectrum of the mono and hybrid dye extracts were studied by UV-Visible absorption spectrum. It shows the characteristic absorption peaks in visible region corresponds to the presence of natural pigments of anthocyanin, betacyanin and chlorophylls. Absorption spectrum of hybrid dyes reveals a wide absorption band in visible region with improved extinction co-efficient and it is favorable for increased light harvesting nature. The power conversion efficiency of DSSC devices were calculated using J-V curve and the maximum efficiency achieved in the present work is noted to be ~0.61% for Cactus-Bermuda co-sensitized DSSC.

Combination of molecular, morphological, and interfacial engineering to achieve highly efficient and stable plastic solar cells.

PubMed

Chang, Chih-Yu; Cheng, Yen-Ju; Hung, Shih-Hsiu; Wu, Jhong-Sian; Kao, Wei-Shun; Lee, Chia-Hao; Hsu, Chain-Shu

2012-01-24

A flexible solar device showing exceptional air and mechanical stability is produced by simultaneously optimizing molecular structure, active layer morphology, and interface characteristics. The PFDCTBT-C8-based devices with inverted architecture exhibited excellent power conversion efficiencies of 7.0% and 6.0% on glass and flexible substrates, respectively. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Improved current extraction from ZnO/PbS quantum dot heterojunction photovoltaics using a MoO3 interfacial layer.

PubMed

Brown, Patrick R; Lunt, Richard R; Zhao, Ni; Osedach, Timothy P; Wanger, Darcy D; Chang, Liang-Yi; Bawendi, Moungi G; Bulović, Vladimir

2011-07-13

The ability to engineer interfacial energy offsets in photovoltaic devices is one of the keys to their optimization. Here, we demonstrate that improvements in power conversion efficiency may be attained for ZnO/PbS heterojunction quantum dot photovoltaics through the incorporation of a MoO(3) interlayer between the PbS colloidal quantum dot film and the top-contact anode. Through a combination of current-voltage characterization, circuit modeling, Mott-Schottky analysis, and external quantum efficiency measurements performed with bottom- and top-illumination, these enhancements are shown to stem from the elimination of a reverse-bias Schottky diode present at the PbS/anode interface. The incorporation of the high-work-function MoO(3) layer pins the Fermi level of the top contact, effectively decoupling the device performance from the work function of the anode and resulting in a high open-circuit voltage (0.59 ± 0.01 V) for a range of different anode materials. Corresponding increases in short-circuit current and fill factor enable 1.5-fold, 2.3-fold, and 4.5-fold enhancements in photovoltaic device efficiency for gold, silver, and ITO anodes, respectively, and result in a power conversion efficiency of 3.5 ± 0.4% for a device employing a gold anode.

Interface design principles for high-performance organic semiconductor devices

DOE PAGES

Nie, Wanyi; Gupta, Gautam; Crone, Brian K.; ...

2015-03-23

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are a promising cost-effective candidate in next generation photovoltaic technology. However, a critical bottleneck for OSCs is the electron/hole recombination loss through charge transfer state at the interface, which greatly limits the power conversion efficiency. W. Nie, A. Mohite, and co-workers demonstrate a simple strategy of suppressing the recombination rate by inserting a spacer layer at the donor-acceptor interface, resulting in a dramatic increase in power conversion efficiency.

A solvent- and vacuum-free route to large-area perovskite films for efficient solar modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Han; Ye, Fei; Tang, Wentao; He, Jinjin; Yin, Maoshu; Wang, Yanbo; Xie, Fengxian; Bi, Enbing; Yang, Xudong; Grätzel, Michael; Han, Liyuan

2017-10-01

Recent advances in the use of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites for optoelectronics have been rapid, with reported power conversion efficiencies of up to 22 per cent for perovskite solar cells. Improvements in stability have also enabled testing over a timescale of thousands of hours. However, large-scale deployment of such cells will also require the ability to produce large-area, uniformly high-quality perovskite films. A key challenge is to overcome the substantial reduction in power conversion efficiency when a small device is scaled up: a reduction from over 20 per cent to about 10 per cent is found when a common aperture area of about 0.1 square centimetres is increased to more than 25 square centimetres. Here we report a new deposition route for methyl ammonium lead halide perovskite films that does not rely on use of a common solvent or vacuum: rather, it relies on the rapid conversion of amine complex precursors to perovskite films, followed by a pressure application step. The deposited perovskite films were free of pin-holes and highly uniform. Importantly, the new deposition approach can be performed in air at low temperatures, facilitating fabrication of large-area perovskite devices. We reached a certified power conversion efficiency of 12.1 per cent with an aperture area of 36.1 square centimetres for a mesoporous TiO2-based perovskite solar module architecture.

A hot-electron thermophotonic solar cell demonstrated by thermal up-conversion of sub-bandgap photons

PubMed Central

Farrell, Daniel J.; Sodabanlu, Hassanet; Wang, Yunpeng; Sugiyama, Masakazu; Okada, Yoshitaka

2015-01-01

The direct conversion of solar energy to electricity can be broadly separated into two main categories: photovoltaics and thermal photovoltaics, where the former utilizes gradients in electrical potential and the latter thermal gradients. Conventional thermal photovoltaics has a high theoretical efficiency limit (84%) but in practice cannot be easily miniaturized and is limited by the engineering challenges of sustaining large (>1,000 K) temperature gradients. Here we show a hot-carrier-based thermophotonic solar cell, which combines the compact nature of photovoltaic devices with the potential to reach the high-efficiency regime of thermal photovoltaics. In the device, a thermal gradient of 500 K is established by hot electrons, under Stokes illumination, rather than by raising the temperature of the material itself. Under anti-Stokes (sub-bandgap) illumination we observe a thermal gradient of ∼20 K, which is maintained by steady-state Auger heating of carriers and corresponds to a internal thermal up-conversion efficiency of 30% between the collector and solar cell. PMID:26541415

High power pumped MID-IR wavelength devices using nonlinear frequency mixing (NFM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanders, Steven (Inventor); Lang, Robert J. (Inventor); Waarts, Robert G. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

Laser diode pumped mid-IR wavelength sources include at least one high power, near-IR wavelength, injection and/or sources wherein one or both of such sources may be tunable providing a pump wave output beam to a quasi-phase matched (QPM) nonlinear frequency mixing (NFM) device. The NFM device may be a difference frequency mixing (DFM) device or an optical parametric oscillation (OPO) device. Wavelength tuning of at least one of the sources advantageously provides the ability for optimizing pump or injection wavelengths to match the QPM properties of the NFM device enabling a broad range of mid-IR wavelength selectivity. Also, pump powers are gain enhanced by the addition of a rare earth amplifier or oscillator, or a Raman/Brillouin amplifier or oscillator between the high power source and the NFM device. Further, polarization conversion using Raman or Brillouin wavelength shifting is provided to optimize frequency conversion efficiency in the NFM device.

High power pumped mid-IR wavelength systems using nonlinear frequency mixing (NFM) devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanders, Steven (Inventor); Lang, Robert J. (Inventor); Waarts, Robert G. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

Laser diode pumped mid-IR wavelength systems include at least one high power, near-IR wavelength, injection and/or sources wherein one or both of such sources may be tunable providing a pump wave output beam to a quasi-phase matched (QPM) nonlinear frequency mixing (NFM) device. The NFM device may be a difference frequency mixing (DFM) device or an optical parametric oscillation (OPO) device. Wavelength tuning of at least one of the sources advantageously provides the ability for optimizing pump or injection wavelengths to match the QPM properties of the NFM device enabling a broad range of mid-IR wavelength selectivity. Also, pump powers are gain enhanced by the addition of a rare earth amplifier or oscillator, or a Raman/Brillouin amplifier or oscillator between the high power source and the NFM device. Further, polarization conversion using Raman or Brillouin wavelength shifting is provided to optimize frequency conversion efficiency in the NFM device.

Phosphor coated NiO-based planar inverted organometallic halide perovskite solar cells with enhanced efficiency and stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Jin; Li, Pengfei; Chen, Zhifan; Cao, Kun; Li, Dan; Han, Junbo; Shen, Yan; Peng, Mingying; Fu, Yong Qing; Wang, Mingkui

2016-10-01

This work investigates non-rare-earth phosphor (Sr4Al14O25:Mn4+, 0.5%Mg) with intensively red luminescence as a luminescent down-shifting layer for perovskite solar cells. The power conversion efficiency of the fabricated device with a structure of NiO/CH3NH3PbI3/[6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester/Au coated with phosphor layer shows a 10% increase as compared with that of the control devices. Importantly, the phosphor layer coating can realize UV-protection as well as waterproof capability, achieving a reduced moisture-degradation of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite upon applying an UV irradiation. Therefore, perovskite devices using this luminescent coating show a combined enhancement in both UV down-shifting conversion and long term stability. This can be expanded as a promising encapsulation technique in the perovskite solar cell community.

Perovskite-sensitized solar cells-based Ga-TiO2 nanodiatom-like photoanode: the improvement of performance by perovskite crystallinity refinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umar, Akrajas Ali; Al-She'irey, Altaf Yahya Ahmed; Rahman, Mohd Yusri Abd; Salleh, Muhamad Mat; Oyama, Munetaka

2018-05-01

The structure and crystallinity of the photoactive materials in solar cell determines the exciton formation, carrier's recombination, life-time and transportation in the devices. Here, we report that enhanced charge transportation, internal quantum efficiency and the carrier life-time can be achieved by modifying the structure, morphology of the organic perovskite thin film, enabling the improvement of the solar cell performance. The thin film structure modification was achieved via a thermal annealing in vacuum. In typical procedure, the power conversion efficiency of the PSC device can be upgraded from 0.5 to 2.9%, which is approximately 6 times increment, when the surface structure disorders are limited in the organic perovskite thin film. By optimizing the organic perovskite loading on the Ga-TiO2 diatom-like nanostructures photoanode and combining with a fine control of organic perovskite thin film structure, power conversion efficiency as high as 6.58% can be generated from the device. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and current-voltage analysis in the dark indicated that this process has effectively augmented the carrier life-time and limited the carrier recombination, enhancing the overall performance of the solar cell device. The preparation process and mechanism of the device performance improvement will be discussed.

Understanding and controlling morphology evolution via DIO plasticization in PffBT4T-2OD/PC71BM devices

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yiwei; Parnell, Andrew J.; Pontecchiani, Fabio; Cooper, Joshaniel F. K.; Thompson, Richard L.; Jones, Richard A. L.; King, Stephen M.; Lidzey, David G.; Bernardo, Gabriel

2017-01-01

We demonstrate that the inclusion of a small amount of the co-solvent 1,8-diiodooctane in the preparation of a bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic device increases its power conversion efficiency by 20%, through a mechanism of transient plasticisation. We follow the removal of 1,8-diiodooctane directly after spin-coating using ellipsometry and ion beam analysis, while using small angle neutron scattering to characterise the morphological nanostructure evolution of the film. In PffBT4T-2OD/PC71BM devices, the power conversion efficiency increases from 7.2% to above 8.7% as a result of the coarsening of the phase domains. This coarsening process is assisted by thermal annealing and the slow evaporation of 1,8-diiodooctane, which we suggest, acts as a plasticiser to promote molecular mobility. Our results show that 1,8-diiodooctane can be completely removed from the film by a thermal annealing process at temperatures ≤100 °C and that there is an interplay between the evaporation rate of 1,8-diiodooctane and the rate of domain coarsening in the plasticized film which helps elucidate the mechanism by which additives improve device efficiency. PMID:28287164

Towards improved photovoltaic conversion using dilute magnetic semiconductors (abstract only)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olsson, Pär; Guillemoles, J.-F.; Domain, C.

2008-02-01

Present photovoltaic devices, based on p/n junctions, are limited from first principles to maximal efficiencies of 31% (40% under full solar concentration; Shockley and Queisser 1961 J. Appl. Phys. 32 510). However, more innovative schemes may overcome the Shockley-Queisser limit since the theoretical maximal efficiency of solar energy conversion is higher than 85% (Harder and Würfel 2003 Semicond. Sci. Technol. 18 S151). To date, the only practical realization of such an innovative scheme has been multi-junction devices, which at present hold the world record for efficiency at nearly 41% at significant solar concentration (US DOE news site: http://www.energy.gov/news/4503.htm). It has been proposed that one could make use of the solar spectrum in much the same way as the multi-junction devices do but in a single cell, using impurity induced intermediate levels to create gaps of different sizes. This intermediate level semiconductor (ILSC) concept (Green and Wenham 1994 Appl. Phys. Lett. 65 2907; Luque and Martí1997 Phys. Rev. Lett. 78 5014) has a maximal efficiency similar to that of multi-junction devices but suffers from prohibitively large non-radiative recombination rates. We here propose to use a ferromagnetic impurity scheme in order to reduce the non-radiative recombination rates while maintaining the high theoretical maximum efficiency of the ILSC scheme, that is about 46%. Using density functional theory calculations, the electronic and energetic properties of transition metal impurities for a wide range of semiconductors have been analysed. Of the several hundred compounds studied, only a few fulfil the design criteria that we present here. As an example, wide gap AlP is one of the most promising compounds. It was found that inclusion of significant amounts of Mn in AlP induces band structures providing conversion efficiencies potentially close to the theoretical maximum, with an estimated Curie temperature reaching above 100 K.

Thermoelectric energy conversion with solid electrolytes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cole, T.

1983-09-02

The alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) is a device for the direct conversion of heat to electrical energy. The sodium ion conductor beta''-alumina is used to form a high-temperature regenerative concentration cell for elemental sodium. An AMTEC of mature design should have an efficiency of 20 to 40%, a power density of 0.5 kilowatt per kilogram or more, no moving parts, low maintenance requirements, high durability, and efficiency independent of size. It should be usable with high-temperature combustion, nuclear, or solar heat sources. Experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of the AMTEC and confirmed the theoretical analysis of the device. Amore » wide range of applications from aerospace power to utility power plants appears possible.« less

View from ... JSAP Spring meeting 2014: Strive for efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horiuchi, Noriaki

2014-06-01

A high energy conversion efficiency and a low fabrication cost are required to make the widespread implementation of solar cells attractive. Researchers are striving to enhance cell performance by developing heterojunction techniques, introducing photonic-crystal structures and proposing new device designs.

Luminescent Spectral Conversion to Improve the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Hosseini, Zahra; Taghavinia, Nima; Wei-Guang Diau, Eric

2017-12-06

Relative to the broadband solar spectrum, a narrow range of spectral absorption of photovoltaic (PV) devices is considered an important determinant that the efficiency of light harvesting of these devices is less than unity. Having the narrowest spectral response to solar radiation among all PV devices, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) suffer severely from this loss. Luminescent spectral conversion provides a mechanism to manipulate and to adapt the incident solar spectrum by converting, through photoluminescence, the energies of solar photons into those that are more effectively captured by a PV device. This mechanism is particularly helpful for DSSCs because there is much flexibility in both the choice of the light-harvesting materials and the architecture of the DSSC. Here we review and discuss recent advances in the field of luminescent spectral conversion for DSSCs. The focus is on the architectural design of DSSCs, and the complications, advantages and new functionalities offered by each of their configurations are discussed. The loss mechanisms are examined and important parameters governing the spectral conversion mechanism of a DSSC are introduced. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High-Efficiency Selective Electron Tunnelling in a Heterostructure Photovoltaic Diode.

PubMed

Jia, Chuancheng; Ma, Wei; Gu, Chunhui; Chen, Hongliang; Yu, Haomiao; Li, Xinxi; Zhang, Fan; Gu, Lin; Xia, Andong; Hou, Xiaoyuan; Meng, Sheng; Guo, Xuefeng

2016-06-08

A heterostructure photovoltaic diode featuring an all-solid-state TiO2/graphene/dye ternary interface with high-efficiency photogenerated charge separation/transport is described here. Light absorption is accomplished by dye molecules deposited on the outside surface of graphene as photoreceptors to produce photoexcited electron-hole pairs. Unlike conventional photovoltaic conversion, in this heterostructure both photoexcited electrons and holes tunnel along the same direction into graphene, but only electrons display efficient ballistic transport toward the TiO2 transport layer, thus leading to effective photon-to-electricity conversion. On the basis of this ipsilateral selective electron tunnelling (ISET) mechanism, a model monolayer photovoltaic device (PVD) possessing a TiO2/graphene/acridine orange ternary interface showed ∼86.8% interfacial separation/collection efficiency, which guaranteed an ultrahigh absorbed photon-to-current efficiency (APCE, ∼80%). Such an ISET-based PVD may become a fundamental device architecture for photovoltaic solar cells, photoelectric detectors, and other novel optoelectronic applications with obvious advantages, such as high efficiency, easy fabrication, scalability, and universal availability of cost-effective materials.

Photoelectrochemical Complexes of Fucoxanthin-Chlorophyll Protein for Bio-Photovoltaic Conversion with a High Open-Circuit Photovoltage.

PubMed

Zhang, Tianning; Liu, Cheng; Dong, Wenjing; Wang, Wenda; Sun, Yan; Chen, Xin; Yang, Chunhong; Dai, Ning

2017-12-05

Open-circuit photovoltage (V oc ) is among the critical parameters for achieving an efficient light-to-charge conversion in existing solar photovoltaic devices. Natural photosynthesis exploits light-harvesting chlorophyll (Chl) protein complexes to transfer sunlight energy efficiently. We describe the exploitation of photosynthetic fucoxanthin-chlorophyll protein (FCP) complexes for realizing photoelectrochemical cells with a high V oc . An antenna-dependent photocurrent response and a V oc up to 0.72 V are observed and demonstrated in the bio-photovoltaic devices fabricated with photosynthetic FCP complexes and TiO 2 nanostructures. Such high V oc is determined by fucoxanthin in FCP complexes, and is rarely found in photoelectrochemical cells with other natural light-harvesting antenna. We think that the FCP-based bio-photovoltaic conversion will provide an opportunity to fabricate environmental benign photoelectrochemical cells with high V oc , and also help improve the understanding of the essential physics behind the light-to-charge conversion in photosynthetic complexes. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Polymer:fullerene solar cells: materials, processing issues, and cell layouts to reach power conversion efficiency over 10%, a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Etxebarria, Ikerne; Ajuria, Jon; Pacios, Roberto

2015-01-01

In spite of the impressive development achieved by organic photovoltaics throughout the last decades, especially in terms of reported power conversion efficiencies, there are still important technological and fundamental obstacles to circumvent before they can be implemented into reliable and long-lasting applications. Regarding device processing, the synthesis of highly soluble polymeric semiconductors first, and then fullerene derivatives, was initially considered as an important breakthrough that would definitely change the fabrication of photovoltaics once and for all. The potential and the expectation raised by this technology is such that it is very difficult to keep track of the most significant progresses being now published in different and even monographic journals. In this paper, we review the development of polymeric solar cells from its origin to the most efficient devices published to date. We separate these achievements into three different categories traditionally followed by the scientific community to push devices over 10% power conversion efficiency: active materials, strategies-fabrication/processing procedures-that can mainly modify the active film morphology, and all the different cell layout/architectures that have been used in order to extract as high a photocurrent as possible from the Sun. The synthesis of new donors, the use of additives and postprocessing techniques, buffer interlayers, inverted and tandem designs are some of the most important aspects that are reviewed in detail in this paper. All have equally contributed to develop this technology and bring it at the doors of commercialization.

808nm high-power high-efficiency GaAsP/GaInP laser bars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ye; Yang, Ye; Qin, Li; Wang, Chao; Yao, Di; Liu, Yun; Wang, Lijun

2008-11-01

808nm high power diode lasers, which is rapidly maturing technology technically and commercially since the introduction in 1999 of complete kilowatt-scale diode laser systems, have important applications in the fields of industry and pumping solid-state lasers (DPSSL). High power and high power conversion efficiency are extremely important in diode lasers, and they could lead to new applications where space, weight and electrical power are critical. High efficiency devices generate less waste heat, which means less strain on the cooling system and more tolerance to thermal conductivity variation, a lower junction temperature and longer lifetimes. Diode lasers with Al-free materials have superior power conversion efficiency compared with conventional AlGaAs/GaAs devices because of their lower differential series resistance and higher thermal conductivity. 808nm GaAsP/GaInP broad-waveguide emitting diode laser bars with 1mm cavity length have been fabricated. The peak power can reach to 100.9W at 106.5A at quasicontinuous wave operation (200μs, 1000Hz). The maximum power conversion efficiency is 57.38%. Based on these high power laser bars, we fabricate a 1x3 arrays, the maximum power is 64.3W in continuous wave mode when the current is 25.0A. And the threshold current is 5.9A, the slope efficiency is 3.37 W/A.

Broadband high-efficiency half-wave plate: a supercell-based plasmonic metasurface approach.

PubMed

Ding, Fei; Wang, Zhuoxian; He, Sailing; Shalaev, Vladimir M; Kildishev, Alexander V

2015-04-28

We design, fabricate, and experimentally demonstrate an ultrathin, broadband half-wave plate in the near-infrared range using a plasmonic metasurface. The simulated results show that the linear polarization conversion efficiency is over 97% with over 90% reflectance across an 800 nm bandwidth. Moreover, simulated and experimental results indicate that such broadband and high-efficiency performance is also sustained over a wide range of incident angles. To further obtain a background-free half-wave plate, we arrange such a plate as a periodic array of integrated supercells made of several plasmonic antennas with high linear polarization conversion efficiency, consequently achieving a reflection-phase gradient for the cross-polarized beam. In this design, the anomalous (cross-polarized) and the normal (copolarized) reflected beams become spatially separated, hence enabling highly efficient and robust, background-free polarization conversion along with broadband operation. Our results provide strategies for creating compact, integrated, and high-performance plasmonic circuits and devices.

Experimental Investigations, Modeling, and Analyses of High-Temperature Devices for Space Applications. Part 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-01-01

AMTEC cell during operation is essential to maximize the thermal -to- electric conversion efficiency of the device. The cell efficiency , rQ, is defined...the cell current is relatively high (usually above 2 A), and we found that the former thermal model of the conical evaporator wick underpredicted... high temperature, sodium vapor environment in a typical multi-tube AMTEC cell , where thermal radiation exchange is significant, an

High Efficiency Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kochergin, Vladimir (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Growth of thermoelectric materials in the form of quantum well super-lattices on three-dimensionally structured substrates provide the means to achieve high conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric module combined with inexpensiveness of fabrication and compatibility with large scale production. Thermoelectric devices utilizing thermoelectric materials in the form of quantum well semiconductor super-lattices grown on three-dimensionally structured substrates provide improved thermoelectric characteristics that can be used for power generation, cooling and other applications..

Optical management for efficiency enhancement in hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells

PubMed Central

Zhang, Hui; Toudert, Johann

2018-01-01

Abstract In a few years only, solar cells using hybrid organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites as optical absorber have reached record photovoltaic energy conversion efficiencies above 20%. To reach and overcome such values, it is required to tailor both the electrical and optical properties of the device. For a given efficient device, optical optimization overtakes electrical one. Here, we provide a synthetic review of recent works reporting or proposing so-called optical management approaches for improving the efficiency of perovskite solar cells, including the use of anti-reflection coatings at the front substrate surface, the design of optical cavities integrated within the device, the incorporation of plasmonic or dielectric nanostructures into the different layers of the device and the structuration of its internal interfaces. We finally give as outlooks some insights into the less-explored management of the perovskite fluorescence and its potential for enhancing the cell efficiency. PMID:29868146

Liquid-phase tuning of porous PVDF-TrFE film on flexible substrate for energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Dajing; Chen, Kaina; Brown, Kristopher; Hang, Annie; Zhang, John X. J.

2017-04-01

Emerging wearable and implantable biomedical energy harvesting devices demand efficient power conversion, flexible structures, and lightweight construction. This paper presents Polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) micro-porous structures, which can be tuned to specific mechanical flexibilities and optimized for piezoelectric power conversion. Specifically, the water vapor phase separation method was developed to control microstructure formation, pore diameter, porosity, and mechanical flexibility. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of the piezoelectric layer to supporting layer Young's modulus ratio, through using both analytical calculation and experimentation. Both structure flexibility and stress-induced voltage were considered in the analyses. Specification of electromechanical coupling efficiency, made possible by carefully designed three-dimensional porous structures, was shown to increase the power output by five-fold relative to uncoupled structures. Therefore, flexible PVDF-TrFE films with tunable microstructures, paired with substrates of different rigidities, provide highly efficient designs of compact piezoelectric energy generating devices.

Growth, properties, and applications of potassium niobate single crystals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mizell, G.; Fay, W.R.; Alekel, T. III

1994-12-31

Production refinements and pragmatic optical properties of the frequency converter crystal KNbO{sub 3} (KN) are highlighted regarding its commercialization. The growth, morphological orientation, and processing of KN crystals into devices are outlined. Passive absorption data are presented that define the effective window range for KN devices. An absorption band at 2.85 {mu}m is attributed to the presence of OH groups in the crystal, and its vibrational strength varies with crystal growth conditions and incident polarized light orientation. Although blue light induced infrared absorption (BLIRA) can reduce second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency at high power, single-pass conversion efficiencies of 1%/W{center_dot}cm maymore » be achieved with incident fundamental powers of 10 W. The ability of KN to non-critically phasematch by temperature tuning provides blue-green wavelengths; together with critical angle-tuned phasematching, the entire visible spectrum may be accessed with efficient SHG conversion.« less

Enhanced Solar Cell Conversion Efficiency of InGaN/GaN Multiple Quantum Wells by Piezo-Phototronic Effect.

PubMed

Jiang, Chunyan; Jing, Liang; Huang, Xin; Liu, Mengmeng; Du, Chunhua; Liu, Ting; Pu, Xiong; Hu, Weiguo; Wang, Zhong Lin

2017-09-26

The piezo-phototronic effect is the tuning of piezoelectric polarization charges at the interface to largely enhance the efficiency of optoelectronic processes related to carrier separation or recombination. Here, we demonstrated the enhanced short-circuit current density and the conversion efficiency of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well solar cells with an external stress applied on the device. The external-stress-induced piezoelectric charges generated at the interfaces of InGaN and GaN compensate the piezoelectric charges induced by lattice mismatch stress in the InGaN wells. The energy band realignment is calculated with a self-consistent numerical model to clarify the enhancement mechanism of optical-generated carriers. This research not only theoretically and experimentally proves the piezo-phototronic effect modulated the quantum photovoltaic device but also provides a great promise to maximize the use of solar energy in the current energy revolution.

High efficiency and output power from second- and third-harmonic millimeter-wave InP-TED oscillators at frequencies above 170 GHz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rydberg, Anders

1990-10-01

InP TED (transferred electron device) oscillators have been experimentally investigated for frequencies between 170 and 279 GHz. It has been found that output powers of more than 7 and 0.2 mW are possible at 180 and 272 GHz using second- and third-harmonic mode operation, respectively. Conversion efficiencies of more than 13 percent and 0.3 percent between fundamental and second harmonic and fundamental and third harmonic, respectively, have been found. The conversion efficiencies are comparable to GaAs TEDs. The output powers, conversion efficiencies, and tuning ranges (more than 22 percent) are the largest reported for InP TEDs at these frequencies. The output power at third harmonic was sufficient for supplying a superconducting mixer with local oscillator power.

Light manipulation for organic optoelectronics using bio-inspired moth's eye nanostructures.

PubMed

Zhou, Lei; Ou, Qing-Dong; Chen, Jing-De; Shen, Su; Tang, Jian-Xin; Li, Yan-Qing; Lee, Shuit-Tong

2014-02-10

Organic-based optoelectronic devices, including light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and solar cells (OSCs) hold great promise as low-cost and large-area electro-optical devices and renewable energy sources. However, further improvement in efficiency remains a daunting challenge due to limited light extraction or absorption in conventional device architectures. Here we report a universal method of optical manipulation of light by integrating a dual-side bio-inspired moth's eye nanostructure with broadband anti-reflective and quasi-omnidirectional properties. Light out-coupling efficiency of OLEDs with stacked triple emission units is over 2 times that of a conventional device, resulting in drastic increase in external quantum efficiency and current efficiency to 119.7% and 366 cd A(-1) without introducing spectral distortion and directionality. Similarly, the light in-coupling efficiency of OSCs is increased 20%, yielding an enhanced power conversion efficiency of 9.33%. We anticipate this method would offer a convenient and scalable way for inexpensive and high-efficiency organic optoelectronic designs.

Microminiature thermionic converters

DOEpatents

King, Donald B.; Sadwick, Laurence P.; Wernsman, Bernard R.

2001-09-25

Microminiature thermionic converts (MTCs) having high energy-conversion efficiencies and variable operating temperatures. Methods of manufacturing those converters using semiconductor integrated circuit fabrication and micromachine manufacturing techniques are also disclosed. The MTCs of the invention incorporate cathode to anode spacing of about 1 micron or less and use cathode and anode materials having work functions ranging from about 1 eV to about 3 eV. Existing prior art thermionic converter technology has energy conversion efficiencies ranging from 5-15%. The MTCs of the present invention have maximum efficiencies of just under 30%, and thousands of the devices can be fabricated at modest costs.

Medium Bandgap Conjugated Polymer for High Performance Polymer Solar Cells Exceeding 9% Power Conversion Efficiency.

PubMed

Jung, Jae Woong; Liu, Feng; Russell, Thomas P; Jo, Won Ho

2015-12-02

Two medium-bandgap polymers composed of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiohpene and 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole with 6-octyl-thieno[3,2-b]thiophene as a π-bridge unit are synthesized and their photovoltaic properties are analyzed. The two polymers have deep highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels, high crystallinity, optimal bulk-heterojunction morphology, and efficient charge transport, resulting in a power conversion efficiency of as high as 9.44% for a single-junction polymer solar-cell device. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multiscale Modeling of Plasmon-Enhanced Power Conversion Efficiency in Nanostructured Solar Cells.

PubMed

Meng, Lingyi; Yam, ChiYung; Zhang, Yu; Wang, Rulin; Chen, GuanHua

2015-11-05

The unique optical properties of nanometallic structures can be exploited to confine light at subwavelength scales. This excellent light trapping is critical to improve light absorption efficiency in nanoscale photovoltaic devices. Here, we apply a multiscale quantum mechanics/electromagnetics (QM/EM) method to model the current-voltage characteristics and optical properties of plasmonic nanowire-based solar cells. The QM/EM method features a combination of first-principles quantum mechanical treatment of the photoactive component and classical description of electromagnetic environment. The coupled optical-electrical QM/EM simulations demonstrate a dramatic enhancement for power conversion efficiency of nanowire solar cells due to the surface plasmon effect of nanometallic structures. The improvement is attributed to the enhanced scattering of light into the photoactive layer. We further investigate the optimal configuration of the nanostructured solar cell. Our QM/EM simulation result demonstrates that a further increase of internal quantum efficiency can be achieved by scattering light into the n-doped region of the device.

A nanophotonic solar thermophotovoltaic device.

PubMed

Lenert, Andrej; Bierman, David M; Nam, Youngsuk; Chan, Walker R; Celanović, Ivan; Soljačić, Marin; Wang, Evelyn N

2014-02-01

The most common approaches to generating power from sunlight are either photovoltaic, in which sunlight directly excites electron-hole pairs in a semiconductor, or solar-thermal, in which sunlight drives a mechanical heat engine. Photovoltaic power generation is intermittent and typically only exploits a portion of the solar spectrum efficiently, whereas the intrinsic irreversibilities of small heat engines make the solar-thermal approach best suited for utility-scale power plants. There is, therefore, an increasing need for hybrid technologies for solar power generation. By converting sunlight into thermal emission tuned to energies directly above the photovoltaic bandgap using a hot absorber-emitter, solar thermophotovoltaics promise to leverage the benefits of both approaches: high efficiency, by harnessing the entire solar spectrum; scalability and compactness, because of their solid-state nature; and dispatchablility, owing to the ability to store energy using thermal or chemical means. However, efficient collection of sunlight in the absorber and spectral control in the emitter are particularly challenging at high operating temperatures. This drawback has limited previous experimental demonstrations of this approach to conversion efficiencies around or below 1% (refs 9, 10, 11). Here, we report on a full solar thermophotovoltaic device, which, thanks to the nanophotonic properties of the absorber-emitter surface, reaches experimental efficiencies of 3.2%. The device integrates a multiwalled carbon nanotube absorber and a one-dimensional Si/SiO2 photonic-crystal emitter on the same substrate, with the absorber-emitter areas optimized to tune the energy balance of the device. Our device is planar and compact and could become a viable option for high-performance solar thermophotovoltaic energy conversion.

Colloidal quantum dot solar cells exploiting hierarchical structuring.

PubMed

Labelle, André J; Thon, Susanna M; Masala, Silvia; Adachi, Michael M; Dong, Haopeng; Farahani, Maryam; Ip, Alexander H; Fratalocchi, Andrea; Sargent, Edward H

2015-02-11

Extremely thin-absorber solar cells offer low materials utilization and simplified manufacture but require improved means to enhance photon absorption in the active layer. Here, we report enhanced-absorption colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells that feature transfer-stamped solution-processed pyramid-shaped electrodes employed in a hierarchically structured device. The pyramids increase, by up to a factor of 2, the external quantum efficiency of the device at absorption-limited wavelengths near the absorber band edge. We show that absorption enhancement can be optimized with increased pyramid angle with an appreciable net improvement in power conversion efficiency, that is, with the gain in current associated with improved absorption and extraction overcoming the smaller fractional decrease in open-circuit voltage associated with increased junction area. We show that the hierarchical combination of micron-scale structured electrodes with nanoscale films provides for an optimized enhancement at absorption-limited wavelengths. We fabricate 54.7° pyramid-patterned electrodes, conformally apply the quantum dot films, and report pyramid CQD solar cells that exhibit a 24% improvement in overall short-circuit current density with champion devices providing a power conversion efficiency of 9.2%.

A versatile approach to organic photovoltaics evaluation using white light pulse and microwave conductivity.

PubMed

Saeki, Akinori; Yoshikawa, Saya; Tsuji, Masashi; Koizumi, Yoshiko; Ide, Marina; Vijayakumar, Chakkooth; Seki, Shu

2012-11-21

State-of-the-art low band gap conjugated polymers have been investigated for application in organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) to achieve efficient conversion of the wide spectrum of sunlight into electricity. A remarkable improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) has been achieved through the use of innovative materials and device structures. However, a reliable technique for the rapid screening of the materials and processes is a prerequisite toward faster development in this area. Here we report the realization of such a versatile evaluation technique for bulk heterojunction OPVs by the combination of time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) and submicrosecond white light pulse from a Xe-flash lamp. Xe-flash TRMC allows examination of the OPV active layer without requiring fabrication of the actual device. The transient photoconductivity maxima, involving information on generation efficiency, mobility, and lifetime of charge carriers in four well-known low band gap polymers blended with phenyl-C(61)-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), were confirmed to universally correlate with the PCE divided by the open circuit voltage (PCE/V(oc)), offering a facile way to predict photovoltaic performance without device fabrication.

Energy conversion in isothermal nonlinear irreversible processes - struggling for higher efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebeling, W.; Feistel, R.

2017-06-01

First we discuss some early work of Ulrike Feudel on structure formation in nonlinear reactions including ions and the efficiency of the conversion of chemical into electrical energy. Then we give some survey about isothermal energy conversion from chemical to higher forms of energy like mechanical, electrical and ecological energy. Isothermal means here that there are no temperature gradients within the model systems. We consider examples of energy conversion in several natural processes and in some devices like fuel cells. Further, as an example, we study analytically the dynamics and efficiency of a simple "active circuit" converting chemical into electrical energy and driving currents which is roughly modeling fuel cells. Finally we investigate an analogous ecological system of Lotka-Volterra type consisting of an "active species" consuming some passive "chemical food". We show analytically for both these models that the efficiency increases with the load, reaches values higher then 50 percent in a narrow regime of optimal load and goes beyond some maximal load abruptly to zero.

Reversible thermodynamic cycle for AMTEC power conversion. [Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Converter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vining, C.B.; Williams, R.M.; Underwood, M.L.

1993-10-01

An AMTEC cell, may be described as performing two distinct energy conversion processes: (i) conversion of heat to mechanical energy via a sodium-based heat engine and (ii) conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy by utilizing the special properties of the electrolyte material. The thermodynamic cycle appropriate to an alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter cell is discussed for both liquid- and vapor-fed modes of operation, under the assumption that all processes can be performed reversibly. In the liquid-fed mode, the reversible efficiency is greater than 89.6% of Carnot efficiency for heat input and rejection temperatures (900--1,300 and 400--800 K, respectively) typicalmore » of practical devices. Vapor-fed cells can approach the efficiency of liquid-fed cells. Quantitative estimates confirm that the efficiency is insensitive to either the work required to pressurize the sodium liquid or the details of the state changes associated with cooling the low pressure sodium gas to the heat rejection temperature.« less

Light-induced lattice expansion leads to high-efficiency perovskite solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsai, Hsinhan; Asadpour, Reza; Blancon, Jean-Christophe

Hybrid-perovskite based high-performance optoelectronic devices and clues from their operation has led to the realization that light-induced structural dynamics play a vital role on their physical properties, device performance and stability. Here, we report that continuous light illumination leads to a uniform lattice expansion in hybrid perovskite thin-films, which is critical for obtaining high-efficiency photovoltaic devices. Correlated, in-situ structural and device characterizations reveal that light-induced lattice expansion significantly benefits the performances of a mixed-cation pure-halide planar device, boosting the power conversion efficiency from 18.5% to 20.5%. This is a direct consequence of the relaxation of local lattice strains during latticemore » expansion, which results in the reduction of the energetic barriers at the perovskite/contact interfaces in devices, thus improving the open circuit voltage and fill factor. The light-induced lattice expansion stabilizes these high-efficiency photovoltaic devices under continuous operation of full-spectrum 1-Sun illumination for over 1500 hours. One Sentence Summary: Light-induced lattice expansion improves crystallinity, relaxes lattice strain, which enhances photovoltaic performance in hybrid perovskite device.« less

High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Devices using Trap-Controlled Quantum-Dot Ink prepared via Phase-Transfer Exchange.

PubMed

Aqoma, Havid; Al Mubarok, Muhibullah; Hadmojo, Wisnu Tantyo; Lee, Eun-Hye; Kim, Tae-Wook; Ahn, Tae Kyu; Oh, Seung-Hwan; Jang, Sung-Yeon

2017-05-01

Colloidal-quantum-dot (CQD) photovoltaic devices are promising candidates for low-cost power sources owing to their low-temperature solution processability and bandgap tunability. A power conversion efficiency (PCE) of >10% is achieved for these devices; however, there are several remaining obstacles to their commercialization, including their high energy loss due to surface trap states and the complexity of the multiple-step CQD-layer-deposition process. Herein, high-efficiency photovoltaic devices prepared with CQD-ink using a phase-transfer-exchange (PTE) method are reported. Using CQD-ink, the fabrication of active layers by single-step coating and the suppression of surface trap states are achieved simultaneously. The CQD-ink photovoltaic devices achieve much higher PCEs (10.15% with a certified PCE of 9.61%) than the control devices (7.85%) owing to improved charge drift and diffusion. Notably, the CQD-ink devices show much lower energy loss than other reported high-efficiency CQD devices. This result reveals that the PTE method is an effective strategy for controlling trap states in CQDs. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Condenser design for AMTEC power conversion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crowley, Christopher J.

1991-01-01

The condenser and the electrodes are the two elements of an alkali metal thermal-to-electric conversion (AMTEC) cell which most greatly affect the energy conversion performance. A condenser is described which accomplishes two critical functions in an AMTEC cell: management of the fluid under microgravity conditions and optimization of conversion efficiency. The first function is achieved via the use of a controlled surface shape, along with drainage grooves and arteries to collect the fluid. Capillary forces manage the fluid in microgravity and dominate hydrostatic effects on the ground so the device is ground-testable. The second function is achieved via a smooth film of highly reflective liquid sodium on the condensing surface, resulting in minimization of parasitic heat losses due to radiation heat transfer. Power conversion efficiencies of 25 percent to 30 percent are estimated with this condenser using present technology for the electrodes.

Down-conversion emission of Ce3+-Tb3+ co-doped CaF2 hollow spheres and application for solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yufei; Wang, Yongbo; Teng, Feng; Dong, Hua; Chen, Lida; Mu, Jianglong; Sun, Qian; Fan, Jun; Hu, Xiaoyun; Miao, Hui

2018-03-01

Luminescent downconversion is a promising way to harvest ultraviolet sunlight and transform it into visible light that can be absorbed by solar cells, and has potential to improve their photoelectric conversion efficiency. In this work, the uniform hollow spheres and well dispersed CaF2 phosphors doped with rare-earth Ce3+ and Tb3+ ions are prepared by a one-step hydrothermal synthesis method. Benefiting from the stronger ability of absorption and emission and excellent transparency property, we demonstrate that the application of the doped nanocrystals can efficiently improve visible light transmittance. The chosen phosphors are added in the SiO2 sols so as to get the anti-reflection coatings with wavelength conversion bi-functional films, promoting the optical transmittance in the visible and near-infrared range which matches with the range of the band gap energy of silicon semiconductor. Optimized photoelectric conversion efficiency of 14.35% and the external quantum efficiency over 70% from 450 to 950 nm are obtained through the silicon solar cells with 0.10 g phosphors coating. Compared with the pure glass devices, the photoelectric conversion efficiency is enhanced by 0.69%. This work indicates that fluorescent downconversion not only can serve as proof of principles for improving photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar cells but also may be helpful to practical application in the future.

Quantifying losses and thermodynamic limits in nanophotonic solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mann, Sander A.; Oener, Sebastian Z.; Cavalli, Alessandro; Haverkort, Jos E. M.; Bakkers, Erik P. A. M.; Garnett, Erik C.

2016-12-01

Nanophotonic engineering shows great potential for photovoltaics: the record conversion efficiencies of nanowire solar cells are increasing rapidly and the record open-circuit voltages are becoming comparable to the records for planar equivalents. Furthermore, it has been suggested that certain nanophotonic effects can reduce costs and increase efficiencies with respect to planar solar cells. These effects are particularly pronounced in single-nanowire devices, where two out of the three dimensions are subwavelength. Single-nanowire devices thus provide an ideal platform to study how nanophotonics affects photovoltaics. However, for these devices the standard definition of power conversion efficiency no longer applies, because the nanowire can absorb light from an area much larger than its own size. Additionally, the thermodynamic limit on the photovoltage is unknown a priori and may be very different from that of a planar solar cell. This complicates the characterization and optimization of these devices. Here, we analyse an InP single-nanowire solar cell using intrinsic metrics to place its performance on an absolute thermodynamic scale and pinpoint performance loss mechanisms. To determine these metrics we have developed an integrating sphere microscopy set-up that enables simultaneous and spatially resolved quantitative absorption, internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) measurements. For our record single-nanowire solar cell, we measure a photocurrent collection efficiency of >90% and an open-circuit voltage of 850 mV, which is 73% of the thermodynamic limit (1.16 V).

Perovskite Solar Cells: Influence of Hole Transporting Materials on Power Conversion Efficiency.

PubMed

Ameen, Sadia; Rub, Malik Abdul; Kosa, Samia A; Alamry, Khalid A; Akhtar, M Shaheer; Shin, Hyung-Shik; Seo, Hyung-Kee; Asiri, Abdullah M; Nazeeruddin, Mohammad Khaja

2016-01-08

The recent advances in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) created a tsunami effect in the photovoltaic community. PSCs are newfangled high-performance photovoltaic devices with low cost that are solution processable for large-scale energy production. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of such devices experienced an unprecedented increase from 3.8 % to a certified value exceeding 20 %, demonstrating exceptional properties of perovskites as solar cell materials. A key advancement in perovskite solar cells, compared with dye-sensitized solar cells, occurred with the replacement of liquid electrolytes with solid-state hole-transporting materials (HTMs) such as 2,2',7,7'-tetrakis-(N,N-di-4-methoxyphenylamino)-9,9'-spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD), which contributed to enhanced PCE values and improved the cell stability. Following improvements in the perovskite crystallinity to produce a smooth, uniform morphology, the selective and efficient extraction of positive and negative charges in the device dictated the PCE of PSCs. In this Review, we focus mainly on the HTMs responsible for hole transport and extraction in PSCs, which is one of the essential components for efficient devices. Here, we describe the current state-of-the-art in molecular engineering of hole-transporting materials that are used in PSCs and highlight the requisites for market-viability of this technology. Finally, we include an outlook on molecular engineering of new functional HTMs for high efficiency PSCs. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pilot production and testing of high efficiency wraparound contact solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillanders, M.

1981-01-01

Modifications were made to the process sequence until a device capable of high performance and satisfactory processing yields could be fabricated on a production line. Pilot production resulted in a 2 x 4 cm screen printed dielectric wraparound contact solar cell with average 28 C, Air Mass Zero (AMO) conversion efficiencies of 14.2% and reasonable process yields. This high performance was obtained with two different back contact configurations, making the device acceptable for many applications.

Molecular Design of Efficient Organic D-A-π -A Dye Featuring Triphenylamine as Donor Fragment for Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Ferdowsi, Parnian; Saygili, Yasemin; Zhang, Weiwei; Edvinson, Tomas; Kavan, Ladislav; Mokhtari, Javad; Zakeeruddin, Shaik M; Grätzel, Michael; Hagfeldt, Anders

2018-01-23

A metal-free organic sensitizer, suitable for the application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), has been designed, synthesized and characterized both experimentally and theoretically. The structure of the novel donor-acceptor-π-bridge-acceptor (D-A-π-A) dye incorporates a triphenylamine (TPA) segment and 4-(benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-ylethynyl)benzoic acid (BTEBA). The triphenylamine unit is widely used as an electron donor for photosensitizers, owing to its nonplanar molecular configuration and excellent electron-donating capability, whereas 4-(benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-ylethynyl)benzoic acid is used as an electron acceptor unit. The influences of I 3 - /I - , [Co(bpy) 3 ] 3+/2+ and [Cu(tmby) 2 ] 2+/+ (tmby=4,4',6,6'-tetramethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) as redox electrolytes on the DSSC device performance were also investigated. The maximal monochromatic incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) reached 81 % and the solar light to electrical energy conversion efficiency of devices with [Cu(tmby) 2 ] 2+/+ reached 7.15 %. The devices with [Co(bpy) 3 ] 3+/2+ and I 3 - /I - electrolytes gave efficiencies of 5.22 % and 6.14 %, respectively. The lowest device performance with a [Co(bpy) 3 ] 3+/2+ -based electrolyte is attributed to increased charge recombination. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nanoscale control of the network morphology of high efficiency polymer fullerene solar cells by the use of high material concentration in the liquid phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radbeh, R.; Parbaile, E.; Bouclé, J.; Di Bin, C.; Moliton, A.; Coudert, V.; Rossignol, F.; Ratier, B.

2010-01-01

Despite the constant improvement of their power conversion efficiencies, organic solar cells based on an interpenetrating network of a conjugated polymer as donor and fullerene derivatives as acceptor materials still need to be improved for commercial use. In this context, we present a study on the optimization of solar cells based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) by varying a specific cell parameter, namely the concentration of the active layer components in the liquid phase before blend film deposition, in order to improve device performance and to better understand the relation between morphology and device operation. Our study shows a significant increase of the short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage and cell efficiency by properly choosing the formulation of the initial blend before film deposition. We demonstrate that the active layer morphology, which is strongly dependent on the initial material concentrations and the processing conditions, can greatly impact the electronic characteristics of the device, especially regarding charge recombination dynamics at the donor-acceptor interface. Our optimized P3HT:PCBM device exhibits both slow recombination and high photocurrent generation associated with an overall power conversion efficiency of 4.25% under 100 mW cm-2 illumination (AM1.5G).

The Sensitive Infrared Signal Detection by Sum Frequency Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, Teh-Hwa; Yu, Jirong; Bai, Yingxin

2013-01-01

An up-conversion device that converts 2.05-micron light to 700 nm signal by sum frequency generation using a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal is demonstrated. The achieved 92% up-conversion efficiency paves the path to detect extremely weak 2.05-micron signal with well established silicon avalanche photodiode detector for sensitive lidar applications.

Energy-Conversion Properties of Vapor-Liquid-Solid-Grown Silicon Wire-Array Photocathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boettcher, Shannon W.; Spurgeon, Joshua M.; Putnam, Morgan C.; Warren, Emily L.; Turner-Evans, Daniel B.; Kelzenberg, Michael D.; Maiolo, James R.; Atwater, Harry A.; Lewis, Nathan S.

2010-01-01

Silicon wire arrays, though attractive materials for use in photovoltaics and as photocathodes for hydrogen generation, have to date exhibited poor performance. Using a copper-catalyzed, vapor-liquid-solid-growth process, SiCl4 and BCl3 were used to grow ordered arrays of crystalline p-type silicon (p-Si) microwires on p+-Si(111) substrates. When these wire arrays were used as photocathodes in contact with an aqueous methyl viologen2+/+ electrolyte, energy-conversion efficiencies of up to 3% were observed for monochromatic 808-nanometer light at fluxes comparable to solar illumination, despite an external quantum yield at short circuit of only 0.2. Internal quantum yields were at least 0.7, demonstrating that the measured photocurrents were limited by light absorption in the wire arrays, which filled only 4% of the incident optical plane in our test devices. The inherent performance of these wires thus conceptually allows the development of efficient photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical energy-conversion devices based on a radial junction platform.

Energy-conversion properties of vapor-liquid-solid-grown silicon wire-array photocathodes.

PubMed

Boettcher, Shannon W; Spurgeon, Joshua M; Putnam, Morgan C; Warren, Emily L; Turner-Evans, Daniel B; Kelzenberg, Michael D; Maiolo, James R; Atwater, Harry A; Lewis, Nathan S

2010-01-08

Silicon wire arrays, though attractive materials for use in photovoltaics and as photocathodes for hydrogen generation, have to date exhibited poor performance. Using a copper-catalyzed, vapor-liquid-solid-growth process, SiCl4 and BCl3 were used to grow ordered arrays of crystalline p-type silicon (p-Si) microwires on p+-Si(111) substrates. When these wire arrays were used as photocathodes in contact with an aqueous methyl viologen(2+/+) electrolyte, energy-conversion efficiencies of up to 3% were observed for monochromatic 808-nanometer light at fluxes comparable to solar illumination, despite an external quantum yield at short circuit of only 0.2. Internal quantum yields were at least 0.7, demonstrating that the measured photocurrents were limited by light absorption in the wire arrays, which filled only 4% of the incident optical plane in our test devices. The inherent performance of these wires thus conceptually allows the development of efficient photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical energy-conversion devices based on a radial junction platform.

Amorphous Hole-Transporting Material based on 2,2'-Bis-substituted 1,1'-Biphenyl Scaffold for Application in Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Magomedov, Artiom; Sakai, Nobuya; Kamarauskas, Egidijus; Jokubauskaitė, Gabrielė; Franckevičius, Marius; Jankauskas, Vygintas; Snaith, Henry J; Getautis, Vytautas

2017-05-04

Perovskite solar cells are considered a promising technology for solar-energy conversion, with power conversion efficiencies currently exceeding 20 %. In most of the reported devices, Spiro-OMeTAD is used for positive-charge extraction and transport layer. Although a number of alternative hole-transporting materials with different aromatic or heteroaromatic fragments have already been synthesized, a cheap and well-performing hole-transporting material is still in high demand. In this work, a two-step synthesis of a carbazole-based hole-transporting material is presented. Synthesized compounds exhibited amorphous nature, good solubility and thermal stability. The perovskite solar cells employing the newly synthesized material generated a power conversion efficiency of 16.5 % which is slightly lower than that obtained with Spiro-OMeTAD (17.5 %). The low-cost synthesis and high performance makes our hole-transport material promising for applications in perovskite-based optoelectronic devices. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Factors limiting device efficiency in organic photovoltaics.

PubMed

Janssen, René A J; Nelson, Jenny

2013-04-04

The power conversion efficiency of the most efficient organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells has recently increased to over 10%. To enable further increases, the factors limiting the device efficiency in OPV must be identified. In this review, the operational mechanism of OPV cells is explained and the detailed balance limit to photovoltaic energy conversion, as developed by Shockley and Queisser, is outlined. The various approaches that have been developed to estimate the maximum practically achievable efficiency in OPV are then discussed, based on empirical knowledge of organic semiconductor materials. Subsequently, approaches made to adapt the detailed balance theory to incorporate some of the fundamentally different processes in organic solar cells that originate from using a combination of two complementary, donor and acceptor, organic semiconductors using thermodynamic and kinetic approaches are described. The more empirical formulations to the efficiency limits provide estimates of 10-12%, but the more fundamental descriptions suggest limits of 20-24% to be reachable in single junctions, similar to the highest efficiencies obtained for crystalline silicon p-n junction solar cells. Closing this gap sets the stage for future materials research and development of OPV. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Efficiency Enhancement of Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells with MEH-PPV Hole-Transporting Layers

PubMed Central

Chen, Hsin-Wei; Huang, Tzu-Yen; Chang, Ting-Hsiang; Sanehira, Yoshitaka; Kung, Chung-Wei; Chu, Chih-Wei; Ikegami, Masashi; Miyasaka, Tsutomu; Ho, Kuo-Chuan

2016-01-01

In this study, hybrid perovskite solar cells are fabricated using poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) and poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) as dopant-free hole-transporting materials (HTMs), and two solution processes (one- and two-step methods, respectively) for preparing methylammonium lead iodide perovskite. By optimizing the concentrations and solvents of MEH-PPV solutions, a power conversion efficiency of 9.65% with hysteresis-less performance is achieved, while the device with 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9′spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD) doped with lithium salts and tert-butylpyridine (TBP) exhibits an efficiency of 13.38%. This result shows that non-doped MEH-PPV is a suitable, low-cost HTM for efficient polymer-based perovskite solar cells. The effect of different morphologies of methylammonium lead iodide perovskite on conversion efficiency is also investigated by incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). PMID:27698464

Plasmonic hot carrier dynamics in solid-state and chemical systems for energy conversion

DOE PAGES

Narang, Prineha; Sundararaman, Ravishankar; Atwater, Harry A.

2016-06-11

Surface plasmons provide a pathway to efficiently absorb and confine light in metallic nanostructures, thereby bridging photonics to the nano scale. The decay of surface plasmons generates energetic ‘hot’ carriers, which can drive chemical reactions or be injected into semiconductors for nano-scale photochemical or photovoltaic energy conversion. Novel plasmonic hot carrier devices and architectures continue to be demonstrated, but the complexity of the underlying processes make a complete microscopic understanding of all the mechanisms and design considerations for such devices extremely challenging.Here,we review the theoretical and computational efforts to understand and model plasmonic hot carrier devices.We split the problem intomore » three steps: hot carrier generation, transport and collection, and review theoretical approaches with the appropriate level of detail for each step along with their predictions. As a result, we identify the key advances necessary to complete the microscopic mechanistic picture and facilitate the design of the next generation of devices and materials for plasmonic energy conversion.« less

Optical analysis of down-conversion OLEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krummacher, Benjamin; Klein, Markus; von Malm, Norwin; Winnacker, Albrecht

2008-02-01

Phosphor down-conversion of blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is one approach to generate white light, which offers the possibility of easy color tuning, a simple device architecture and color stability over lifetime. In this article previous work on down-conversion devices in the field of organic solid state lighting is briefly reviewed. Further, bottom emitting down-conversion OLEDs are studied from an optical point of view. Therefore the physical processes occurring in the down-conversion layer are translated into a model which is implemented in a ray tracing simulation. By comparing its predictions to experimental results the model is confirmed. For the experiments a blue-emitting polymer OLED (PLED) panel optically coupled to a series of down-conversion layers is used. Based on results obtained from ray tracing simulation some of the implications of the model for the performance of down-conversion OLEDs are discussed. In particular it is analysed how the effective reflectance of the underlying blue OLED and the particle size distribution of the phosphor powder embedded in the matrix of the down-conversion layer influence extraction efficiency.

Lossless hybridization between photovoltaic and thermoelectric devices.

PubMed

Park, Kwang-Tae; Shin, Sun-Mi; Tazebay, Abdullah S; Um, Han-Don; Jung, Jin-Young; Jee, Sang-Won; Oh, Min-Wook; Park, Su-Dong; Yoo, Bongyoung; Yu, Choongho; Lee, Jung-Ho

2013-01-01

The optimal hybridization of photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) devices has long been considered ideal for the efficient harnessing solar energy. Our hybrid approach uses full spectrum solar energy via lossless coupling between PV and TE devices while collecting waste energy from thermalization and transmission losses from PV devices. Achieving lossless coupling makes the power output from the hybrid device equal to the sum of the maximum power outputs produced separately from individual PV and TE devices. TE devices need to have low internal resistances enough to convey photo-generated currents without sacrificing the PV fill factor. Concomitantly, a large number of p-n legs are preferred to drive a high Seebeck voltage in TE. Our simple method of attaching a TE device to a PV device has greatly improved the conversion efficiency and power output of the PV device (~30% at a 15°C temperature gradient across a TE device).

Lossless hybridization between photovoltaic and thermoelectric devices

PubMed Central

Park, Kwang-Tae; Shin, Sun-Mi; Tazebay, Abdullah S.; Um, Han-Don; Jung, Jin-Young; Jee, Sang-Won; Oh, Min-Wook; Park, Su-Dong; Yoo, Bongyoung; Yu, Choongho; Lee, Jung-Ho

2013-01-01

The optimal hybridization of photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) devices has long been considered ideal for the efficient harnessing solar energy. Our hybrid approach uses full spectrum solar energy via lossless coupling between PV and TE devices while collecting waste energy from thermalization and transmission losses from PV devices. Achieving lossless coupling makes the power output from the hybrid device equal to the sum of the maximum power outputs produced separately from individual PV and TE devices. TE devices need to have low internal resistances enough to convey photo-generated currents without sacrificing the PV fill factor. Concomitantly, a large number of p-n legs are preferred to drive a high Seebeck voltage in TE. Our simple method of attaching a TE device to a PV device has greatly improved the conversion efficiency and power output of the PV device (~30% at a 15°C temperature gradient across a TE device). PMID:23820973

Mobile optogenetic modules for mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rusakov, Konstantin; Radzewicz, Czesław; Czajkowski, Rafał; Konopka, Witold; Chilczuk, Joanna

2017-08-01

We present a set of novel optogenetic devices for mice freely moving in cages. The purpose of the devices is to stimulate specific brain regions using light. The devices we have constructed consist of an electrical connector, cannula and micro- LED chip operating at 470 nm as light source for delivering light into the stimulated region of the mouse brain. We have also demonstrated light conversion from 470 nm to 590 nm by applying a silicate orange phosphor directly to the LED chip. The measured conversion efficiency is approximately 80% for ZIP595I phosphor. We discuss the properties of various forms of implant needles with respect to the ease of LED attachment and experimental validation of the constructed optogenetic implants.

Design principle for efficient charge separation at the donor-acceptor interface for high performance organic solar cell device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, Wanyi; Gupta, Gautam; Crone, Brian; Wang, Hsing-Lin; Mohite, Aditya; MPA-11 Material synthesis and integrated device Team; MPA-chemistry Team

2014-03-01

The performance of donor (D) /acceptor (A) structure based organic electronic devices, such as solar cell, light emitting devices etc., relays on the charge transfer process at the interface dramatically. In organic solar cell, the photo-induced electron-hole pair is tightly bonded and will form a charge transfer (CT) state at the D/A interface after dissociation. There is a large chance for them to recombine through CT state and thus is a major loss that limit the overall performance. Here, we report three different strategies that allow us to completely suppress the exciplex (or charge transfer state) recombination between any D/A system. We observe that the photocurrent increases by 300% and the power conversion efficiency increases by 4-5 times simply by inserting a spacer layer in the form of an a) insulator b) Oliogomer or using a c) heavy atom at the donor-acceptor interface in a P3HT/C60 bilayer device. By using those different functional mono layers, we successfully suppressed the exciplex recombination in evidence of increased photocurrent and open circuit voltage. Moreover, these strategies are applicable universally to any donor-acceptor interface. And we demonstrated such strategies in a bulk-heterojunction device which improved the power conversion efficiency from 3.5% up to 4.6%.

Hyperbranched TiO2-CdS nano-heterostructures for highly efficient photoelectrochemical photoanodes.

PubMed

Mezzetti, Alessandro; Balandeh, Mehrdad; Luo, Jingshan; Bellani, Sebastiano; Tacca, Alessandra; Divitini, Giorgio; Cheng, Chuanwei; Ducati, Caterina; Meda, Laura; Fan, Hongjin; Di Fonzo, Fabio

2018-08-17

Quasi-1D-hyperbranched TiO 2 nanostructures are grown via pulsed laser deposition and sensitized with thin layers of CdS to act as a highly efficient photoelectrochemical photoanode. The device properties are systematically investigated by optimizing the height of TiO 2 scaffold structure and thickness of the CdS sensitizing layer, achieving photocurrent values up to 6.6 mA cm -2 and reaching saturation with applied biases as low as 0.35 V RHE . The high internal conversion efficiency of these devices is to be found in the efficient charge generation and injection of the thin CdS photoactive film and in the enhanced charge transport properties of the hyperbranched TiO 2 scaffold. Hence, the proposed device represents a promising architecture for heterostructures capable of achieving high solar-to-hydrogen efficiency.

Thiophene dendrimer-based low donor content solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoltzfus, Dani M.; Ma, Chang-Qi; Nagiri, Ravi C. R.; Clulow, Andrew J.; Bäuerle, Peter; Burn, Paul L.; Gentle, Ian R.; Meredith, Paul

2016-09-01

Low donor content solar cells containing polymeric and non-polymeric donors blended with fullerenes have been reported to give rise to efficient devices. In this letter, we report that a dendrimeric donor can also be used in solution-processed low donor content devices when blended with a fullerene. A third generation dendrimer containing 42 thiophene units (42T) was found to give power conversion efficiencies of up to 3.5% when blended with PC70BM in optimized devices. The best efficiency was measured with 10 mole percent (mol. %) of 42T in PC70BM and X-ray reflectometry showed that the blends were uniform. Importantly, while 42T comprised 10 mol. % of the film, it made up 31% of the film by volume. Finally, it was found that solvent annealing was required to achieve the largest open circuit voltage and highest device efficiencies.

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials in Biomass-Based Fuel-Fed Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

Vestergaard, Mun’delanji C.; Tamiya, Eiichi

2017-01-01

Environmental and sustainable economical concerns are generating a growing interest in biofuels predominantly produced from biomass. It would be ideal if an energy conversion device could directly extract energy from a sustainable energy resource such as biomass. Unfortunately, up to now, such a direct conversion device produces insufficient power to meet the demand of practical applications. To realize the future of biofuel-fed fuel cells as a green energy conversion device, efforts have been devoted to the development of carbon-based nanomaterials with tunable electronic and surface characteristics to act as efficient metal-free electrocatalysts and/or as supporting matrix for metal-based electrocatalysts. We present here a mini review on the recent advances in carbon-based catalysts for each type of biofuel-fed/biofuel cells that directly/indirectly extract energy from biomass resources, and discuss the challenges and perspectives in this developing field. PMID:29125564

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials in Biomass-Based Fuel-Fed Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Hoa, Le Quynh; Vestergaard, Mun'delanji C; Tamiya, Eiichi

2017-11-10

Environmental and sustainable economical concerns are generating a growing interest in biofuels predominantly produced from biomass. It would be ideal if an energy conversion device could directly extract energy from a sustainable energy resource such as biomass. Unfortunately, up to now, such a direct conversion device produces insufficient power to meet the demand of practical applications. To realize the future of biofuel-fed fuel cells as a green energy conversion device, efforts have been devoted to the development of carbon-based nanomaterials with tunable electronic and surface characteristics to act as efficient metal-free electrocatalysts and/or as supporting matrix for metal-based electrocatalysts. We present here a mini review on the recent advances in carbon-based catalysts for each type of biofuel-fed/biofuel cells that directly/indirectly extract energy from biomass resources, and discuss the challenges and perspectives in this developing field.

Midinfrared wavelength conversion in hydrogenated amorphous silicon waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiang; Wang, Zhaolu; Huang, Nan; Han, Jing; Li, Yongfang; Liu, Hongjun

2017-10-01

Midinfrared (MIR) wavelength conversion based on degenerate four-wave mixing is theoretically investigated in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) waveguides. The broadband phase mismatch is achieved in the normal group-velocity dispersion regime. The conversion bandwidth is extended to 900 nm, and conversion efficiency of up to -14 dB with a pump power of 70 mW in a 2-mm long a-Si:H rib waveguides is obtained. This low-power on-chip wavelength converter will have potential for application in a wide range of MIR nonlinear optic devices.

Potentialities of silicon nanowire forests for thermoelectric generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimaggio, Elisabetta; Pennelli, Giovanni

2018-04-01

Silicon is a material with very good thermoelectric properties, with regard to Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity. Low thermal conductivities, and hence high thermal to electrical conversion efficiencies, can be achieved in nanostructures, which are smaller than the phonon mean free path but large enough to preserve the electrical conductivity. We demonstrate that it is possible to fabricate a leg of a thermoelectric generator based on large collections of long nanowires, placed perpendicularly to the two faces of a silicon wafer. The process exploits the metal assisted etching technique which is simple, low cost, and can be easily applied to large surfaces. Copper can be deposited by electrodeposition on both faces, so that contacts can be provided, on top of the nanowires. Thermal conductivity of silicon nanowire forests with more than 107 nanowires mm-2 have been measured; the result is comparable with that achieved by several groups on devices based on few nanowires. On the basis of the measured parameters, numerical calculations of the efficiency of silicon-based thermoelectric generators are reported, and the potentialities of these devices for thermal to electrical energy conversion are shown. Criteria to improve the conversion efficiency are suggested and described.

Fiber-Based, Double-Sided, Reduced Graphene Oxide Films for Efficient Solar Vapor Generation.

PubMed

Guo, Ankang; Ming, Xin; Fu, Yang; Wang, Gang; Wang, Xianbao

2017-09-06

Solar vapor generation is a promising and whole new branch of photothermal conversion for harvesting solar energy. Various materials and devices for solar thermal conversion were successively produced and reported for higher solar energy utilization in the past few years. Herein, a compact device of reduced graphene oxides (rGO) and paper fibers was designed and assembled for efficient solar steam generation under light illumination, and it consists of water supply pipelines (WSP), a thermal insulator (TI) and a double-sided absorbing film (DSF). Heat localization is enabled by the black DSF due to its broad absorption of sunlight. More importantly, the heat transfer, from the hot DSF to the cold base fluid (water), was suppressed by TI with a low thermal conductivity. Meanwhile, bulk water was continuously transported to the DSF by WSP through TI, which was driven by the surface energy and surface tension based on the capillary effect. The effects of reduction degrees of rGO on the photothermal conversion were explored, and the evaporation efficiency reached 89.2% under one sun with 60 mg rGO. This new microdevice provided a basic technical support for distillation, desalination, sewage treatment, and related technologies.

Direct evaluation of influence of electron damage on the subcell performance in triple-junction solar cells using photoluminescence decays.

PubMed

Tex, David M; Nakamura, Tetsuya; Imaizumi, Mitsuru; Ohshima, Takeshi; Kanemitsu, Yoshihiko

2017-05-16

Tandem solar cells are suited for space applications due to their high performance, but also have to be designed in such a way to minimize influence of degradation by the high energy particle flux in space. The analysis of the subcell performance is crucial to understand the device physics and achieve optimized designs of tandem solar cells. Here, the radiation-induced damage of inverted grown InGaP/GaAs/InGaAs triple-junction solar cells for various electron fluences are characterized using conventional current-voltage (I-V) measurements and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL). The conversion efficiencies of the entire device before and after damage are measured with I-V curves and compared with the efficiencies predicted from the time-resolved method. Using the time-resolved data the change in the carrier dynamics in the subcells can be discussed. Our optical method allows to predict the absolute electrical conversion efficiency of the device with an accuracy of better than 5%. While both InGaP and GaAs subcells suffered from significant material degradation, the performance loss of the total device can be completely ascribed to the damage in the GaAs subcell. This points out the importance of high internal electric fields at the operating point.

Potassium-induced surface modification of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films for high-efficiency solar cells.

PubMed

Chirilă, Adrian; Reinhard, Patrick; Pianezzi, Fabian; Bloesch, Patrick; Uhl, Alexander R; Fella, Carolin; Kranz, Lukas; Keller, Debora; Gretener, Christina; Hagendorfer, Harald; Jaeger, Dominik; Erni, Rolf; Nishiwaki, Shiro; Buecheler, Stephan; Tiwari, Ayodhya N

2013-12-01

Thin-film photovoltaic devices based on chalcopyrite Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber layers show excellent light-to-power conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%. This high performance level requires a small amount of alkaline metals incorporated into the CIGS layer, naturally provided by soda lime glass substrates used for processing of champion devices. The use of flexible substrates requires distinct incorporation of the alkaline metals, and so far mainly Na was believed to be the most favourable element, whereas other alkaline metals have resulted in significantly inferior device performance. Here we present a new sequential post-deposition treatment of the CIGS layer with sodium and potassium fluoride that enables fabrication of flexible photovoltaic devices with a remarkable conversion efficiency due to modified interface properties and mitigation of optical losses in the CdS buffer layer. The described treatment leads to a significant depletion of Cu and Ga concentrations in the CIGS near-surface region and enables a significant thickness reduction of the CdS buffer layer without the commonly observed losses in photovoltaic parameters. Ion exchange processes, well known in other research areas, are proposed as underlying mechanisms responsible for the changes in chemical composition of the deposited CIGS layer and interface properties of the heterojunction.

High efficiency graphene coated copper based thermocells connected in series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sindhuja, Mani; Indubala, Emayavaramban; Sudha, Venkatachalam; Harinipriya, Seshadri

2018-04-01

Conversion of low-grade waste heat into electricity had been studied employing single thermocell or flowcells so far. Graphene coated copper electrodes based thermocells connected in series displayed relatively high efficiency of thermal energy harvesting. The maximum power output of 49.2W/m2 for normalized cross sectional electrode area is obtained at 60ºC of inter electrode temperature difference. The relative carnot efficiency of 20.2% is obtained from the device. The importance of reducing the mass transfer and ion transfer resistance to improve the efficiency of the device is demonstrated. Degradation studies confirmed mild oxidation of copper foil due to corrosion caused by the electrolyte.

GaInP2/GaAs tandem cells for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, J. M.; Kurtz, S. R.; Kibbler, A. E.; Bertness, K. A.; Friedman, D. J.

1991-01-01

The monolithic, tunnel-junction-interconnected tandem combination of a GaInP2 top cell and a GaAs bottom cell has achieved a one-sun, AM1.5 efficiency of 27.3 percent. With proper design of the top cell, air mass zero (AM0) efficiencies greater than 25 percent are possible. A description and the advantages of this device for space applications are presented and discussed. The advantages include high-voltage, low-current, two-terminal operation for simple panel fabrication, and high conversion efficiency with low-temperature coefficient. Also, because the active regions of the device are Al-free, the growth of high efficiency devices is not affected by trace levels of O2 or H2O in the MOCVD growth system.

Harnessing surface plasmons for solar energy conversion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, L. M.

1983-01-01

NASA research on the feasibility of solar-energy conversion using surface plasmons is reviewed, with a focus on inelastic-tunnel-diode techniques for power extraction. The need for more efficient solar converters for planned space missions is indicated, and it is shown that a device with 50-percent efficiency could cost up to 40 times as much per sq cm as current Si cells and still be competitive. The parallel-processing approach using broadband carriers and tunable diodes is explained, and the physics of surface plasmons on metal surfaces is outlined. Technical problems being addressed include phase-matching sunlight to surface plasmons, minimizing ohmic losses and reradiation in energy transport, coupling into the tunnels by mode conversion, and gaining an understanding of the tunnel-diode energy-conversion process. Diagrams illustrating the design concepts are provided.

Thin film solar cells grown by organic vapor phase deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Fan

Organic solar cells have the potential to provide low-cost photovoltaic devices as a clean and renewable energy resource. In this thesis, we focus on understanding the energy conversion process in organic solar cells, and improving the power conversion efficiencies via controlled growth of organic nanostructures. First, we explain the unique optical and electrical properties of organic materials used for photovoltaics, and the excitonic energy conversion process in donor-acceptor heterojunction solar cells that place several limiting factors of their power conversion efficiency. Then, strategies for improving exciton diffusion and carrier collection are analyzed using dynamical Monte Carlo models for several nanostructure morphologies. Organic vapor phase deposition is used for controlling materials crystallization and film morphology. We improve the exciton diffusion efficiency while maintaining good carrier conduction in a bulk heterojunction solar cell. Further efficiency improvement is obtained in a novel nanocrystalline network structure with a thick absorbing layer, leading to the demonstration of an organic solar cell with 4.6% efficiency. In addition, solar cells using simultaneously active heterojunctions with broad spectral response are presented. We also analyze the efficiency limits of single and multiple junction organic solar cells, and discuss the challenges facing their practical implementations.

Highly Efficient and Uniform 1 cm2 Perovskite Solar Cells with an Electrochemically Deposited NiOx Hole-Extraction Layer.

PubMed

Park, Ik Jae; Kang, Gyeongho; Park, Min Ah; Kim, Ju Seong; Seo, Se Won; Kim, Dong Hoe; Zhu, Kai; Park, Taiho; Kim, Jin Young

2017-06-22

Given that the highest certified conversion efficiency of the organic-inorganic perovskite solar cell (PSC) already exceeds 22 %, which is even higher than that of the polycrystalline silicon solar cell, the significance of new scalable processes that can be utilized for preparing large-area devices and their commercialization is rapidly increasing. From this perspective, the electrodeposition method is one of the most suitable processes for preparing large-area devices because it is an already commercialized process with proven controllability and scalability. Here, a highly uniform NiO x layer prepared by electrochemical deposition is reported as an efficient hole-extraction layer of a p-i-n-type planar PSC with a large active area of >1 cm 2 . It is demonstrated that the increased surface roughness of the NiO x layer, achieved by controlling the deposition current density, facilitates the hole extraction at the interface between perovskite and NiO x , and thus increases the fill factor and the conversion efficiency. The electrochemically deposited NiO x layer also exhibits extremely uniform thickness and morphology, leading to highly efficient and uniform large-area PSCs. As a result, the p-i-n-type planar PSC with an area of 1.084 cm 2 exhibits a stable conversion efficiency of 17.0 % (19.2 % for 0.1 cm 2 ) without showing hysteresis effects. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Highly Efficient and Uniform 1 cm 2 Perovskite Solar Cells with an Electrochemically Deposited NiO x Hole-Extraction Layer

DOE PAGES

Park, Ik Jae; Kang, Gyeongho; Park, Min Ah; ...

2017-05-10

Here, given that the highest certified conversion efficiency of the organic-inorganic perovskite solar cell (PSC) already exceeds 22%, which is even higher than that of the polycrystalline silicon solar cell, the significance of new scalable processes that can be utilized for preparing large-area devices and their commercialization is rapidly increasing. From this perspective, the electrodeposition method is one of the most suitable processes for preparing large-area devices because it is an already commercialized process with proven controllability and scalability. Here, a highly uniform NiO x layer prepared by electrochemical deposition is reported as an efficient hole-extraction layer of a p-i-n-typemore » planar PSC with a large active area of >1 cm 2. It is demonstrated that the increased surface roughness of the NiO x layer, achieved by controlling the deposition current density, facilitates the hole extraction at the interface between perovskite and NiO x, and thus increases the fill factor and the conversion efficiency. The electrochemically deposited NiO x layer also exhibits extremely uniform thickness and morphology, leading to highly efficient and uniform large-area PSCs. As a result, the p-i-n-type planar PSC with an area of 1.084 cm 2 exhibits a stable conversion efficiency of 17.0% (19.2% for 0.1 cm 2) without showing hysteresis effects.« less

Organic photovoltaic devices with a single layer geometry (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolesov, Vladimir A.; Fuentes-Hernandez, Canek; Aizawa, Naoya; Larrain, Felipe A.; Chou, Wen-Fang; Perrotta, Alberto; Graham, Samuel; Kippelen, Bernard

2016-09-01

Organic photovoltaics (OPV) can lead to a low cost and short energy payback time alternative to existing photovoltaic technologies. However, to fulfill this promise, power conversion efficiencies must be improved and simultaneously the architecture of the devices and their processing steps need to be further simplified. In the most efficient devices to date, the functions of photocurrent generation, and hole/electron collection are achieved in different layers adding complexity to the device fabrication. In this talk, we present a novel approach that yields devices in which all these functions are combined in a single layer. Specifically, we report on bulk heterojunction devices in which amine-containing polymers are first mixed in the solution together with the donor and acceptor materials that form the active layer. A single-layer coating yields a self-forming bottom electron-collection layer comprised of the amine-containing polymer (e.g. PEIE). Hole-collection is achieved by subsequent immersion of this single layer in a solution of a polyoxometalate (e.g. phosphomolybdic acid (PMA)) leading to an electrically p-doped region formed by the diffusion of the dopant molecules into the bulk. The depth of this doped region can be controlled with values up to tens of nm by varying the immersion time. Devices with a single 500 nm-thick active layer of P3HT:ICBA processed using this method yield power conversion efficiency (PCE) values of 4.8 ± 0.3% at 1 sun and demonstrate a performance level superior to that of benchmark three-layer devices with separate layers of PEIE/P3HT:ICBA/MoOx (4.1 ± 0.4%). Devices remain stable after shelf lifetime experiments carried-out at 60 °C over 280 h.

W-band GaAs camel-cathode Gunn devices produced by MBE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beall, R. B.; Battersby, S. J.; Grecian, P. J.; Jones, S.; Smith, G.

1989-06-01

The dc and microwave performance of a novel second-harmonic W-band GaAs Gunn device incorporating a camel barrier are reported. Comparison with conventional Gunn devices shows significant improvement in power output and dc to RF conversion efficiency for the new structure. The frequency at which the maximum power is produced is lower for the camel cathode Gunn device, an observation attributed to a reduction in the length of the acceleration zone.

Thermodynamic limits for solar energy conversion by a quantum-thermal hybrid system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Byvik, C. E.; Buoncristiani, A. M.; Smith, B. T.

1981-01-01

The limits are presented fo air mass 1.5 conditions. A maximum conversion efficiency of 74 percent is thermodynamically achievable for the quantum device operating at 3500 K and the heat engine in contact with a reservoir at 0 K. The efficiency drops to 56 percent for a cold reservoir at approximately room temperature conditions. Hybrid system efficiencies exceed 50 percent over receiver temperatures ranging from 1400 K to 4000 K, suggesting little benefit is gained in operating the system above 1400 K. The results are applied to a system consisting of a photovoltaic solar cell in series with a heat engine.

Plasmon-enhanced solar energy conversion in organic bulk heterojunction photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morfa, Anthony J.; Rowlen, Kathy L.; Reilly, Thomas H.; Romero, Manuel J.; van de Lagemaat, Jao

2008-01-01

Plasmon-active silver nanoparticle layers were included in solution-processed bulk-heterojunction solar cells. Nanoparticle layers were fabricated using vapor-phase deposition on indium tin oxide electrodes. Owing to the increase in optical electrical field inside the photoactive layer, the inclusion of such particle films lead to increased optical absorption and consequently increased photoconversion at solar-conversion relevant wavelengths. The resulting solar energy conversion efficiency for a bulk heterojunction photovoltaic device of poly(3-hexylthiophene)/[6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester was found to increase from 1.3%±0.2% to 2.2%±0.1% for devices employing thin plasmon-active layers. Based on six measurements, the improvement factor of 1.7 was demonstrated to be statistically significant.

Nanohole Structuring for Improved Performance of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Photovoltaics.

PubMed

Johlin, Eric; Al-Obeidi, Ahmed; Nogay, Gizem; Stuckelberger, Michael; Buonassisi, Tonio; Grossman, Jeffrey C

2016-06-22

While low hole mobilities limit the current collection and efficiency of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photovoltaic devices, attempts to improve mobility of the material directly have stagnated. Herein, we explore a method of utilizing nanostructuring of a-Si:H devices to allow for improved hole collection in thick absorber layers. This is achieved by etching an array of 150 nm diameter holes into intrinsic a-Si:H and then coating the structured material with p-type a-Si:H and a conformal zinc oxide transparent conducting layer. The inclusion of these nanoholes yields relative power conversion efficiency (PCE) increases of ∼45%, from 7.2 to 10.4% PCE for small area devices. Comparisons of optical properties, time-of-flight mobility measurements, and internal quantum efficiency spectra indicate this efficiency is indeed likely occurring from an improved collection pathway provided by the nanostructuring of the devices. Finally, we estimate that through modest optimizations of the design and fabrication, PCEs of beyond 13% should be obtainable for similar devices.

The effects of electron and hole transport layer with the electrode work function on perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Quanrong; Li, Yiqi; Chen, Lian; Wang, Shenggao; Wang, Geming; Sheng, Yonglong; Shao, Guosheng

2016-09-01

The effects of electron and hole transport layer with the electrode work function on perovskite solar cells with the interface defects were simulated by using analysis of microelectronic and photonic structures-one-dimensional (AMPS-1D) software. The simulation results suggest that TiO2 electron transport layer provides best device performance with conversion efficiency of 25.9% compared with ZnO and CdS. The threshold value of back electrode work function for Spiro-OMeTAD, NiO, CuI and Cu2O hole transport layer are calculated to be 4.9, 4.8, 4.7 and 4.9 eV, respectively, to reach the highest conversion efficiency. The mechanisms of device physics with various electron and hole transport materials are discussed in details. The device performance deteriorates gradually as the increased density of interface defects located at ETM/absorber or absorber/HTM. This research results can provide helpful guidance for materials and metal electrode choice for perovskite solar cells.

Crystal growth and materials research in photovoltaics: progress and challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surek, Thomas

2005-02-01

Photovoltaics (PV) is solar electric power—a semiconductor-based technology that converts sunlight to electricity. Three decades of research has led to the discovery of new materials and devices and new processing techniques for low-cost manufacturing. This has resulted in improved sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiencies, improved outdoor reliability, and lower module and system costs. The manufacture and sale of PV has grown into a $5 billion industry worldwide, with more than 740 megawatts of PV modules shipped in 2003. This paper reviews the significant progress that has occurred in PV materials and devices research over the past 30 years, focusing on the advances in crystal growth and materials research, and examines the challenges to reaching the ultimate potential of current-generation (crystalline silicon), next-generation (thin films and concentrators), and future-generation PV technologies. The latter includes innovative materials and device concepts that hold the promise of significantly higher conversion efficiencies and/or much lower costs.

Technology Evaluation for Paintable Computing and Paintable Displays RF Nixel Seedling

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-15

0.32 mm2• 111-V LED’s may be fabricated on Si wafers using SiGe virtual substrates. The MIT Media Lab selected technologies for a 17" diagonal, 640 x...energy conversion, though betavoltaic devices, tends to have a very low efficiency, about 1%. [15] With 1% conversion efficiency on the lOmW released...200 J.!Cilyear of 63Ni, assuming that this was this person’s only exposure to man-made radiation. A prototype betavoltaic cell has been constructed

Efficiency limits of laser power converters for optical power transfer applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, J.; Jarvis, S.; Perren, M.; Sweeney, S. J.

2013-07-01

We have developed III-V-based high-efficiency laser power converters (LPCs), optimized specifically for converting monochromatic laser radiation at the eye-safe wavelength of 1.55 µm into electrical power. The applications of these photovoltaic cells include high-efficiency space-based and terrestrial laser power transfer and subsequent conversion to electrical power. In addition, these cells also find use in fibre-optic power delivery, remote powering of subcutaneous equipment and several other optical power delivery applications. The LPC design is based on lattice-matched InGaAsP/InP and incorporates elements for photon-recycling and contact design for efficient carrier extraction. Here we compare results from electro-optical design simulations with experimental results from prototype devices studied both in the lab and in field tests. We analyse wavelength and temperature dependence of the LPC characteristics. An experimental conversion efficiency of 44.6% [±1%] is obtained from the prototype devices under monochromatic illumination at 1.55 µm (illumination power density of 1 kW m-2) at room temperature. Further design optimization of our LPC is expected to scale the efficiency beyond 50% at 1 kW m-2.

Reducing the efficiency-stability-cost gap of organic photovoltaics with highly efficient and stable small molecule acceptor ternary solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baran, Derya; Ashraf, Raja Shahid; Hanifi, David A.; Abdelsamie, Maged; Gasparini, Nicola; Röhr, Jason A.; Holliday, Sarah; Wadsworth, Andrew; Lockett, Sarah; Neophytou, Marios; Emmott, Christopher J. M.; Nelson, Jenny; Brabec, Christoph J.; Amassian, Aram; Salleo, Alberto; Kirchartz, Thomas; Durrant, James R.; McCulloch, Iain

2017-03-01

Technological deployment of organic photovoltaic modules requires improvements in device light-conversion efficiency and stability while keeping material costs low. Here we demonstrate highly efficient and stable solar cells using a ternary approach, wherein two non-fullerene acceptors are combined with both a scalable and affordable donor polymer, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), and a high-efficiency, low-bandgap polymer in a single-layer bulk-heterojunction device. The addition of a strongly absorbing small molecule acceptor into a P3HT-based non-fullerene blend increases the device efficiency up to 7.7 +/- 0.1% without any solvent additives. The improvement is assigned to changes in microstructure that reduce charge recombination and increase the photovoltage, and to improved light harvesting across the visible region. The stability of P3HT-based devices in ambient conditions is also significantly improved relative to polymer:fullerene devices. Combined with a low-bandgap donor polymer (PBDTTT-EFT, also known as PCE10), the two mixed acceptors also lead to solar cells with 11.0 +/- 0.4% efficiency and a high open-circuit voltage of 1.03 +/- 0.01 V.

Effects of Stern layer conductance on electrokinetic energy conversion in nanofluidic channels.

PubMed

Davidson, Christian; Xuan, Xiangchun

2008-03-01

A thermo-electro-hydro-dynamic model is developed to analytically account for the effects of Stern layer conductance on electrokinetic energy conversion in nanofluidic channels. The optimum electrokinetic devices performance is dependent on a figure of merit, in which the Stern layer conductance appears as a nondimensional Dukhin number. Such surface conductance is found to significantly reduce the figure of merit and thus the efficiency and power output. This finding may explain why the recently measured electrokinetic devices performances are far below the theoretical predictions where the effects of Stern layer conductance have been ignored.

Bioinspired model of mechanical energy harvesting based on flexoelectric membranes.

PubMed

Rey, Alejandro D; Servio, P; Herrera-Valencia, E E

2013-02-01

Membrane flexoelectricity is an electromechanical coupling process that describes membrane electrical polarization due to bending and membrane bending under electric fields. In this paper we propose, formulate, and characterize a mechanical energy harvesting system consisting of a deformable soft flexoelectric thin membrane subjected to harmonic forcing from contacting bulk fluids. The key elements of the energy harvester are formulated and characterized, including (i) the mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency, (ii) the electromechanical shape equation connecting fluid forces with membrane curvature and electric displacement, and (iii) the electric power generation and efficiency. The energy conversion efficiency is cast as the ratio of flexoelectric coupling to the product of electric and bending elasticity. The device is described by a second-order curvature dynamics coupled to the electric displacement equation and as such results in mechanical power absorption with a resonant peak whose amplitude decreases with bending viscosity. The electric power generation is proportional to the conversion factor and the power efficiency decreases with frequency. Under high bending viscosity, the power efficiency increases with the conversion factor and under low viscosities it decreases with the conversion factor. The theoretical results presented contribute to the ongoing experimental efforts to develop mechanical energy harvesting from fluid flow energy through solid-fluid interactions and electromechanical transduction.

Luminescence in Conjugated Molecular Materials under Sub-bandgap Excitation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

So, Franky

2014-05-08

Light emission in semiconductors occurs when they are under optical and electrical excitation with energy larger than the bandgap energy. In some low-dimensional semiconductor heterostructure systems, this thermodynamic limit can be violated due to radiative Auger recombination (AR), a process in which the sub-bandgap energy released from a recombined electron-hole pair is transferred to a third particle leading to radiative band-to-band recombination.1 Thus far, photoluminescence up-conversion phenomenon has been observed in some low dimensional semiconductor systems, and the effect is very weak and it can only be observed at low temperatures. Recently, we discovered that efficient electroluminescence in poly[2-methoxy-5-(2’-ethylhexyloxy)-1, phenylenevinylene]more » (MEH-PPV) polymer light-emitting devices (PLEDs) at drive voltages below its bandgap voltage could be observed when a ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) electron injection layer was inserted between the polymer and the aluminum electrode. Specifically, emitted photons with energy of 2.13 eV can be detected at operating voltages as low as 1.2 V at room temperature. Based on these data, we propose that the sub-bandgap turn-on in the MEH-PPV device is due to an Auger-assisted energy up-conversion process. The significance of this discovery is three-fold. First, radiative recombination occurs at operating voltages below the thermodynamic bandgap voltage. This process can significantly reduce the device operating voltage. For example, the current density of the device with the ZnO NC layer is almost two orders of magnitude higher than that of the device without the NC layer. Second, a reactive metal is no longer needed for the cathode. Third, this electroluminescence up-conversion process can be applied to inorganic semiconductors systems as well and their operation voltages of inorganic LEDs can be reduced to about half of the bandgap energy. Based on our initial data, we propose that the sub-bandgap turn-on in MEH-PPV devices is due to Auger-assisted energy up-conversion process. Specifically, we propose that the up-conversion process is due to charge accumulation at the polymer/NPs interface. This model requires that holes should be the dominant carriers in the polymer and the polymer/ZnO NCs heterojunction should be a type II alignment. In order to determine the mechanism of the up-conversion process, we will characterize devices fabricated using polymers with different carrier transporting properties to determine whether hole accumulation at the polymer/nanocrystals is required. Likewise, we will also use NPs with different electronic structures to fabricate devices to determine how electron accumulation affects the up-conversion process. Finally, we will measure quantitatively the interface charge accumulation by electroabsorption and correlate the results with the up-conversion photoluminescence efficiency measurements under an applied electric field.« less

Plasmonic-enhanced organic photovoltaics: breaking the 10% efficiency barrier.

PubMed

Gan, Qiaoqiang; Bartoli, Filbert J; Kafafi, Zakya H

2013-05-07

Recent advances in molecular organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have shown 10% power conversion efficiency (PCE) for single-junction cells, which put them in direct competition with PVs based on amorphous silicon. Incorporation of plasmonic nanostructures for light trapping in these thin-film devices offers an attractive solution to realize higher-efficiency OPVs with PCE>10%. This article reviews recent progress on plasmonic-enhanced OPV devices using metallic nanoparticles, and one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) patterned periodic nanostructures. We discuss the benefits of using various plasmonic nanostructures for broad-band, polarization-insensitive and angle-independent absorption enhancement, and their integration with one or two electrode(s) of an OPV device. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Blocking the Formation of Zn2+/Dye Complexes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by Inserting CdS Quantum Dots into Sandwich Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yunfei; Liu, Chunling; Yang, Lili; Wei, Maobin; Lv, Shiquan; Sui, Yingrui; Cao, Jian; Chen, Gang; Yang, Jinghai

2018-06-01

ZnO NRAs are grown on ITO substrates by a simple chemical method. CdS QDs were deposited on ZnO NRAs by SILAR. N719 was synthesized by dipping method. J-V analysis indicates that by inserting a layer of CdS QDs, the conversion efficiency of DSSCs was improved obviously. The device with CdS QDs shows the higher conversion efficiency due to the three reasons: (1) CdS QDs enhanced adsorption spectra of DSSCs in the visible region; (2) CdS QDs block the formation of Zn2+/dye complex, it is beneficial for electros transport from dye to ZnO photoanode. It is the key to obtain higher conversion efficiency; (3) FRET dynamics exists by the introduction of CdS QDs.

Phenothiazine-based small-molecule organic solar cells with power conversion efficiency over 7% and open circuit voltage of about 1.0 V using solvent vapor annealing.

PubMed

Rout, Yogajivan; Misra, Rajneesh; Singhal, Rahul; Biswas, Subhayan; Sharma, Ganesh D

2018-02-28

We have used two unsymmetrical small molecules, named phenothiazine 1 and 2 with a D-A-D-π-D configuration, where phenothiazine is used as a central unit, triphenylamine is used as a terminal unit and TCBD and cyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-diylidene-expanded TCBD are used as an acceptor between the phenothiazine and triphenylamine units, as a small molecule donor along with PC 71 BM as an acceptor for solution processed bulk heterojunction solar cells. The variation of acceptors in the phenothiazine derivatives makes an exciting change in the photophysical and electrochemical properties, hole mobility and therefore photovoltaic performance. The optimized device based on phenothiazine 2 exhibited a high power conversion efficiency of 7.35% (J sc = 11.98 mA cm -2 , V oc = 0.99 V and FF = 0.62), while the device based on phenothiazine 1 showed a low PCE of 4.81% (J sc = 8.73 mA cm -2 , V oc = 0.95 V and FF = 0.58) after solvent vapour annealing (SVA) treatment. The higher value of power conversion efficiency of the 2 based devices irrespective of the processing conditions may be related to the broader absorption and lower band gap of 2 as compared to 1. The improvement in the SVA treated active layer may be related to the enhanced crystallinity, molecular ordering and aggregation and shorter π-π stacking distance of the small molecule donors.

Efficient Solar-Thermal Energy Harvest Driven by Interfacial Plasmonic Heating-Assisted Evaporation.

PubMed

Chang, Chao; Yang, Chao; Liu, Yanming; Tao, Peng; Song, Chengyi; Shang, Wen; Wu, Jianbo; Deng, Tao

2016-09-07

The plasmonic heating effect of noble nanoparticles has recently received tremendous attention for various important applications. Herein, we report the utilization of interfacial plasmonic heating-assisted evaporation for efficient and facile solar-thermal energy harvest. An airlaid paper-supported gold nanoparticle thin film was placed at the thermal energy conversion region within a sealed chamber to convert solar energy into thermal energy. The generated thermal energy instantly vaporizes the water underneath into hot vapors that quickly diffuse to the thermal energy release region of the chamber to condense into liquids and release the collected thermal energy. The condensed water automatically flows back to the thermal energy conversion region under the capillary force from the hydrophilic copper mesh. Such an approach simultaneously realizes efficient solar-to-thermal energy conversion and rapid transportation of converted thermal energy to target application terminals. Compared to conventional external photothermal conversion design, the solar-thermal harvesting device driven by the internal plasmonic heating effect has reduced the overall thermal resistance by more than 50% and has demonstrated more than 25% improvement of solar water heating efficiency.

Light-induced lattice expansion leads to high-efficiency perovskite solar cells.

PubMed

Tsai, Hsinhan; Asadpour, Reza; Blancon, Jean-Christophe; Stoumpos, Constantinos C; Durand, Olivier; Strzalka, Joseph W; Chen, Bo; Verduzco, Rafael; Ajayan, Pulickel M; Tretiak, Sergei; Even, Jacky; Alam, Muhammad Ashraf; Kanatzidis, Mercouri G; Nie, Wanyi; Mohite, Aditya D

2018-04-06

Light-induced structural dynamics plays a vital role in the physical properties, device performance, and stability of hybrid perovskite-based optoelectronic devices. We report that continuous light illumination leads to a uniform lattice expansion in hybrid perovskite thin films, which is critical for obtaining high-efficiency photovoltaic devices. Correlated, in situ structural and device characterizations reveal that light-induced lattice expansion benefits the performances of a mixed-cation pure-halide planar device, boosting the power conversion efficiency from 18.5 to 20.5%. The lattice expansion leads to the relaxation of local lattice strain, which lowers the energetic barriers at the perovskite-contact interfaces, thus improving the open circuit voltage and fill factor. The light-induced lattice expansion did not compromise the stability of these high-efficiency photovoltaic devices under continuous operation at full-spectrum 1-sun (100 milliwatts per square centimeter) illumination for more than 1500 hours. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

Random benzotrithiophene-based donor-acceptor copolymers for efficient organic photovoltaic devices.

PubMed

Nielsen, Christian B; Ashraf, Raja Shahid; Schroeder, Bob C; D'Angelo, Pasquale; Watkins, Scott E; Song, Kigook; Anthopoulos, Thomas D; McCulloch, Iain

2012-06-14

A series of benzotrithiophene-containing random terpolymers for polymer solar cells is reported. Through variations of the two other components in the terpolymers, the absorption profile and the frontier energy levels are optimized and maximum power conversion efficiencies are nearly doubled (5.14%) relative to the parent alternating copolymer.

A soft-switching coupled inductor bidirectional DC-DC converter with high-conversion ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Kuei-Hsiang; Jheng, Yi-Cing

2018-01-01

A soft-switching bidirectional DC-DC converter is presented herein as a way to improve the conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) system. Adoption of coupled inductors enables the presented converter not only to provide a high-conversion ratio but also to suppress the transient surge voltage via the release of the energy stored in leakage flux of the coupled inductors, and the cost can kept down consequently. A combined use of a switching mechanism and an auxiliary resonant branch enables the converter to successfully perform zero-voltage switching operations on the main switches and improves the efficiency accordingly. It was testified by experiments that our proposed converter works relatively efficiently in full-load working range. Additionally, the framework of the converter intended for testifying has high-conversion ratio. The results of a test, where a generating system using PV module array coupled with batteries as energy storage device was used as the low-voltage input side, and DC link was used as high-voltage side, demonstrated our proposed converter framework with high-conversion ratio on both high-voltage and low-voltage sides.

III-V-on-silicon solar cells reaching 33% photoconversion efficiency in two-terminal configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cariou, Romain; Benick, Jan; Feldmann, Frank; Höhn, Oliver; Hauser, Hubert; Beutel, Paul; Razek, Nasser; Wimplinger, Markus; Bläsi, Benedikt; Lackner, David; Hermle, Martin; Siefer, Gerald; Glunz, Stefan W.; Bett, Andreas W.; Dimroth, Frank

2018-04-01

Silicon dominates the photovoltaic industry but the conversion efficiency of silicon single-junction solar cells is intrinsically constrained to 29.4%, and practically limited to around 27%. It is possible to overcome this limit by combining silicon with high-bandgap materials, such as III-V semiconductors, in a multi-junction device. Significant challenges associated with this material combination have hindered the development of highly efficient III-V/Si solar cells. Here, we demonstrate a III-V/Si cell reaching similar performances to standard III-V/Ge triple-junction solar cells. This device is fabricated using wafer bonding to permanently join a GaInP/GaAs top cell with a silicon bottom cell. The key issues of III-V/Si interface recombination and silicon's weak absorption are addressed using poly-silicon/SiOx passivating contacts and a novel rear-side diffraction grating for the silicon bottom cell. With these combined features, we demonstrate a two-terminal GaInP/GaAs//Si solar cell reaching a 1-sun AM1.5G conversion efficiency of 33.3%.

Newly Elaborated Multipurpose Polymer Electrolyte Encompassing RTILs for Smart Energy-Efficient Devices.

PubMed

Nair, Jijeesh R; Porcarelli, Luca; Bella, Federico; Gerbaldi, Claudio

2015-06-17

Profoundly ion-conducting, self-standing, and tack-free ethylene oxide-based polymer electrolytes encompassing a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) with specific amounts of lithium salt are successfully prepared via a rapid and easily upscalable process including a UV irradiation step. All prepared materials are thoroughly characterized in terms of their physical, chemical, and morphological properties and eventually galvanostatically cycled in lab-scale lithium batteries (LIBs) exploiting a novel direct polymerization procedure to get intimate electrode/electrolyte interfacial characteristics. The promising multipurpose characteristics of the newly elaborated materials are demonstrated by testing them in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), where the introduction of the iodine/iodide-based redox mediator in the polymer matrix assured the functioning of a lab-scale test cell with conversion efficiency exceeding 6% at 1 sun. The reported results enlighten the promising prospects of the material to be successfully implemented as stable, durable, and efficient electrolyte in next-generation energy conversion and storage devices.

Water-Soluble Polymeric Interfacial Material for Planar Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Zheng, Lingling; Ma, Yingzhuang; Xiao, Lixin; Zhang, Fengyan; Wang, Yuanhao; Yang, Hongxing

2017-04-26

Interfacial materials play a critical role in photoelectric conversion properties as well as the anomalous hysteresis phenomenon of the perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this article, a water-soluble polythiophene PTEBS was employed as a cathode interfacial material for PSCs. Efficient energy level aligning and improved film morphology were obtained due to an ultrathin coating of PTEBS. Better ohmic contact between the perovskite layer and the cathode also benefits the charge transport and extraction of the device. Moreover, less charge accumulation at the interface weakens the polarization of the perovskite resulting in a relatively quick response of the modified device. The ITO/PTEBS/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 /spiro-MeOTAD/Au cells by an all low-temperature process achieved power conversion efficiencies of up to 15.4% without apparent hysteresis effect. Consequently, the utilization of this water-soluble polythiophene is a practical approach for the fabrication of highly efficient, large-area, and low-cost PSCs and compatible with low-temperature solution process, roll-to-roll manufacture, and flexible application.

High efficiency organic photovoltaic cells based on a vapor deposited squaraine donor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Siyi; Mayo, Elizabeth I.; Perez, M. Dolores; Griffe, Laurent; Wei, Guodan; Djurovich, Peter I.; Forrest, Stephen R.; Thompson, Mark E.

2009-06-01

2,4-bis[4-(N ,N-diisobutylamino)-2,6-dihydroxyphenyl] squaraine (SQ) is used as a donor material in vapor deposited organic heterojunction photovoltaic cells. Devices with the structure indium tin oxide/SQ (x)/C60 (400Å)/bathocuproine (100Å)/Al (1000Å), where x =65, 110, 150, and 200Å were compared. Devices with x =65Å exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 3.1% under 1sun, AM1.5G simulated solar irradiation, giving an open circuit voltage of 0.76±0.01V, a short circuit current of 7.01±0.05mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 0.56±0.05. Thicker SQ films lead to lower short circuit currents and fill factors, giving conversion efficiencies in the range of 2.6% to 3.2%. The demonstration of sublimable SQ as a donor material opens up a family of compounds for use in small molecule based heterojunction photovoltaics.

Broadly tunable terahertz generation in mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers.

PubMed

Vijayraghavan, Karun; Jiang, Yifan; Jang, Min; Jiang, Aiting; Choutagunta, Karthik; Vizbaras, Augustinas; Demmerle, Frederic; Boehm, Gerhard; Amann, Markus C; Belkin, Mikhail A

2013-01-01

Room temperature, broadly tunable, electrically pumped semiconductor sources in the terahertz spectral range, similar in operation simplicity to diode lasers, are highly desired for applications. An emerging technology in this area are sources based on intracavity difference-frequency generation in dual-wavelength mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers. Here we report terahertz quantum cascade laser sources based on an optimized non-collinear Cherenkov difference-frequency generation scheme that demonstrates dramatic improvements in performance. Devices emitting at 4 THz display a mid-infrared-to-terahertz conversion efficiency in excess of 0.6 mW W(-2) and provide nearly 0.12 mW of peak power output. Devices emitting at 2 and 3 THz fabricated on the same chip display 0.09 and 0.4 mW W(-2) conversion efficiencies at room temperature, respectively. High terahertz-generation efficiency and relaxed phase-matching conditions offered by the Cherenkov scheme allowed us to demonstrate, for the first time, an external-cavity terahertz quantum cascade laser source tunable between 1.70 and 5.25 THz.

Optoelectronic semiconductor device and method of fabrication

DOEpatents

Cui, Yi; Zhu, Jia; Hsu, Ching-Mei; Fan, Shanhui; Yu, Zongfu

2014-11-25

An optoelectronic device comprising an optically active layer that includes a plurality of domes is presented. The plurality of domes is arrayed in two dimensions having a periodicity in each dimension that is less than or comparable with the shortest wavelength in a spectral range of interest. By virtue of the plurality of domes, the optoelectronic device achieves high performance. A solar cell having high energy-conversion efficiency, improved absorption over the spectral range of interest, and an improved acceptance angle is presented as an exemplary device.

Review of two-phase flow liquid metal MHD and turbine energy conversion concepts for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fabris, Gracio

1992-01-01

Two-phase energy conversion systems could be liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic (LMMHD) with no moving parts or two-phase turbines. Both of them are inherently simple and reliable devices which can operate in a wide range of temperatures. Their thermal efficiency is significantly higher than for conventional cycles due to reheat of vapor by liquid phase during the energy converting expansion. Often they can be more easily coupled to heat sources. These features make two-phase systems particularly promising for space application. Insufficient research has been done in the past. So far achieved LMMHD generator and two-phase turbine efficiencies are in the 40 to 45 percent range. However if certain fluid dynamic and design problems are resolved these efficiencies could be brought into the range of 70 percent. This would make two-phase systems extremely competitive as compared to present or other proposed conversion system for space. Accordingly, well directed research effort on potential space applications of two-phase conversion systems would be a wise investment.

High-Efficiency Photovoltaic Energy Conversion using Surface Acoustic Waves in Piezoelectric Semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yakovenko, Victor

2010-03-01

We propose a radically new design for photovoltaic energy conversion using surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in piezoelectric semiconductors. The periodically modulated electric field from SAW spatially separates photogenerated electrons and holes to the maxima and minima of SAW, thus preventing their recombination. The segregated electrons and holes are transported by the moving SAW to the collecting electrodes of two types, which produce dc electric output. Recent experiments [1] using SAWs in GaAs have demonstrated the photon to current conversion efficiency of 85%. These experiments were designed for photon counting, but we propose to adapt these techniques for highly efficient photovoltaic energy conversion. The advantages are that the electron-hole segregation takes place in the whole volume where SAW is present, and the electrons and holes are transported in the organized, collective manner at high speed, as opposed to random diffusion in conventional devices.[4pt] [1] S. J. Jiao, P. D. Batista, K. Biermann, R. Hey, and P. V. Santos, J. Appl. Phys. 106, 053708 (2009).

Solvent and Intermediate Phase as Boosters for the Perovskite Transformation and Solar Cell Performance

PubMed Central

Kim, Jinhyun; Hwang, Taehyun; Lee, Sangheon; Lee, Byungho; Kim, Jaewon; Jang, Gil Su; Nam, Seunghoon; Park, Byungwoo

2016-01-01

High power conversion efficiency and device stabilization are two major challenges for CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) perovskite solar cells to be commercialized. Herein, we demonstrate a diffusion-engineered perovskite synthesis method using MAI/ethanol dipping, and compared it to the conventional synthesis method from MAI/iso-propanol. Diffusion of MAI/C2H5OH into the PbCl2 film was observed to be more favorable than that of MAI/C3H7OH. Facile perovskite conversion from ethanol and highly-crystalline MAPbI3 with minimized impurities boosted the efficiency from 5.86% to 9.51%. Additionally, we further identified the intermediates and thereby the reaction mechanisms of PbCl2 converting into MAPbI3. Through straightforward engineering to enhance the surface morphology as well as the crystallinity of the perovskite with even faster conversion, an initial power conversion efficiency of 11.23% was obtained, in addition to superior stability after 30 days under an ambient condition. PMID:27156481

Pyroelectric energy conversion with large energy and power density in relaxor ferroelectric thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandya, Shishir; Wilbur, Joshua; Kim, Jieun; Gao, Ran; Dasgupta, Arvind; Dames, Chris; Martin, Lane W.

2018-05-01

The need for efficient energy utilization is driving research into ways to harvest ubiquitous waste heat. Here, we explore pyroelectric energy conversion from low-grade thermal sources that exploits strong field- and temperature-induced polarization susceptibilities in the relaxor ferroelectric 0.68Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.32PbTiO3. Electric-field-driven enhancement of the pyroelectric response (as large as -550 μC m-2 K-1) and suppression of the dielectric response (by 72%) yield substantial figures of merit for pyroelectric energy conversion. Field- and temperature-dependent pyroelectric measurements highlight the role of polarization rotation and field-induced polarization in mediating these effects. Solid-state, thin-film devices that convert low-grade heat into electrical energy are demonstrated using pyroelectric Ericsson cycles, and optimized to yield maximum energy density, power density and efficiency of 1.06 J cm-3, 526 W cm-3 and 19% of Carnot, respectively; the highest values reported to date and equivalent to the performance of a thermoelectric with an effective ZT ≈ 1.16 for a temperature change of 10 K. Our findings suggest that pyroelectric devices may be competitive with thermoelectric devices for low-grade thermal harvesting.

Pyroelectric energy conversion with large energy and power density in relaxor ferroelectric thin films.

PubMed

Pandya, Shishir; Wilbur, Joshua; Kim, Jieun; Gao, Ran; Dasgupta, Arvind; Dames, Chris; Martin, Lane W

2018-05-01

The need for efficient energy utilization is driving research into ways to harvest ubiquitous waste heat. Here, we explore pyroelectric energy conversion from low-grade thermal sources that exploits strong field- and temperature-induced polarization susceptibilities in the relaxor ferroelectric 0.68Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 -0.32PbTiO 3 . Electric-field-driven enhancement of the pyroelectric response (as large as -550 μC m -2  K -1 ) and suppression of the dielectric response (by 72%) yield substantial figures of merit for pyroelectric energy conversion. Field- and temperature-dependent pyroelectric measurements highlight the role of polarization rotation and field-induced polarization in mediating these effects. Solid-state, thin-film devices that convert low-grade heat into electrical energy are demonstrated using pyroelectric Ericsson cycles, and optimized to yield maximum energy density, power density and efficiency of 1.06 J cm -3 , 526 W cm -3 and 19% of Carnot, respectively; the highest values reported to date and equivalent to the performance of a thermoelectric with an effective ZT ≈ 1.16 for a temperature change of 10 K. Our findings suggest that pyroelectric devices may be competitive with thermoelectric devices for low-grade thermal harvesting.

Current status and future prospects of power generators using dielectric elastomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiba, Seiki; Waki, Mikio; Kornbluh, Roy; Pelrine, Ron

2011-12-01

Electroactive polymer artificial muscle (EPAM), known collectively as dielectric elastomers in the literature, has been shown to offer unique capabilities as an actuator and is now being developed for a wide variety of generator applications. EPAM has several characteristics that make it potentially well suited for wave, water current, wind, human motion, and other environmental energy harvesting systems including a high energy density allowing for minimal EPAM material quantities, high energy conversion efficiency independent of frequency of operation and non-toxic and low-cost materials not susceptible to corrosion. Experiments have been performed on push-button and heel-mounted generator devices powered by human motion, ocean wave power harvesters mounted on buoys and water turbines. While the power output levels of such demonstration devices is small, the performance of these devices has supported the potential benefits of EPAM. For example, an electrical energy conversion efficiency of over 70% was achieved with small wave heights. The ability of EPAM to produce hydrogen fuel for energy storage was also demonstrated. Because the energy conversion principle of EPAM is capacitive in nature, the performance is largely independent of size and it should eventually be possible to scale up EPAM generators to the megawatt level to address a variety of electrical power needs.

Solution-Processed Two-Dimensional Metal Dichalcogenide-Based Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Conversion.

PubMed

Cao, Xiehong; Tan, Chaoliang; Zhang, Xiao; Zhao, Wei; Zhang, Hua

2016-08-01

The development of renewable energy storage and conversion devices is one of the most promising ways to address the current energy crisis, along with the global environmental concern. The exploration of suitable active materials is the key factor for the construction of highly efficient, highly stable, low-cost and environmentally friendly energy storage and conversion devices. The ability to prepare two-dimensional (2D) metal dichalcogenide (MDC) nanosheets and their functional composites in high yield and large scale via various solution-based methods in recent years has inspired great research interests in their utilization for renewable energy storage and conversion applications. Here, we will summarize the recent advances of solution-processed 2D MDCs and their hybrid nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion applications, including rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalytic hydrogen generation and solar cells. Moreover, based on the current progress, we will also give some personal insights on the existing challenges and future research directions in this promising field. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Alpha-Voltaic Sources Using Diamond as Conversion Medium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patel, Jagadish U.; Fleurial, Jean-Pierre; Kolawa, Elizabeth

2006-01-01

A family of proposed miniature sources of power would exploit the direct conversion of the kinetic energy of a particles into electricity in diamond semiconductor diodes. These power sources would function over a wide range of temperatures encountered in terrestrial and outer-space environments. These sources are expected to have operational lifetimes of 10 to 20 years and energy conversion efficiencies >35 percent. A power source according to the proposal would include a pair of devices like that shown in the figure. Each device would contain Schottky and p/n diode devices made from high-band-gap, radiation-hard diamond substrates. The n and p layers in the diode portion would be doped sparsely (<1014 cm-3) in order to maximize the volume of the depletion region and thereby maximize efficiency. The diode layers would be supported by an undoped diamond substrate. The source of a particles would be a thin film of 244Cm (half-life 18 years) sandwiched between the two paired devices. The sandwich arrangement would force almost every a particle to go through the active volume of at least one of the devices. Typical a particle track lengths in the devices would range from 20 to 30 microns. The a particles would be made to stop only in the undoped substrates to prevent damage to the crystalline structures of the diode portions. The overall dimensions of a typical source are expected to be about 2 by 2 by 1 mm. Assuming an initial 244Cm mass of 20 mg, the estimated initial output of the source is 20 mW (a current of 20 mA at a potential of 1 V).

Thermionic energy conversion technology - Present and future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shimada, K.; Morris, J. F.

1977-01-01

Aerospace and terrestrial applications of thermionic direct energy conversion and advances in direct energy conversion (DEC) technology are surveyed. Electrode materials, the cesium plasma drop (the difference between the barrier index and the collector work function), DEC voltage/current characteristics, conversion efficiency, and operating temperatures are discussed. Attention is centered on nuclear reactor system thermionic DEC devices, for in-core or out-of-core operation. Thermionic fuel elements, the radiation shield, power conditions, and a waste heat rejection system are considered among the thermionic DEC system components. Terrestrial applications include topping power systems in fossil fuel and solar power generation.

Preparation of reflective CsI photocathodes with reproducible high quantum efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maier-Komor, P.; Bauer, B. B.; Friese, J.; Gernhäuser, R.; Kienle, P.; Körner, H. J.; Montermann, G.; Zeitelhack, K.

1995-02-01

CsI as a solid UV-photocathode material has many promising applications in fast gaseous photon detectors. They are proposed in large area Ring Imaging CHerenkov (RICH) devices in forthcoming experiments at various high-energy particle accelerators. A high photon-to-electron conversion efficiency is a basic requirement for the successful operation of these devices. High reproducible quantum efficiencies could be achieved with CsI layers prepared by electron beam evaporation from a water-cooled copper crucible. CsI films were deposited in the thickness range of 30 to 500 μg/cm 2. Absorption coefficients and quantum efficiencies were measured in the wavelength region of 150 nm to 250 nm. The influence of various evaporation parameters on the quantum efficiency were investigated.

Long vertically aligned titania nanotubes on transparent conducting oxide for highly efficient solar cells.

PubMed

Varghese, Oomman K; Paulose, Maggie; Grimes, Craig A

2009-09-01

Dye-sensitized solar cells consist of a random network of titania nanoparticles that serve both as a high-surface-area support for dye molecules and as an electron-transporting medium. Despite achieving high power conversion efficiencies, their performance is limited by electron trapping in the nanoparticle film. Electron diffusion lengths can be increased by transporting charge through highly ordered nanostructures such as titania nanotube arrays. Although titania nanotube array films have been shown to enhance the efficiencies of both charge collection and light harvesting, it has not been possible to grow them on transparent conducting oxide glass with the lengths needed for high-efficiency device applications (tens of micrometres). Here, we report the fabrication of transparent titania nanotube array films on transparent conducting oxide glass with lengths between 0.3 and 33.0 microm using a novel electrochemistry approach. Dye-sensitized solar cells containing these arrays yielded a power conversion efficiency of 6.9%. The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency ranged from 70 to 80% for wavelengths between 450 and 650 nm.

Boosting the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells using self-organized polymeric hole extraction layers with high work function.

PubMed

Lim, Kyung-Geun; Kim, Hak-Beom; Jeong, Jaeki; Kim, Hobeom; Kim, Jin Young; Lee, Tae-Woo

2014-10-08

A self-organized hole extraction layer (SOHEL) with high work function (WF) is designed for energy level alignment with the ionization potential level of CH3 NH3 PbI3 . The SOHEL increases the built-in potential, photocurrent, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of CH3 NH3 PbI3 perovskite solar cells. Thus, interface engineering of the positive electrode of solution-processed planar heterojunction solar cells using a high-WF SOHEL is a very effective way to achieve high device efficiency (PCE = 11.7% on glass). © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Recent advances in plasmonic dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rho, Won-Yeop; Song, Da Hyun; Yang, Hwa-Young; Kim, Ho-Sub; Son, Byung Sung; Suh, Jung Sang; Jun, Bong-Hyun

2018-02-01

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are among the best devices in generating electrons from solar light energy due to their high efficiency, low-cost in processing and transparency in building integrated photovoltaics. There are several ways to improve their energy-conversion efficiency, such as increasing light harvesting and electron transport, of which plasmon and 3-dimensional nanostructures are greatly capable. We review recent advances in plasmonic effects which depend on optimizing sizes, shapes, alloy compositions and integration of metal nanoparticles. Different methods to integrate metal nanoparticles into 3-dimensional nanostructures are also discussed. This review presents a guideline for enhancing the energy-conversion efficiency of DSSCs by utilizing metal nanoparticles that are incorporated into 3-dimensional nanostructures.

Chemical Stabilization of Perovskite Solar Cells with Functional Fulleropyrrolidines

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

While perovskite solar cells have invigorated the photovoltaic research community due to their excellent power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), these devices notably suffer from poor stability. To address this crucial issue, a solution-processable organic chemical inhibition layer (OCIL) was integrated into perovskite solar cells, resulting in improved device stability and a maximum PCE of 16.3%. Photoenhanced self-doping of the fulleropyrrolidine mixture in the interlayers afforded devices that were advantageously insensitive to OCIL thickness, ranging from 4 to 190 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the fulleropyrrolidine mixture improved device stability by stabilizing the metal electrode and trapping ionic defects (i.e., I–) that originate from the perovskite active layer. Moreover, degraded devices were rejuvenated by repeatedly peeling away and replacing the OCIL/Ag electrode, and this repeel and replace process resulted in further improvement to device stability with minimal variation of device efficiency. PMID:29532021

Chemical Stabilization of Perovskite Solar Cells with Functional Fulleropyrrolidines.

PubMed

Liu, Yao; Page, Zachariah A; Zhou, Dongming; Duzhko, Volodimyr V; Kittilstved, Kevin R; Emrick, Todd; Russell, Thomas P

2018-02-28

While perovskite solar cells have invigorated the photovoltaic research community due to their excellent power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), these devices notably suffer from poor stability. To address this crucial issue, a solution-processable organic chemical inhibition layer (OCIL) was integrated into perovskite solar cells, resulting in improved device stability and a maximum PCE of 16.3%. Photoenhanced self-doping of the fulleropyrrolidine mixture in the interlayers afforded devices that were advantageously insensitive to OCIL thickness, ranging from 4 to 190 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the fulleropyrrolidine mixture improved device stability by stabilizing the metal electrode and trapping ionic defects (i.e., I - ) that originate from the perovskite active layer. Moreover, degraded devices were rejuvenated by repeatedly peeling away and replacing the OCIL/Ag electrode, and this repeel and replace process resulted in further improvement to device stability with minimal variation of device efficiency.

Heat Evolution and Electrical Work of Batteries as a Function of Discharge Rate: Spontaneous and Reversible Processes and Maximum Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Noll, Robert J.; Hughes, Jason M.

2018-01-01

Many types of batteries power an ever-growing number of devices. Electrochemical devices like batteries and fuel cells can, in principle, exceed Carnot efficiency for energy conversion. In this novel laboratory experiment, students explore the partitioning of the enthalpy change of a battery's electrochemical reaction between useful electrical…

Density Functional Theory Calculations of the Role of Defects in Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johlin, Eric; Wagner, Lucas; Buonassisi, Tonio; Grossman, Jeffrey C.

2010-03-01

Amorphous silicon holds promise as a cheap and efficient material for thin-film photovoltaic devices. However, current device efficiencies are severely limited by the low mobility of holes in the bulk amorphous silicon material, the cause of which is not yet fully understood. This work employs a statistical analysis of density functional theory calculations to uncover the implications of a range of defects (including internal strain and substitution impurities) on the trapping and mobility of holes, and thereby also on the total conversion efficiency. We investigate the root causes of this low mobility and attempt to provide suggestions for simple methods of improving this property.

Periodically poled silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hon, Nick K.; Tsia, Kevin K.; Solli, Daniel R.; Jalali, Bahram

2009-03-01

We propose a new class of photonic devices based on periodic stress fields in silicon that enable second-order nonlinearity as well as quasi-phase matching. Periodically poled silicon (PePSi) adds the periodic poling capability to silicon photonics and allows the excellent crystal quality and advanced manufacturing capabilities of silicon to be harnessed for devices based on second-order nonlinear effects. As an example of the utility of the PePSi technology, we present simulations showing that midwave infrared radiation can be efficiently generated through difference frequency generation from near-infrared with a conversion efficiency of 50%.

Relation between active-layer thickness and power conversion efficiency in P3HT:PCBM inverted organic photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakami, S.; Narioka, T.; Kobayashi, T.; Nagase, T.; Naito, H.

2017-11-01

The dependence of active-layer thickness on the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of inverted organic photovoltaics (OPVs) based on poly(3-hexylthiphene) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester was investigated. When PCEs were measured immediately after device fabrication, the optimum thickness was ~100 nm. It was, however, found that thick OPVs exhibit higher PCEs a few months later, whereas thin OPVs simply degraded with time. Consequently, the optimum thickness changed with time. Considering this fact, we discuss the relationship between the active-layer thickness and PCE.

AMTEC: High efficiency static conversion for space power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bankston, C. P.; Shirbacheh, M.

1986-01-01

Future manned and unmanned space missions will require reliable, high efficiency energy conversion systems. For a manned Mars mission, power levels in the range of 10 to 100 kWe will be needed. The Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converter (AMTEC) is a direct energy conversion technology with the potential to meet these needs. The AMTEC is a thermally regenerative electrochemical device that derives its operation from the sodium ion conducting properties of beta-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE). To date, an efficiency of 19%, area power density of 1 W/sq cm, and a lifetime of 10,000 hours at high temperature were demonstrated in laboratory devices. Systems studies show that projected AMTEC systems equal or surpass the performance of other static or dynamic systems in applications of 1 kWe-1 MWe. Thus, the laboratory experiments and applications studies conducted to date have shown that the AMTEC posseses great potential. In order to bring this technology to the stage where prototype units can be built and operated, several technical issues must be addressed. These include the need for long life, high power electrodes, minimization of radiative parasitic losses, and high temperature seals. In summary, the evidence shows that if AMTEC is developed, it can play a significant role in future space power applications.

Conversion efficiency of an energy harvester based on resonant tunneling through quantum dots with heat leakage.

PubMed

Kano, Shinya; Fujii, Minoru

2017-03-03

We study the conversion efficiency of an energy harvester based on resonant tunneling through quantum dots with heat leakage. Heat leakage current from a hot electrode to a cold electrode is taken into account in the analysis of the harvester operation. Modeling of electrical output indicates that a maximum heat leakage current is not negligible because it is larger than that of the heat current harvested into electrical power. A reduction of heat leakage is required in this energy harvester in order to obtain efficient heat-to-electrical conversion. Multiple energy levels of a quantum dot can increase the output power of the harvester. Heavily doped colloidal semiconductor quantum dots are a possible candidate for a quantum-dot monolayer in the energy harvester to reduce heat leakage, scaling down device size, and increasing electrical output via multiple discrete energy levels.

Frequency-Domain Analysis of Diffusion-Cooled Hot-Electron Bolometer Mixers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skalare, A.; McGrath, W. R.; Bumble, B.; LeDuc, H. G.

1998-01-01

A new theoretical model is introduced to describe heterodyne mixer conversion efficiency and noise (from thermal fluctuation effects) in diffusion-cooled superconducting hot-electron bolometers. The model takes into account the non-uniform internal electron temperature distribution generated by Wiedemann-Franz heat conduction, and accepts for input an arbitrary (analytical or experimental) superconducting resistance-versus- temperature curve. A non-linear large-signal solution is solved iteratively to calculate the temperature distribution, and a linear frequency-domain small-signal formulation is used to calculate conversion efficiency and noise. In the small-signal solution the device is discretized into segments, and matrix algebra is used to relate the heating modulation in the segments to temperature and resistance modulations. Matrix expressions are derived that allow single-sideband mixer conversion efficiency and coupled noise power to be directly calculated. The model accounts for self-heating and electrothermal feedback from the surrounding bias circuit.

Laser annealing of ion implanted CZ silicon for solar cell junction formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katzeff, J. S.

1981-01-01

The merits of large spot size pulsed laser annealing of phosphorus implanted, Czochralski grown silicon for function formation of solar cells are evaluated. The feasibility and requirements are also determined to scale-up a laser system to anneal 7.62 cm diameter wafers at a rate of one wafer/second. Results show that laser annealing yields active, defect-free, shallow junction devices. Functional cells with AM 1 conversion efficiencies up to 15.4% for 2 x 2 cm and 2 x 4 cm sizes were attained. For larger cells, 7.62 cm dia., conversion efficiencies ranged up to 14.5%. Experiments showed that texture etched surfaces are not compatible with pulsed laser annealing due to the surface melting caused by the laser energy. When compared with furnace annealed cells, the laser annealed cells generally exhibited conversion efficiencies which were equal to or better than those furnace annealed. In addition, laser annealing has greater throughput potential.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Nam-Gyu; Grätzel, Michael; Miyasaka, Tsutomu

Solar cells employing a halide perovskite with an organic cation now show power conversion efficiency of up to 22%. But, these cells are facing issues towards commercialization, such as the need to achieve long-term stability and the development of a manufacturing method for the reproducible fabrication of high-performance devices. We propose a strategy to obtain stable and commercially viable perovskite solar cells. A reproducible manufacturing method is suggested, as well as routes to manage grain boundaries and interfacial charge transport. Electroluminescence is regarded as a metric to gauge theoretical efficiency. We highlight how optimizing the design of device architectures ismore » important not only for achieving high efficiency but also for hysteresis-free and stable performance. Here, we argue that reliable device characterization is needed to ensure the advance of this technology towards practical applications. We believe that perovskite-based devices can be competitive with silicon solar modules, and discuss issues related to the safe management of toxic material.« less

Molecular Design of Benzodithiophene-Based Organic Photovoltaic Materials.

PubMed

Yao, Huifeng; Ye, Long; Zhang, Hao; Li, Sunsun; Zhang, Shaoqing; Hou, Jianhui

2016-06-22

Advances in the design and application of highly efficient conjugated polymers and small molecules over the past years have enabled the rapid progress in the development of organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology as a promising alternative to conventional solar cells. Among the numerous OPV materials, benzodithiophene (BDT)-based polymers and small molecules have come to the fore in achieving outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) and breaking 10% efficiency barrier in the single junction OPV devices. Remarkably, the OPV device featured by BDT-based polymer has recently demonstrated an impressive PCE of 11.21%, indicating the great potential of this class of materials in commercial photovoltaic applications. In this review, we offered an overview of the organic photovoltaic materials based on BDT from the aspects of backbones, functional groups, alkyl chains, and device performance, trying to provide a guideline about the structure-performance relationship. We believe more exciting BDT-based photovoltaic materials and devices will be developed in the near future.

Experimental investigation on the hydrodynamic performance of a wave energy converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Xiong-bo; Ma, Yong; Zhang, Liang; Jiang, Jin; Liu, Heng-xu

2017-06-01

Wave energy is an important type of marine renewable energy. A wave energy converter (WEC) moored with two floating bodies was developed in the present study. To analyze the dynamic performance of the WEC, an experimental device was designed and tested in a tank. The experiment focused on the factors which impact the motion and energy conversion performance of the WEC. Dynamic performance was evaluated by the relative displacements and velocities of the oscillator and carrier which served as the floating bodies of WEC. Four factors were tested, i.e. wave height, wave period, power take-off (PTO) damping, and mass ratio ( R M) of the oscillator and carrier. Experimental results show that these factors greatly affect the energy conversion performance, especially when the wave period matches R M and PTO damping. According to the results, we conclude that: (a) the maximization of the relative displacements and velocities leads to the maximization of the energy conversion efficiency; (b) the larger the wave height, the higher the energy conversion efficiency will be; (c) the relationships of energy conversion efficiency with wave period, PTO damping, and R M are nonlinear, but the maximum efficiency is obtained when these three factors are optimally matched. Experimental results demonstrated that the energy conversion efficiency reached the peak at 28.62% when the wave height was 120 mm, wave period was 1.0 s, R M was 0.21, and the PTO damping was corresponding to the resistance of 100 Ω.

Nano-electro-mechanical pump: Giant pumping of water in carbon nanotubes

PubMed Central

Farimani, Amir Barati; Heiranian, Mohammad; Aluru, Narayana R.

2016-01-01

A fully controllable nano-electro-mechanical device that can pump fluids at nanoscale is proposed. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that an applied electric field to an ion@C60 inside a water-filled carbon nanotube can pump water with excellent efficiency. The key physical mechanism governing the fluid pumping is the conversion of electrical energy into hydrodynamic flow with efficiencies as high as 64%. Our results show that water can be compressed up to 7% higher than its bulk value by applying electric fields. High flux of water (up to 13,000 molecules/ns) is obtained by the electro-mechanical, piston-cylinder-like moving mechanism of the ion@C60 in the CNT. This large flux results from the piston-like mechanism, compressibility of water (increase in density of water due to molecular ordering), orienting dipole along the electric field and efficient electrical to mechanical energy conversion. Our findings can pave the way towards efficient energy conversion, pumping of fluids at nanoscale, and drug delivery. PMID:27193507

Nano-electro-mechanical pump: Giant pumping of water in carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farimani, Amir Barati; Heiranian, Mohammad; Aluru, Narayana R.

2016-05-01

A fully controllable nano-electro-mechanical device that can pump fluids at nanoscale is proposed. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that an applied electric field to an ion@C60 inside a water-filled carbon nanotube can pump water with excellent efficiency. The key physical mechanism governing the fluid pumping is the conversion of electrical energy into hydrodynamic flow with efficiencies as high as 64%. Our results show that water can be compressed up to 7% higher than its bulk value by applying electric fields. High flux of water (up to 13,000 molecules/ns) is obtained by the electro-mechanical, piston-cylinder-like moving mechanism of the ion@C60 in the CNT. This large flux results from the piston-like mechanism, compressibility of water (increase in density of water due to molecular ordering), orienting dipole along the electric field and efficient electrical to mechanical energy conversion. Our findings can pave the way towards efficient energy conversion, pumping of fluids at nanoscale, and drug delivery.

Nano-electro-mechanical pump: Giant pumping of water in carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Farimani, Amir Barati; Heiranian, Mohammad; Aluru, Narayana R

2016-05-19

A fully controllable nano-electro-mechanical device that can pump fluids at nanoscale is proposed. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that an applied electric field to an ion@C60 inside a water-filled carbon nanotube can pump water with excellent efficiency. The key physical mechanism governing the fluid pumping is the conversion of electrical energy into hydrodynamic flow with efficiencies as high as 64%. Our results show that water can be compressed up to 7% higher than its bulk value by applying electric fields. High flux of water (up to 13,000 molecules/ns) is obtained by the electro-mechanical, piston-cylinder-like moving mechanism of the ion@C60 in the CNT. This large flux results from the piston-like mechanism, compressibility of water (increase in density of water due to molecular ordering), orienting dipole along the electric field and efficient electrical to mechanical energy conversion. Our findings can pave the way towards efficient energy conversion, pumping of fluids at nanoscale, and drug delivery.

High-efficiency AlxGa1-xAs/GaAs cathode for photon-enhanced thermionic emission solar energy converters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Cheng; Zhang, Yijun; Qian, Yunsheng; Wang, Ziheng; Liu, Jian; Chang, Benkang; Shi, Feng; Jiao, Gangcheng

2018-04-01

A theoretical emission model for AlxGa1-xAs/GaAs cathode with complex structure based on photon-enhanced thermionic emission is developed by utilizing one-dimensional steady-state continuity equations. The cathode structure comprises a graded-composition AlxGa1-xAs window layer and an exponential-doping GaAs absorber layer. In the deduced model, the physical properties changing with the Al composition are taken into consideration. Simulated current-voltage characteristics are presented and some important factors affecting the conversion efficiency are also illustrated. Compared with the graded-composition and uniform-doping cathode structure, and the uniform-composition and uniform-doping cathode structure, the graded-composition and exponential-doping cathode structure can effectively improve the conversion efficiency, which is ascribed to the twofold built-in electric fields. More strikingly, this graded bandgap structure is especially suitable for photon-enhanced thermionic emission devices since a higher conversion efficiency can be achieved at a lower temperature.

High-Performance Three-Stage Cascade Thermoelectric Devices with 20% Efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cook, B. A.; Chan, T. E.; Dezsi, G.; Thomas, P.; Koch, C. C.; Poon, J.; Tritt, T.; Venkatasubramanian, R.

2015-06-01

The use of advanced materials has resulted in a significant improvement in thermoelectric device conversion efficiency. Three-stage cascade devices were assembled, consisting of nano-bulk Bi2Te3-based materials on the cold side, PbTe and enhanced TAGS-85 [(AgSbTe2)15(GeTe)85] for the mid-stage, and half-Heusler alloys for the high-temperature top stage. In addition, an area aspect ratio optimization process was applied in order to account for asymmetric thermal transport down the individual n- and p-legs. The n- and p-type chalcogenide alloy materials were prepared by high-energy mechanical ball-milling and/or cryogenic ball-milling of elementary powders, with subsequent consolidation by high-pressure uniaxial hot-pressing. The low-temperature stage materials, nano-bulk Bi2Te3- x Sb x and Bi2Te3- x Se x , exhibit a unique mixture of nanoscale features that leads to an enhanced Seebeck coefficient and reduced lattice thermal conductivity, thereby achieving an average ZT of ~1.26 and ~1.7 in the 27°C to 100°C range for the n-type and p-type materials, respectively. Also, the addition of small amounts of selected rare earth elements has been shown to improve the ZT of TAGS-85 by 25%, compared with conventional or neat TAGS-85, resulting in a ZT = 1.5 at 400°C. The incorporation of these improved materials resulted in a peak device conversion efficiency of ~20% at a temperature difference of 750°C when corrected for radiation heat losses and thermal conduction losses through the lead wires. These high-efficiency results were shown to be reproducible across multiple cascade devices.

Infrared power cells for satellite power conversion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Summers, Christopher J.

1991-01-01

An analytical investigation is performed to assess the feasibility of long-wavelength power converters for the direct conversion of IR radiation onto electrical power. Because theses devices need to operate between 5 and 30 um the only material system possible for this application is the HgCdTe system which is currently being developed for IR detectors. Thus solar cell and IR detector theories and technologies are combined. The following subject areas are covered: electronic and optical properties of HgCdTe alloys; optimum device geometry; junction theory; model calculation for homojunction power cell efficiency; and calculation for HgCdTe power cell and power beaming.

Multi-Scale Ordered Cell Structure for Cost Effective Production of Hydrogen by HTWS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Elangovan, Elango; Rao, Ranjeet; Colella, Whitney

Production of hydrogen using an electrochemical device provides for large scale, high efficiency conversion and storage of electrical energy. When renewable electricity is used for conversion of steam to hydrogen, a low-cost and low emissions pathway to hydrogen production emerges. This project was intended to demonstrate a high efficiency High Temperature Water Splitting (HTWS) stack for the electrochemical production of low cost H2. The innovations investigated address the limitations of the state of the art through the use of a novel architecture that introduces macro-features to provide mechanical support of a thin electrolyte, and micro-features of the electrodes to lowermore » polarization losses. The approach also utilizes a combination of unique sets of fabrication options that are scalable to achieve manufacturing cost objectives. The development of HTWS process and device is guided by techno-economic and life cycle analyses.« less

Electrothermal energy conversion using electron gas volumetric change inside semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazawa, K.; Shakouri, A.

2016-07-01

We propose and analyze an electrothermal energy converter using volumetric changes in non-equilibrium electron gas inside semiconductors. The geometric concentration of electron gas under an electric field increases the effective pressure of the electrons, and then a barrier filters out cold electrons, acting like a valve. Nano- and micro-scale features enable hot electrons to arrive at the contact in a short enough time to avoid thermalization with the lattice. Key length and time scales, preliminary device geometry, and anticipated efficiency are estimated for electronic analogs of Otto and Brayton power generators and Joule-Thomson micro refrigerators on a chip. The power generators convert the energy of incident photons from the heat source to electrical current, and the refrigerator can reduce the temperature of electrons in a semiconductor device. The analytic calculations show that a large energy conversion efficiency or coefficient of performance may be possible.

Electrothermal energy conversion using electron gas volumetric change inside semiconductors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yazawa, K.; Shakouri, A.

2016-07-25

We propose and analyze an electrothermal energy converter using volumetric changes in non-equilibrium electron gas inside semiconductors. The geometric concentration of electron gas under an electric field increases the effective pressure of the electrons, and then a barrier filters out cold electrons, acting like a valve. Nano- and micro-scale features enable hot electrons to arrive at the contact in a short enough time to avoid thermalization with the lattice. Key length and time scales, preliminary device geometry, and anticipated efficiency are estimated for electronic analogs of Otto and Brayton power generators and Joule-Thomson micro refrigerators on a chip. The powermore » generators convert the energy of incident photons from the heat source to electrical current, and the refrigerator can reduce the temperature of electrons in a semiconductor device. The analytic calculations show that a large energy conversion efficiency or coefficient of performance may be possible.« less

Photon-enhanced thermionic emission for solar concentrator systems.

PubMed

Schwede, Jared W; Bargatin, Igor; Riley, Daniel C; Hardin, Brian E; Rosenthal, Samuel J; Sun, Yun; Schmitt, Felix; Pianetta, Piero; Howe, Roger T; Shen, Zhi-Xun; Melosh, Nicholas A

2010-09-01

Solar-energy conversion usually takes one of two forms: the 'quantum' approach, which uses the large per-photon energy of solar radiation to excite electrons, as in photovoltaic cells, or the 'thermal' approach, which uses concentrated sunlight as a thermal-energy source to indirectly produce electricity using a heat engine. Here we present a new concept for solar electricity generation, photon-enhanced thermionic emission, which combines quantum and thermal mechanisms into a single physical process. The device is based on thermionic emission of photoexcited electrons from a semiconductor cathode at high temperature. Temperature-dependent photoemission-yield measurements from GaN show strong evidence for photon-enhanced thermionic emission, and calculated efficiencies for idealized devices can exceed the theoretical limits of single-junction photovoltaic cells. The proposed solar converter would operate at temperatures exceeding 200 degrees C, enabling its waste heat to be used to power a secondary thermal engine, boosting theoretical combined conversion efficiencies above 50%.

Graphene-based photovoltaic cells for near-field thermal energy conversion

PubMed Central

Messina, Riccardo; Ben-Abdallah, Philippe

2013-01-01

Thermophotovoltaic devices are energy-conversion systems generating an electric current from the thermal photons radiated by a hot body. While their efficiency is limited in far field by the Schockley-Queisser limit, in near field the heat flux transferred to a photovoltaic cell can be largely enhanced because of the contribution of evanescent photons, in particular for a source supporting a surface mode. Unfortunately, in the infrared where these systems operate, the mismatch between the surface-mode frequency and the semiconductor gap reduces drastically the potential of this technology. In this paper we propose a modified thermophotovoltaic device in which the cell is covered by a graphene sheet. By discussing the transmission coefficient and the spectral properties of the flux, we show that both the cell efficiency and the produced current can be enhanced, paving the way to promising developments for the production of electricity from waste heat. PMID:23474891

Graphene-based photovoltaic cells for near-field thermal energy conversion.

PubMed

Messina, Riccardo; Ben-Abdallah, Philippe

2013-01-01

Thermophotovoltaic devices are energy-conversion systems generating an electric current from the thermal photons radiated by a hot body. While their efficiency is limited in far field by the Schockley-Queisser limit, in near field the heat flux transferred to a photovoltaic cell can be largely enhanced because of the contribution of evanescent photons, in particular for a source supporting a surface mode. Unfortunately, in the infrared where these systems operate, the mismatch between the surface-mode frequency and the semiconductor gap reduces drastically the potential of this technology. In this paper we propose a modified thermophotovoltaic device in which the cell is covered by a graphene sheet. By discussing the transmission coefficient and the spectral properties of the flux, we show that both the cell efficiency and the produced current can be enhanced, paving the way to promising developments for the production of electricity from waste heat.

Perovskite as light harvester: a game changer in photovoltaics.

PubMed

Kazim, Samrana; Nazeeruddin, Mohammad Khaja; Grätzel, Michael; Ahmad, Shahzada

2014-03-10

It is not often that the scientific community is blessed with a material, which brings enormous hopes and receives special attention. When it does, it expands at a rapid pace and its every dimension creates curiosity. One such material is perovskite, which has triggered the development of new device architectures in energy conversion. Perovskites are of great interest in photovoltaic devices due to their panchromatic light absorption and ambipolar behavior. Power conversion efficiencies have been doubled in less than a year and over 15% is being now measured in labs. Every digit increment in efficiency is being celebrated widely in the scientific community and is being discussed in industry. Here we provide a summary on the use of perovskite for inexpensive solar cells fabrication. It will not be unrealistic to speculate that one day perovskite-based solar cells can match the capability and capacity of existing technologies. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Variable speed control in wells turbine-based oscillating water column devices: optimum rotational speed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lekube, J.; Garrido, A. J.; Garrido, I.

2018-03-01

The effects of climate change and global warming reveal the need to find alternative sources of clean energy. In this sense, wave energy power plants, and in particular Oscillating Water Column (OWC) devices, offer a huge potential of energy harnessing. Nevertheless, the conversion systems have not reached a commercially mature stage yet so as to compete with conventional power plants. At this point, the use of new control methods over the existing technology arises as a doable way to improve the efficiency of the system. Due to the non-uniform response that the turbine shows to the rotational speed variation, the speed control of the turbo-generator may offer a feasible solution for efficiency improvement during the energy conversion. In this context, a novel speed control approach for OWC systems is presented in this paper, demonstrating its goodness and affording promising results when particularized to the Mutriku’s wave power plant.

Quantitative experimental assessment of hot carrier-enhanced solar cells at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Dac-Trung; Lombez, Laurent; Gibelli, François; Boyer-Richard, Soline; Le Corre, Alain; Durand, Olivier; Guillemoles, Jean-François

2018-03-01

In common photovoltaic devices, the part of the incident energy above the absorption threshold quickly ends up as heat, which limits their maximum achievable efficiency to far below the thermodynamic limit for solar energy conversion. Conversely, the conversion of the excess kinetic energy of the photogenerated carriers into additional free energy would be sufficient to approach the thermodynamic limit. This is the principle of hot carrier devices. Unfortunately, such device operation in conditions relevant for utilization has never been evidenced. Here, we show that the quantitative thermodynamic study of the hot carrier population, with luminance measurements, allows us to discuss the hot carrier contribution to the solar cell performance. We demonstrate that the voltage and current can be enhanced in a semiconductor heterostructure due to the presence of the hot carrier population in a single InGaAsP quantum well at room temperature. These experimental results substantiate the potential of increasing photovoltaic performances in the hot carrier regime.

Auger Up-Conversion of Low-Intensity Infrared Light in Engineered Quantum Dots

DOE PAGES

Makarov, Nikolay S.; Lin, Qianglu; Pietryga, Jeffrey M.; ...

2016-11-29

One source of efficiency losses in photovoltaic cells is their transparency toward solar photons with energies below the band gap of the absorbing layer. This loss can be reduced using a process of up-conversion whereby two or more sub-band-gap photons generate a single above-gap exciton. Traditional approaches to up-conversion, such as nonlinear two-photon absorption (2PA) or triplet fusion, suffer from low efficiency at solar light intensities, a narrow absorption bandwidth, nonoptimal absorption energies, and difficulties for implementing in practical devices. We show that these deficiencies can be alleviated using the effect of Auger up-conversion in thick-shell PbSe/CdSe quantum dots. Thismore » process relies on Auger recombination whereby two low-energy, core-based excitons are converted into a single higher-energy, shell-based exciton. When compared to their monocomponent counterparts, the tailored PbSe/CdSe heterostructures feature enhanced absorption cross-sections, a higher efficiency of the “productive” Auger pathway involving re-excitation of a hole, and longer lifetimes of both core- and shell-localized excitons. These features lead to effective up-conversion cross-sections that are more than 6 orders of magnitude higher than for standard nonlinear 2PA, which allows for efficient up-conversion of continuous wave infrared light at intensities as low as a few watts per square centimeter.« less

Assembly and characterization of quantum-dot solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leschkies, Kurtis Siegfried

Environmentally clean renewable energy resources such as solar energy have gained significant attention due to a continual increase in worldwide energy demand. A variety of technologies have been developed to harness solar energy. For example, photovoltaic (or solar) cells based on silicon wafers can convert solar energy directly into electricity with high efficiency, however they are expensive to manufacture, and thus unattractive for widespread use. As the need for low-cost, solar-derived energy becomes more dire, strategies are underway to identify materials and photovoltaic device architectures that are inexpensive yet efficient compared to traditional silicon solar cells. Nanotechnology enables novel approaches to solar-to-electric energy conversion that may provide both high efficiencies and simpler manufacturing methods. For example, nanometer-size semiconductor crystallites, or semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), can be used as photoactive materials in solar cells to potentially achieve a maximum theoretical power conversion efficiency which exceeds that of current mainstay solar technology at a much lower cost. However, the novel concepts of quantum dot solar cells and their energy conversion designs are still very much in their infancy, as a general understanding of their assembly and operation is limited. This thesis introduces various innovative and novel solar cell architectures based on semiconductor QDs and provides a fundamental understanding of the operating principles that govern the performance of these solar cells. Such effort may lead to the advancement of current nanotechnology-based solar power technologies and perhaps new initiatives in nextgeneration solar energy conversion devices. We assemble QD-based solar cells by depositing photoactive QDs directly onto thin ZnO films or ZnO nanowires. In one scheme, we combine CdSe QDs and single-crystal ZnO nanowires to demonstrate a new type of quantum-dot-sensitized solar cell (QDSSC). An array of ZnO nanowires was grown vertically from a fluorine-doped-tin-oxide conducting substrate and decorated with an ensemble of CdSe QDs, capped with mercaptopropionic acid. When illuminated with visible light, the CdSe QDs absorb photons and inject electrons into the ZnO nanowires. The morphology of the nanowires then provided these photoinjected electrons with a direct and efficient electrical pathway to the photoanode. When using a liquid electrolyte as the hole transport medium, our quantum-dot-sensitized nanowire solar cells exhibited short-circuit current densities up to 2.1 mA/cm 2 and open-circuit voltages between 0.6--0.65 V when illuminated with 100 mW/cm2 of simulated AM1.5 light. Our QDSSCs also demonstrated internal quantum efficiencies as high as 50--60%, comparable to those reported for dye-sensitized solar cells made using similar nanowires. We found that the overall power conversion efficiency of these QDSSCs is largely limited by the surface area of the nanowires available for QD adsorption. Unfortunately, the QDs used to make these devices corrode in the presence of the liquid electrolyte and QDSSC performance degrades after several hours. Consequently, further improvements on the efficiency and stability of these QDSSCs required development of an optimal hole transport medium and a transition away from the liquid electrolyte. Towards improving the reliability of semiconductor QDs in solar cells, we developed a new type of all-solid-based solar cell based on heterojunctions between PbSe QDs and thin ZnO films. We found that the photovoltage obtained in these devices depends on QD size and increases linearly with the QD effective bandgap energy. Thus, these solar cells resemble traditional photovoltaic devices based on a semiconductor--semiconductor heterojunction but with the important difference that the bandgap energy of one of the semiconductors, and consequently the cell's photovoltage, can be varied by changing the size of the QDs. Under simulated 100 mW/cm2 AM1.5 illumination, these QD-based solar cells exhibit short-circuit current densities as high as 15 mA/cm2 and open-circuit voltages up to 0.45 V, larger than that achieved with solar cells based on junctions between PbSe QDs and metal films. Moreover, we found that incident-photon-to-current-conversion efficiency in these solar cells can be increased by replacing the ZnO films with a vertically-oriented array of single crystal ZnO nanowires, separated by distances comparable to the exciton diffusion length, and infiltrating this array with colloidal PbSe QDs. In this scheme, photogenerated excitons can encounter a donor--acceptor junction before they recombine. Thus, we were able to construct solar cells with thick QD absorber layers that were still capable of efficiently extracting charge despite short exciton or charge carrier diffusion lengths. When illuminated with the AM1.5 spectrum, these nanowire-based quantum-dot solar cells exhibited power conversion efficiencies approaching 2%, approximately three times higher than that achieved with thin film ZnO devices constructed with the same amount of QDs. Supporting experiments using field-effect transistors made from the PbSe QDs as well as the sensitivity of these transistors to nitrogen and oxygen gas show that the solar cells described above are unlikely to be operating like traditional p--n heterojunction solar cells. All data, including significant improvements in both photocurrent and power conversion efficiency with increasing nanowire length, suggest that these photovoltaic devices operate as excitonic solar cells.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Makarov, Nikolay S.; Lin, Qianglu; Pietryga, Jeffrey M.

One source of efficiency losses in photovoltaic cells is their transparency toward solar photons with energies below the band gap of the absorbing layer. This loss can be reduced using a process of up-conversion whereby two or more sub-band-gap photons generate a single above-gap exciton. Traditional approaches to up-conversion, such as nonlinear two-photon absorption (2PA) or triplet fusion, suffer from low efficiency at solar light intensities, a narrow absorption bandwidth, nonoptimal absorption energies, and difficulties for implementing in practical devices. We show that these deficiencies can be alleviated using the effect of Auger up-conversion in thick-shell PbSe/CdSe quantum dots. Thismore » process relies on Auger recombination whereby two low-energy, core-based excitons are converted into a single higher-energy, shell-based exciton. When compared to their monocomponent counterparts, the tailored PbSe/CdSe heterostructures feature enhanced absorption cross-sections, a higher efficiency of the “productive” Auger pathway involving re-excitation of a hole, and longer lifetimes of both core- and shell-localized excitons. These features lead to effective up-conversion cross-sections that are more than 6 orders of magnitude higher than for standard nonlinear 2PA, which allows for efficient up-conversion of continuous wave infrared light at intensities as low as a few watts per square centimeter.« less

A role for high frequency superconducting devices in free space power transmission systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christian, Jose L., Jr.; Cull, Ronald C.

1988-01-01

Major advances in space power technology are being made in photovoltaic, solar thermal, and nuclear systems. Despite these advances, the power systems required by the energy and power intensive mission of the future will be massive due to the large collecting surfaces, large thermal management systems, and heavy shielding. Reducing this mass on board the space vehicle can result in significant benefits because of the high cost of transporting and moving mass about in space. An approach to this problem is beaming the power from a point where the massiveness of the power plant is not such a major concern. The viability of such an approach was already investigated. Efficient microwave power beam transmission at 2.45 GHz was demonstrated over short range. Higher frequencies are desired for efficient transmission over several hundred or thousand kilometers in space. Superconducting DC-RF conversion as well as RF-DC conversion offers exciting possibilities. Multivoltage power conditioning for multicavity high power RF tubes could be eliminated since only low voltages are required for Josephson junctions. Small, high efficiency receivers may be possible using the reverse Josephson effects. A conceptual receiving antenna design using superconducting devices to determine possible system operating efficiency is assessed. If realized, these preliminary assessments indicate a role for superconducting devices in millimeter and submillimeter free space power transmission systems.

Fluorination-enabled optimal morphology leads to over 11% efficiency for inverted small-molecule organic solar cells

PubMed Central

Deng, Dan; Zhang, Yajie; Zhang, Jianqi; Wang, Zaiyu; Zhu, Lingyun; Fang, Jin; Xia, Benzheng; Wang, Zhen; Lu, Kun; Ma, Wei; Wei, Zhixiang

2016-01-01

Solution-processable small molecules for organic solar cells have attracted intense attention for their advantages of definite molecular structures compared with their polymer counterparts. However, the device efficiencies based on small molecules are still lower than those of polymers, especially for inverted devices, the highest efficiency of which is <9%. Here we report three novel solution-processable small molecules, which contain π-bridges with gradient-decreased electron density and end acceptors substituted with various fluorine atoms (0F, 1F and 2F, respectively). Fluorination leads to an optimal active layer morphology, including an enhanced domain purity, the formation of hierarchical domain size and a directional vertical phase gradation. The optimal morphology balances charge separation and transfer, and facilitates charge collection. As a consequence, fluorinated molecules exhibit excellent inverted device performance, and an average power conversion efficiency of 11.08% is achieved for a two-fluorine atom substituted molecule. PMID:27991486

Improved efficiency of NiOx-based p-i-n perovskite solar cells by using PTEG-1 as electron transport layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Groeneveld, Bart G. H. M.; Najafi, Mehrdad; Steensma, Bauke; Adjokatse, Sampson; Fang, Hong-Hua; Jahani, Fatemeh; Qiu, Li; ten Brink, Gert H.; Hummelen, Jan C.; Loi, Maria Antonietta

2017-07-01

We present efficient p-i-n type perovskite solar cells using NiOx as the hole transport layer and a fulleropyrrolidine with a triethylene glycol monoethyl ether side chain (PTEG-1) as electron transport layer. This electron transport layer leads to higher power conversion efficiencies compared to perovskite solar cells with PCBM (phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester). The improved performance of PTEG-1 devices is attributed to the reduced trap-assisted recombination and improved charge extraction in these solar cells, as determined by light intensity dependence and photoluminescence measurements. Through optimization of the hole and electron transport layers, the power conversion efficiency of the NiOx/perovskite/PTEG-1 solar cells was increased up to 16.1%.

Vapor and healing treatment for CH3NH3PbI3-xClx films toward large-area perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gouda, Laxman; Gottesman, Ronen; Tirosh, Shay; Haltzi, Eynav; Hu, Jiangang; Ginsburg, Adam; Keller, David A.; Bouhadana, Yaniv; Zaban, Arie

2016-03-01

Hybrid methyl-ammonium lead trihalide perovskites are promising low-cost materials for use in solar cells and other optoelectronic applications. With a certified photovoltaic conversion efficiency record of 20.1%, scale-up for commercial purposes is already underway. However, preparation of large-area perovskite films remains a challenge, and films of perovskites on large electrodes suffer from non-uniform performance. Thus, production and characterization of the lateral uniformity of large-area films is a crucial step towards scale-up of devices. In this paper, we present a reproducible method for improving the lateral uniformity and performance of large-area perovskite solar cells (32 cm2). The method is based on methyl-ammonium iodide (MAI) vapor treatment as a new step in the sequential deposition of perovskite films. Following the MAI vapor treatment, we used high throughput techniques to map the photovoltaic performance throughout the large-area device. The lateral uniformity and performance of all photovoltaic parameters (Voc, Jsc, Fill Factor, Photo-conversion efficiency) increased, with an overall improved photo-conversion efficiency of ~100% following a vapor treatment at 140 °C. Based on XRD and photoluminescence measurements, We propose that the MAI treatment promotes a ``healing effect'' to the perovskite film which increases the lateral uniformity across the large-area solar cell. Thus, the straightforward MAI vapor treatment is highly beneficial for large scale commercialization of perovskite solar cells, regardless of the specific deposition method.Hybrid methyl-ammonium lead trihalide perovskites are promising low-cost materials for use in solar cells and other optoelectronic applications. With a certified photovoltaic conversion efficiency record of 20.1%, scale-up for commercial purposes is already underway. However, preparation of large-area perovskite films remains a challenge, and films of perovskites on large electrodes suffer from non-uniform performance. Thus, production and characterization of the lateral uniformity of large-area films is a crucial step towards scale-up of devices. In this paper, we present a reproducible method for improving the lateral uniformity and performance of large-area perovskite solar cells (32 cm2). The method is based on methyl-ammonium iodide (MAI) vapor treatment as a new step in the sequential deposition of perovskite films. Following the MAI vapor treatment, we used high throughput techniques to map the photovoltaic performance throughout the large-area device. The lateral uniformity and performance of all photovoltaic parameters (Voc, Jsc, Fill Factor, Photo-conversion efficiency) increased, with an overall improved photo-conversion efficiency of ~100% following a vapor treatment at 140 °C. Based on XRD and photoluminescence measurements, We propose that the MAI treatment promotes a ``healing effect'' to the perovskite film which increases the lateral uniformity across the large-area solar cell. Thus, the straightforward MAI vapor treatment is highly beneficial for large scale commercialization of perovskite solar cells, regardless of the specific deposition method. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08658b

Electrical efficiency and droop in MQW LEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malyutenko, V. K.

2014-02-01

It is believed that low power conversion efficiency in commercial MQW LEDs occurs as a result of efficiency droop, current-induced dynamic degradation of the internal quantum efficiency, injection efficiency, and extraction efficiency. Broadly speaking, all these "quenching" mechanisms could be referred to as the optical losses. The vast advances of high-power InGaN and AlGaInP MQW LEDs have been achieved by addressing these losses. In contrast to these studies, in this paper we consider an alternative approach to make high-power LEDs more efficient. We identify current-induced electrical efficiency degradation (EED) as a strong limiting factor of power conversion efficiency. We found that EED is caused by current crowding followed by an increase in current-induced series resistance of a device. By decreasing the current spreading length, EED also causes the optical efficiency to degrade and stands for an important aspect of LED performance. This paper gives scientists the opportunity to look for different attributes of EED.

Stable Radical Materials for Energy Applications.

PubMed

Wilcox, Daniel A; Agarkar, Varad; Mukherjee, Sanjoy; Boudouris, Bryan W

2018-06-07

Although less studied than their closed-shell counterparts, materials containing stable open-shell chemistries have played a key role in many energy storage and energy conversion devices. In particular, the oxidation-reduction (redox) properties of these stable radicals have made them a substantial contributor to the progress of organic batteries. Moreover, the use of radical-based materials in photovoltaic devices and thermoelectric systems has allowed for these emerging molecules to have impacts in the energy conversion realm. Additionally, the unique doublet states of radical-based materials provide access to otherwise inaccessible spin states in optoelectronic devices, offering many new opportunities for efficient usage of energy in light-emitting devices. Here, we review the current state of the art regarding the molecular design, synthesis, and application of stable radicals in these energy-related applications. Finally, we point to fundamental and applied arenas of future promise for these designer open-shell molecules, which have only just begun to be evaluated in full.

Temperature-gated thermal rectifier for active heat flow control.

PubMed

Zhu, Jia; Hippalgaonkar, Kedar; Shen, Sheng; Wang, Kevin; Abate, Yohannes; Lee, Sangwook; Wu, Junqiao; Yin, Xiaobo; Majumdar, Arun; Zhang, Xiang

2014-08-13

Active heat flow control is essential for broad applications of heating, cooling, and energy conversion. Like electronic devices developed for the control of electric power, it is very desirable to develop advanced all-thermal solid-state devices that actively control heat flow without consuming other forms of energy. Here we demonstrate temperature-gated thermal rectification using vanadium dioxide beams in which the environmental temperature actively modulates asymmetric heat flow. In this three terminal device, there are two switchable states, which can be regulated by global heating. In the "Rectifier" state, we observe up to 28% thermal rectification. In the "Resistor" state, the thermal rectification is significantly suppressed (<1%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of solid-state active-thermal devices with a large rectification in the Rectifier state. This temperature-gated rectifier can have substantial implications ranging from autonomous thermal management of heating and cooling systems to efficient thermal energy conversion and storage.

High-efficiency robust perovskite solar cells on ultrathin flexible substrates

PubMed Central

Li, Yaowen; Meng, Lei; Yang, Yang (Michael); Xu, Guiying; Hong, Ziruo; Chen, Qi; You, Jingbi; Li, Gang; Yang, Yang; Li, Yongfang

2016-01-01

Wide applications of personal consumer electronics have triggered tremendous need for portable power sources featuring light-weight and mechanical flexibility. Perovskite solar cells offer a compelling combination of low-cost and high device performance. Here we demonstrate high-performance planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells constructed on highly flexible and ultrathin silver-mesh/conducting polymer substrates. The device performance is comparable to that of their counterparts on rigid glass/indium tin oxide substrates, reaching a power conversion efficiency of 14.0%, while the specific power (the ratio of power to device weight) reaches 1.96 kW kg−1, given the fact that the device is constructed on a 57-μm-thick polyethylene terephthalate based substrate. The flexible device also demonstrates excellent robustness against mechanical deformation, retaining >95% of its original efficiency after 5,000 times fully bending. Our results confirmed that perovskite thin films are fully compatible with our flexible substrates, and are thus promising for future applications in flexible and bendable solar cells. PMID:26750664

Ultra-low-power conversion and management techniques for thermoelectric energy harvesting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleming, Jerry W.

2010-04-01

Thermoelectric energy harvesting has increasingly gained acceptance as a potential power source that can be used for numerous commercial and military applications. However, power electronic designers have struggled to incorporate energy harvesting methods into their designs due to the relatively small voltage levels available from many harvesting device technologies. In order to bridge this gap, an ultra-low input voltage power conversion method is needed to convert small amounts of scavenged energy into a usable form of electricity. Such a method would be an enabler for new and improved medical devices, sensor systems, and other portable electronic products. This paper addresses the technical challenges involved in ultra-low-voltage power conversion by providing a solution utilizing novel power conversion techniques and applied technologies. Our solution utilizes intelligent power management techniques to control unknown startup conditions. The load and supply management functionality is also controlled in a deterministic manner. The DC to DC converter input operating voltage is 20mV with a conversion efficiency of 90% or more. The output voltage is stored into a storage device such as an ultra-capacitor or lithium-ion battery for use during brown-out or unfavorable harvesting conditions. Applications requiring modular, low power, extended maintenance cycles, such as wireless instrumentation would significantly benefit from the novel power conversion and harvesting techniques outlined in this paper.

Highly efficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells grown on flexible polymer films.

PubMed

Chirilă, Adrian; Buecheler, Stephan; Pianezzi, Fabian; Bloesch, Patrick; Gretener, Christina; Uhl, Alexander R; Fella, Carolin; Kranz, Lukas; Perrenoud, Julian; Seyrling, Sieghard; Verma, Rajneesh; Nishiwaki, Shiro; Romanyuk, Yaroslav E; Bilger, Gerhard; Tiwari, Ayodhya N

2011-09-18

Solar cells based on polycrystalline Cu(In,Ga)Se(2) absorber layers have yielded the highest conversion efficiency among all thin-film technologies, and the use of flexible polymer films as substrates offers several advantages in lowering manufacturing costs. However, given that conversion efficiency is crucial for cost-competitiveness, it is necessary to develop devices on flexible substrates that perform as well as those obtained on rigid substrates. Such comparable performance has not previously been achieved, primarily because polymer films require much lower substrate temperatures during absorber deposition, generally resulting in much lower efficiencies. Here we identify a strong composition gradient in the absorber layer as the main reason for inferior performance and show that, by adjusting it appropriately, very high efficiencies can be obtained. This implies that future manufacturing of highly efficient flexible solar cells could lower the cost of solar electricity and thus become a significant branch of the photovoltaic industry.

White organic light-emitting diodes with fluorescent tube efficiency.

PubMed

Reineke, Sebastian; Lindner, Frank; Schwartz, Gregor; Seidler, Nico; Walzer, Karsten; Lüssem, Björn; Leo, Karl

2009-05-14

The development of white organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) holds great promise for the production of highly efficient large-area light sources. High internal quantum efficiencies for the conversion of electrical energy to light have been realized. Nevertheless, the overall device power efficiencies are still considerably below the 60-70 lumens per watt of fluorescent tubes, which is the current benchmark for novel light sources. Although some reports about highly power-efficient white OLEDs exist, details about structure and the measurement conditions of these structures have not been fully disclosed: the highest power efficiency reported in the scientific literature is 44 lm W(-1) (ref. 7). Here we report an improved OLED structure which reaches fluorescent tube efficiency. By combining a carefully chosen emitter layer with high-refractive-index substrates, and using a periodic outcoupling structure, we achieve a device power efficiency of 90 lm W(-1) at 1,000 candelas per square metre. This efficiency has the potential to be raised to 124 lm W(-1) if the light outcoupling can be further improved. Besides approaching internal quantum efficiency values of one, we have also focused on reducing energetic and ohmic losses that occur during electron-photon conversion. We anticipate that our results will be a starting point for further research, leading to white OLEDs having efficiencies beyond 100 lm W(-1). This could make white-light OLEDs, with their soft area light and high colour-rendering qualities, the light sources of choice for the future.

Analysis of Thermal Losses for a Variety of Single-Junction Photovoltaic Cells: An Interesting Means of Thermoelectric Heat Recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenzi, Bruno; Acciarri, Maurizio; Narducci, Dario

2015-06-01

Exploitation of solar energy conversion has become a fundamental aspect of satisfying a growing demand for energy. Thus, improvement of the efficiency of conversion in photovoltaic (PV) devices is highly desirable to further promote this source. Because it is well known that the most relevant efficiency constraint, especially for single-junction solar cells, is unused heat within the device, hybrid thermo-photovoltaic systems seem promising . Among several hybrid solutions proposed in the literature, coupling of thermoelectric and PV devices seems one of the most interesting. Taking full advantage of this technology requires proper definition and analysis of the thermal losses occurring in PV cells. In this communication we propose a novel analysis of such losses, decoupling source-dependent and absorber-dependent losses. This analysis enables an evaluation of the actual recoverable amount of energy, depending on the absorber used in the PV cell. It shows that for incoming solar irradiation of , and depending on the choice of material, the maximum available thermal power ranges from (for single-crystal silicon) to (for amorphous silicon).

Thermionic Energy Conversion Based on Graphene van der Waals Heterostructures

PubMed Central

Liang, Shi-Jun; Liu, Bo; Hu, Wei; Zhou, Kun; Ang, L. K.

2017-01-01

Seeking for thermoelectric (TE) materials with high figure of merit (or ZT), which can directly converts low-grade wasted heat (400 to 500 K) into electricity, has been a big challenge. Inspired by the concept of multilayer thermionic devices, we propose and design a solid-state thermionic devices (as a power generator or a refrigerator) in using van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure sandwiched between two graphene electrodes, to achieve high energy conversion efficiency in the temperature range of 400 to 500 K. The vdW heterostructure is composed of suitable multiple layers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS2, MoSe2, WS2 and WSe2. From our calculations, WSe2 and MoSe2 are identified as two ideal TMDs (using the reported experimental material’s properties), which can harvest waste heat at 400 K with efficiencies about 7% to 8%. To our best knowledge, this design is the first in combining the advantages of graphene electrodes and TMDs to function as a thermionic-based device. PMID:28387363

Enhanced piezoelectricity and stretchability in energy harvesting devices fabricated from buckled PZT ribbons.

PubMed

Qi, Yi; Kim, Jihoon; Nguyen, Thanh D; Lisko, Bozhena; Purohit, Prashant K; McAlpine, Michael C

2011-03-09

The development of a method for integrating highly efficient energy conversion materials onto soft, biocompatible substrates could yield breakthroughs in implantable or wearable energy harvesting systems. Of particular interest are devices which can conform to irregular, curved surfaces, and operate in vital environments that may involve both flexing and stretching modes. Previous studies have shown significant advances in the integration of highly efficient piezoelectric nanocrystals on flexible and bendable substrates. Yet, such inorganic nanomaterials are mechanically incompatible with the extreme elasticity of elastomeric substrates. Here, we present a novel strategy for overcoming these limitations, by generating wavy piezoelectric ribbons on silicone rubber. Our results show that the amplitudes in the waves accommodate order-of-magnitude increases in maximum tensile strain without fracture. Further, local probing of the buckled ribbons reveals an enhancement in the piezoelectric effect of up to 70%, thus representing the highest reported piezoelectric response on a stretchable medium. These results allow for the integration of energy conversion devices which operate in stretching mode via reversible deformations in the wavy/buckled ribbons.

Energy-level alignment and open-circuit voltage at graphene/polymer interfaces: theory and experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noori, Keian; Konios, Dimitrios; Stylianakis, Minas M.; Kymakis, Emmanuel; Giustino, Feliciano

2016-03-01

Functionalized graphene promises to become a key component of novel solar cell architectures, owing to its versatile ability to act either as transparent conductor, electron acceptor, or buffer layer. In spite of this promise, the solar energy conversion efficiency of graphene-based devices falls short of the performance of competing solution-processable photovoltaic technologies. Here we address the question of the maximum achievable open-circuit voltage of all-organic graphene: polymer solar cells using a combined theoretical/experimental approach, going from the atomic scale level to the device level. Our calculations on very large atomistic models of the graphene/polymer interface indicate that the ideal open-circuit voltage approaches one volt, and that epoxide functional groups can have a dramatic effect on the photovoltage. Our predictions are confirmed by direct measurements on complete devices where we control the concentration of functional groups via chemical reduction. Our findings indicate that the selective removal of epoxide groups and the use of ultradisperse polymers are key to achieving graphene solar cells with improved energy conversion efficiency.

Low-temperature-processed efficient semi-transparent planar perovskite solar cells for bifacial and tandem applications

PubMed Central

Fu, Fan; Feurer, Thomas; Jäger, Timo; Avancini, Enrico; Bissig, Benjamin; Yoon, Songhak; Buecheler, Stephan; Tiwari, Ayodhya N.

2015-01-01

Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells are highly attractive for a wide range of applications, such as bifacial and tandem solar cells; however, the power conversion efficiency of semi-transparent devices still lags behind due to missing suitable transparent rear electrode or deposition process. Here we report a low-temperature process for efficient semi-transparent planar perovskite solar cells. A hybrid thermal evaporation–spin coating technique is developed to allow the introduction of PCBM in regular device configuration, which facilitates the growth of high-quality absorber, resulting in hysteresis-free devices. We employ high-mobility hydrogenated indium oxide as transparent rear electrode by room-temperature radio-frequency magnetron sputtering, yielding a semi-transparent solar cell with steady-state efficiency of 14.2% along with 72% average transmittance in the near-infrared region. With such semi-transparent devices, we show a substantial power enhancement when operating as bifacial solar cell, and in combination with low-bandgap copper indium gallium diselenide we further demonstrate 20.5% efficiency in four-terminal tandem configuration. PMID:26576667

Low-temperature-processed efficient semi-transparent planar perovskite solar cells for bifacial and tandem applications.

PubMed

Fu, Fan; Feurer, Thomas; Jäger, Timo; Avancini, Enrico; Bissig, Benjamin; Yoon, Songhak; Buecheler, Stephan; Tiwari, Ayodhya N

2015-11-18

Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells are highly attractive for a wide range of applications, such as bifacial and tandem solar cells; however, the power conversion efficiency of semi-transparent devices still lags behind due to missing suitable transparent rear electrode or deposition process. Here we report a low-temperature process for efficient semi-transparent planar perovskite solar cells. A hybrid thermal evaporation-spin coating technique is developed to allow the introduction of PCBM in regular device configuration, which facilitates the growth of high-quality absorber, resulting in hysteresis-free devices. We employ high-mobility hydrogenated indium oxide as transparent rear electrode by room-temperature radio-frequency magnetron sputtering, yielding a semi-transparent solar cell with steady-state efficiency of 14.2% along with 72% average transmittance in the near-infrared region. With such semi-transparent devices, we show a substantial power enhancement when operating as bifacial solar cell, and in combination with low-bandgap copper indium gallium diselenide we further demonstrate 20.5% efficiency in four-terminal tandem configuration.

Efficient quantum microwave-to-optical conversion using electro-optic nanophotonic coupled resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soltani, Mohammad; Zhang, Mian; Ryan, Colm; Ribeill, Guilhem J.; Wang, Cheng; Loncar, Marko

2017-10-01

We propose a low-noise, triply resonant, electro-optic (EO) scheme for quantum microwave-to-optical conversion based on coupled nanophotonics resonators integrated with a superconducting qubit. Our optical system features a split resonance—a doublet—with a tunable frequency splitting that matches the microwave resonance frequency of the superconducting qubit. This is in contrast to conventional approaches, where large optical resonators with free-spectral range comparable to the qubit microwave frequency are used. In our system, EO mixing between the optical pump coupled into the low-frequency doublet mode and a resonance microwave photon results in an up-converted optical photon on resonance with high-frequency doublet mode. Importantly, the down-conversion process, which is the source of noise, is suppressed in our scheme as the coupled-resonator system does not support modes at that frequency. Our device has at least an order of magnitude smaller footprint than conventional devices, resulting in large overlap between optical and microwave fields and a large photon conversion rate (g /2 π ) in the range of ˜5 -15 kHz. Owing to a large g factor and doubly resonant nature of our device, microwave-to-optical frequency conversion can be achieved with optical pump powers in the range of tens of microwatts, even with moderate values for optical Q (˜106 ) and microwave Q (˜104 ). The performance metrics of our device, with substantial improvement over the previous EO-based approaches, promise a scalable quantum microwave-to-optical conversion and networking of superconducting processors via optical fiber communication.

Integrated spectral photocurrent density and reproducibility analyses of excitonic ZnO/NiO heterojunction.

PubMed

Patel, Malkeshkumar; Kim, Joondong

2017-12-01

In this data article, the excitonic ZnO/NiO heterojunction device (Patel et al., 2017) [1] was measured for the integrated photocurrent density and reproducibility. Photograph of the prepared devices of ZnO/NiO on the FTO/glass is presented. Integrated photocurrent density as a function of photon energy from the sunlight is presented. Quantum efficiency measurement system (McScienceK3100, Korea) compliance with International Measurement System was employed to measure ZnO/NIO devices. These data are shown for the 300-440 nm of segment of the sunlight (AM1.5G, http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/spectra/am1.5/). Reproducibility measure of ZnO/NiO device was presented for nine devices with the estimated device performance parameters including the open circuit voltage, short circuit current density, fill factor and power conversion efficiency.

Carbon Nanotube-Silicon Nanowire Heterojunction Solar Cells with Gas-Dependent Photovoltaic Performances and Their Application in Self-Powered NO2 Detecting.

PubMed

Jia, Yi; Zhang, Zexia; Xiao, Lin; Lv, Ruitao

2016-12-01

A multifunctional device combining photovoltaic conversion and toxic gas sensitivity is reported. In this device, carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes are used to cover onto silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays to form heterojunction. The porous structure and large specific surface area in the heterojunction structure are both benefits for gas adsorption. In virtue of these merits, gas doping is a feasible method to improve cell's performance and the device can also work as a self-powered gas sensor beyond a solar cell. It shows a significant improvement in cell efficiency (more than 200 times) after NO2 molecules doping (device working as a solar cell) and a fast, reversible response property for NO2 detection (device working as a gas sensor). Such multifunctional CNT-SiNW structure can be expected to open a new avenue for developing self-powered, efficient toxic gas-sensing devices in the future.

Inverted organic photovoltaic device with a new electron transport layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyeong Pil; Yusoff, Abd Rashid bin Mohd; Kim, Hyo Min; Lee, Hee Jae; Seo, Gi Jun; Jang, Jin

2014-03-01

We demonstrate that there is a new solution-processed electron transport layer, lithium-doped zinc oxide (LZO), with high-performance inverted organic photovoltaic device. The device exhibits a fill factor of 68.58%, an open circuit voltage of 0.86 V, a short-circuit current density of -9.35 cm/mA2 along with 5.49% power conversion efficiency. In addition, we studied the performance of blend ratio dependence on inverted organic photovoltaics. Our device also demonstrates a long stability shelf life over 4 weeks in air.

Conjugated polymers and their use in optoelectronic devices

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Guo, Xugang; Zhou, Nanjia; Chang, Robert P. H.; Drees, Martin; Facchetti, Antonio

2016-10-18

The present invention relates to certain polymeric compounds and their use as organic semiconductors in organic and hybrid optical, optoelectronic, and/or electronic devices such as photovoltaic cells, light emitting diodes, light emitting transistors, and field effect transistors. The present compounds can provide improved device performance, for example, as measured by power conversion efficiency, fill factor, open circuit voltage, field-effect mobility, on/off current ratios, and/or air stability when used in photovoltaic cells or transistors. The present compounds can have good solubility in common solvents enabling device fabrication via solution processes.

Effect of ethylene glycol doping on performance of PEDOT:PSS/µT-n-Si heterojunction solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Prashant; Nakra, Rohan; Sivaiah, B.; Sardana, Sanjay K.; Prathap, P.; Rauthan, C. M. S.; Srivastava, Sanjay K.

2018-05-01

This study reports effect of co-solvent doping in poly (3, 4-ethyelenedioxythiophene):poly(dimethyl sulfoxide) (PEDOT:PSS) over the performance of Ag/PEDOT:PSS/µT-n-Si/In:Ga architecture based solar cell. PEDOT:PSS polymer is doped with varying concentration of ethylene glycol (EG). At 10% (volume) concentration performance of the device is highest with 4.69% power conversion efficiency. At higher or lower concentrations of ethylene glycol device performance deteriorates with sharp decline in short-circuit current density. Improvement in conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS polymer due to addition of co-solvent is the reason behind improvement in the performance of the device efficiency.

Highly efficient quantum dot-based photoconductive THz materials and devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rafailov, E. U.; Leyman, R.; Carnegie, D.; Bazieva, N.

2013-09-01

We demonstrate Terahertz (THz) signal sources based on photoconductive (PC) antenna devices comprising active layers of InAs semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) on GaAs. Antenna structures comprised of multiple active layers of InAs:GaAs PC materials are optically pumped using ultrashort pulses generated by a Ti:Sapphire laser and CW dualwavelength laser diodes. We also characterised THz output signals using a two-antenna coherent detection system. We discuss preliminary performance data from such InAs:GaAs THz devices which exhibit efficient emission of both pulsed and continuous wave (CW) THz signals and significant optical-to-THz conversion at both absorption wavelength ranges, <=850 nm and <=1300 nm.

Roadmap on optical energy conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boriskina, Svetlana V.; Green, Martin A.; Catchpole, Kylie; Yablonovitch, Eli; Beard, Matthew C.; Okada, Yoshitaka; Lany, Stephan; Gershon, Talia; Zakutayev, Andriy; Tahersima, Mohammad H.; Sorger, Volker J.; Naughton, Michael J.; Kempa, Krzysztof; Dagenais, Mario; Yao, Yuan; Xu, Lu; Sheng, Xing; Bronstein, Noah D.; Rogers, John A.; Alivisatos, A. Paul; Nuzzo, Ralph G.; Gordon, Jeffrey M.; Wu, Di M.; Wisser, Michael D.; Salleo, Alberto; Dionne, Jennifer; Bermel, Peter; Greffet, Jean-Jacques; Celanovic, Ivan; Soljacic, Marin; Manor, Assaf; Rotschild, Carmel; Raman, Aaswath; Zhu, Linxiao; Fan, Shanhui; Chen, Gang

2016-07-01

For decades, progress in the field of optical (including solar) energy conversion was dominated by advances in the conventional concentrating optics and materials design. In recent years, however, conceptual and technological breakthroughs in the fields of nanophotonics and plasmonics combined with a better understanding of the thermodynamics of the photon energy-conversion processes reshaped the landscape of energy-conversion schemes and devices. Nanostructured devices and materials that make use of size quantization effects to manipulate photon density of states offer a way to overcome the conventional light absorption limits. Novel optical spectrum splitting and photon-recycling schemes reduce the entropy production in the optical energy-conversion platforms and boost their efficiencies. Optical design concepts are rapidly expanding into the infrared energy band, offering new approaches to harvest waste heat, to reduce the thermal emission losses, and to achieve noncontact radiative cooling of solar cells as well as of optical and electronic circuitries. Light-matter interaction enabled by nanophotonics and plasmonics underlie the performance of the third- and fourth-generation energy-conversion devices, including up- and down-conversion of photon energy, near-field radiative energy transfer, and hot electron generation and harvesting. Finally, the increased market penetration of alternative solar energy-conversion technologies amplifies the role of cost-driven and environmental considerations. This roadmap on optical energy conversion provides a snapshot of the state of the art in optical energy conversion, remaining challenges, and most promising approaches to address these challenges. Leading experts authored 19 focused short sections of the roadmap where they share their vision on a specific aspect of this burgeoning research field. The roadmap opens up with a tutorial section, which introduces major concepts and terminology. It is our hope that the roadmap will serve as an important resource for the scientific community, new generations of researchers, funding agencies, industry experts, and investors.

All-solution-processed PbS quantum dot solar modules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Jihoon; Shim, Hyung Cheoul; Ju, Yeonkyeong; Song, Jung Hoon; An, Hyejin; Yu, Jong-Su; Kwak, Sun-Woo; Lee, Taik-Min; Kim, Inyoung; Jeong, Sohee

2015-05-01

A rapid increase in power conversion efficiencies in colloidal quantum dot (QD) solar cells has been achieved recently with lead sulphide (PbS) QDs by adapting a heterojunction architecture, which consists of small-area devices associated with a vacuum-deposited buffer layer with metal electrodes. The preparation of QD solar modules by low-cost solution processes is required to further increase the power-to-cost ratio. Herein we demonstrate all-solution-processed flexible PbS QD solar modules with a layer-by-layer architecture comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate/indium tin oxide (ITO)/titanium oxide (TiO2)/PbS QD/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) : poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT : PSS)/Ag, with an active area of up to 30 cm2, exhibiting a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.3% under AM 1.5 conditions (PCE of 2.2% for a 1 cm2 unit cell). Our approach affords trade-offs between power and the active area of the photovoltaic devices, which results in a low-cost power source, and which is scalable to larger areas.A rapid increase in power conversion efficiencies in colloidal quantum dot (QD) solar cells has been achieved recently with lead sulphide (PbS) QDs by adapting a heterojunction architecture, which consists of small-area devices associated with a vacuum-deposited buffer layer with metal electrodes. The preparation of QD solar modules by low-cost solution processes is required to further increase the power-to-cost ratio. Herein we demonstrate all-solution-processed flexible PbS QD solar modules with a layer-by-layer architecture comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate/indium tin oxide (ITO)/titanium oxide (TiO2)/PbS QD/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) : poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT : PSS)/Ag, with an active area of up to 30 cm2, exhibiting a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.3% under AM 1.5 conditions (PCE of 2.2% for a 1 cm2 unit cell). Our approach affords trade-offs between power and the active area of the photovoltaic devices, which results in a low-cost power source, and which is scalable to larger areas. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01508a

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wierer, Jonathan J.; Tsao, Jeffrey Y.; Sizov, Dmitry S.

Solid-state lighting (SSL) is now the most efficient source of high color quality white light ever created. Nevertheless, the blue InGaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are the light engine of SSL still have significant performance limitations. Foremost among these is the decrease in efficiency at high input current densities widely known as “efficiency droop.” Efficiency droop limits input power densities, contrary to the desire to produce more photons per unit LED chip area and to make SSL more affordable. Pending a solution to efficiency droop, an alternative device could be a blue laser diode (LD). LDs, operated in stimulated emission,more » can have high efficiencies at much higher input power densities than LEDs can. In this article, LEDs and LDs for future SSL are explored by comparing: their current state-of-the-art input-power-density-dependent power-conversion efficiencies; potential improvements both in their peak power-conversion efficiencies and in the input power densities at which those efficiencies peak; and their economics for practical SSL.« less

Bidirectional DC-DC conversion device use at system of urban electric transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vilberger, M. E.; Vislogusov, D. P.; Kotin, D. A.; Kulekina, A. V.

2017-10-01

The paper considers questions of energy storage devices used in electric transport, especially in the electric traction drive of a trolley bus, in order to provide an autonomous motion, overhead system’s load leveling and energy recovering. For efficiency of the proposed system, a bidirectional DC-DC converter is used. During the simulation, regulation characteristics of the bidirectional DC-DC converters were obtained.

Cobalt selenide hollow nanorods array with exceptionally high electrocatalytic activity for high-efficiency quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Zhitong; Zhang, Meirong; Wang, Min; Feng, Chuanqi; Wang, Zhong-Sheng

2018-02-01

In quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (QSDSSCs), electron transport through a random network of catalyst in the counter electrode (CE) and electrolyte diffusion therein are limited by the grain boundaries of catalyst particles, thus diminishing the electrocatalytic performance of CE and the corresponding photovoltaic performance of QSDSSCs. We demonstrate herein an ordered Co0.85Se hollow nanorods array film as the Pt-free CE of QSDSSCs. The Co0.85Se hollow nanorods array displays excellent electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of I3- in the quasi-solid-state electrolyte with extremely low charge transfer resistance at the CE/electrolyte interface, and the diffusion of redox species within the Co0.85Se hollow nanorods array CE is pretty fast. The QSDSSC device with the Co0.85Se hollow nanorods array CE produces much higher photovoltaic conversion efficiency (8.35%) than that (4.94%) with the Co0.85Se randomly packed nanorods CE, against the control device with the Pt CE (7.75%). Moreover, the QSDSSC device based on the Co0.85Se hollow nanorods array CE presents good long-term stability with only 4% drop of power conversion efficiency after 1086 h one-sun soaking.

Titanium dioxide nanotube membranes for solar energy conversion: effect of deep and shallow dopants.

PubMed

Ding, Yuchen; Nagpal, Prashant

2017-04-12

Nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) has been intensively investigated as a material of choice for solar energy conversion in photocatalytic, photoelectrochemical, photovoltaic, and other photosensitized devices for converting light into chemical feedstocks or electricity. Towards management of light absorption in TiO 2 , while the nanotubular structure improves light absorption and simultaneous charge transfer to mitigate problems due to the indirect bandgap of the semiconductor, typically dopants are used to improve light absorption of incident solar irradiation in the wide bandgap of TiO 2 . While these dopants can be critical to the success of these solar energy conversion devices, their effect on photophysical and photoelectrochemical properties and detailed photokinetics are relatively under-studied. Here, we show the effect of deep and shallow metal dopants on the kinetics of photogenerated charged carriers in TiO 2 and the resulting effect on photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes using these nanotube membranes. We performed a detailed optical, electronic, voltammetry and electrochemical impedance study to understand the effect of shallow and deep metal dopants (using undoped and niobium- and copper-doped TiO 2 nanotubes) on light absorption, charge transport and charge transfer processes. Using wireless photocatalytic methylene blue degradation and carbon dioxide reduction, and wired photoelectrochemical device measurements, we elucidate the effect of different dopants on solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency and simultaneously describe the photokinetics using a model, to help design better energy conversion devices.

Embedding solar cell materials with on-board integrated energy storage for load-leveling and dark power delivery (Presentation Recording)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pint, Cary L.; Westover, Andrew S.; Cohn, Adam P.; Erwin, William R.; Share, Keith; Metke, Thomas; Bardhan, Rizia

2015-10-01

This work will discuss our recent advances focused on integrating high power energy storage directly into the native materials of both conventional photovoltaics (PV) and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In the first case (PV), we demonstrate the ability to etch high surface-area porous silicon charge storage interfaces directly into the backside of a conventional polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic device exhibiting over 14% efficiency. These high surface area materials are then coupled with solid-state ionic liquid-polymer electrolytes to produce solid-state fully integrated devices where the PV device can directly inject charge into an on-board supercapacitor that can be separately discharged under dark conditions with a Coulombic efficiency of 84%. In a similar manner, we further demonstrate that surface engineered silicon materials can be utilized to replace Pt counterelectrodes in conventional DSSC energy conversion devices. As the silicon counterelectrodes rely strictly on surface Faradaic chemical reactions with the electrolyte on one side of the wafer electrode, we demonstrate double-sided processing of electrodes that enables dual-function of the material for simultaneous energy storage and conversion, each on opposing sides. In both of these devices, we demonstrate the ability to produce an all-silicon coupled energy conversion and storage system through the common ability to convert unused silicon in solar cells into high power silicon-based supercapacitors. Beyond the proof-of-concept design and performance of this integrated solar-storage system, this talk will conclude with a brief discussion of the hurdles and challenges that we envision for this emerging area both from a fundamental and technological viewpoint.

Utility-Scale Solar Power Converter: Agile Direct Grid Connect Medium Voltage 4.7-13.8 kV Power Converter for PV Applications Utilizing Wide Band Gap Devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

Solar ADEPT Project: Satcon is developing a compact, lightweight power conversion device that is capable of taking utility-scale solar power and outputting it directly into the electric utility grid at distribution voltage levels—eliminating the need for large transformers. Transformers “step up” the voltage of the power that is generated by a solar power system so it can be efficiently transported through transmission lines and eventually “stepped down” to usable voltages before it enters homes and businesses. Power companies step up the voltage because less electricity is lost along transmission lines when the voltage is high and current is low. Satcon’smore » new power conversion devices will eliminate these heavy transformers and connect a utility-scale solar power system directly to the grid. Satcon’s modular devices are designed to ensure reliability—if one device fails it can be bypassed and the system can continue to run.« less

Efficient CsF interlayer for high and low bandgap polymer solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitul, Abu Farzan; Sarker, Jith; Adhikari, Nirmal; Mohammad, Lal; Wang, Qi; Khatiwada, Devendra; Qiao, Qiquan

2018-02-01

Low bandgap polymer solar cells have a great deal of importance in flexible photovoltaic market to absorb sun light more efficiently. Efficient wide bandgap solar cells are always available in nature to absorb visible photons. The development and incorporation of infrared photovoltaics (IR PV) with wide bandgap solar cells can improve overall solar device performance. Here, we have developed an efficient low bandgap polymer solar cell with CsF as interfacial layer in regular structure. Polymer solar cell devices with CsF shows enhanced performance than Ca as interfacial layer. The power conversion efficiency of 4.5% has been obtained for PDPP3T based polymer solar cell with CsF as interlayer. Finally, an optimal thickness with CsF as interfacial layer has been found to improve the efficiency in low bandgap polymer solar cells.

Freely Tunable Broadband Polarization Rotator for Terahertz Waves

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fan, Ren-Hao; Zhou, Yu; Ren, Xiao-Ping

2014-12-28

A freely tunable polarization rotator for broadband terahertz waves is demonstrated using a three-rotating-layer metallic grating structure, which can conveniently rotate the polarization of a linearly polarized terahertz wave to any desired direction with nearly perfect conversion efficiency. This low-cost, high-efficiency, and freely tunable device has potential applications as material analysis, wireless communication, and THz imaging.

Realizing Efficient Energy Harvesting from Organic Photovoltaic Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Yunlong

Organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) are emerging field of research in renewable energy. The development of OPVs in recent years has made this technology viable for many niche applications. In order to realize widespread application however, the power conversion efficiency requires further improvement. The efficiency of an OPV depends on the short-circuit current density (JSC), open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF). For state-of-the-art devices, JSC is mostly optimized with the application of novel low-bandgap materials and a bulk heterojunction device architecture (internal quantum efficiency approaching 100%). The remaining limiting factors are the low VOC and FF. This work focuses on overcoming these bottlenecks for improved efficiency. Temperature dependent measurements of device performance are used to examine both charge transfer and exciton ionization process in OPVs. The results permit an improved understanding of the intrinsic limit for VOC in various device architectures and provide insight on device operation. Efforts have also been directed at engineering device architecture for optimized FF, realizing a very high efficiency of 8% for vapor deposited small molecule OPVs. With collaborators, new molecules with tailored desired energy levels are being designed for further improvements in efficiency. A new type of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite material is also included in this study. By addressing processing issues and anomalous hysteresis effects, a very high efficiency of 19.1% is achieved. Moving forward, topics including engineering film crystallinity, exploring tandem architectures and understanding degradation mechanisms will further push OPVs toward broad commercialization.

Magnetic materials and devices for the 21st century: stronger, lighter, and more energy efficient.

PubMed

Gutfleisch, Oliver; Willard, Matthew A; Brück, Ekkes; Chen, Christina H; Sankar, S G; Liu, J Ping

2011-02-15

A new energy paradigm, consisting of greater reliance on renewable energy sources and increased concern for energy efficiency in the total energy lifecycle, has accelerated research into energy-related technologies. Due to their ubiquity, magnetic materials play an important role in improving the efficiency and performance of devices in electric power generation, conditioning, conversion, transportation, and other energy-use sectors of the economy. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art hard and soft magnets and magnetocaloric materials, with an emphasis on their optimization for energy applications. Specifically, the impact of hard magnets on electric motor and transportation technologies, of soft magnetic materials on electricity generation and conversion technologies, and of magnetocaloric materials for refrigeration technologies, are discussed. The synthesis, characterization, and property evaluation of the materials, with an emphasis on structure-property relationships, are discussed in the context of their respective markets, as well as their potential impact on energy efficiency. Finally, considering future bottlenecks in raw materials, options for the recycling of rare-earth intermetallics for hard magnets will be discussed. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High-Sensitivity Conjugated Polymer/Nanoparticle Nanocomposites for Infrared Sensor Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-03

Performances of Photovoltaic devices base d on Thieno[3,4-c] pyrrole -4,6-dione-Based Donor-Acceptor Conjugated Polymers and CdSe Tetrapods Abstract: We...2-yl)thieno[3,2-b] thiophene and thieno[3,4-c] pyrrole -4,6-dione units. The AM1.5 power conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic device containing...photovoltaic devices because of their readily tunable electronic properties. The electron-deficient thieno[3,4-c] pyrrole -4,6-dione (TPD) moiety exhibits a

High-temperature optically activated GaAs power switching for aircraft digital electronic control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berak, J. M.; Grantham, D. H.; Swindal, J. L.; Black, J. F.; Allen, L. B.

1983-01-01

Gallium arsenide high-temperature devices were fabricated and assembled into an optically activated pulse-width-modulated power control for a torque motor typical of the kinds used in jet engine actuators. A bipolar heterojunction phototransistor with gallium aluminum arsenide emitter/window, a gallium arsenide junction field-effect power transistor and a gallium arsenide transient protection diode were designed and fabricated. A high-temperature fiber optic/phototransistor coupling scheme was implemented. The devices assembled into the demonstrator were successfully tested at 250 C, proving the feasibility of actuator-located switching of control power using optical signals transmitted by fibers. Assessments of the efficiency and technical merits were made for extension of this high-temperature technology to local conversion of optical power to electrical power and its control at levels useful for driving actuators. Optical power sources included in the comparisons were an infrared light-emitting diode, an injection laser diode, tungsten-halogen lamps and arc lamps. Optical-to-electrical power conversion was limited to photovoltaics located at the actuator. Impedance matching of the photovoltaic array to the load was considered over the full temperature range, -55 C to 260 C. Loss of photovoltaic efficiency at higher temperatures was taken into account. Serious losses in efficiency are: (1) in the optical source and the cooling which they may require in the assumed 125 C ambient, (2) in the decreased conversion efficiency of the gallium arsenide photovoltaic at 260 C, and (3) in impedance matching. Practical systems require improvements in these areas.

Highly efficient organic solar cells with improved vertical donor-acceptor compositional gradient via an inverted off-center spinning method

DOE PAGES

Huang, Jiang; Carpenter, Joshua H.; Li, Chang -Zhi; ...

2015-12-02

A novel, yet simple solution fabrication technique to address the trade-off between photocurrent and fill factor in thick bulk heterojunction organic solar cells is described. Lastly, the inverted off-center spinning technique promotes a vertical gradient of the donor–acceptor phase-separated morphology, enabling devices with near 100% internal quantum efficiency and a high power conversion efficiency of 10.95%.

Facile thiol-ene thermal crosslinking reaction facilitated hole-transporting layer for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

DOE PAGES

Li, Zhong'an; Zhu, Zonglong; Chueh, Chu -Chen; ...

2016-08-08

A crosslinked organic hole-transporting layer (HTL) is developed to realize highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells via a facile thiol-ene thermal reaction. This crosslinked HTL not only facilitates hole extraction from perovskites, but also functions as an effective protective barrier. Lastly, a high-performance (power conversion efficiency: 18.3%) device is demonstrated to show respectable photo and thermal stability without encapsulation.

High-Performance As-Cast Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells with Thicker Active Layer and Large Area Exceeding 11% Power Conversion Efficiency.

PubMed

Fan, Qunping; Wang, Yan; Zhang, Maojie; Wu, Bo; Guo, Xia; Jiang, Yufeng; Li, Wanbin; Guo, Bing; Ye, Chennan; Su, Wenyan; Fang, Jin; Ou, Xuemei; Liu, Feng; Wei, Zhixiang; Sum, Tze Chien; Russell, Thomas P; Li, Yongfang

2018-02-01

In this work, a nonfullerene polymer solar cell (PSC) based on a wide bandgap polymer donor PM6 containing fluorinated thienyl benzodithiophene (BDT-2F) unit and a narrow bandgap small molecule acceptor 2,2'-((2Z,2'Z)-((4,4,9,9-tetrahexyl-4,9-dihydro-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene-2,7-diyl)bis(methanylylidene))bis(3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-2,1-diylidene))dimalononitrile (IDIC) is developed. In addition to matched energy levels and complementary absorption spectrum with IDIC, PM6 possesses high crystallinity and strong π-π stacking alignment, which are favorable to charge carrier transport and hence suppress recombination in devices. As a result, the PM6:IDIC-based PSCs without extra treatments show an outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.9%, which is the record value for the as-cast PSC devices reported in the literature to date. Moreover, the device performances are insensitive to the active layer thickness (≈95-255 nm) and device area (0.20-0.81 cm 2 ) with PCEs of over 11%. Besides, the PM6:IDIC-based flexible PSCs with a large device area of 1.25 cm 2 exhibit a high PCE of 6.54%. These results indicate that the PM6:IDIC blend is a promising candidate for future roll-to-roll mass manufacturing and practical application of highly efficient PSCs. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Toward Revealing the Critical Role of Perovskite Coverage in Highly Efficient Electron-Transport Layer-Free Perovskite Solar Cells: An Energy Band and Equivalent Circuit Model Perspective.

PubMed

Huang, Like; Xu, Jie; Sun, Xiaoxiang; Du, Yangyang; Cai, Hongkun; Ni, Jian; Li, Juan; Hu, Ziyang; Zhang, Jianjun

2016-04-20

Currently, most efficient perovskite solar cells (PVKSCs) with a p-i-n structure require simultaneously electron transport layers (ETLs) and hole transport layers (HTLs) to help collecting photogenerated electrons and holes for obtaining high performance. ETL free planar PVKSC is a relatively new and simple structured solar cell that gets rid of the complex and high temperature required ETL (such as compact and mesoporous TiO2). Here, we demonstrate the critical role of high coverage of perovskite in efficient ETL free PVKSCs from an energy band and equivalent circuit model perspective. From an electrical point of view, we confirmed that the low coverage of perovskite does cause localized short circuit of the device. With coverage optimization, a planar p-i-n(++) device with a power conversion efficiency of over 11% was achieved, implying that the ETL layer may not be necessary for an efficient device as long as the perovskite coverage is approaching 100%.

Effects of sodium and potassium on the photovoltaic performance of CIGS solar cells

DOE PAGES

Raguse, John M.; Muzzillo, Christopher P.; Sites, James R.; ...

2016-11-17

Here, the deliberate introduction of K and Na into Cu(In, Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) absorbers was investigated by varying a combination of an SiO 2 diffusion barrier, coevaporation of KF with the CIGS absorber, and a KF postdeposition treatment (PDT). Devices made with no diffusion barrier and KF coevaporation treatment exhibited the highest photovoltaic conversion efficiency with the smallest overall distribution in key current density-voltage (J-V) performance metrics. Out-diffusion of Na and K from the substrate, KF coevaporation, and KF PDT all increased carrier concentration, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency. Quantum-efficiency analysis of devices highlighted the greatest lossmore » in the short-circuit current density due to incomplete absorption and collection. Secondary ion mass spectrometry illustrated the efficacy of the SiO 2 film as a sodium and potassium diffusion barrier, as well as their relative concentration in the absorber. Introduction of KF appeared to enhance diffusion of Na from the substrate, in agreement with previous studies.« less

[Effects of white organic light-emitting devices using color conversion films on electroluminescence spectra].

PubMed

Hou, Qing-Chuan; Wu, Xiao-Ming; Hua, Yu-Lin; Qi, Qing-Jin; Li, Lan; Yin, Shou-Gen

2010-06-01

The authors report a novel white organic light-emitting device (WOLED), which uses a strategy of exciting organic/ inorganic color conversion film with a blue organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The luminescent layer of the blue OLED was prepared by use of CBP host blended with a blue highly fluorescent dye N-BDAVBi. The organic/inorganic color conversion film was prepared by dispersing a mixture of red pigment VQ-D25 and YAG : Ce3+ phosphor in PMMA. The authors have achieved a novel WOLED with the high color stability by optimizing the thickness and fluorescent pigment concentration of the color conversion film. When the driving voltage varied between 6 and 14 V, the color coordinates (CIE) varied slightly from (0.354, 0.304) to (0.357, 0.312) and the maximum current efficiency is about 5.8 cd x A(-1) (4.35 mA x cm(-2)), the maximum brightness is 16 800 cd x m(-2) at the operating voltage of 14 V.

A polymer tandem solar cell with 10.6% power conversion efficiency.

PubMed

You, Jingbi; Dou, Letian; Yoshimura, Ken; Kato, Takehito; Ohya, Kenichiro; Moriarty, Tom; Emery, Keith; Chen, Chun-Chao; Gao, Jing; Li, Gang; Yang, Yang

2013-01-01

An effective way to improve polymer solar cell efficiency is to use a tandem structure, as a broader part of the spectrum of solar radiation is used and the thermalization loss of photon energy is minimized. In the past, the lack of high-performance low-bandgap polymers was the major limiting factor for achieving high-performance tandem solar cell. Here we report the development of a high-performance low bandgap polymer (bandgap <1.4 eV), poly[2,7-(5,5-bis-(3,7-dimethyloctyl)-5H-dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]pyran)-alt-4,7-(5,6-difluoro-2,1,3-benzothia diazole)] with a bandgap of 1.38 eV, high mobility, deep highest occupied molecular orbital. As a result, a single-junction device shows high external quantum efficiency of >60% and spectral response that extends to 900 nm, with a power conversion efficiency of 7.9%. The polymer enables a solution processed tandem solar cell with certified 10.6% power conversion efficiency under standard reporting conditions (25 °C, 1,000 Wm(-2), IEC 60904-3 global), which is the first certified polymer solar cell efficiency over 10%.

A polymer tandem solar cell with 10.6% power conversion efficiency

PubMed Central

You, Jingbi; Dou, Letian; Yoshimura, Ken; Kato, Takehito; Ohya, Kenichiro; Moriarty, Tom; Emery, Keith; Chen, Chun-Chao; Gao, Jing; Li, Gang; Yang, Yang

2013-01-01

An effective way to improve polymer solar cell efficiency is to use a tandem structure, as a broader part of the spectrum of solar radiation is used and the thermalization loss of photon energy is minimized. In the past, the lack of high-performance low-bandgap polymers was the major limiting factor for achieving high-performance tandem solar cell. Here we report the development of a high-performance low bandgap polymer (bandgap <1.4 eV), poly[2,7-(5,5-bis-(3,7-dimethyloctyl)-5H-dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyran)-alt-4,7-(5,6-difluoro-2,1,3-benzothia diazole)] with a bandgap of 1.38 eV, high mobility, deep highest occupied molecular orbital. As a result, a single-junction device shows high external quantum efficiency of >60% and spectral response that extends to 900 nm, with a power conversion efficiency of 7.9%. The polymer enables a solution processed tandem solar cell with certified 10.6% power conversion efficiency under standard reporting conditions (25 °C, 1,000 Wm−2, IEC 60904-3 global), which is the first certified polymer solar cell efficiency over 10%. PMID:23385590

Thin film photovoltaic cells having increased durability and operating life and method for making same

DOEpatents

Barnett, Allen M.; Masi, James V.; Hall, Robert B.

1980-12-16

A solar cell having a copper-bearing absorber is provided with a composite transparent encapsulating layer specifically designed to prevent oxidation of the copper sulfide. In a preferred embodiment, the absorber is a layer of copper sulfide and the composite layer comprises a thin layer of copper oxide formed on the copper sulfide and a layer of encapsulating glass formed on the oxide. It is anticipated that such devices, when exposed to normal operating conditions of various terrestrial applications, can be maintained at energy conversion efficiencies greater than one-half the original conversion efficiency for periods as long as thirty years.

Room-Temperature Spin-Orbit Torque Switching Induced by a Topological Insulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jiahao; Richardella, A.; Siddiqui, Saima A.; Finley, Joseph; Samarth, N.; Liu, Luqiao

2017-08-01

The strongly spin-momentum coupled electronic states in topological insulators (TI) have been extensively pursued to realize efficient magnetic switching. However, previous studies show a large discrepancy of the charge-spin conversion efficiency. Moreover, current-induced magnetic switching with TI can only be observed at cryogenic temperatures. We report spin-orbit torque switching in a TI-ferrimagnet heterostructure with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at room temperature. The obtained effective spin Hall angle of TI is substantially larger than the previously studied heavy metals. Our results demonstrate robust charge-spin conversion in TI and provide a direct avenue towards applicable TI-based spintronic devices.

Organic Solar Cells Based on a 2D Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']difuran-Conjugated Polymer with High-Power Conversion Efficiency.

PubMed

Huo, Lijun; Liu, Tao; Fan, Bingbing; Zhao, Zhiyuan; Sun, Xiaobo; Wei, Donghui; Yu, Mingming; Liu, Yunqi; Sun, Yanming

2015-11-18

A novel 2D benzodifuran (BDF)-based copolymer (PBDF-T1) is synthesized. Polymer solar cells fabricated with PBDF-T1 show high power conversion efficiency of 9.43% and fill factor of 77.4%, which is higher than the performance of its benzothiophene (BDT) counterpart (PBDT-T1). These results provide important progress for BDF-based copolymers and demonstrate that BDF-based copolymers can be competitive with the well-studied BDT counterparts via molecular structure design and device optimization. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Conditions for a carrier multiplication in amorphous-selenium based photodetector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Masuzawa, Tomoaki; Kuniyoshi, Shingo; Onishi, Masanori

2013-02-18

Amorphous selenium is a promising candidate for high sensitivity photodetector due to its unique carrier multiplication phenomenon. More than 10 carriers can be generated per incident photon, which leads to high photo-conversion efficiency of 1000% that allows real-time imaging in dark ambient. However, application of this effect has been limited to specific devices due to the lack in material characterization. In this article, mechanism of carrier multiplication has been clarified using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. A prototype photodetector achieved photo conversion efficiency of 4000%, which explains the signal enhancement mechanism in a-Se based photodetector.

Broadband working-waveband-tunable polarization converter based on anisotropic metasurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yu; Wang, Lei; Gao, Jun; Lu, Yichao; Jiang, Suhua; Zeng, Wei

2017-03-01

We experimentally and theoretically demonstrate an ultrathin, broadband, and highly efficient metamaterial-based polarization converter with a metasurface/insulator/metal (MIM) configuration. In such a system, the resonance undergoes a transition from a vertical Fabry-Pérot type to a transverse type as the spacer thickness decreases. By changing the spacer thickness from 1 to 15 mm, the working waveband of this device could be tuned from 10.9-12.9 to 6-8 GHz without compromising the polarization conversion efficiency. Equivalent circuit theory and the transfer matrix method are used for demonstrating the physical mechanism of our device.

Scattering-layer-induced energy storage function in polymer-based quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Xi; Jiang, Hongrui

2015-03-09

Photo-self-charging cells (PSCs) are compact devices with dual functions of photoelectric conversion and energy storage. By introducing a scattering layer in polymer-based quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells, two-electrode PSCs with highly compact structure were obtained. The charge storage function stems from the formed ion channel network in the scattering layer/polymer electrolyte system. Both the photoelectric conversion and the energy storage functions are integrated in only the photoelectrode of such PSCs. This design of PSC could continuously output power as a solar cell with considerable efficiency after being photo-charged. Such PSCs could be applied in highly-compact mini power devices.

Modeling photovoltaic performance in periodic patterned colloidal quantum dot solar cells.

PubMed

Fu, Yulan; Dinku, Abay G; Hara, Yukihiro; Miller, Christopher W; Vrouwenvelder, Kristina T; Lopez, Rene

2015-07-27

Colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells have attracted tremendous attention mostly due to their wide absorption spectrum window and potentially low processability cost. The ultimate efficiency of CQD solar cells is highly limited by their high trap state density. Here we show that the overall device power conversion efficiency could be improved by employing photonic structures that enhance both charge generation and collection efficiencies. By employing a two-dimensional numerical model, we have calculated the characteristics of patterned CQD solar cells based of a simple grating structure. Our calculation predicts a power conversion efficiency as high as 11.2%, with a short circuit current density of 35.2 mA/cm2, a value nearly 1.5 times larger than the conventional flat design, showing the great potential value of patterned quantum dot solar cells.

Textured micrometer scale templates as light managing fabrication platform for organic solar cells

DOEpatents

Chaudhary, Sumit; Ho, Kai-Ming; Park, Joong-Mok; Nalwa, Kanwar Singh; Leung, Wai Y.

2016-07-26

A three-dimensional, microscale-textured, grating-shaped organic solar cell geometry. The solar cells are fabricated on gratings to give them a three-dimensional texture that provides enhanced light absorption. Introduction of microscale texturing has a positive effect on the overall power conversion efficiency of the devices. This grating-based solar cell having a grating of pre-determined pitch and height has shown improved power-conversion efficiency over a conventional flat solar cell. The improvement in efficiency is accomplished by homogeneous coverage of the grating with uniform thickness of the active layer, which is attributed to a sufficiently high pitch and low height of the underlying gratings. Also the microscale texturing leads to suppressed reflection of incident light due to the efficient coupling of the incident light into modes that are guided in the active layer.

Transparent nickel selenide alloy counter electrodes for bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells exceeding 10% efficiency.

PubMed

Duan, Yanyan; Tang, Qunwei; He, Benlin; Li, Ru; Yu, Liangmin

2014-11-07

In the current work, we report a series of bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) that provide power conversion efficiencies of more than 10% from bifacial irradiation. The device comprises an N719-sensitized TiO2 anode, a transparent nickel selenide (Ni-Se) alloy counter electrode (CE), and liquid electrolyte containing I(-)/I3(-) redox couples. Because of the high optical transparency, electron conduction ability, electrocatalytic activity of Ni-Se CEs, as well as dye illumination, electron excitation and power conversion efficiency have been remarkably enhanced. Results indicate that incident light from a transparent CE has a compensation effect to the light from the anode. The impressive efficiency along with simple preparation of the cost-effective Ni-Se alloy CEs highlights the potential application of bifacial illumination technique in robust DSSCs.

MO detector (MOD): a dual-function optical modulator-detector for on-chip communication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Shuai; Zhang, Ruoyu; Peng, Jiaxin; Narayana, Vikram K.; Dalir, Hamed; El-Ghazawi, Tarek; Sorger, Volker J.

2018-04-01

Physical challenges at the device and interconnect level limit both network and computing energy efficiency. While photonics is being considered to address interconnect bottlenecks, optical routing is still limited by electronic circuitry, requiring substantial overhead for optical-electrical-optical conversion. Here we show a novel design of an integrated broadband photonic-plasmonic hybrid device termed MODetector featuring dual light modulation and detection function to act as an optical transceiver in the photonic network-on-chip. With over 10 dB extinction ratio and 0.8 dB insertion loss at the modulation state, this MODetector provides 0.7 W/A responsivity in the detection state with 36 ps response time. This multi-functional device: (i) eliminates OEO conversion, (ii) reduces optical losses from photodetectors when not needed, and (iii) enables cognitive routing strategies for network-on-chips.

Unbiased Sunlight-Driven Artificial Photosynthesis of Carbon Monoxide from CO2 Using a ZnTe-Based Photocathode and a Perovskite Solar Cell in Tandem.

PubMed

Jang, Youn Jeong; Jeong, Inyoung; Lee, Jaehyuk; Lee, Jinwoo; Ko, Min Jae; Lee, Jae Sung

2016-07-26

Solar fuel production, mimicking natural photosynthesis of converting CO2 into useful fuels and storing solar energy as chemical energy, has received great attention in recent years. Practical large-scale fuel production needs a unique device capable of CO2 reduction using only solar energy and water as an electron source. Here we report such a system composed of a gold-decorated triple-layered ZnO@ZnTe@CdTe core-shell nanorod array photocathode and a CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cell in tandem. The assembly allows effective light harvesting of higher energy photons (>2.14 eV) from the front-side photocathode and lower energy photons (>1.5 eV) from the back-side-positioned perovskite solar cell in a single-photon excitation. This system represents an example of a photocathode-photovoltaic tandem device operating under sunlight without external bias for selective CO2 conversion. It exhibited a steady solar-to-CO conversion efficiency over 0.35% and a solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency exceeding 0.43% including H2 as a minor product.

High Power Orbit Transfer Vehicle

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-07-01

multijunction device is a stack of individual single-junction cells in descending order of band gap. The top cell captures the high-energy photons and passes...the rest of the photons on to be absorbed by lower-band-gap cells. Multijunction devices achieve a higher total conversion efficiency because they...minimum temperatures on the thruster modules and main bus. In the MATLAB code for these calculations, maximum and minimum temperatures are plotted

A graphene/single GaAs nanowire Schottky junction photovoltaic device.

PubMed

Luo, Yanbin; Yan, Xin; Zhang, Jinnan; Li, Bang; Wu, Yao; Lu, Qichao; Jin, Chenxiaoshuai; Zhang, Xia; Ren, Xiaomin

2018-05-17

A graphene/nanowire Schottky junction is a promising structure for low-cost high-performance optoelectronic devices. Here we demonstrate a graphene/single GaAs nanowire Schottky junction photovoltaic device. The Schottky junction is fabricated by covering a single layer graphene onto an n-doped GaAs nanowire. Under 532 nm laser excitation, the device exhibits a high responsivity of 231 mA W-1 and a short response/recover time of 85/118 μs at zero bias. Under AM 1.5 G solar illumination, the device has an open-circuit voltage of 75.0 mV and a short-circuit current density of 425 mA cm-2, yielding a remarkable conversion efficiency of 8.8%. The excellent photovoltaic performance of the device is attributed to the strong built-in electric field in the Schottky junction as well as the transparent property of graphene. The device is promising for self-powered high-speed photodetectors and low-cost high-efficiency solar cells.

Direct energy conversion bottoming cycles for solid oxide fuel cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Paramonov, D.V.; Carelli, M.D.

1998-07-01

Besides high conversion efficiency, advantages of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) include ability of low pressure operation, absence of moving parts and resulting inherently low maintenance requirements, modularity, long lifetime and unattended operation. A further increase in the conversion efficiency, without compromising the advantages inherent with static devices, can be achieved by employing a direct energy conversion bottoming cycle. The biggest challenges in the integration of direct energy conversion devices with SOFC are: (a) the need to preheat the SOFC feed air while maximizing the bottoming cycle power, and (b) limited temperature of the SOFC exhaust. These restrictions limit themore » choice to the Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Conversion (AMTEC) and Thermoelectric (TE) technologies while eliminating thermionics and thermophotovoltaics. In addition to the aforementioned advantages, the SOFC-AMTEC and SOFC-TE cycles are attractive for certain applications such as cogeneration and power supplies for remote locations where the use of higher efficiency dynamic bottoming cycles might be undesirable due to maintenance and noise restrictions. A preliminary feasibility assessment of AMTEC and TE bottoming of SOFC power systems has been performed. Five SOFC bottoming cycle concepts were considered. They include: TE bottoming with cogeneration capability, TE bottoming with additional heat recovery, TE bottoming with uncoupled TE converter and air preheater, AMTEC bottoming, and Cascaded AMTEC-TE bottoming. The cascaded AMTEC-TE bottoming cycle increases the overall cycle efficiency by 4.7 percentage points. TE bottoming cycle with additional heat recovery adds 3.8 percentage points, and the other concepts are between 3 and 3.5 percentage points. The results are also compared with results of similar studies reported in literature. The AMTEC-TE cascade has the largest potential, however, development of both AMTEC and TE components would be required. The second best option from the efficiency point of view is the TE bottoming with additional heat recovery which would require development of only the TE component. Despite that fact that AMTEC is generally perceived as more efficient than thermoelectrics, efficiencies of the considered AMTEC and TE bottoming cycles are almost equal. The reason is that the somewhat more efficient AMTEC requires relatively high hot side temperature ({gt}850--900 K) and, at the same time, air has to be preheated to 973 K. (This is equally true for a high efficiency TE converter operating at the highest hot side to cold side temperature difference possible). As a result, only a small fraction ({lt}30 %) of the total heat available is directed to the bottoming cycle where it is converted with relatively high efficiency. When a TE converter operating in a wider hot side temperature range, but at a smaller hot side--cold side temperature difference is employed, its lower efficiency is offset by its larger thermal power and the overall bottoming cycle efficiency changes insignificantly.« less

Numerical simulations: Toward the design of 27.6% efficient four-terminal semi-transparent perovskite/SiC passivated rear contact silicon tandem solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Rahul; Chaujar, Rishu

2016-12-01

In this work, a novel four-terminal perovskite/SiC-based rear contact silicon tandem solar cell device has been proposed and simulated to achieve 27.6% power conversion efficiency (PCE) under single AM1.5 illumination. 20.9% efficient semitransparent perovskite top subcell has been used for perovskite/silicon tandem architecture. The tandem structure of perovskite-silicon solar cells is a promising method to achieve efficient solar energy conversion at low cost. In the four-terminal tandem configuration, the cells are connected independently and hence avoids the need for current matching between top and bottom subcell, thus giving greater design flexibility. The simulation analysis shows, PCE of 27.6% and 22.4% with 300 μm and 10 μm thick rear contact Si bottom subcell, respectively. This is a substantial improvement comparing to transparent perovskite solar cell and c-Si solar cell operated individually. The impact of perovskite layer thickness, monomolecular, bimolecular, and trimolecular recombination have also been obtained on the performance of perovskite top subcell. Reported PCEs of 27.6% and 22.4% are 1.25 times and 1.42 times higher as compared to experimentally available efficiencies of 22.1% and 15.7% in 300 μm and 10 μm thick stand-alone silicon solar cell devices, respectively. The presence of SiC significantly suppressed the interface recombination in bottom silicon subcell. Detailed realistic technology computer aided design (TCAD) analysis has been performed to predict the behaviour of the device.

Photoassisted electrolysis of water - Conversion of optical to chemical energy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wrighton, M. S.; Bolts, J. M.; Kaiser, S. W.; Ellis, A. B.

1976-01-01

A description is given of devices, termed photoelectrochemical cells, which can, in principle, be used to directly convert light to fuels and/or electricity. The fundamental principles on which the photoelectrochemical cell is based are related to the observation that irradiation of a semiconductor electrode in an electrochemical cell can result in the flow of an electric current in the external circuit. Attention is given to the basic mechanisms involved, the energy conversion efficiency, the advantages of photoelectrochemical cells, and the results of investigations related to the study of energy conversion via photoelectrochemical cells.

Highly Efficient and Stable MAPbI₃ Perovskite Solar Cell Induced by Regulated Nucleation and Ostwald Recrystallization.

PubMed

Huang, Zhen; Wang, Duofa; Wang, Song; Zhang, Tianjin

2018-05-11

Perovskite solar cells have attracted great attention in recent years, due to their high conversion efficiency and solution-processable fabrication. However, most of the solar cells with high efficiency in the literature are prepared employing TiO₂ as electron transport material, which needs sintering at a temperature higher than 450 °C, and is not applicable to flexible device and low-cost fabrication. Herein, the MAPbI₃ perovskite solar cells are fabricated at a low temperature of 150 °C with SnO₂ as the electron transport layer. By dropping the antisolvent of ethyl acetate onto the perovskite precursor films during the spin coating process, compact MAPbI₃ films without pinholes are obtained. The addition of ethyl acetate is found to play an important role in regulating the nucleation, which subsequently improves the compactness of the film. The quality of MAPbI₃ films are further improved significantly through Ostwald recrystallization by optimizing the thermal treatment. The crystallinity is enhanced, the grain size is enlarged, and the defect density is reduced. Accordingly, the prepared MAPbI₃ perovskite solar cell exhibits a record-high conversion efficiency, outstanding reproducibility, and stability, owing to the reduced electron recombination. The average and best efficiency reaches 19.2% and 20.3%, respectively. The device without encapsulation maintains 94% of the original efficiency after storage in ambient air for 600 h.

Efficiency Enhancement of Perovskite Solar Cells by Pumping Away the Solvent of Precursor Film Before Annealing.

PubMed

Xu, Qing-Yang; Yuan, Da-Xing; Mu, Hao-Ran; Igbari, Femi; Bao, Qiaoliang; Liao, Liang-Sheng

2016-12-01

A new approach to improve the quality of MAPbI3 - x Cl x perovskite film was demonstrated. It involves annealing the precursor film after pumping away the solvent, which can decrease the influence of solvent evaporation rate for the growth of the MAPbI3 - x Cl x perovskite film. The resulting film showed improved morphology, stronger absorption, fewer crystal defects, and smaller charge transfer resistance. The corresponding device demonstrated enhanced performance when compared with a reference device. The averaged value of power conversion efficiency increased from 10.61 to 12.56 %, and a champion efficiency of 14.0 % was achieved. This work paves a new way to improve the efficiency of perovskite solar cells.

Efficient organic solar cells using copper(I) iodide (CuI) hole transport layers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peng, Ying; Department of Physics and Centre for Plastic Electronics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ; Yaacobi-Gross, Nir

We report the fabrication of high power conversion efficiency (PCE) polymer/fullerene bulk heterojunction (BHJ) photovoltaic cells using solution-processed Copper (I) Iodide (CuI) as hole transport layer (HTL). Our devices exhibit a PCE value of ∼5.5% which is equivalent to that obtained for control devices based on the commonly used conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrenesulfonate as HTL. Inverted cells with PCE >3% were also demonstrated using solution-processed metal oxide electron transport layers, with a CuI HTL evaporated on top of the BHJ. The high optical transparency and suitable energetics of CuI make it attractive for application in a range of inexpensive large-area optoelectronicmore » devices.« less

Fulleropyrrolidinium Iodide As an Efficient Electron Transport Layer for Air-Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells.

PubMed

Huang, Jiabin; Yu, Xuegong; Xie, Jiangsheng; Li, Chang-Zhi; Zhang, Yunhai; Xu, Dikai; Tang, Zeguo; Cui, Can; Yang, Deren

2016-12-21

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells have attracted great attention in recent years. But there are still a lot of unresolved issues related to the perovskite solar cells such as the phenomenon of anomalous hysteresis characteristics and long-term stability of the devices. Here, we developed a simple three-layered efficient perovskite device by replacing the commonly employed PCBM electrical transport layer with an ultrathin fulleropyrrolidinium iodide (C 60 -bis) in an inverted p-i-n architecture. The devices with an ultrathin C 60 -bis electronic transport layer yield an average power conversion efficiency of 13.5% and a maximum efficiency of 15.15%. Steady-state photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements show that the high performance is attributed to the efficient blocking of holes and high extraction efficiency of electrons by C 60 -bis, due to a favorable energy level alignment between the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 and the Ag electrodes. The hysteresis effect and stability of our perovskite solar cells with C 60 -bis become better under indoor humidity conditions.

Pyridinium molten salts as co-adsorbents in dye-sensitized solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang, Jui-Cheng; Sun, I-Wen; Yang, Cheng-Hsien

2011-01-15

The influence of using pyridinium molten salts as co-adsorbents to modify the monolayer of a TiO{sub 2} semiconductor on the performance of a dye-sensitized solar cell is studied. The current-voltage characteristics are measured under AM 1.5 (100 mW cm{sup -2}). The pyridinium molten salts significantly enhance the open-circuit photovoltage (V{sub oc}), the short circuit photocurrent density (J{sub sc}) as well as the solar energy conversion efficiency ({eta}). 1-Ethyl-3-carboxypyridinium iodide ([ECP][I]) is applied successfully to prepare an insulating molecular layer with N719, and achieve high energy conversion efficiency as high as 4.49% at 100 mW cm{sup -2} and AM 1.5. Themore » resulting efficiency is 20% higher than that of a non-additive device. This enhancement of conversion efficiency is attributed to the negative shift of the conduction band (CB) edge and the abundant concentration of I{sup -} on the surface of the electrode when using [ECP][I] as the co-adsorbent. (author)« less

Novel Solid-State Solar Cell Based on Hole-Conducting MOF-Sensitizer Demonstrating Power Conversion Efficiency of 2.1.

PubMed

Ahn, Do Young; Lee, Deok Yeon; Shin, Chan Yong; Bui, Hoa Thi; Shrestha, Nabeen K; Giebeler, Lars; Noh, Yong-Young; Han, Sung-Hwan

2017-04-19

This work reports on designing of first successful MOF-sensitizer based solid-state photovoltaic device, perticularly with a meaningful output power conversion efficiency. In this study, an intrinsically conductive cobalt-based MOFs (Co-DAPV) formed by the coordination between Co (II) ions and a redox active di(3-diaminopropyl)-viologen (i.e., DAPV) ligand is investigated as sensitizer. Hall-effect measurement shows p-type conductivity of the Co-DAPV film with hole mobility of 0.017 cm 2 V -1 s -1 , suggesting its potential application as hole transporting sensitizer. Further, the energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of Co-DAPV are well-matched to be suitably employed for sensitizing TiO 2 . Thus, by layer-by-layer deposition of hole conducting MOF-sensitizer onto mesoporous TiO 2 film, a power conversion efficiency of as high as 2.1% is achieved, which exceeds the highest efficiency values of MOF-sensitized liquid-junction solar cells reported so far.

Fused thiophene-based conjugated polymers and their use in optoelectronic devices

DOEpatents

Facchetti, Antonio; Marks, Tobin J; Takai, Atsuro; Seger, Mark; Chen, Zhihua

2015-11-03

The present teachings relate to certain polymeric compounds and their use as organic semiconductors in organic and hybrid optical, optoelectronic, and/or electronic devices such as photovoltaic cells, light emitting diodes, light emitting transistors, and field effect transistors. The disclosed compounds can provide improved device performance, for example, as measured by power conversion efficiency, fill factor, open circuit voltage, field-effect mobility, on/off current ratios, and/or air stability when used in photovoltaic cells or transistors. The disclosed compounds can have good solubility in common solvents enabling device fabrication via solution processes.

Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Nanocrystalline Porous Silicon Device Driven as an Ultrasonic Speaker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsubaki, Kenji; Komoda, Takuya; Koshida, Nobuyoshi

2006-04-01

It is shown that the dc-superimposed driving mode is more useful for the efficient operation of a novel thermally induced ultrasonic emitter based on nanocrystalline porous silicon (nc-PS) than the conventional simple ac-voltage driving mode. The nc-PS device is composed of a patterned heater electrode, an nc-PS layer and a single crystalline silicon (c-Si) substrate. The almost complete thermally insulating property of nc-PS as a quantum-sized system makes it possible to apply the nc-PS device as an ultrasonic generator by efficient thermo acoustic conversion without any mechanical vibrations. In the dc-superimposed driving mode, the output frequency is the same as the input frequency and a stationary temperature rise is kept constant independent of input peak-to-peak voltage. In addition, power efficiency is significantly increases compared with that in the ac-voltage driving mode without affecting on the temperature rise. The present results suggest the further possibility of the nc-PS device being used as a functional speaker.

Towards stable and commercially available perovskite solar cells

DOE PAGES

Park, Nam-Gyu; Grätzel, Michael; Miyasaka, Tsutomu; ...

2016-10-17

Solar cells employing a halide perovskite with an organic cation now show power conversion efficiency of up to 22%. But, these cells are facing issues towards commercialization, such as the need to achieve long-term stability and the development of a manufacturing method for the reproducible fabrication of high-performance devices. We propose a strategy to obtain stable and commercially viable perovskite solar cells. A reproducible manufacturing method is suggested, as well as routes to manage grain boundaries and interfacial charge transport. Electroluminescence is regarded as a metric to gauge theoretical efficiency. We highlight how optimizing the design of device architectures ismore » important not only for achieving high efficiency but also for hysteresis-free and stable performance. Here, we argue that reliable device characterization is needed to ensure the advance of this technology towards practical applications. We believe that perovskite-based devices can be competitive with silicon solar modules, and discuss issues related to the safe management of toxic material.« less

Hybrid solar cells composed of perovskite and polymer photovoltaic structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phaometvarithorn, Apatsanan; Chuangchote, Surawut; Kumnorkaew, Pisist; Wootthikanokkhan, Jatuphorn

2018-06-01

Organic/inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells have recently attracted much attention in photovoltaic research, due to the devices show promising ways to achieve high efficiencies. The perovskite devices with high efficiencies, however, are typically fabricated in tandem solar cell which is complicated. In this research work, we introduce a solar cell device with the combination of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx perovskite and bulk heterojunction PCDTBT:PC70BM polymer without any tandem structure. The new integrated perovskite/polymer hybrid structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/perovskite/PCDTBT:PC70BM/PC70BM/TiOx/Al provides higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of devices compared with conventional perovskite cell structure. With the optimized PCDTBT:PC70BM thickness of ∼70 nm, the highest PCE of 11.67% is achieved. Variation of conducting donor polymers in this new structure is also preliminary demonstrated. This study provides an attractively innovative structure and a promising design for further development of the new-generation solar cells.

High-speed low-power photonic transistor devices based on optically-controlled gain or absorption to affect optical interference.

PubMed

Huang, Yingyan; Ho, Seng-Tiong

2008-10-13

We show that a photonic transistor device can be realized via the manipulation of optical interference by optically controlled gain or absorption in novel ways, resulting in efficient transistor signal gain and switching action. Exemplary devices illustrate two complementary device types with high operating speed, microm size, microW switching power, and switching gain. They can act in tandem to provide a wide variety of operations including wavelength conversion, pulse regeneration, and logical operations. These devices could have a Transistor Figure-of-Merits >10(5) times higher than current chi((3)) approaches and are highly attractive.

Improved efficiency of hybrid organic photovoltaics by pulsed laser sintering of silver nanowire network transparent electrode.

PubMed

Spechler, Joshua A; Nagamatsu, Ken A; Sturm, James C; Arnold, Craig B

2015-05-20

In this Research Article, we demonstrate pulsed laser processing of a silver nanowire network transparent conductor on top of an otherwise complete solar cell. The macroscopic pulsed laser irradiation serves to sinter nanowire-nanowire junctions on the nanoscale, leading to a much more conductive electrode. We fabricate hybrid silicon/organic heterojunction photovoltaic devices, which have ITO-free, solution processed, and laser processed transparent electrodes. Furthermore, devices which have high resistive losses show up to a 35% increase in power conversion efficiency after laser processing. We perform this study over a range of laser fluences, and a range of nanowire area coverage to investigate the sintering mechanism of nanowires inside of a device stack. The increase in device performance is modeled using a simple photovoltaic diode approach and compares favorably to the experimental data.

Advances in Perovskite Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Zuo, Chuantian; Bolink, Henk J.; Han, Hongwei; Huang, Jinsong

2016-01-01

Organolead halide perovskite materials possess a combination of remarkable optoelectronic properties, such as steep optical absorption edge and high absorption coefficients, long charge carrier diffusion lengths and lifetimes. Taken together with the ability for low temperature preparation, also from solution, perovskite‐based devices, especially photovoltaic (PV) cells have been studied intensively, with remarkable progress in performance, over the past few years. The combination of high efficiency, low cost and additional (non‐PV) applications provides great potential for commercialization. Performance and applications of perovskite solar cells often correlate with their device structures. Many innovative device structures were developed, aiming at large‐scale fabrication, reducing fabrication cost, enhancing the power conversion efficiency and thus broadening potential future applications. This review summarizes typical structures of perovskite solar cells and comments on novel device structures. The applications of perovskite solar cells are discussed. PMID:27812475

Risk in the mist? Deriving data to quantify microbial health risks associated with aerosol generation by water-efficient devices during typical domestic water-using activities.

PubMed

O'Toole, J; Keywood, M; Sinclair, M; Leder, K

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to address existing data gaps and to determine the size distribution of aerosols associated with water-efficient devices during typical domestic activities. This information is important to assist in understanding infection spread during water-using activities and in designing water regulations. Three water-using scenarios were evaluated: i) showering using a water-efficient showerhead; ii) use of a high pressure spray unit for cleaning cars and iii) toilet flushing using a dual flush low volume flush device. For each scenario a control condition (conventional lower efficiency device) was selected for benchmarking purposes. Shower module results highlighted the complexity of particle generation and removal processes and showed that more than 90% of total particle mass in the breathing zone was attributed to particle diameters greater than 6 mum. Conversely, results for car washing experiments showed that particle diameters up to 6 mum constituted the major part of the total mass generated by both water-efficient and conventional devices. Even under worse case scenario conditions for toilet flushing, particle measurements were at or below the level of detection of the measuring instrumentation. The data provide information that assists in health risk assessment and in determining future research directions, including methodological aspects.

Determination of Thermoelectric Module Efficiency A Survey

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Hsin; McCarty, Robin; Salvador, James R.

2014-01-01

The development of thermoelectrics (TE) for energy conversion is in the transition phase from laboratory research to device development. There is an increasing demand to accurately determine the module efficiency, especially for the power generation mode. For many thermoelectrics, the figure of merit, ZT, of the material sometimes cannot be fully realized at the device level. Reliable efficiency testing of thermoelectric modules is important to assess the device ZT and provide the end-users with realistic values on how much power can be generated under specific conditions. We conducted a general survey of efficiency testing devices and their performance. The resultsmore » indicated the lack of industry standards and test procedures. This study included a commercial test system and several laboratory systems. Most systems are based on the heat flow meter method and some are based on the Harman method. They are usually reproducible in evaluating thermoelectric modules. However, cross-checking among different systems often showed large errors that are likely caused by unaccounted heat loss and thermal resistance. Efficiency testing is an important area for the thermoelectric community to focus on. A follow-up international standardization effort is planned.« less

Maximizing the short circuit current of organic solar cells by partial decoupling of electrical and optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qarony, Wayesh; Hossain, Mohammad I.; Jovanov, Vladislav; Knipp, Dietmar; Tsang, Yuen Hong

2018-03-01

The partial decoupling of electronic and optical properties of organic solar cells allows for realizing solar cells with increased short circuit current and energy conversion efficiency. The proposed device consists of an organic solar cell conformally prepared on the surface of an array of single and double textured pyramids. The device geometry allows for increasing the optical thickness of the organic solar cell, while the electrical thickness is equal to the nominal thickness of the solar cell. By increasing the optical thickness of the solar cell, the short circuit current is distinctly increased. The quantum efficiency and short circuit current are determined using finite-difference time-domain simulations of the 3D solar cell structure. The influence of different solar cell designs on the quantum efficiency and short circuit current is discussed and optimal device dimensions are proposed.

Triplet-triplet annihilation photon-upconversion: towards solar energy applications.

PubMed

Gray, Victor; Dzebo, Damir; Abrahamsson, Maria; Albinsson, Bo; Moth-Poulsen, Kasper

2014-06-14

Solar power production and solar energy storage are important research areas for development of technologies that can facilitate a transition to a future society independent of fossil fuel based energy sources. Devices for direct conversion of solar photons suffer from poor efficiencies due to spectrum losses, which are caused by energy mismatch between the optical absorption of the devices and the broadband irradiation provided by the sun. In this context, photon-upconversion technologies are becoming increasingly interesting since they might offer an efficient way of converting low energy solar energy photons into higher energy photons, ideal for solar power production and solar energy storage. This perspective discusses recent progress in triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) photon-upconversion systems and devices for solar energy applications. Furthermore, challenges with evaluation of the efficiency of TTA-photon-upconversion systems are discussed and a general approach for evaluation and comparison of existing systems is suggested.

Surpassing 10% Efficiency Benchmark for Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells by Scalable Coating in Air from Single Nonhalogenated Solvent

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ye, Long; Xiong, Yuan; Zhang, Qianqian

The commercialization of nonfullerene organic solar cells (OSCs) relies critically on the response under typical operating conditions (for instance, temperature, humidity) and the ability of scale-up. Despite the rapid increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of spin-coated devices fabricated in a protective atmosphere, the device efficiencies of printed nonfullerene OSC devices by blade-coating are still lower than 6%. This slow progress significantly limits the practical printing of high-performance nonfullerene OSCs. Here, a new and stable nonfullerene combination was introduced by pairing a commercially available nonfluorinated acceptor IT-M with the polymeric donor FTAZ. Over 12%-efficiency can be achieved in spincoated FTAZ:IT-Mmore » devices using a single halogen-free solvent. More importantly, chlorinefree, in air blade-coating of FTAZ:IT-M is able to yield a PCE of nearly 11%, despite a humidity of ~50%. X-ray scattering results reveal that large π-π coherence lengths, high degree of faceon orientation with respect to the substrate, and small domain spacings of ~20 nm are closely correlated with such high device performance. Our material system and approach yields the highest reported performance for nonfullerene OSC devices by a coating technique approximating scalable fabrication methods and holds great promise for the development of low-cost, low-toxicity, and high-efficiency OSCs by high-throughput production.« less

Physical aspects of ferroelectric semiconductors for photovoltaic solar energy conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez-Varo, Pilar; Bertoluzzi, Luca; Bisquert, Juan; Alexe, Marin; Coll, Mariona; Huang, Jinsong; Jimenez-Tejada, Juan Antonio; Kirchartz, Thomas; Nechache, Riad; Rosei, Federico; Yuan, Yongbo

2016-10-01

Solar energy conversion using semiconductors to fabricate photovoltaic devices relies on efficient light absorption, charge separation of electron-hole pair carriers or excitons, and fast transport and charge extraction to counter recombination processes. Ferroelectric materials are able to host a permanent electrical polarization which provides control over electrical field distribution in bulk and interfacial regions. In this review, we provide a critical overview of the physical principles and mechanisms of solar energy conversion using ferroelectric semiconductors and contact layers, as well as the main achievements reported so far. In a ferroelectric semiconductor film with ideal contacts, the polarization charge would be totally screened by the metal layers and no charge collection field would exist. However, real materials show a depolarization field, smooth termination of polarization, and interfacial energy barriers that do provide the control of interface and bulk electric field by switchable spontaneous polarization. We explore different phenomena as the polarization-modulated Schottky-like barriers at metal/ferroelectric interfaces, depolarization fields, vacancy migration, and the switchable rectifying behavior of ferroelectric thin films. Using a basic physical model of a solar cell, our analysis provides a general picture of the influence of ferroelectric effects on the actual power conversion efficiency of the solar cell device, and we are able to assess whether these effects or their combinations are beneficial or counterproductive. We describe in detail the bulk photovoltaic effect and the contact layers that modify the built-in field and the charge injection and separation in bulk heterojunction organic cells as well as in photocatalytic and water splitting devices. We also review the dominant families of ferroelectric materials that have been most extensively investigated and have provided the best photovoltaic performance.

Si-Doping Effects in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin Films and Applications for Simplified Structure High-Efficiency Solar Cells.

PubMed

Ishizuka, Shogo; Koida, Takashi; Taguchi, Noboru; Tanaka, Shingo; Fons, Paul; Shibata, Hajime

2017-09-13

We found that elemental Si-doped Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) polycrystalline thin films exhibit a distinctive morphology due to the formation of grain boundary layers several tens of nanometers thick. The use of Si-doped CIGS films as the photoabsorber layer in simplified structure buffer-free solar cell devices is found to be effective in enhancing energy conversion efficiency. The grain boundary layers formed in Si-doped CIGS films are expected to play an important role in passivating CIGS grain interfaces and improving carrier transport. The simplified structure solar cells, which nominally consist of only a CIGS photoabsorber layer and a front transparent and a back metal electrode layer, demonstrate practical application level solar cell efficiencies exceeding 15%. To date, the cell efficiencies demonstrated from this type of device have remained relatively low, with values of about 10%. Also, Si-doped CIGS solar cell devices exhibit similar properties to those of CIGS devices fabricated with post deposition alkali halide treatments such as KF or RbF, techniques known to boost CIGS device performance. The results obtained offer a new approach based on a new concept to control grain boundaries in polycrystalline CIGS and other polycrystalline chalcogenide materials for better device performance.

Heat pump/refrigerator using liquid working fluid

DOEpatents

Wheatley, John C.; Paulson, Douglas N.; Allen, Paul C.; Knight, William R.; Warkentin, Paul A.

1982-01-01

A heat transfer device is described that can be operated as a heat pump or refrigerator, which utilizes a working fluid that is continuously in a liquid state and which has a high temperature-coefficient of expansion near room temperature, to provide a compact and high efficiency heat transfer device for relatively small temperature differences as are encountered in heating or cooling rooms or the like. The heat transfer device includes a pair of heat exchangers that may be coupled respectively to the outdoor and indoor environments, a regenerator connecting the two heat exchangers, a displacer that can move the liquid working fluid through the heat exchangers via the regenerator, and a means for alternately increasing and decreasing the pressure of the working fluid. The liquid working fluid enables efficient heat transfer in a compact unit, and leads to an explosion-proof smooth and quiet machine characteristic of hydraulics. The device enables efficient heat transfer as the indoor-outdoor temperature difference approaches zero, and enables simple conversion from heat pumping to refrigeration as by merely reversing the direction of a motor that powers the device.

Low-cost, high-efficiency organic/inorganic hetero-junction hybrid solar cells for next generation photovoltaic device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pudasaini, P. R.; Ayon, A. A.

2013-12-01

Organic/inorganic hybrid structures are considered innovative alternatives for the next generation of low-cost photovoltaic devices because they combine advantages of the purely organic and inorganic versions. Here, we report an efficient hybrid solar cell based on sub-wavelength silicon nanotexturization in combination with the spin-coating of poly (3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). The described devices were analyzed by collecting current-voltage and capacitance-voltage measurements in order to explore the organic/inorganic heterojunction properties. ALD deposited ultrathin aluminium oxide was used as a junction passivation layer between the nanotextured silicon surface and the organic polymer. The measured interface defect density of the device was observed to decrease with the inclusion of an ultrathin Al2O3 passivation layer leading to an improved electrical performance. This effect is thought to be ascribed to the suppression of charge recombination at the organic/inorganic interface. A maximum power conversion efficiency in excess of 10% has been achieved for the optimized geometry of the device, in spite of lacking an antireflection layer or back surface field enhancement schemes.

Efficient Solar Energy Harvesting and Storage through a Robust Photocatalyst Driving Reversible Redox Reactions.

PubMed

Zhou, Yangen; Zhang, Shun; Ding, Yu; Zhang, Leyuan; Zhang, Changkun; Zhang, Xiaohong; Zhao, Yu; Yu, Guihua

2018-06-14

Simultaneous solar energy conversion and storage is receiving increasing interest for better utilization of the abundant yet intermittently available sunlight. Photoelectrodes driving nonspontaneous reversible redox reactions in solar-powered redox cells (SPRCs), which can deliver energy via the corresponding reverse reactions, present a cost-effective and promising approach for direct solar energy harvesting and storage. However, the lack of photoelectrodes having both high conversion efficiency and high durability becomes a bottleneck that hampers practical applications of SPRCs. Here, it is shown that a WO 3 -decorated BiVO 4 photoanode, without the need of extra electrocatalysts, can enable a single-photocatalyst-driven SPRC with a solar-to-output energy conversion efficiency as high as 1.25%. This SPRC presents stable performance over 20 solar energy storage/delivery cycles. The high efficiency and stability are attributed to the rapid redox reactions, the well-matched energy level, and the efficient light harvesting and charge separation of the prepared BiVO 4 . This demonstrated device system represents a potential alternative toward the development of low-cost, durable, and easy-to-implement solar energy technologies. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Recent progress in stabilizing hybrid perovskites for solar cell applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jianqing; Cai, Xin; Yang, Donghui; Song, Dan; Wang, Jiajia; Jiang, Jinghua; Ma, Aibin; Lv, Shiquan; Hu, Michael Z.; Ni, Chaoying

2017-07-01

Hybrid inorganic-organic perovskites have quickly evolved as a promising group of materials for solar cells and optoelectronic applications mainly owing to the inexpensive materials, relatively simple and versatile fabrication and high power conversion efficiency (PCE). The certified energy conversion efficiency for perovskite solar cell (PSC) has reached above 20%, which is compatible to the current best for commercial applications. However, long-term stabilities of the materials and devices remain to be the biggest challenging issue for realistic implementation of the PSCs. This article discusses the key issues related to the stability of perovskite absorbing layer including crystal structural stability, chemical stability under moisture, oxygen, illumination and interface reaction, effects of electron-transporting materials (ETM), hole-transporting materials (HTM), contact electrodes, ion migration and preparation conditions. Towards the end, prospective strategies for improving the stability of PSCs are also briefly discussed and summarized. We focus on recent understanding of the stability of materials and devices and our perspectives about the strategies for the stability improvement.

Seed mediated synthesis of nanosized zinc oxide and its electron transporting activity in dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajkumar, C.; Arulraj, Arunachalam

2018-01-01

A zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle has been synthesized using seed mediated method at a low temperature of 90 °C. To understand its optical, structural and morphological properties of as-synthesized ZnO, it was characterized using various analytical techniques. The obtained result reveals that ZnO nanoparticles possess hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with an average crystallite size of ˜40 nm. The presence of hydroxyl, amine and alkyl groups was confirmed from Fourier transform infrared analysis. Furthermore, the synthesized ZnO powder has employed as photoanode for the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells using Doctor-blade technique. To evaluate its photo-conversion efficiency, the device has been assembled into a cell module and illuminated with the light intensity of 100 mW cm-2. The device exhibits the photo-conversion efficiency of 1.85% with the current density of 4.532 mA cm-2 and voltage of 0.61 V.

Simple processing of back-contacted silicon heterojunction solar cells using selective-area crystalline growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomasi, Andrea; Paviet-Salomon, Bertrand; Jeangros, Quentin; Haschke, Jan; Christmann, Gabriel; Barraud, Loris; Descoeudres, Antoine; Seif, Johannes Peter; Nicolay, Sylvain; Despeisse, Matthieu; de Wolf, Stefaan; Ballif, Christophe

2017-04-01

For crystalline-silicon solar cells, voltages close to the theoretical limit are nowadays readily achievable when using passivating contacts. Conversely, maximal current generation requires the integration of the electron and hole contacts at the back of the solar cell to liberate its front from any shadowing loss. Recently, the world-record efficiency for crystalline-silicon single-junction solar cells was achieved by merging these two approaches in a single device; however, the complexity of fabricating this class of devices raises concerns about their commercial potential. Here we show a contacting method that substantially simplifies the architecture and fabrication of back-contacted silicon solar cells. We exploit the surface-dependent growth of silicon thin films, deposited by plasma processes, to eliminate the patterning of one of the doped carrier-collecting layers. Then, using only one alignment step for electrode definition, we fabricate a proof-of-concept 9-cm2 tunnel-interdigitated back-contact solar cell with a certified conversion efficiency >22.5%.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mohite, Aditya; Blancon, Jean-Christophe

In the eternal search for next generation high-efficiency solar cells and LEDs, scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory and their partners are gaining an extra degree of freedom in designing and fabricating efficient optoelectronic devices based on 2D layered hybrid perovskites. Industrial applications could include low cost solar cells, LEDs, laser diodes, detectors, and other nano-optoelectronic devices. The 2D, near-single-crystalline “Ruddlesden-Popper” thin films have an out-of-plane orientation so that uninhibited charge transport occurs through the perovskite layers in planar devices. The new research finds the existence of “layer-edge-states” at the edges of the perovskite layers which are key to bothmore » high efficiency of solar cells (greater than 12 percent) and high fluorescence efficiency (a few tens of percent) for LEDs. The spontaneous conversion of excitons (bound electron-hole pairs) to free carriers via these layer-edge states appears to be the key to the improvement of the photovoltaic and light-emitting thin film layered materials.« less

Study of series-connected polymer tandem solar cells based on a highly efficient donor material of PTB7-Th

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zang, Yue; Gao, Xiumin; Xin, Qing; Lin, Jun; Zhao, Jufeng

2017-06-01

A highly efficient donor polymer, PTB7-Th, combined with acceptor fullerene PC71BM was introduced as the subcell in the series-connected tandem devices to achieve high-performance polymer tandem solar cells. Design of the device architecture was investigated using modeling and simulation methods to identify the optimal structure and to predict performance of the tandem cells. To address the challenge of current matching between the constituent subcells, the effect of active layer thickness, different device structure, and use of ultrathin Ag film were analyzed. It was found that the distribution of optical intensity in the tandem structure can be optimized through the optical spacer effect of interfacial layers and micro-cavity effect derived from the embedded ultrathin Ag film. Our results indicate that the efficient light utilization with appropriate subcells can allow achievement of power conversion efficiency of 12%, which can be 25% higher than that of a single cell of PTB7-Th.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Graham, Kenneth R.; Mei, Jianguo; Stalder, Romain

The effect of the macromolecular additive, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), on the performance of solution processed molecular bulk heterojunction solar cells is investigated, and the addition of PDMS is shown to improve device power conversion efficiency by ~70% and significantly reduce cell-to-cell variation, from a power conversion efficiency of 1.25 ± 0.37% with no PDMS to 2.16 ± 0.09% upon the addition of 0.1 mg/mL PDMS to the casting solution. The cells are based on a thiophene and isoindigo containing oligomer as the electron donor and [6,6]-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PC 61BM) as the electron acceptor. PDMS is shown to havemore » a strong influence on film morphology, with a significant decrease in film roughness and feature size observed. The morphology change leads to improved performance parameters, most notably an increase in the short circuit current density from 4.3 to 6.8 mA/cm 2 upon addition of 0.1 mg/mL PDMS. The use of PDMS is of particular interest, as this additive appears frequently as a lubricant in plastic syringes commonly used in device fabrication; therefore, PDMS may unintentionally be incorporated into device active layers.« less

Lower hybrid to whistler mode conversion on a density striation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camporeale, E.; Delzanno, G. L.; Colestock, P.

2012-10-01

When a wave packet composed of short wavelength lower hybrid modes traveling in an homogeneous plasma region encounters an inhomogeneity, it can resonantly excite long wavelength whistler waves via a linear mechanism known as mode conversion. An enhancement of lower hybrid/whistler activity has been often observed by sounding rockets and satellites in the presence of density depletions (striations) in the upper ionosphere. We address here the process of linear mode conversion of lower hybrid to whistler waves, mediated by a density striation, using a scalar-field formalism (in the limit of cold plasma linear theory) which we solve numerically. We show that the mode conversion can effectively transfer a large amount of energy from the short to the long wavelength modes. We also study how the efficiency scales by changing the properties (width and amplitude) of the density striation. We present a general criterion for the width of the striation that, if fulfilled, maximizes the conversion efficiency. Such a criterion could provide an interpretation of recent laboratory experiments carried out on the Large Plasma Device at UCLA.

The influence of thermal and free carrier dispersion effects on all-optical wavelength conversion in a silicon racetrack-shaped microring resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhaolu; Liu, Hongjun; Sun, Qibing; Huang, Nan; Li, Shaopeng; Han, Jing

2016-07-01

We experimentally demonstrate ultra-low pump power wavelength conversion based on four-wave mixing in a silicon racetrack-shaped microring resonator. When the pump and signal are located at the resonance wavelengths, wavelength conversion with a pump power of only 1 mW can be realized in this microring resonator because of the resonant enhancement of the device. However, saturation of the conversion efficiency occurs because of the shift of the resonance peak, which is caused by the change of the effective refractive index induced by a combination of thermal and free carrier dispersion effects, and it is demonstrated that the thermal effect is the leading-order factor for the change of the refractive index. The maximum conversion efficiency of  -21 dB is obtained when the pump power is less than 12 mW. This ultra-low-power on-chip wavelength convertor based on a silicon microring resonator can find important potential applications in highly integrated optical circuits for all-optical signal processing.

Metallic metasurfaces for high efficient polarization conversion control in transmission mode.

PubMed

Li, Tong; Hu, Xiaobin; Chen, Huamin; Zhao, Chen; Xu, Yun; Wei, Xin; Song, Guofeng

2017-10-02

A high efficient broadband polarization converter is an important component in integrated miniaturized optical systems, but its performances is often restricted by the material structures, metallic metasurfaces for polarization control in transmission mode never achieved efficiency above 0.5. Herein, we theoretically demonstrate that metallic metasurfaces constructed by thick cross-shaped particles can realize a high efficient polarization transformation over a broadband. We investigated the resonant properties of designed matesurfaces and found that the interaction between double FP cavity resonances and double bulk magnetic resonances is the main reason to generate a high transmissivity over a broadband. In addition, through using four resonances effect and tuning the anisotropic optical response, we realized a high efficient (> 0.85) quarter-wave plate at the wavelength range from 1175nm to 1310nm and a high efficient (> 0.9) half-wave plate at the wavelength range from 1130nm to 1230nm. The proposed polarization converters may have many potential applications in integrated polarization conversion devices and optical data storage systems.

Free-space microwave power transmission study, phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, W. C.

1975-01-01

The results of an investigation of the technology of free-space power transmission by microwave beam are presented. A description of the steps that were taken to increase the overall dc to dc efficiency of microwave power transmission from 15 percent to over 50 percent is given. Included in this overall efficiency were the efficiencies of the dc to microwave conversion, the microwave transmission itself, and the microwave to dc conversion. Improvements in launching the microwave beam with high efficiency by means of a dual mode horn resulted in 95 percent of the output of the microwave generator reaching the receiving area. Emphasis was placed upon successive improvements in reception and rectification of the microwave power, resulting in the design of a rectenna device for this purpose whose efficiency was 75 percent. The procedures and the hardware developed were the basis for tests certified by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in which an overall dc to dc efficiency of 54 percent was achieved.

Radioisotopic energy conversion system (RECS): A new radioisotopic power cell, based on nuclear, atomic, and radiation transport principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinfelds, Eric Victor

The topic of this thesis is the development of the Radioisotope Energy Conversion System (RECS) in a project which is utilizing analytical computational assisted design and some experimental Research in the investigation of fluorescers and effective transducers with the appropriate energy range choice for the conversion of energy. It is desirable to increase the efficiency in electrical power from the raw kinetic power available from the radioactive material within radioisotope power generators. A major step in this direction is the development and use of Radioisotope Energy Conversion Systems to supplement and ideally replace Radioactive Thermal Generators (RTG). It is possible to achieve electrical conversion efficiencies exceeding 25% for RECS power devices compared to only 9 percent efficiency for RTG's. The theoretical basis with existent materials for the potential achievability of efficiencies above 25% is documented within this thesis. The fundamental RECS consists of a radioisotope radiative source (C1), a mediating fluorescent gas (C2) which readily absorbs energy from the beta particles (or alpha's) and subsequently emits blue or UV photons, photovoltaic cells (C3) to convert the blue and UV photons into electrical energy [2], and electrical circuitry (C4). Solid State inspired component (C3), due to its theoretical (and attainable) high efficiency, is a large step ahead of the RTG design concept. The radioisotope flux source produces the beta(-) particles or alpha particles. Geometrically, presently, we prefer to have the ambient fluorescent gas surround the radioisotope flux source. Our fluorescer shall be a gas such as Krypton. Our specifically wide band-gap photovoltaic cells shall have gap energies which are slightly less than that of UV photons produced by the fluorescing gas. Diamond and Aluminum Nitride sample materials are good potential choices for photovoltaic cells, as is explained here in. Out of the material examples discussed, the highest electric power to mass ratio is found to be readily attainable with strontium-90 as the radiative source. Krypton-85 is indisputably the most efficient in RECS devices. In the conclusion in chapter VI, suggestions are given on acceptable ways of containing krypton-85 and providing sufficient shielding on deep space probes destined to use krypton-85 powered 'batteries'.

Designing high efficiency organic photovoltaics by controlling the ordering at the donor-acceptor interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohite, Aditya; Nie, Wanyi; Gupta, Gautam; Crone, Brian; Kuo, Chenyu; Tsai, Hsinhan; Smith, Darryl; Ruden, Paul; Liu, Feilong; Wang, Hsing-Lin; Tretiak, Sergei

2014-03-01

The overall power conversion efficiency in an organic solar cell depends on the balance between the rates of exciton dissociation, recombination and separation at the donor acceptor interface. Inability to design, control and engineer these interfaces remains a key bottleneck in their widespread use for the next generation organic electronic devices. Here, we show that we can control the ordering at the P3HT/C60 interface in bilayer device geometry by inserting a monolayer of oligothiophenes, which leads to a complete suppression in the exciplex (or charge transfer state) recombination. We observe that the photocurrent increases by 500%, which in turn results in an increase in the overall power conversion efficiency by an order of magnitude. Moreover, we find that the oligothiophene with an odd number of rings (ter and penta oligothiophene) exhibit a much higher increase in the photocurrent in comparison to the oligothiophene with an even number of rings (tetra oligothiphene). STM measurements reveal that the oligothiophene with odd and even number of rings differ in their ordering respectively, that has a big effect on the overall device performance. We also find that this ordering is highly dependent on the side functional groups in the oligothiophenes. The mechanism of photocurrent generation will be discussed and a simple transport model will be used to explain the change in the charge transfer and recombination rates and predict current-voltage curves.

Selective optical contacting for solar spectrum management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jianfeng; Chen, Weijian; Wang, Bo; Zhang, Zhilong; Huang, Shujuan; Shrestha, Santosh; Wen, Xiaoming; Patterson, Robert; Conibeer, Gavin

2017-02-01

Solar spectrum management using up/down conversion is an important method to improve the photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency. It asks for a monochromatic luminescence absorption at the band edge of the photovoltaic device to reduce both the sub-band-gap and over-band-gap energy losses. Here, we demonstrate an energy selective optical contacting concept to improve the luminescence transfer efficiency for spectrum management. By increasing both the luminescence emission and re-absorption ability through photonic resonance, an efficient photon transfer channel could be established between the luminescence emitter and the photovoltaic component in a near-field region. This concept is not only able to compensate the insufficient band edge absorption ability of the photovoltaic device, but also to break the far-field limitation of luminescence radiation. The energy selection on the optical spectrum naturally imposed by the mode resonance is also helpful to improve the monochromaticity of the luminescence yield. In this paper, a photonic crystal cavity is used to realize the optical contacting concept between a thin silicon film and spectrum converter. The optical power and photon flux transferred between different components are calculated analytically using the electromagnetic Green's function. The corresponding radiative dipole moment is estimated by the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. The example shows an over 80 times enhancement in the luminescence absorbance by the silicon layer, illustrating the great potential of this concept to be applied on nano-structured photovoltaic devices.

Increasing the efficiency of organic solar cells by photonic and electrostatic-field enhancements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nalwa, Kanwar

2011-01-01

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology is an attractive solar-electric conversion paradigm due to the promise of low cost roll-to-roll production and amenability to flexible substrates. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 7% has recently been achieved. OPV cells suffer from low charge carrier mobilities of polymers, leading to recombination losses, higher series resistances and lower fill-factors. Thus, it is imperative to develop fabrication methodologies that can enable efficient optical absorption in films thinner than optical absorption length. Active layers conformally deposited on light-trapping, microscale textured, grating-type surfaces is one possible approach to achieve this objective. In this study, 40% theoretical increase inmore » photonic absorption over flat OPVs is shown for devices with textured geometry by the simulation results. For verifying this theoretical result and improving the efficiency of OPVs by light trapping, OPVs were fabricated on grating-type textured substrates possessing t pitch and -coat PV active-layer on these textured substrates led to over filling of the valleys and shunts at the crest, which severely affected the performance of the resultant PV devices. Thus, it is established that although the optical design is important for OPV performance but the potential of light trapping can only be effectively tapped if the textures are amenable for realizing a conformal active layer. It is discovered that if the height of the underlying topographical features is reduced to sub-micron regime (e.g. 300 nm) and the pitch is increased to more than a micron (e.g. 2 μm), the textured surface becomes amenable to coating a conformal PV active-layer. The resultant PV cells showed 100% increase in average light absorption near the band edge due to trapping of higher wavelength photons, and 20% improvement in power conversion efficiency as compared with the flat PV cell. Another factor that severely limits the performance of OPVs is recombination of charge carriers. Thus it becomes imperative to understand the effect of processing conditions such as spin coating speed and drying rate on defect density and hence induced carrier recombination mechanism. In this study, It is shown that slow growth (longer drying time) of the active-layer leads to reduction of sub-bandgap traps by an order of magnitude as compared to fast grown active-layer. By coupling the experimental results with simulations, it is demonstrated that at one sun condition, slow grown device has bimolecular recombination as the major loss mechanism while in the fast grown device with high trap density, the trap assisted recombination dominates. It has been estimated that non-radiative recombination accounts nearly 50% of efficiency loss in modern OPVs. Generally, an external bias (electric field) is required to collect all the photogenerated charges and thus prevent their recombination. The motivation is to induce additional electric field in otherwise low mobility conjugated polymer based active layer by incorporating ferroelectric dipoles. This is expected to facilitate singlet exciton dissociation in polymer matrix and impede charge transfer exciton (CTE) recombination at polymer:fullerene interface. For the first time, it is shown that the addition of ferroelectric dipoles to modern bulk heterojunction (BHJ) can significantly improve exciton dissociation, resulting in a ~50% enhancement of overall solar cell efficiency. The devices also exhibit the unique ferroelectric-photovoltaic effect with polarization-controlled power conversion efficiency.« less

Potential high efficiency solar cells: Applications from space photovoltaic research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flood, D. J.

1986-01-01

NASA involvement in photovoltaic energy conversion research development and applications spans over two decades of continuous progress. Solar cell research and development programs conducted by the Lewis Research Center's Photovoltaic Branch have produced a sound technology base not only for the space program, but for terrestrial applications as well. The fundamental goals which have guided the NASA photovoltaic program are to improve the efficiency and lifetime, and to reduce the mass and cost of photovoltaic energy conversion devices and arrays for use in space. The major efforts in the current Lewis program are on high efficiency, single crystal GaAs planar and concentrator cells, radiation hard InP cells, and superlattice solar cells. A brief historical perspective of accomplishments in high efficiency space solar cells will be given, and current work in all of the above categories will be described. The applicability of space cell research and technology to terrestrial photovoltaics will be discussed.

Photon enhanced thermionic emission

DOEpatents

Schwede, Jared; Melosh, Nicholas; Shen, Zhixun

2014-10-07

Photon Enhanced Thermionic Emission (PETE) is exploited to provide improved efficiency for radiant energy conversion. A hot (greater than 200.degree. C.) semiconductor cathode is illuminated such that it emits electrons. Because the cathode is hot, significantly more electrons are emitted than would be emitted from a room temperature (or colder) cathode under the same illumination conditions. As a result of this increased electron emission, the energy conversion efficiency can be significantly increased relative to a conventional photovoltaic device. In PETE, the cathode electrons can be (and typically are) thermalized with respect to the cathode. As a result, PETE does not rely on emission of non-thermalized electrons, and is significantly easier to implement than hot-carrier emission approaches.

Solution processed transition metal oxide anode buffer layers for efficiency and stability enhancement of polymer solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ameen, M. Yoosuf; Shamjid, P.; Abhijith, T.; Reddy, V. S.

2018-01-01

Polymer solar cells were fabricated with solution-processed transition metal oxides, MoO3 and V2O5 as anode buffer layers (ABLs). The optimized device with V2O5 ABL exhibited considerably higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to the devices based on MoO3 and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) ABLs. The space charge limited current measurements and impedance spectroscopy results of hole-only devices revealed that V2O5 provided a very low charge transfer resistance and high hole mobility, facilitating efficient hole transfer from the active layer to the ITO anode. More importantly, incorporation of V2O5 as ABL resulted in substantial improvement in device stability compared to MoO3 and PEDOT:PSS based devices. Unencapsulated PEDOT:PSS-based devices stored at a relative humidity of 45% have shown complete failure within 96 h. Whereas, MoO3 and V2O5 based devices stored in similar conditions retained 22% and 80% of their initial PCEs after 96 h. Significantly higher stability of the V2O5-based device is ascribed to the reduction in degradation of the anode/active layer interface, as evident from the electrical measurements.

IECEC '84: Advanced energy systems - Their role in our future; Proceedings of the Nineteenth Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, San Francisco, CA, August 19-24, 1984. Volumes 1, 2, 3, & 4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Among the topics discussed are: advanced energy conversion concepts, power sources for aircraft and spacecraft, alternate fuels for industrial and vehicular applications, biomass-derived fuels, electric vehicle design and development status, electrochemical energy conversion systems, electric power generation cycles, energy-efficient industrial processes, and energy policy and system analysis. Also discussed are advanced methods for energy storage and transport, fossil fuel conversion systems, geothermal energy system development and performance, novel and advanced heat engines, hydrogen fuel-based energy systems, MHD technology development status, nuclear energy systems, solar energy conversion methods, advanced heating and cooling systems, Stirling cycle device development, terrestrial photovoltaic systems, and thermoelectric and thermionic systems.

Sunlight absorption engineering for thermophotovoltaics: contributions from the optical design.

PubMed

Míguez, Hernán

2015-03-01

Nowadays, solar thermophotovoltaic systems constitute a platform in which sophisticated optical material designs are put into practice with the aim of achieving the long sought after dream of developing an efficient energy conversion device based on this concept. Recent advances demonstrate that higher efficiencies are at reach using photonic nanostructures amenable to mass production and scale-up. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Buried MoO x/Ag Electrode Enables High-Efficiency Organic/Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells with a High Fill Factor.

PubMed

Xia, Zhouhui; Gao, Peng; Sun, Teng; Wu, Haihua; Tan, Yeshu; Song, Tao; Lee, Shuit-Tong; Sun, Baoquan

2018-04-25

Silicon (Si)/organic heterojunction solar cells based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and n-type Si have attracted wide interests because they promise cost-effectiveness and high-efficiency. However, the limited conductivity of PEDOT:PSS leads to an inefficient hole transport efficiency for the heterojunction device. Therefore, a high dense top-contact metal grid electrode is required to assure the efficient charge collection efficiency. Unfortunately, the large metal grid coverage ratio electrode would lead to undesirable optical loss. Here, we develop a strategy to balance PEDOT:PSS conductivity and grid optical transmittance via a buried molybdenum oxide/silver grid electrode. In addition, the grid electrode coverage ratio is optimized to reduce its light shading effect. The buried electrode dramatically reduces the device series resistance, which leads to a higher fill factor (FF). With the optimized buried electrode, a record FF of 80% is achieved for flat Si/PEDOT:PSS heterojunction devices. With further enhancement adhesion between the PEDOT:PSS film and Si substrate by a chemical cross-linkable silance, a power conversion efficiency of 16.3% for organic/textured Si heterojunction devices is achieved. Our results provide a path to overcome the inferior organic semiconductor property to enhance the organic/Si heterojunction solar cell.

Demonstration of a radiation resistant, high efficiency SiC betavoltaic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eiting, C. J.; Krishnamoorthy, V.; Rodgers, S.; George, T.; Robertson, J. David; Brockman, John

2006-02-01

A SiC p-i-n junction betavoltaic was fabricated, and electrical power output under irradiation from an 8.5GBq P33 source was monitored over a period of four half-lives of the radioisotope. The open-circuit voltage (VOC) of the device was 2.04±0.02V, and the peak power (Pout) was 0.58±0.02μW (2.1±0.2μW /cm2) at 1.60V. The conversion efficiency (ηconv) was 4.5%±0.3% and the normalized power output indicates no device degradation over more than 3months (four half-lives of the source).

Effects on Organic Photovoltaics Using Femtosecond-Laser-Treated Indium Tin Oxides.

PubMed

Chen, Mei-Hsin; Tseng, Ya-Hsin; Chao, Yi-Ping; Tseng, Sheng-Yang; Lin, Zong-Rong; Chu, Hui-Hsin; Chang, Jan-Kai; Luo, Chih-Wei

2016-09-28

The effects of femtosecond-laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on an indium tin oxide (ITO) surface applied to an organic photovoltaic (OPV) system were investigated. The modifications of ITO induced by LIPPS in OPV devices result in more than 14% increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) and short-circuit current density relative to those of the standard device. The basic mechanisms for the enhanced short-circuit current density are attributed to better light harvesting, increased scattering effects, and more efficient charge collection between the ITO and photoactive layers. Results show that higher PCEs would be achieved by laser-pulse-treated electrodes.

Core-shell heterojunction of silicon nanowire arrays and carbon quantum dots for photovoltaic devices and self-driven photodetectors.

PubMed

Xie, Chao; Nie, Biao; Zeng, Longhui; Liang, Feng-Xia; Wang, Ming-Zheng; Luo, Linbao; Feng, Mei; Yu, Yongqiang; Wu, Chun-Yan; Wu, Yucheng; Yu, Shu-Hong

2014-04-22

Silicon nanostructure-based solar cells have lately intrigued intensive interest because of their promising potential in next-generation solar energy conversion devices. Herein, we report a silicon nanowire (SiNW) array/carbon quantum dot (CQD) core-shell heterojunction photovoltaic device by directly coating Ag-assisted chemical-etched SiNW arrays with CQDs. The heterojunction with a barrier height of 0.75 eV exhibited excellent rectifying behavior with a rectification ratio of 10(3) at ±0.8 V in the dark and power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 9.10% under AM 1.5G irradiation. It is believed that such a high PCE comes from the improved optical absorption as well as the optimized carrier transfer and collection capability. Furthermore, the heterojunction could function as a high-performance self-driven visible light photodetector operating in a wide switching wavelength with good stability, high sensitivity, and fast response speed. It is expected that the present SiNW array/CQD core-shell heterojunction device could find potential applications in future high-performance optoelectronic devices.

Design optimization of beta- and photovoltaic conversion devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wichner, R.; Blum, A.; Fischer-Colbrie, E.

1976-01-08

This report presents the theoretical and experimental results of an LLL Electronics Engineering research program aimed at optimizing the design and electronic-material parameters of beta- and photovoltaic p-n junction conversion devices. To meet this objective, a comprehensive computer code has been developed that can handle a broad range of practical conditions. The physical model upon which the code is based is described first. Then, an example is given of a set of optimization calculations along with the resulting optimized efficiencies for silicon (Si) and gallium-arsenide (GaAs) devices. The model we have developed, however, is not limited to these materials. Itmore » can handle any appropriate material--single or polycrystalline-- provided energy absorption and electron-transport data are available. To check code validity, the performance of experimental silicon p-n junction devices (produced in-house) were measured under various light intensities and spectra as well as under tritium beta irradiation. The results of these tests were then compared with predicted results based on the known or best estimated device parameters. The comparison showed very good agreement between the calculated and the measured results.« less

Energy-Efficient Underwater Surveillance by Means of Hybrid Aquacopters

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-01

life-cycle analysis, photovoltaic device maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and surface treatments for antifouling of the solar cells can be...108 3. Power Conversion and Storage...15 Figure 10. Shallow Water Analysis and Forecast System product, displaying regional ocean current vectors overlaying a sea surface

High-performance ternary blend polymer solar cells involving both energy transfer and hole relay processes.

PubMed

Lu, Luyao; Chen, Wei; Xu, Tao; Yu, Luping

2015-06-04

The integration of multiple materials with complementary absorptions into a single junction device is regarded as an efficient way to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, because of increased complexity with one more component, only limited high-performance ternary systems have been demonstrated previously. Here we report an efficient ternary blend OSC with a PCE of 9.2%. We show that the third component can reduce surface trap densities in the ternary blend. Detailed studies unravel that the improved performance results from synergistic effects of enlarged open circuit voltage, suppressed trap-assisted recombination, enhanced light absorption, increased hole extraction, efficient energy transfer and better morphology. The working mechanism and high device performance demonstrate new insights and design guidelines for high-performance ternary blend solar cells and suggest that ternary structure is a promising platform to boost the efficiency of OSCs.

Raising the one-sun conversion efficiency of III-V/Si solar cells to 32.8% for two junctions and 35.9% for three junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Essig, Stephanie; Allebé, Christophe; Remo, Timothy; Geisz, John F.; Steiner, Myles A.; Horowitz, Kelsey; Barraud, Loris; Ward, J. Scott; Schnabel, Manuel; Descoeudres, Antoine; Young, David L.; Woodhouse, Michael; Despeisse, Matthieu; Ballif, Christophe; Tamboli, Adele

2017-09-01

Today's dominant photovoltaic technologies rely on single-junction devices, which are approaching their practical efficiency limit of 25-27%. Therefore, researchers are increasingly turning to multi-junction devices, which consist of two or more stacked subcells, each absorbing a different part of the solar spectrum. Here, we show that dual-junction III-V//Sidevices with mechanically stacked, independently operated III-V and Si cells reach cumulative one-sun efficiencies up to 32.8%. Efficiencies up to 35.9% were achieved when combining a GaInP/GaAs dual-junction cell with a Si single-junction cell. These efficiencies exceed both the theoretical 29.4% efficiency limit of conventional Si technology and the efficiency of the record III-V dual-junction device (32.6%), highlighting the potential of Si-based multi-junction solar cells. However, techno-economic analysis reveals an order-of-magnitude disparity between the costs for III-V//Si tandem cells and conventional Si solar cells, which can be reduced if research advances in low-cost III-V growth techniques and new substrate materials are successful.

Raising the one-sun conversion efficiency of III–V/Si solar cells to 32.8% for two junctions and 35.9% for three junctions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Essig, Stephanie; Allebé, Christophe; Remo, Timothy

Today's dominant photovoltaic technologies rely on single-junction devices, which are approaching their practical efficiency limit of 25-27%. Therefore, researchers are increasingly turning to multi-junction devices, which consist of two or more stacked subcells, each absorbing a different part of the solar spectrum. Here, we show that dual-junction III-V//Sidevices with mechanically stacked, independently operated III-V and Si cells reach cumulative one-sun efficiencies up to 32.8%. Efficiencies up to 35.9% were achieved when combining a GaInP/GaAs dual-junction cell with a Si single-junction cell. These efficiencies exceed both the theoretical 29.4% efficiency limit of conventional Si technology and the efficiency of the recordmore » III-V dual-junction device (32.6%), highlighting the potential of Si-based multi-junction solar cells. However, techno-economic analysis reveals an order-of-magnitude disparity between the costs for III-V//Si tandem cells and conventional Si solar cells, which can be reduced if research advances in low-cost III-V growth techniques and new substrate materials are successful.« less

Roadmap on optical energy conversion

DOE PAGES

Boriskina, Svetlana V.; Green, Martin A.; Catchpole, Kylie; ...

2016-06-24

For decades, progress in the field of optical (including solar) energy conversion was dominated by advances in the conventional concentrating optics and materials design. In recent years, however, conceptual and technological breakthroughs in the fields of nanophotonics and plasmonics combined with a better understanding of the thermodynamics of the photon energy-conversion processes reshaped the landscape of energy-conversion schemes and devices. Nanostructured devices and materials that make use of size quantization effects to manipulate photon density of states offer a way to overcome the conventional light absorption limits. Novel optical spectrum splitting and photon-recycling schemes reduce the entropy production in themore » optical energy-conversion platforms and boost their efficiencies. Optical design concepts are rapidly expanding into the infrared energy band, offering new approaches to harvest waste heat, to reduce the thermal emission losses, and to achieve noncontact radiative cooling of solar cells as well as of optical and electronic circuitries. Light-matter interaction enabled by nanophotonics and plasmonics underlie the performance of the third- and fourth-generation energy-conversion devices, including up- and down-conversion of photon energy, near-field radiative energy transfer, and hot electron generation and harvesting. Finally, the increased market penetration of alternative solar energy-conversion technologies amplifies the role of cost-driven and environmental considerations. This roadmap on optical energy conversion provides a snapshot of the state of the art in optical energy conversion, remaining challenges, and most promising approaches to address these challenges. Leading experts authored 19 focused short sections of the roadmap where they share their vision on a specific aspect of this burgeoning research field. The roadmap opens up with a tutorial section, which introduces major concepts and terminology. As a result, it is our hope that the roadmap will serve as an important resource for the scientific community, new generations of researchers, funding agencies, industry experts, and investors.« less

Enhanced Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Mesoporous-Macroporous TiO2 Photoanode Obtained Using ZnO Template

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, Trang T. T.; Mathews, Nripan; Lam, Yeng-Ming; Mhaisalkar, Subodh

2017-06-01

Improved light harvesting efficiency can be achieved by enhancing the optical properties of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), leading to higher power conversion efficiency. By incorporating submicrometer cavities in TiO2 mesoporous film, using zinc oxide (ZnO) particles as a template, a bimodal pore size structure has been created, called a mesoporous-macroporous nanostructure. This photoanode structure consists of 20-nm TiO2 nanoparticles with two kinds of pores with size of 20 nm (mesopores) and 500 nm (macropores). Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction studies showed no trace of ZnO in the TiO2 after removal by TiCl4 treatment. Higher diffuse transmittance of this film compared with the standard transparent photoanode provides evidence of improved light scattering. When employed in a device, the incident-photon-to-current efficiency of ZnO-assisted devices showed enhancement at longer wavelengths, corresponding to the Mie light scattering effect with the macropores as scattering centers. This resulted in overall higher power conversion efficiency of the DSSC. In this work, a nonvolatile gel ionic liquid was used as the electrolyte to also demonstrate the benefit of this structure in combination with a viscous electrolyte and its promising application to prolong the stability of DSSCs.

Efficiently-cooled plasmonic amorphous silicon solar cells integrated with a nano-coated heat-pipe plate

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yinan; Du, Yanping; Shum, Clifford; Cai, Boyuan; Le, Nam Cao Hoai; Chen, Xi; Duck, Benjamin; Fell, Christopher; Zhu, Yonggang; Gu, Min

2016-01-01

Solar photovoltaics (PV) are emerging as a major alternative energy source. The cost of PV electricity depends on the efficiency of conversion of light to electricity. Despite of steady growth in the efficiency for several decades, little has been achieved to reduce the impact of real-world operating temperatures on this efficiency. Here we demonstrate a highly efficient cooling solution to the recently emerging high performance plasmonic solar cell technology by integrating an advanced nano-coated heat-pipe plate. This thermal cooling technology, efficient for both summer and winter time, demonstrates the heat transportation capability up to ten times higher than those of the metal plate and the conventional wickless heat-pipe plates. The reduction in temperature rise of the plasmonic solar cells operating under one sun condition can be as high as 46%, leading to an approximate 56% recovery in efficiency, which dramatically increases the energy yield of the plasmonic solar cells. This newly-developed, thermally-managed plasmonic solar cell device significantly extends the application scope of PV for highly efficient solar energy conversion. PMID:27113558

Efficiently-cooled plasmonic amorphous silicon solar cells integrated with a nano-coated heat-pipe plate.

PubMed

Zhang, Yinan; Du, Yanping; Shum, Clifford; Cai, Boyuan; Le, Nam Cao Hoai; Chen, Xi; Duck, Benjamin; Fell, Christopher; Zhu, Yonggang; Gu, Min

2016-04-26

Solar photovoltaics (PV) are emerging as a major alternative energy source. The cost of PV electricity depends on the efficiency of conversion of light to electricity. Despite of steady growth in the efficiency for several decades, little has been achieved to reduce the impact of real-world operating temperatures on this efficiency. Here we demonstrate a highly efficient cooling solution to the recently emerging high performance plasmonic solar cell technology by integrating an advanced nano-coated heat-pipe plate. This thermal cooling technology, efficient for both summer and winter time, demonstrates the heat transportation capability up to ten times higher than those of the metal plate and the conventional wickless heat-pipe plates. The reduction in temperature rise of the plasmonic solar cells operating under one sun condition can be as high as 46%, leading to an approximate 56% recovery in efficiency, which dramatically increases the energy yield of the plasmonic solar cells. This newly-developed, thermally-managed plasmonic solar cell device significantly extends the application scope of PV for highly efficient solar energy conversion.

Efficiently-cooled plasmonic amorphous silicon solar cells integrated with a nano-coated heat-pipe plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yinan; Du, Yanping; Shum, Clifford; Cai, Boyuan; Le, Nam Cao Hoai; Chen, Xi; Duck, Benjamin; Fell, Christopher; Zhu, Yonggang; Gu, Min

2016-04-01

Solar photovoltaics (PV) are emerging as a major alternative energy source. The cost of PV electricity depends on the efficiency of conversion of light to electricity. Despite of steady growth in the efficiency for several decades, little has been achieved to reduce the impact of real-world operating temperatures on this efficiency. Here we demonstrate a highly efficient cooling solution to the recently emerging high performance plasmonic solar cell technology by integrating an advanced nano-coated heat-pipe plate. This thermal cooling technology, efficient for both summer and winter time, demonstrates the heat transportation capability up to ten times higher than those of the metal plate and the conventional wickless heat-pipe plates. The reduction in temperature rise of the plasmonic solar cells operating under one sun condition can be as high as 46%, leading to an approximate 56% recovery in efficiency, which dramatically increases the energy yield of the plasmonic solar cells. This newly-developed, thermally-managed plasmonic solar cell device significantly extends the application scope of PV for highly efficient solar energy conversion.

Hybrid Perovskites: Prospects for Concentrator Solar Cells.

PubMed

Lin, Qianqian; Wang, Zhiping; Snaith, Henry J; Johnston, Michael B; Herz, Laura M

2018-04-01

Perovskite solar cells have shown a meteoric rise of power conversion efficiency and a steady pace of improvements in their stability of operation. Such rapid progress has triggered research into approaches that can boost efficiencies beyond the Shockley-Queisser limit stipulated for a single-junction cell under normal solar illumination conditions. The tandem solar cell architecture is one concept here that has recently been successfully implemented. However, the approach of solar concentration has not been sufficiently explored so far for perovskite photovoltaics, despite its frequent use in the area of inorganic semiconductor solar cells. Here, the prospects of hybrid perovskites are assessed for use in concentrator solar cells. Solar cell performance parameters are theoretically predicted as a function of solar concentration levels, based on representative assumptions of charge-carrier recombination and extraction rates in the device. It is demonstrated that perovskite solar cells can fundamentally exhibit appreciably higher energy-conversion efficiencies under solar concentration, where they are able to exceed the Shockley-Queisser limit and exhibit strongly elevated open-circuit voltages. It is therefore concluded that sufficient material and device stability under increased illumination levels will be the only significant challenge to perovskite concentrator solar cell applications.

Hybrid Perovskites: Prospects for Concentrator Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Lin, Qianqian; Wang, Zhiping; Snaith, Henry J.; Johnston, Michael B.

2018-01-01

Abstract Perovskite solar cells have shown a meteoric rise of power conversion efficiency and a steady pace of improvements in their stability of operation. Such rapid progress has triggered research into approaches that can boost efficiencies beyond the Shockley–Queisser limit stipulated for a single‐junction cell under normal solar illumination conditions. The tandem solar cell architecture is one concept here that has recently been successfully implemented. However, the approach of solar concentration has not been sufficiently explored so far for perovskite photovoltaics, despite its frequent use in the area of inorganic semiconductor solar cells. Here, the prospects of hybrid perovskites are assessed for use in concentrator solar cells. Solar cell performance parameters are theoretically predicted as a function of solar concentration levels, based on representative assumptions of charge‐carrier recombination and extraction rates in the device. It is demonstrated that perovskite solar cells can fundamentally exhibit appreciably higher energy‐conversion efficiencies under solar concentration, where they are able to exceed the Shockley–Queisser limit and exhibit strongly elevated open‐circuit voltages. It is therefore concluded that sufficient material and device stability under increased illumination levels will be the only significant challenge to perovskite concentrator solar cell applications. PMID:29721426

Influence of the Grain Size on the Properties of CH3NH3PbI3 Thin Films.

PubMed

Shargaieva, Oleksandra; Lang, Felix; Rappich, Jörg; Dittrich, Thomas; Klaus, Manuela; Meixner, Matthias; Genzel, Christoph; Nickel, Norbert H

2017-11-08

Hybrid perovskites have already shown a huge success as an absorber in solar cells, resulting in the skyrocketing rise in the power conversion efficiency to more than η = 22%. Recently, it has been established that the crystal quality is one of the most important parameters to obtain devices with high efficiencies. However, the influence of the crystal quality on the material properties is not fully understood. Here, the influence of the morphology on electronic properties of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 thin films is investigated. Postannealing was used to vary the average grain size continuously from ≈150 to ≈1000 nm. Secondary grain growth is thermally activated with an activation energy of E a = 0.16 eV. The increase in the grain size leads to an enhancement of the photoluminescence, indicating an improvement in the material quality. According to surface photovoltage measurements, the charge-carrier transport length exhibits a linear increase with increasing grain size. The charge-carrier diffusion length is limited by grain boundaries. Moreover, an improved morphology leads to a drastic increase in power conversion efficiency of the devices.

Fabrication and Characterization of Organic Photovoltaic Cell using Keithley 2400 SMU for efficient solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hafeez, Hafeez Y.; Iro, Zaharaddeen S.; Adam, Bala I.; Mohammed, J.

2018-04-01

An organic solar cell device or organic photovoltaic cell (OPV) is a class of solar cell that uses conductive organic polymers or small organic molecules for light absorption and charge transport. In this study, we fabricate and characterize an organic photovoltaic cell device and estimated important parameters of the device such as Open Circuit Voltage Voc of 0.28V, Short-Circuit Current Isc of 4.0 × 10-5 A, Maximum Power Pmax of 2.4 × 10-6 W, Fill Factor of 0.214 and the energy conversion efficiency of η=0.00239% were tested using Keithley 2400,source meter under A.M 1.5 (1000/m2) illumination from a Newport Class A solar simulator. Also the I-V characteristics for OPV were drawn.

AlGaAs 55Fe X-ray radioisotope microbattery

PubMed Central

Butera, S.; Whitaker, M. D. C.; Lioliou, G.; Barnett, A. M.

2016-01-01

This paper describes the performance of a fabricated prototype Al0.2Ga0.8As 55Fe radioisotope microbattery photovoltaic cells over the temperature range −20 °C to 50 °C. Two 400 μm diameter p+-i-n+ (3 μm i-layer) Al0.2Ga0.8As mesa photodiodes were used as conversion devices in a novel X-ray microbattery prototype. The changes of the key microbattery parameters were analysed in response to temperature: the open circuit voltage, the maximum output power and the internal conversion efficiency decreased when the temperature was increased. At −20 °C, an open circuit voltage and a maximum output power of 0.2 V and 0.04 pW, respectively, were measured per photodiode. The best internal conversion efficiency achieved for the fabricated prototype was only 0.95% at −20 °C. PMID:27922093

Piezoelectric ribbons printed onto rubber for flexible energy conversion.

PubMed

Qi, Yi; Jafferis, Noah T; Lyons, Kenneth; Lee, Christine M; Ahmad, Habib; McAlpine, Michael C

2010-02-10

The development of a method for integrating highly efficient energy conversion materials onto stretchable, biocompatible rubbers could yield breakthroughs in implantable or wearable energy harvesting systems. Being electromechanically coupled, piezoelectric crystals represent a particularly interesting subset of smart materials that function as sensors/actuators, bioMEMS devices, and energy converters. Yet, the crystallization of these materials generally requires high temperatures for maximally efficient performance, rendering them incompatible with temperature-sensitive plastics and rubbers. Here, we overcome these limitations by presenting a scalable and parallel process for transferring crystalline piezoelectric nanothick ribbons of lead zirconate titanate from host substrates onto flexible rubbers over macroscopic areas. Fundamental characterization of the ribbons by piezo-force microscopy indicates that their electromechanical energy conversion metrics are among the highest reported on a flexible medium. The excellent performance of the piezo-ribbon assemblies coupled with stretchable, biocompatible rubber may enable a host of exciting avenues in fundamental research and novel applications.

Investigation of a temperature tolerant InGaP (GaInP) converter layer for a 63Ni betavoltaic cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butera, S.; Whitaker, M. D. C.; Krysa, A. B.; Barnett, A. M.

2017-08-01

A prototype InGaP p+-i-n+ mesa photodiode was studied for its potential as the energy conversion device in a 63Ni betavoltaic cell; its electrical performance was analysed across the temperature range  -20 °C to 100 °C. The results show that the InGaP detector when illuminated with a laboratory 63Ni radioisotope beta particle source had a maximum output power of 0.92 pW at  -20 °C, this value decreased at higher temperatures. A decrease in the open circuit voltage and in the cell internal conversion efficiency were also observed when the temperature was increased: at  -20 °C, the open circuit voltage and the cell internal conversion efficiency had values of 0.69 V and 4%, respectively. A short circuit current of 4.5 pA was measured at  -20 °C.

Refreshing Rubbers as Customized Photothermal Conversion Materials through Post-Darkening Modeling Production.

PubMed

Li, Ruiting; Wang, Zhen; Han, Peng; He, Yonglin; Zhang, Xiaohong; Wang, Yapei

2017-12-19

Organic conjugated polymers with low energy bandgaps are emerging as a particular class of near-infrared (NIR) photothermal conversion materials. However, these polymers routinely possess high phase transition temperatures due to the rigid skeleton and strong intermolecular interactions. Conjugated polymers can rarely be thermally processed at low temperature, especially below 100 °C. This work formulates a concept of post-darkening modeling production (p-DMP) by which the thermoplastic non-conjugated trans-polyisoprene (TPI) is refreshed into a photothermal conversion material with high light use efficiency. Two steps, including the customizable shaping at low temperature and iodine vapor-tailored "darkening", ensure the ease of preparing photothermal conversion devices with desirable topologies. A few characterizations, with the combination of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, provide reasonable explanations for understanding the "darkening" process of TPI in iodine atmosphere. In particular, the p-DMP is successfully extended to three-dimension (3D) printing, opening an avenue to fabricate personalized photothermal products, for example, a sunlight-directed physiotherapy device for healthcare of articular tissues. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The phototron: A light to RF energy conversion device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freeman, J. W.; Simons, S.

1982-01-01

The phototron, a photoelectric device that converts light to radio frequency energy, is described. It is a vacuum tube, free electron, device that is mechanically similar to a reflex klystron with the hot filament cathode replaced by a large area photocathode. The device can operate either with an external voltage source used to accelerate the photoelectrons or with zero bias voltage; in which case the photokinetic energy of the electrons sustains the R.F. oscillations in the tuned R.F. circuit. One basic design of the phototron was tested. Frequencies as high as about 1 GHz and an overall efficiency of about 1% in the biased mode were obtained. In the unbiased mode, the frequencies of operation and efficiences are considerably lower. Success with test model suggests that considerable improvements are possible through design refinements. One such design refinement is the reduction of the length of the electron flight path.

Chemical beam epitaxy for high efficiency photovoltaic devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bensaoula, A.; Freundlich, A.; Vilela, M. F.; Medelci, N.; Renaud, P.

1994-01-01

InP-based multijunction tandem solar cells show great promise for the conversion efficiency (eta) and high radiation resistance. InP and its related ternary and quanternary compound semiconductors such as InGaAs and InGaAsP offer desirable combinations for energy bandgap values which are very suitable for multijunction tandem solar cell applications. The monolithically integrated InP/In(0.53)Ga(0.47)As tandem solar cells are expected to reach efficiencies above 30 percent. Wanlass, et.al., have reported AMO efficiencies as high as 20.1% for two terminal cells fabricated using atmospheric-pressure metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (APMOVPE). The main limitations in their technique are first related to the degradation of the intercell ohmic contact (IOC), in this case the In(0.53)Ga(0.47)As tunnel junction during the growth of the top InP subcell structure, and second to the current matching, often limited by the In(0.53)Ga(0.47)As bottom subcell. Chemical beam epitaxy (CBE) has been shown to allow the growth of high quality materials with reproducible complex compositional and doping profiles. The main advantage of CBE compared to metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), the most popular technique for InP-based photovoltaic device fabrication, is the ability to grow high purity epilayers at much lower temperatures (450 C - 530 C). In a recent report it was shown that cost-wise CBE is a breakthrough technology for photovoltaic (PV) solar energy progress in the energy conversion efficiency of InP-based solar cells fabricated using chemical beam epitaxy. This communication summarizes our recent results on PV devices and demonstrates the strength of this new technology.

Copper-palladium core-shell as an anode in a multi-fuel membraneless nanofluidic fuel cell: toward a new era of small energy conversion devices.

PubMed

Maya-Cornejo, J; Ortiz-Ortega, E; Álvarez-Contreras, L; Arjona, N; Guerra-Balcázar, M; Ledesma-García, J; Arriaga, L G

2015-02-14

A membraneless nanofluidic fuel cell with flow-through electrodes that works with several fuels (individually or mixed): methanol, ethanol, glycerol and ethylene-glycol in alkaline media is presented. For this application, an efficient Cu@Pd electrocatalyst was synthesized and tested, resulting outstanding performance until now reported, opening the possibility of power nano-devices for multi-uses purposes, regardless of fuel re-charge employed.

Image-rotating, 4-mirror, ring optical parametric oscillator

DOEpatents

Smith, Arlee V.; Armstrong, Darrell J.

2004-08-10

A device for optical parametric amplification utilizing four mirrors oriented in a nonplanar configuration where the optical plane formed by two of the mirrors is orthogonal to the optical plane formed by the other two mirrors and with the ratio of lengths of the laser beam paths approximately constant regardless of the scale of the device. With a cavity length of less than approximately 110 mm, a conversion efficiency of greater than 45% can be achieved.

Pyroelectric Energy Scavenging Techniques for Self-Powered Nuclear Reactor Wireless Sensor Networks

DOE PAGES

Hunter, Scott Robert; Lavrik, Nickolay V; Datskos, Panos G; ...

2014-11-01

Recent advances in technologies for harvesting waste thermal energy from ambient environments present an opportunity to implement truly wireless sensor nodes in nuclear power plants. These sensors could continue to operate during extended station blackouts and during periods when operation of the plant s internal power distribution system has been disrupted. The energy required to power the wireless sensors must be generated using energy harvesting techniques from locally available energy sources, and the energy consumption within the sensor circuitry must therefore be low to minimize power and hence the size requirements of the energy harvester. Harvesting electrical energy from thermalmore » energy sources can be achieved using pyroelectric or thermoelectric conversion techniques. Recent modeling and experimental studies have shown that pyroelectric techniques can be cost competitive with thermoelectrics in self powered wireless sensor applications and, using new temperature cycling techniques, has the potential to be several times as efficient as thermoelectrics under comparable operating conditions. The development of a new thermal energy harvester concept, based on temperature cycled pyroelectric thermal-to-electrical energy conversion, is outlined. This paper outlines the modeling of cantilever and pyroelectric structures and single element devices that demonstrate the potential of this technology for the development of high efficiency thermal-to-electrical energy conversion devices.« less

Pyroelectric Energy Scavenging Techniques for Self-Powered Nuclear Reactor Wireless Sensor Networks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hunter, Scott Robert; Lavrik, Nickolay V; Datskos, Panos G

Recent advances in technologies for harvesting waste thermal energy from ambient environments present an opportunity to implement truly wireless sensor nodes in nuclear power plants. These sensors could continue to operate during extended station blackouts and during periods when operation of the plant s internal power distribution system has been disrupted. The energy required to power the wireless sensors must be generated using energy harvesting techniques from locally available energy sources, and the energy consumption within the sensor circuitry must therefore be low to minimize power and hence the size requirements of the energy harvester. Harvesting electrical energy from thermalmore » energy sources can be achieved using pyroelectric or thermoelectric conversion techniques. Recent modeling and experimental studies have shown that pyroelectric techniques can be cost competitive with thermoelectrics in self powered wireless sensor applications and, using new temperature cycling techniques, has the potential to be several times as efficient as thermoelectrics under comparable operating conditions. The development of a new thermal energy harvester concept, based on temperature cycled pyroelectric thermal-to-electrical energy conversion, is outlined. This paper outlines the modeling of cantilever and pyroelectric structures and single element devices that demonstrate the potential of this technology for the development of high efficiency thermal-to-electrical energy conversion devices.« less

Radiation Effects Research and Device Evaluation

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-04

disadvantages over classic inorganic -based cells in that their photo-conversion efficiency is low (less than 8% presently), their specific power... fullerene solar cells,” Appl. Phys. Lett., 86, pp. 123509-1-3, 2005. 4. H.P. Hjalmarson, R.L. Pease, S.C. Witczak, M.R. Shaneyfelt, J.R. Schwank, A.H

Recovery Act, EFRC Project: Solar Energy Conversion in Complex Materials (SECCM)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Green, Peter F.

2015-06-25

The goal of the Center was to design and to synthesize new materials for high efficiency photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) devices, predicated on new fundamental insights into equilibrium and non-equilibrium processes, including quantum phenomena, that occur in materials over various spatial and temporal scales.

Dc-To-Dc Converter Uses Reverse Conduction Of MOSFET's

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gruber, Robert P.; Gott, Robert W.

1991-01-01

In modified high-power, phase-controlled, full-bridge, pulse-width-modulated dc-to-dc converters, switching devices power metal oxide/semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET's). Decreases dissipation of power during switching by eliminating approximately 0.7-V forward voltage drop in anti-parallel diodes. Energy-conversion efficiency increased.

Thermally enhanced photoluminescence for heat harvesting in photovoltaics

PubMed Central

Manor, Assaf; Kruger, Nimrod; Sabapathy, Tamilarasan; Rotschild, Carmel

2016-01-01

The maximal Shockley–Queisser efficiency limit of 41% for single-junction photovoltaics is primarily caused by heat dissipation following energetic-photon absorption. Solar-thermophotovoltaics concepts attempt to harvest this heat loss, but the required high temperatures (T>2,000 K) hinder device realization. Conversely, we have recently demonstrated how thermally enhanced photoluminescence is an efficient optical heat-pump that operates in comparably low temperatures. Here we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate such a thermally enhanced photoluminescence based solar-energy converter. Here heat is harvested by a low bandgap photoluminescent absorber that emits thermally enhanced photoluminescence towards a higher bandgap photovoltaic cell, resulting in a maximum theoretical efficiency of 70% at a temperature of 1,140 K. We experimentally demonstrate the key feature of sub-bandgap photon thermal upconversion with an efficiency of 1.4% at only 600 K. Experiments on white light excitation of a tailored Cr:Nd:Yb glass absorber suggest that conversion efficiencies as high as 48% at 1,500 K are in reach. PMID:27762271

Efficient planar Sb2S3 solar cells using a low-temperature solution-processed tin oxide electron conductor.

PubMed

Lei, Hongwei; Yang, Guang; Guo, Yaxiong; Xiong, Liangbin; Qin, Pingli; Dai, Xin; Zheng, Xiaolu; Ke, Weijun; Tao, Hong; Chen, Zhao; Li, Borui; Fang, Guojia

2016-06-28

Efficient planar antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) heterojunction solar cells have been made using chemical bath deposited (CBD) Sb2S3 as the absorber, low-temperature solution-processed tin oxide (SnO2) as the electron conductor and poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as the hole conductor. A solar conversion efficiency of 2.8% was obtained at 1 sun illumination using a planar device consisting of F-doped SnO2 substrate/SnO2/CBD-Sb2S3/P3HT/Au, whereas the solar cells based on a titanium dioxide (TiO2) electron conductor exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 1.9%. Compared with conventional Sb2S3 sensitized solar cells, the high-temperature processed mesoscopic TiO2 scaffold is no longer needed. More importantly, a low-temperature solution-processed SnO2 layer was introduced for electron transportation to substitute the high-temperature sintered dense blocking TiO2 layer. Our planar solar cells not only have simple geometry with fewer steps to fabricate but also show enhanced performance. The higher efficiency of planar Sb2S3 solar cell devices based on a SnO2 electron conductor is attributed to their high transparency, uniform surface, efficient electron transport properties of SnO2, suitable energy band alignment, and reduced recombination at the interface of SnO2/Sb2S3.

Highly Efficient and Stable MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cell Induced by Regulated Nucleation and Ostwald Recrystallization

PubMed Central

Huang, Zhen; Wang, Song; Zhang, Tianjin

2018-01-01

Perovskite solar cells have attracted great attention in recent years, due to their high conversion efficiency and solution-processable fabrication. However, most of the solar cells with high efficiency in the literature are prepared employing TiO2 as electron transport material, which needs sintering at a temperature higher than 450 °C, and is not applicable to flexible device and low-cost fabrication. Herein, the MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells are fabricated at a low temperature of 150 °C with SnO2 as the electron transport layer. By dropping the antisolvent of ethyl acetate onto the perovskite precursor films during the spin coating process, compact MAPbI3 films without pinholes are obtained. The addition of ethyl acetate is found to play an important role in regulating the nucleation, which subsequently improves the compactness of the film. The quality of MAPbI3 films are further improved significantly through Ostwald recrystallization by optimizing the thermal treatment. The crystallinity is enhanced, the grain size is enlarged, and the defect density is reduced. Accordingly, the prepared MAPbI3 perovskite solar cell exhibits a record-high conversion efficiency, outstanding reproducibility, and stability, owing to the reduced electron recombination. The average and best efficiency reaches 19.2% and 20.3%, respectively. The device without encapsulation maintains 94% of the original efficiency after storage in ambient air for 600 h. PMID:29751646

Computer simulation of heterogeneous polymer photovoltaic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodali, Hari K.; Ganapathysubramanian, Baskar

2012-04-01

Polymer-based photovoltaic devices have the potential for widespread usage due to their low cost per watt and mechanical flexibility. Efficiencies close to 9.0% have been achieved recently in conjugated polymer based organic solar cells (OSCs). These devices were fabricated using solvent-based processing of electron-donating and electron-accepting materials into the so-called bulk heterojunction (BHJ) architecture. Experimental evidence suggests that a key property determining the power-conversion efficiency of such devices is the final morphological distribution of the donor and acceptor constituents. In order to understand the role of morphology on device performance, we develop a scalable computational framework that efficiently interrogates OSCs to investigate relationships between the morphology at the nano-scale with the device performance. In this work, we extend the Buxton and Clarke model (2007 Modelling Simul. Mater. Sci. Eng. 15 13-26) to simulate realistic devices with complex active layer morphologies using a dimensionally independent, scalable, finite-element method. We incorporate all stages involved in current generation, namely (1) exciton generation and diffusion, (2) charge generation and (3) charge transport in a modular fashion. The numerical challenges encountered during interrogation of realistic microstructures are detailed. We compare each stage of the photovoltaic process for two microstructures: a BHJ morphology and an idealized sawtooth morphology. The results are presented for both two- and three-dimensional structures.

All-spin logic operations: Memory device and reconfigurable computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Moumita; Maiti, Santanu K.

2018-02-01

Exploiting spin degree of freedom of electron a new proposal is given to characterize spin-based logical operations using a quantum interferometer that can be utilized as a programmable spin logic device (PSLD). The ON and OFF states of both inputs and outputs are described by spin state only, circumventing spin-to-charge conversion at every stage as often used in conventional devices with the inclusion of extra hardware that can eventually diminish the efficiency. All possible logic functions can be engineered from a single device without redesigning the circuit which certainly offers the opportunities of designing new generation spintronic devices. Moreover, we also discuss the utilization of the present model as a memory device and suitable computing operations with proposed experimental setups.

Towards All-Inorganic Transport Layers for Wide-Band-Gap Formamidinium Lead Bromide-Based Planar Photovoltaics

DOE PAGES

Subbiah, Anand S.; Mahuli, Neha; Agarwal, Sumanshu; ...

2017-07-21

Hybrid perovskite photovoltaic devices heavily rely on the use of organic (rather than inorganic) charge-transport layers on top of a perovskite absorber layer because of difficulties in depositing inorganic materials on top of these fragile absorber layers. However, in comparison to the unstable and expensive organic transport materials, inorganic charge-transport layers provide improved charge transport and stability to the device architecture. Here, we report photovoltaic devices using all-inorganic transport layers in a planar p-i-n junction device configuration using formamidinium lead tribromide (FAPbBr 3) as an absorber. Efficient planar devices are obtained through atomic layer deposition of nickel oxide and sputteredmore » zinc oxide as hole- and electron-transport materials, respectively. Using only inorganic charge-transport layers resulted in planar FAPbBr 3 devices with a power conversion efficiency of 6.75% at an open-circuit voltage of 1.23 V. In conclusion, the transition of planar FAPbBr 3 devices making from all-organic towards all-inorganic charge-transport layers is studied in detail.« less

Towards All-Inorganic Transport Layers for Wide-Band-Gap Formamidinium Lead Bromide-Based Planar Photovoltaics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Subbiah, Anand S.; Mahuli, Neha; Agarwal, Sumanshu

Hybrid perovskite photovoltaic devices heavily rely on the use of organic (rather than inorganic) charge-transport layers on top of a perovskite absorber layer because of difficulties in depositing inorganic materials on top of these fragile absorber layers. However, in comparison to the unstable and expensive organic transport materials, inorganic charge-transport layers provide improved charge transport and stability to the device architecture. Here, we report photovoltaic devices using all-inorganic transport layers in a planar p-i-n junction device configuration using formamidinium lead tribromide (FAPbBr 3) as an absorber. Efficient planar devices are obtained through atomic layer deposition of nickel oxide and sputteredmore » zinc oxide as hole- and electron-transport materials, respectively. Using only inorganic charge-transport layers resulted in planar FAPbBr 3 devices with a power conversion efficiency of 6.75% at an open-circuit voltage of 1.23 V. In conclusion, the transition of planar FAPbBr 3 devices making from all-organic towards all-inorganic charge-transport layers is studied in detail.« less

Controllable Spatial Configuration on Cathode Interface for Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance and Device Stability.

PubMed

Li, Jiangsheng; Duan, Chenghao; Wang, Ning; Zhao, Chengjie; Han, Wei; Jiang, Li; Wang, Jizheng; Zhao, Yingjie; Huang, Changshui; Jiu, Tonggang

2018-05-08

The molecular structure of cathode interface modification materials can affect the surface morphology of the active layer and key electron transfer processes occurring at the interface of polymer solar cells in inverted structures mostly due to the change of molecular configuration. To investigate the effects of spatial configuration of the cathode interfacial modification layer on polymer solar cells device performances, we introduced two novel organic ionic salts (linear NS2 and three-dimensional (3D) NS4) combined with the ZnO film to fabricate highly efficient inverted solar cells. Both organic ionic salts successfully decreased the surface traps of the ZnO film and made its work function more compatible. Especially NS4 in three-dimensional configuration increased the electron mobility and extraction efficiency of the interfacial film, leading to a significant improvement of device performance. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.09% based on NS4 was achieved. Moreover, 3D interfacial modification could retain about 92% of its initial PCE over 160 days. It is proposed that 3D interfacial modification retards the element penetration-induced degradation without impeding the electron transfer from the active layer to the ZnO film, which significantly improves device stability. This indicates that inserting three-dimensional organic ionic salt is an efficient strategy to enhance device performance.

Thermionic modules

DOEpatents

King, Donald B.; Sadwick, Laurence P.; Wernsman, Bernard R.

2002-06-18

Modules of assembled microminiature thermionic converters (MTCs) having high energy-conversion efficiencies and variable operating temperatures manufactured using MEMS manufacturing techniques including chemical vapor deposition. The MTCs incorporate cathode to anode spacing of about 1 micron or less and use cathode and anode materials having work functions ranging from about 1 eV to about 3 eV. The MTCs also exhibit maximum efficiencies of just under 30%, and thousands of the devices and modules can be fabricated at modest costs.

Creation and Optimization of Novel Solar Cell Power via Bimaterial Piezoelectric MEMS Device

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

piezoelectric mechanical vibration energy harvesters ,” Integrated Ferroelectrics, vol. 71, pp. 121–160, 2005. [32] Y. C. Shu, I. C. Lien, “Efficiency of...energy conversion for a piezoelectric power harvesting system.” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, vol. 16, pp. 2429–2438, 2006. [33] C. D...maximum efficiency for piezoelectric vibrations occurs at the natural, or resonant, frequency for the referenced material. If the alternative

Precise Composition Tailoring of Mixed-Cation Hybrid Perovskites for Efficient Solar Cells by Mixture Design Methods.

PubMed

Li, Liang; Liu, Na; Xu, Ziqi; Chen, Qi; Wang, Xindong; Zhou, Huanping

2017-09-26

Mixed anion/cation perovskites absorber has been recently implemented to construct highly efficient single junction solar cells and tandem devices. However, considerable efforts are still required to map the composition-property relationship of the mixed perovskites absorber, which is essential to facilitate device design. Here we report the intensive exploration of mixed-cation perovskites in their compositional space with the assistance of a rational mixture design (MD) methods. Different from the previous linear search of the cation ratios, it is found that by employing the MD methods, the ternary composition can be tuned simultaneously following simplex lattice designs or simplex-centroid designs, which enable significantly reduced experiment/sampling size to unveil the composition-property relationship for mixed perovskite materials and to boost the resultant device efficiency. We illustrated the composition-property relationship of the mixed perovskites in multidimension and achieved an optimized power conversion efficiency of 20.99% in the corresponding device. Moreover, the method is demonstrated to be feasible to help adjust the bandgap through rational materials design, which can be further extended to other materials systems, not limited in polycrystalline perovskites films for photovoltaic applications only.

Tunnel Junction Development Using Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ptak, Aaron J.; Simon, John D.; Schulte, Kevin L.

We demonstrate for the first time III-V tunnel junctions grown using hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) with peak tunneling currents >8 A/cm 2, sufficient for operation of a multijunction device to several hundred suns of concentration. Multijunction solar cells rely on tunneling interconnects between subcells to enable series connection with minimal voltage loss, but tunnel junctions have never been shown using the HVPE growth method. HVPE has recently reemerged as a low-cost growth method for high-quality III-V materials and devices, including the growth of high-efficiency III-V solar cells. We previously showed single-junction GaAs solar cells with conversion efficiencies of ~24%more » with a path forward to equal or exceed the practical efficiency limits of crystalline Si. Moving to a multijunction device structure will allow for even higher efficiencies with minimal impact on cost, necessitating the development of tunnel interconnects. Here in this paper, we demonstrate the performance of both isolated HVPE-grown tunnel junctions, as well as single-junction GaAs solar cell structures with a tunnel junction incorporated into the contact region. We observe no degradation in device performance compared to a structure without the added junction.« less

Research Update: Behind the high efficiency of hybrid perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fakharuddin, Azhar; De Rossi, Francesca; Watson, Trystan M.; Schmidt-Mende, Lukas; Jose, Rajan

2016-09-01

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) marked tremendous progress in a short period of time and offer bright hopes for cheap solar electricity. Despite high power conversion efficiency >20%, its poor operational stability as well as involvement of toxic, volatile, and less-abundant materials hinders its practical deployment. The fact that degradation and toxicity are typically observed in the most successful perovskite involving organic cation and toxic lead, i.e., CH3NH3PbX3, requires a deep understanding of their role in photovoltaic performance in order to envisage if a non-toxic, stable yet highly efficient device is feasible. Towards this, we first provide an overview of the basic chemistry and physics of halide perovskites and its correlation with its extraordinary properties such as crystal structure, bandgap, ferroelectricity, and electronic transport. We then discuss device related aspects such as the various device designs in PSCs and role of interfaces in origin of PV parameters particularly open circuit voltage, various film processing methods and their effect on morphology and characteristics of perovskite films, and the origin and elimination of hysteresis and operational stability in these devices. We then identify future perspectives for stable and efficient PSCs for practical deployment.

Tunnel Junction Development Using Hydride Vapor Phase Epitaxy

DOE PAGES

Ptak, Aaron J.; Simon, John D.; Schulte, Kevin L.; ...

2017-10-18

We demonstrate for the first time III-V tunnel junctions grown using hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) with peak tunneling currents >8 A/cm 2, sufficient for operation of a multijunction device to several hundred suns of concentration. Multijunction solar cells rely on tunneling interconnects between subcells to enable series connection with minimal voltage loss, but tunnel junctions have never been shown using the HVPE growth method. HVPE has recently reemerged as a low-cost growth method for high-quality III-V materials and devices, including the growth of high-efficiency III-V solar cells. We previously showed single-junction GaAs solar cells with conversion efficiencies of ~24%more » with a path forward to equal or exceed the practical efficiency limits of crystalline Si. Moving to a multijunction device structure will allow for even higher efficiencies with minimal impact on cost, necessitating the development of tunnel interconnects. Here in this paper, we demonstrate the performance of both isolated HVPE-grown tunnel junctions, as well as single-junction GaAs solar cell structures with a tunnel junction incorporated into the contact region. We observe no degradation in device performance compared to a structure without the added junction.« less

Rational Design of Zinc Phosphide Heterojunction Photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bosco, Jeffrey Paul

The prospect of terawatt-scale electricity generation using a photovoltaic (PV) device places strict requirements on the active semiconductor optoelectronic properties and elemental abundance. After reviewing the constraints placed on an ``earth-abundant'' solar absorber, we find zinc phosphide (α-Zn 3P2) to be an ideal candidate. In addition to its near-optimal direct band gap of 1.5 eV, high visible-light absorption coefficient (>10. 4cm-1), and long minority-carrier diffusion length (>5 μm), Zn3P 2 is composed of abundant Zn and P elements and has excellent physical properties for scalable thin-film deposition. However, to date, a Zn 3P2 device of sufficient efficiency for commercial applications has not been demonstrated. Record efficiencies of 6.0% for multicrystalline and 4.3% for thin-film cells have been reported, respectively. Performance has been limited by the intrinsic p-type conductivity of Zn3P 2 which restricts us to Schottky and heterojunction device designs. Due to our poor understanding of Zn3P2 interfaces, an ideal heterojunction partner has not yet been found. The goal of this thesis is to explore the upper limit of solar conversion efficiency achievable with a Zn3P2 absorber through the design of an optimal heterojunction PV device. To do so, we investigate three key aspects of material growth, interface energetics, and device design. First, the growth of Zn3P2 on GaAs(001) is studied using compound-source molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE). We successfully demonstrate the pseudomorphic growth of Zn3P2 epilayers of controlled orientation and optoelectronic properties. Next, the energy-band alignments of epitaxial Zn3P2 and II-VI and III-V semiconductor interfaces are measured via high-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in order to determine the most appropriate heterojunction partner. From this work, we identify ZnSe as a nearly ideal n-type emitter for a Zn3P 2 PV device. Finally, various II-VI/Zn3P2 heterojunction solar cells designs are fabricated, including substrate and superstrate architectures, and evaluated based on their solar conversion efficiency.

Hybrid solar cells based on dc magnetron sputtered films of n-ITO on APMOVPE grown p-InP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coutts, T. J.; Li, X.; Wanlass, M. W.; Emery, K. A.; Gessert, T. A.

1988-01-01

Hybrid indium-tin-oxide (ITO)/InP solar cells are discussed. The cells are constructed by dc magnetron sputter deposition of ITO onto high-quality InP films grown by atmospheric pressure metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy (APMOVPE). A record efficiency of 18.9 percent, measured under standard Solar Energy Research Institute reporting conditions, has been obtained. The p-InP surface is shown to be type converted, principally by the ITO, but with the extent of conversion being modified by the nature of the sputtering gas. The deposition process, in itself, is not responsible for the type conversion. Dark currents have been suppressed by more than three orders of magnitude by the addition of hydrogen to the sputtering gas during deposition of a thin (5 nm) interface layer. Without this layer, and using only the more usual argon/oxygen mixture, the devices had poorer efficiencies and were unstable. A discussion of associated quantum efficiencies and capacitance/voltage measurements is also presented from which it is concluded that further improvements in efficiency will result from better control over the type-conversion process.

Status and summary of laser energy conversion. [for space power transmission systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, G.

1978-01-01

This paper presents a survey of the status of laser energy converters. Since the inception of these devices in the early 1970's, significant advances have been made in understanding the basic conversion processes. Numerous theoretical and experimental studies have indicated that laser energy can be converted at wavelengths from the ultraviolet to the far-infrared. These converters can be classified into five general categories: photovoltaics, heat engines, thermoelectronic, optical diode, and photochemical. The conversion can be directly into electricity (such as the photovoltaic, thermoelectronic, and optical diode) or it can go through an intermediate stage of conversion to mechanical energy, as in the heat engines. The photochemical converters result in storable energy such as hydrogen. Projected conversion efficiencies range from about 30% for the photochemical to nearly 75% for the heat engines.

Monolithic integration of active and second-order nonlinear functionality in Bragg reflection waveguides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bijlani, Bhavin J.

2011-07-01

This thesis explored the theory, design, fabrication and characterization of AlGaAs Bragg reflection waveguides (BRW) towards the goal of a platform for monolithic integration of active and optically nonlinear devices. Through integration of a diode laser and nonlinear phase-matched cavity, the possibility of on-chip nonlinear frequency generation was explored. Such integrated devices would be highly useful as a robust, alignment free, small footprint and electrically injected alternative to bulk optic systems. A theoretical framework for modal analysis of arbitrary 1-D photonic crystal defect waveguides is developed. This method relies on the transverse resonance condition. It is then demonstrated in the context of several types of Bragg reflection waveguides. The framework is then extended to phase-match second-order nonlinearities and incorporating quantum-wells for diode lasers. Experiments within a slab and ridge waveguide demonstrated phase-matched Type-I second harmonic generation at fundamental wavelength of 1587 and 1600 nm, respectively; a first for this type of waveguide. For the slab waveguide, conversion efficiency was 0.1 %/W. In the more strongly confined ridge waveguides, efficiency increased to 8.6 %/W owing to the increased intensity. The normalized conversion efficiency was estimated to be at 600 %/Wcm2. Diode lasers emitting at 980 nm in the BRW mode were also fabricated. Verification of the Bragg mode was performed through imaging the near- field of the mode. Propagation loss of this type of mode was measured directly for the first time at ≈ 14 cm-1. The lasers were found to be very insensitive with characteristic temperature at 215 K. Two designs incorporating both laser and phase-matched nonlinearity within the same cavity were fabricated, for degenerate and non-degenerate down-conversion. Though the lasers were sub-optimal, a parametric fluorescence signal was readily detected. Fluorescence power as high as 4 nW for the degenerate design and 5 nW for the non-degenerate design were detected. The conversion efficiency was 4176 %/Wcm2 and 874 %/Wcm2, respectively. Neither design was found to emit near the design wavelength. In general, the signal is between 1600-1800 nm and the idler is between 2200-2400 nm. Improvements in laser performance are expected to drastically increase the conversion efficiency.

Grooved nanowires from self-assembling hairpin molecules for solar cells.

PubMed

Tevis, Ian D; Tsai, Wei-Wen; Palmer, Liam C; Aytun, Taner; Stupp, Samuel I

2012-03-27

One of the challenges facing bulk heterojunction organic solar cells is obtaining organized films during the phase separation of intimately mixed donor and acceptor components. We report here on the use of hairpin-shaped sexithiophene molecules to generate by self-assembly grooved nanowires as the donor component in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Photovoltaic devices were fabricated via spin-casting to produce by solvent evaporation a percolating network of self-assembled nanowires and fullerene acceptors. Thermal annealing was found to increase power conversion efficiencies by promoting domain growth while still maintaining this percolating network of nanostructures. The benefits of self-assembly and grooved nanowires were examined by building devices from a soluble sexithiophene derivative that does not form one-dimensional structures. In these systems, excessive phase separation caused by thermal annealing leads to the formation of defects and lower device efficiencies. We propose that the unique hairpin shape of the self-assembling molecules allows the nanowires as they form to interact well with the fullerenes in receptor-ligand type configurations at the heterojunction of the two domains, thus enhancing device efficiencies by 23%. © 2012 American Chemical Society

A Programmable High-Voltage Compliance Neural Stimulator for Deep Brain Stimulation in Vivo

PubMed Central

Gong, Cihun-Siyong Alex; Lai, Hsin-Yi; Huang, Sy-Han; Lo, Yu-Chun; Lee, Nicole; Chen, Pin-Yuan; Tu, Po-Hsun; Yang, Chia-Yen; Lin, James Chang-Chieh; Chen, You-Yin

2015-01-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is one of the most effective therapies for movement and other disorders. The DBS neurosurgical procedure involves the implantation of a DBS device and a battery-operated neurotransmitter, which delivers electrical impulses to treatment targets through implanted electrodes. The DBS modulates the neuronal activities in the brain nucleus for improving physiological responses as long as an electric discharge above the stimulation threshold can be achieved. In an effort to improve the performance of an implanted DBS device, the device size, implementation cost, and power efficiency are among the most important DBS device design aspects. This study aims to present preliminary research results of an efficient stimulator, with emphasis on conversion efficiency. The prototype stimulator features high-voltage compliance, implemented with only a standard semiconductor process, without the use of extra masks in the foundry through our proposed circuit structure. The results of animal experiments, including evaluation of evoked responses induced by thalamic electrical stimuli with our fabricated chip, were shown to demonstrate the proof of concept of our design. PMID:26029954

Highly Flexible Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Produced by Sewing Textile Electrodes on Cloth

PubMed Central

Yun, Min Ju; Cha, Seung I.; Seo, Seon Hee; Lee, Dong Y.

2014-01-01

Textile forms of solar cells possess special advantages over other types of solar cells, including their light weight, high flexibility, and mechanical robustness. Recent demand for wearable devices has promoted interest in the development of high-efficiency textile-based solar cells for energy suppliers. However, the weaving process occurs under high-friction, high-tension conditions that are not conducive to coated solar-cell active layers or electrodes deposited on the wire or strings. Therefore, a new approach is needed for the development of textile-based solar cells suitable for woven fabrics for wide-range application. In this report, we present a highly flexible, efficient DSSC, fabricated by sewing textile-structured electrodes onto casual fabrics such as cotton, silk, and felt, or paper, thereby forming core integrated DSSC structures with high energy-conversion efficiency (~5.8%). The fabricated textile-based DSSC devices showed high flexibility and high performance under 4-mm radius of curvature over thousands of deformation cycles. Considering the vast number of textile types, our textile-based DSSC devices offer a huge range of applications, including transparent, stretchable, wearable devices. PMID:24957920

Highly flexible dye-sensitized solar cells produced by sewing textile electrodes on cloth.

PubMed

Yun, Min Ju; Cha, Seung I; Seo, Seon Hee; Lee, Dong Y

2014-06-24

Textile forms of solar cells possess special advantages over other types of solar cells, including their light weight, high flexibility, and mechanical robustness. Recent demand for wearable devices has promoted interest in the development of high-efficiency textile-based solar cells for energy suppliers. However, the weaving process occurs under high-friction, high-tension conditions that are not conducive to coated solar-cell active layers or electrodes deposited on the wire or strings. Therefore, a new approach is needed for the development of textile-based solar cells suitable for woven fabrics for wide-range application. In this report, we present a highly flexible, efficient DSSC, fabricated by sewing textile-structured electrodes onto casual fabrics such as cotton, silk, and felt, or paper, thereby forming core integrated DSSC structures with high energy-conversion efficiency (~5.8%). The fabricated textile-based DSSC devices showed high flexibility and high performance under 4-mm radius of curvature over thousands of deformation cycles. Considering the vast number of textile types, our textile-based DSSC devices offer a huge range of applications, including transparent, stretchable, wearable devices.

Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite with Controlled Dopant Modification and Application in Photovoltaic Device.

PubMed

Zhao, Wangen; Yang, Dong; Liu, Shengzhong Frank

2017-07-01

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite as a kind of promising photovoltaic material is booming due to its low-cost, high defect tolerance, and easy fabrication, which result in the huge potential in industrial production. In the pursuit of high efficiency photovoltaic devices, high-quality absorbing layer is essential. Therefore, developing organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite thin films with good coverage, improved uniformity, and crystalline in a single pass deposition is of great concern in realizing good performance of perovskite thin-film solar cell. Here, it is found that the introduction of suitable amounts of LiI plays a dramatically positive role in enlarging the grain size and reducing the grain boundaries of absorbing layer. In addition, the carrier lifetime and built-in potential of the LiI doped perovskite device are observed to increase. Thus, it leads to about 15% gain in solar cell efficiency comparing to that without the LiI doping. Meanwhile, a hysteresis reduction is observed and 18.16% power conversion efficiency is achieved in LiI doped perovskite device, as well. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Plasmon Enhanced Hetero-Junction Solar Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Gen; Ching, Levine; Sadoqi, Mostafa; Xu, Huizhong

2015-03-01

Here we report a systematic study of plasmon-enhanced hetero-junction solar cells made of colloidal quantum dots (PbS) and nanowires (ZnO), with/without metal nanoparticles (Au). The structure of solar cell devices was characterized by AFM, SEM and profilometer, etc. The power conversion efficiencies of solar cell devices were characterized by solar simulator (OAI TriSOL, AM1.5G Class AAA). The enhancement in the photocurrent due to introduction of metal nanoparticles was obvious. We believe this is due to the plasmonic effect from the metal nanoparticles. The correlation between surface roughness, film uniformity and device performance was also studied.

An all-solid-state perovskite-sensitized solar cell based on the dual function polyaniline as the sensitizer and p-type hole-transporting material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Yaoming; Han, Gaoyi; Chang, Yunzhen; Zhou, Haihan; Li, Miaoyu; Li, Yanping

2014-12-01

High performance dual function of polyaniline (PANI) with brachyplast structure is synthesized by using a two-step cyclic voltammetry (CV) approach onto the fluorinated tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate, which acts as the sensitizer and p-type hole-transporting material (p-HTM) for the all-solid-state perovskite-sensitized solar cell (ass-PSSC) due to its π-π* transition and the localized polaron. The ass-PSSC based on the PANI delivers a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 7.34%, and reduces from 7.34% to 6.71% after 1000 h, thereby 91.42% of the energy conversion efficiency is kept, indicating the device has a good long-term stability.

Device physics of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells for long-term operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishinaga, J.; Shibata, H.

2017-02-01

The degradation mechanism of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells on exposure to air has been investigated. Exposure to air at room temperature slightly reduces the conversion efficiency of CIGS solar cells, and the conversion efficiency decreases significantly under damp heat testing at 85 °C and 85% relative humidity due to low shunt resistance. On the other hand, shunt resistance increases after dry nitrogen heating. Therefore, oxygen and humidity should degenerate the solar cell performance. The low shunt resistance and conversion efficiency are completely recovered after removing the side edges of the CIGS solar cells by mechanical scribing. These results suggest that low-resistive layers are formed on the sidewalls of the solar cells during damp heat testing. The low-resistive layers on the sidewalls are identified to be molybdenum oxides and sodium molybdate by Auger electron spectroscopy. After etching the oxides on the sidewalls by alkaline solution, the saturation current density and ideality factor are confirmed to be improved. These results suggest that metal oxides on the sidewalls of CIGS solar cells may act as recombination centers.

Enhancing Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells via Surface Passivation with Graphene Oxide Interlayer.

PubMed

Li, Hao; Tao, Leiming; Huang, Feihong; Sun, Qiang; Zhao, Xiaojuan; Han, Junbo; Shen, Yan; Wang, Mingkui

2017-11-08

Perovskite solar cells have been demonstrated as promising low-cost and highly efficient next-generation solar cells. Enhancing V OC by minimization the interfacial recombination kinetics can further improve device performance. In this work, we for the first time reported on surface passivation of perovskite layers with chemical modified graphene oxides, which act as efficient interlayer to reduce interfacial recombination and enhance hole extraction as well. Our modeling points out that the passivation effect mainly comes from the interaction between functional group (4-fluorophenyl) and under-coordinated Pb ions. The resulting perovskite solar cells achieved high efficient power conversion efficiency of 18.75% with enhanced high open circuit V OC of 1.11 V. Ultrafast spectroscopy, photovoltage/photocurrent transient decay, and electronic impedance spectroscopy characterizations reveal the effective passivation effect and the energy loss mechanism. This work sheds light on the importance of interfacial engineering on the surface of perovskite layers and provides possible ways to improve device efficiency.

Reversible electron-hole separation in a hot carrier solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Limpert, S.; Bremner, S.; Linke, H.

2015-09-01

Hot-carrier solar cells are envisioned to utilize energy filtering to extract power from photogenerated electron-hole pairs before they thermalize with the lattice, and thus potentially offer higher power conversion efficiency compared to conventional, single absorber solar cells. The efficiency of hot-carrier solar cells can be expected to strongly depend on the details of the energy filtering process, a relationship which to date has not been satisfactorily explored. Here, we establish the conditions under which electron-hole separation in hot-carrier solar cells can occur reversibly, that is, at maximum energy conversion efficiency. We thus focus our analysis on the internal operation of the hot-carrier solar cell itself, and in this work do not consider the photon-mediated coupling to the Sun. After deriving an expression for the voltage of a hot-carrier solar cell valid under conditions of both reversible and irreversible electrical operation, we identify separate contributions to the voltage from the thermoelectric effect and the photovoltaic effect. We find that, under specific conditions, the energy conversion efficiency of a hot-carrier solar cell can exceed the Carnot limit set by the intra-device temperature gradient alone, due to the additional contribution of the quasi-Fermi level splitting in the absorber. We also establish that the open-circuit voltage of a hot-carrier solar cell is not limited by the band gap of the absorber, due to the additional thermoelectric contribution to the voltage. Additionally, we find that a hot-carrier solar cell can be operated in reverse as a thermally driven solid-state light emitter. Our results help explore the fundamental limitations of hot-carrier solar cells, and provide a first step towards providing experimentalists with a guide to the optimal configuration of devices.

Correlating highpower conversion efficiency of PTB7:PC 71BM inverted organic solar cells with nanoscale structures [Unraveling the correlation between the structural aspects and power conversion efficiency in PTB7:PC 71BM inverted organic solar cells

DOE PAGES

Das, Sanjib; Browning, Jim; Gu, Gong; ...

2015-07-16

Advances in materials design and device engineering led to inverted organic solar cells (i-OSCs) with superior power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) to their conventional counterparts, in addition to the well-known better ambient stability. Despite the significant progress, however, it has so far been unclear how the morphologies of the photoactive layer and its interface with the cathode modifying layer impact device performance. Here, we report an in-depth morphology study of the i-OSC active and cathode modifying layers, employing a model system with the well-established bulk-heterojunction, PTB7:PC 71BM as the active layer and poly-[(9,9-bis(3 -( N,N-dimethylamino)propyl)-2,7-fluorene)- alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene)] (PFN) as the cathode surfacemore » modifying layer. We have also identified the role of a processing additive, 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO), used in the spin-casting of the active layer to increase PCE. Using a variety of characterization techniques, we demonstrate that the high PCEs of i-OSCs are due to the smearing (diffusion) of electron-accepting PC 71BM into the PFN layer, resulting in improved electron transport. The PC 71BM diffusion occurs after spin-casting the active layer onto the PFN layer, when residual solvent molecules act as a plasticizer. Furthermore, the DIO additive, with a higher boiling point than the host solvent, has a longer residence time in the spin-cast active layer, resulting in more PC 71BM smearing and therefore more efficient electron transport. This work provides important insight and guidance to further enhancement of i-OSC performance by materials and interface engineering.« less

Metal-electrode-free Window-like Organic Solar Cells with p-Doped Carbon Nanotube Thin-film Electrodes

PubMed Central

Jeon, Il; Delacou, Clement; Kaskela, Antti; Kauppinen, Esko I.; Maruyama, Shigeo; Matsuo, Yutaka

2016-01-01

Organic solar cells are flexible and inexpensive, and expected to have a wide range of applications. Many transparent organic solar cells have been reported and their success hinges on full transparency and high power conversion efficiency. Recently, carbon nanotubes and graphene, which meet these criteria, have been used in transparent conductive electrodes. However, their use in top electrodes has been limited by mechanical difficulties in fabrication and doping. Here, expensive metal top electrodes were replaced with high-performance, easy-to-transfer, aerosol-synthesized carbon nanotubes to produce transparent organic solar cells. The carbon nanotubes were p-doped by two new methods: HNO3 doping via ‘sandwich transfer’, and MoOx thermal doping via ‘bridge transfer’. Although both of the doping methods improved the performance of the carbon nanotubes and the photovoltaic performance of devices, sandwich transfer, which gave a 4.1% power conversion efficiency, was slightly more effective than bridge transfer, which produced a power conversion efficiency of 3.4%. Applying a thinner carbon nanotube film with 90% transparency decreased the efficiency to 3.7%, which was still high. Overall, the transparent solar cells had an efficiency of around 50% that of non-transparent metal-based solar cells (7.8%). PMID:27527565

Metal-electrode-free Window-like Organic Solar Cells with p-Doped Carbon Nanotube Thin-film Electrodes.

PubMed

Jeon, Il; Delacou, Clement; Kaskela, Antti; Kauppinen, Esko I; Maruyama, Shigeo; Matsuo, Yutaka

2016-08-16

Organic solar cells are flexible and inexpensive, and expected to have a wide range of applications. Many transparent organic solar cells have been reported and their success hinges on full transparency and high power conversion efficiency. Recently, carbon nanotubes and graphene, which meet these criteria, have been used in transparent conductive electrodes. However, their use in top electrodes has been limited by mechanical difficulties in fabrication and doping. Here, expensive metal top electrodes were replaced with high-performance, easy-to-transfer, aerosol-synthesized carbon nanotubes to produce transparent organic solar cells. The carbon nanotubes were p-doped by two new methods: HNO3 doping via 'sandwich transfer', and MoOx thermal doping via 'bridge transfer'. Although both of the doping methods improved the performance of the carbon nanotubes and the photovoltaic performance of devices, sandwich transfer, which gave a 4.1% power conversion efficiency, was slightly more effective than bridge transfer, which produced a power conversion efficiency of 3.4%. Applying a thinner carbon nanotube film with 90% transparency decreased the efficiency to 3.7%, which was still high. Overall, the transparent solar cells had an efficiency of around 50% that of non-transparent metal-based solar cells (7.8%).

From photoluminescence to thermal emission: Thermally-enhanced PL (TEPL) for efficient PV (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manor, Assaf; Kruger, Nimrod; Martin, Leopoldo L.; Rotschild, Carmel

2016-09-01

The Shockley-Queisser efficiency limit of 40% for single-junction photovoltaic (PV) cells is mainly caused by the heat dissipation accompanying the process of electro-chemical potential generation. Concepts such as solar thermo-photovoltaics (STPV) aim to harvest this heat loss by the use of a primary absorber which acts as a mediator between the sun and the PV, spectrally shaping the light impinging on the cell. However, this approach is challenging to realize due to the high operating temperatures of above 2000K required in order to generate high thermal emission fluxes. After over thirty years of STPV research, the record conversion efficiency for STPV device stands at 3.2% for 1285K operating temperature. In contrast, we recently demonstrated how thermally-enhanced photoluminescence (TEPL) is an optical heat-pump, in which photoluminescence is thermally blue-shifted upon heating while the number of emitted photons is conserved. This process generates energetic photon-rates which are comparable to thermal emission in significantly reduced temperatures, opening the way for a TEPL based energy converter. In such a device, a photoluminescent low bandgap absorber replaces the STPV thermal absorber. The thermalization heat induces a temperature rise and a blue-shifted emission, which is efficiently harvested by a higher bandgap PV. We show that such an approach can yield ideal efficiencies of 70% at 1140K, and realistic efficiencies of almost 50% at moderate concentration levels. As an experimental proof-of-concept, we demonstrate 1.4% efficient TEPL energy conversion of an Nd3+ system coupled to a GaAs cell, at 600K.

Recycling of laser and plasma radiation energy for enhancement of extreme ultraviolet sources for nanolithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sizyuk, V.; Sizyuk, T.; Hassanein, A.; Johnson, K.

2018-01-01

We have developed comprehensive integrated models for detailed simulation of laser-produced plasma (LPP) and laser/target interaction, with potential recycling of the escaping laser and out-of-band plasma radiation. Recycling, i.e., returning the escaping laser and plasma radiation to the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) generation region using retroreflective mirrors, has the potential of increasing the EUV conversion efficiency (CE) by up to 60% according to our simulations. This would result in significantly reduced power consumption and/or increased EUV output. Based on our recently developed models, our High Energy Interaction with General Heterogeneous Target Systems (HEIGHTS) computer simulation package was upgraded for LPP devices to include various radiation recycling regimes and to estimate the potential CE enhancement. The upgraded HEIGHTS was used to study recycling of both laser and plasma-generated radiation and to predict possible gains in conversion efficiency compared to no-recycling LPP devices when using droplets of tin target. We considered three versions of the LPP system including a single CO2 laser, a single Nd:YAG laser, and a dual-pulse device combining both laser systems. The gains in generating EUV energy were predicted and compared for these systems. Overall, laser and radiation energy recycling showed the potential for significant enhancement in source efficiency of up to 60% for the dual-pulse system. Significantly higher CE gains might be possible with optimization of the pre-pulse and main pulse parameters and source size.

Layered tin monoselenide as advanced photothermal conversion materials for efficient solar energy-driven water evaporation.

PubMed

Yao, Jiandong; Zheng, Zhaoqiang; Yang, Guowei

2018-02-08

Solar energy-driven water evaporation lays a solid foundation for important photothermal applications such as sterilization, seawater desalination, and electricity generation. Due to the strong light-matter coupling, broad absorption wavelength range, and prominent quantum confinement effect, layered tin monoselenide (SnSe) holds a great potential to effectively harness solar irradiation and convert it to heat energy. In this study, SnSe is successfully deposited on a centimeter-scale nickel foam using a facile one-step pulsed-laser deposition approach. Importantly, the maximum evaporation rate of SnSe-coated nickel foam (SnSe@NF) reaches 0.85 kg m -2 h -1 , which is even 21% larger than that obtained with the commercial super blue coating (0.7 kg m -2 h -1 ) under the same condition. A systematic analysis reveals that its good photothermal conversion capability is attributed to the synergetic effect of multi-scattering-induced light trapping and the optimal trade-off between light absorption and phonon emission. Finally, the SnSe@NF device is further used for seawater evaporation, demonstrating a comparable evaporation rate (0.8 kg m -2 h -1 ) to that of fresh water and good stability over many cycles of usage. In summary, the current contribution depicts a facile one-step scenario for the economical and efficient solar-enabled SnSe@NF evaporation devices. More importantly, an in-depth analysis of the photothermal conversion mechanism underneath the layered materials depicts a fundamental paradigm for the design and application of photothermal devices based on them in the future.

The Next Breakthrough for Organic Photovoltaics?

PubMed

Jackson, Nicholas E; Savoie, Brett M; Marks, Tobin J; Chen, Lin X; Ratner, Mark A

2015-01-02

While the intense focus on energy level tuning in organic photovoltaic materials has afforded large gains in device performance, we argue here that strategies based on microstructural/morphological control are at least as promising in any rational design strategy. In this work, a meta-analysis of ∼150 bulk heterojunction devices fabricated with different materials combinations is performed and reveals strong correlations between power conversion efficiency and morphology-dominated properties (short-circuit current, fill factor) and surprisingly weak correlations between efficiency and energy level positioning (open-circuit voltage, enthalpic offset at the interface, optical gap). While energy level positioning should in principle provide the theoretical maximum efficiency, the optimization landscape that must be navigated to reach this maximum is unforgiving. Thus, research aimed at developing understanding-based strategies for more efficient optimization of an active layer microstructure and morphology are likely to be at least as fruitful.

The Role of Metal Halide Perovskites in Next-Generation Lighting Devices.

PubMed

Lozano, Gabriel

2018-06-28

The development of smart illumination sources represents a central challenge of the current technology. In this context, the quest for novel materials that enable efficient light generation is essential. Metal halide compounds with perovskite crystalline structure (ABX3) have gained tremendous interest in the last five years since they come as easy-to-prepare high performance semiconductors. Perovskite absorbers are driving the power-conversion-efficiencies of thin film photovoltaics to unprecedented values. Nowadays, mixed-cation mixed-halide lead perovskite solar cells reach efficiencies consistently over 20% and promise to get close to 30% in multi-junction devices when combined with silicon cells at no surcharge. Nonetheless, perovskites' fame extends further since extensive research on these novel semiconductors has also revealed their brightest side. Soon after their irruption in the photovoltaic scenario, demonstration of efficient color tunable -with high color purity- perovskite emitters has opened new avenues for light generation applications that are timely to discuss herein.

Exploration of Novel Materials for Development of Next Generation OPV Devices: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-10-398

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Olson, D.

2012-09-01

Organic-based solar cells offer the potential for low cost, scalable conversion of solar energy. This project will try to utilize the extensive organic synthetic capabilities of ConocoPhillips to produce novel acceptor and donor materials as well potentially as interface modifiers to produce improved OPV devices with greater efficiency and stability. The synthetic effort will be based on the knowledge base and modeling being done at NREL to identify new candidate materials.

Acoustic metamaterials capable of both sound insulation and energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Junfei; Zhou, Xiaoming; Huang, Guoliang; Hu, Gengkai

2016-04-01

Membrane-type acoustic metamaterials are well known for low-frequency sound insulation. In this work, by introducing a flexible piezoelectric patch, we propose sound-insulation metamaterials with the ability of energy harvesting from sound waves. The dual functionality of the metamaterial device has been verified by experimental results, which show an over 20 dB sound transmission loss and a maximum energy conversion efficiency up to 15.3% simultaneously. This novel property makes the metamaterial device more suitable for noise control applications.

Direct Free Carrier Photogeneration in Single Layer and Stacked Organic Photovoltaic Devices.

PubMed

Chandran, Hrisheekesh Thachoth; Ng, Tsz-Wai; Foo, Yishu; Li, Ho-Wa; Qing, Jian; Liu, Xiao-Ke; Chan, Chiu-Yee; Wong, Fu-Lung; Zapien, Juan Antonio; Tsang, Sai-Wing; Lo, Ming-Fai; Lee, Chun-Sing

2017-06-01

High performance organic photovoltaic devices typically rely on type-II P/N junctions for assisting exciton dissociation. Heremans and co-workers recently reported a high efficiency device with a third organic layer which is spatially separated from the active P/N junction; but still contributes to the carrier generation by passing its energy to the P/N junction via a long-range exciton energy transfer mechanism. In this study the authors show that there is an additional mechanism contributing to the high efficiency. Some bipolar materials (e.g., subnaphthalocyanine chloride (SubNc) and subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc)) are observed to generate free carriers much more effectively than typical organic semiconductors upon photoexcitation. Single-layer devices with SubNc or SubPc sandwiched between two electrodes can give power conversion efficiencies 30 times higher than those of reported single-layer devices. In addition, internal quantum efficiencies (IQEs) of bilayer devices with opposite stacking sequences (i.e., SubNc/SubPc vs SubPc/SubNc) are found to be the sum of IQEs of single layer devices. These results confirm that SubNc and SubPc can directly generate free carriers upon photoexcitation without assistance from a P/N junction. These allow them to be stacked onto each other with reversible sequence or simply stacking onto another P/N junction and contribute to the photocarrier generation. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

InGaAs/InP Monolithic Interconnected Modules (MIM) for Thermophotovoltaic Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilt, David M.; Fatemi, Navid S.; Jenkins, Phillip P.; Weizer, Victor G.; Hoffman, Richard W., Jr.; Scheiman, David A.; Murray, Christopher S.; Riley, David R.

2004-01-01

There has been a traditional trade-off in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion development between systems efficiency and power density. This trade-off originates from the use of front surface spectral controls such as selective emitters and various types of filters. A monolithic interconnected module (MIM) structure has been developed which allows for both high power densities and high system efficiencies. The MIM device consists of many individual indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) devices series -connected on a single semi-insulating indium phosphide (InP) substrate. The MIMs are exposed to the entire emitter output, thereby maximizing output power density. An infrared (IR) reflector placed on the rear surface of the substrate returns the unused portion of the emitter output spectrum back to the emitter for recycling, thereby providing for high system efficiencies. Initial MIM development has focused on a 1 sq cm device consisting of eight series interconnected cells. MIM devices, produced from 0,74 eV InGAAs, have demonstrated V(sub infinity) = 3.23 volts, J(sub sc) = 70 mA/sq cm and a fill factor of 66% under flashlamp testing. Infrared (IR) reflectance measurement (less than 2 microns) of these devices indicate a reflectivity of less than 82%. MIM devices produced from 0.55 eV InGaAs have also been den=monstrated. In addition, conventional p/n InGaAs devices with record efficiencies (11.7% AM1) have been demonstrated.

Effects of Nanoimprinted Structures on the Performance of Organic Solar Cells

DOE PAGES

Gill, Hardeep Singh; Li, Lian; Ren, Haizhou; ...

2018-01-01

The effect of nanoimprinted structures on the performance of organic bulk heterojunction solar cells was investigated. The nanostructures were formed over the active layer employing the soft lithographic technique. The measured incident photon-to-current efficiency revealed that the nanostructured morphology over the active layer can efficiently enhance both light harvesting and charge carrier collection due to improvement of the absorption of incident light and the buried nanostructured cathode, respectively. The devices prepared with the imprinted nanostructures exhibited significantly higher power conversion efficiencies as compared to those of the control cells.

Effects of Nanoimprinted Structures on the Performance of Organic Solar Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gill, Hardeep Singh; Li, Lian; Ren, Haizhou

The effect of nanoimprinted structures on the performance of organic bulk heterojunction solar cells was investigated. The nanostructures were formed over the active layer employing the soft lithographic technique. The measured incident photon-to-current efficiency revealed that the nanostructured morphology over the active layer can efficiently enhance both light harvesting and charge carrier collection due to improvement of the absorption of incident light and the buried nanostructured cathode, respectively. The devices prepared with the imprinted nanostructures exhibited significantly higher power conversion efficiencies as compared to those of the control cells.

Water transport inside carbon nanotubes mediated by phonon-induced oscillating friction.

PubMed

Ma, Ming; Grey, François; Shen, Luming; Urbakh, Michael; Wu, Shuai; Liu, Jefferson Zhe; Liu, Yilun; Zheng, Quanshui

2015-08-01

The emergence of the field of nanofluidics in the last decade has led to the development of important applications including water desalination, ultrafiltration and osmotic energy conversion. Most applications make use of carbon nanotubes, boron nitride nanotubes, graphene and graphene oxide. In particular, understanding water transport in carbon nanotubes is key for designing ultrafiltration devices and energy-efficient water filters. However, although theoretical studies based on molecular dynamics simulations have revealed many mechanistic features of water transport at the molecular level, further advances in this direction are limited by the fact that the lowest flow velocities accessible by simulations are orders of magnitude higher than those measured experimentally. Here, we extend molecular dynamics studies of water transport through carbon nanotubes to flow velocities comparable with experimental ones using massive crowd-sourced computing power. We observe previously undetected oscillations in the friction force between water and carbon nanotubes and show that these oscillations result from the coupling between confined water molecules and the longitudinal phonon modes of the nanotube. This coupling can enhance the diffusion of confined water by more than 300%. Our results may serve as a theoretical framework for the design of new devices for more efficient water filtration and osmotic energy conversion devices.

Screening of inorganic wide-bandgap p-type semiconductors for high performance hole transport layers in organic photovoltaic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ginley, David; Zakutayev, Andriy; Garcia, Andreas; Widjonarko, Nicodemus; Ndione, Paul; Sigdel, Ajaya; Parilla, Phillip; Olson, Dana; Perkins, John; Berry, Joseph

2011-03-01

We will report on the development of novel inorganic hole transport layers (HTL) for organic photovoltaics (OPV). All the studied materials belong to the general class of wide-bandgap p-type oxide semiconductors. Potential candidates suitable for HTL applications include SnO, NiO, Cu2O (and related CuAlO2, CuCrO2, SrCu2O4 etc) and Co3O4 (and related ZnCo2O4, NiCo2O4, MgCo2O4 etc.). Materials have been optimized by high-throughput combinatorial approaches. The thin films were deposited by RF sputtering and pulsed laser deposition at ambient and elevated temperatures. Performance of the inorganic HTLs and that of the reference organic PEDOT:PSS HTL were compared by measuring the power conversion efficiencies and spectral responses of the P3HT/PCBM- and PCDTBT/PCBM-based OPV devices. Preliminary results indicate that Co3O4-based HTLs have performance comparable to that of our previously reported NiOs and PEDOT:PSS HTLs, leading to a power conversion efficiency of about 4 percent. The effect of composition and work function of the ternary materials on their performance in OPV devices is under investigation.

Solution-processed MoS(x) as an efficient anode buffer layer in organic solar cells.

PubMed

Li, Xiaodong; Zhang, Wenjun; Wu, Yulei; Min, Chao; Fang, Junfeng

2013-09-25

We reported a facile solution-processed method to fabricate a MoSx anode buffer layer through thermal decomposition of (NH4)2MoS4. Organic solar cells (OSCs) based on in situ growth MoSx as the anode buffer layer showed impressive improvements, and the power conversion efficiency was higher than that of conventional PEDOT:PSS-based device. The MoSx films obtained at different temperatures and the corresponding device performance were systematically studied. The results indicated that both MoS3 and MoS2 were beneficial to the device performance. MoS3 could result in higher Voc, while MoS2 could lead to higher Jsc. Our results proved that, apart from MoO3, molybdenum sulfides and Mo(4+) were also promising candidates for the anode buffer materials in OSCs.

Graphene oxide hole transport layers for large area, high efficiency organic solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Chris T. G.; Rhodes, Rhys W.; Beliatis, Michail J.

2014-08-18

Graphene oxide (GO) is becoming increasingly popular for organic electronic applications. We present large active area (0.64 cm{sup 2}), solution processable, poly[[9-(1-octylnonyl)-9H-carbazole-2,7-diyl]-2,5-thiophenediyl-2,1, 3-benzothiadiazole-4,7-diyl-2,5-thiophenediyl]:[6,6]-Phenyl C{sub 71} butyric acid methyl ester (PCDTBT:PC{sub 70}BM) organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells, incorporating GO hole transport layers (HTL). The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ∼5% is the highest reported for OPV using this architecture. A comparative study of solution-processable devices has been undertaken to benchmark GO OPV performance with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) HTL devices, confirming the viability of GO devices, with comparable PCEs, suitable as high chemical and thermal stability replacements for PEDOT:PSS in OPV.

Stability of organic solar cells: challenges and strategies.

PubMed

Cheng, Pei; Zhan, Xiaowei

2016-05-03

Organic solar cells (OSCs) present some advantages, such as simple preparation, light weight, low cost and large-area flexible fabrication, and have attracted much attention in recent years. Although the power conversion efficiencies have exceeded 10%, the inferior device stability still remains a great challenge. In this review, we summarize the factors limiting the stability of OSCs, such as metastable morphology, diffusion of electrodes and buffer layers, oxygen and water, irradiation, heating and mechanical stress, and survey recent progress in strategies to increase the stability of OSCs, such as material design, device engineering of active layers, employing inverted geometry, optimizing buffer layers, using stable electrodes and encapsulation. Some research areas of device stability that may deserve further attention are also discussed to help readers understand the challenges and opportunities in achieving high efficiency and high stability of OSCs towards future industrial manufacture.

Highly Efficient Solution-Processed Deep-Red Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Based on an Exciplex Host Composed of a Hole Transporter and a Bipolar Host.

PubMed

Huang, Manli; Jiang, Bei; Xie, Guohua; Yang, Chuluo

2017-10-19

With the aim to achieve highly efficient deep-red emission, we introduced an exciplex forming cohost, 4,4',4″-tris(3-methylphenylphenylamino)triphenylamine (m-MTDATA): 2,5-bis(2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (o-CzOXD) (1:1). Due to the efficient triplet up-conversion processes upon the exciplex forming cohost, excellent performances of the devices were achieved with deep-red emission. Using the heteroleptic iridium complexes as the guest dopants, the solution-processed deep-red phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) with the iridium(III) bis(6-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)phenanthridine)acetylacetonate [(TP-BQ) 2 Ir(acac)]-based phosphorescent emitter exhibited an electroluminescent peak at 656 nm and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 11.9%, which is 6.6 times that of the device based on the guest emitter doped in the polymer-based cohost. The unique exciplex with a typical hole transporter and a bipolar material is ideal and universal for hosting the red PhOLEDs and tremendously improves the device performances.

Achieving over 9.8% Efficiency in Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells by Environmentally Friendly Solvent Processing.

PubMed

Wu, Yue; Zou, Yan; Yang, Hang; Li, Yaowen; Li, Hongkun; Cui, Chaohua; Li, Yongfang

2017-10-25

Nowadays, most of the solution-processed high-efficiency polymer solar cell (PSC) devices are fabricated by halogenated solvents (such as chlorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, chloroform, etc.) which are harmful to people and the environment. Therefore, it is essential to develop high-efficiency PSC devices processed by environmentally friendly solvent processing for their industrialization. In this regard, we report a new alkylthio chain-based conjugated polymer PBDB-TS as donor material for environmentally friendly solvent-processed PSCs. PBDB-TS possesses a low-lying HOMO energy level at -5.42 eV and a good solubility in toluene and o-xylene. By using o-xylene and 1% N-methylpyrrolidone as processing solvent, following by the thermal annealing treatment for PBDB-TS:ITIC blend films, well-developed morphological features, and balanced charge transport properties are observed, leading to a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.85%, higher than that of the device cast from halogenated solvent (PCE = 9.65%). The results suggest that PBDB-TS is an attractive donor material for nonhalogen solvents-processing PSCs.

T-Shaped Indan-1,3-dione derivatives as promising electron donors for bulk heterojunction small molecule solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adhikari, Tham; Solanke, Parmeshwar; Pathak, Dinesh; Wagner, Tomas; Bureš, Filip; Reed, Tyler; Nunzi, Jean-Michel

2017-07-01

We report on the photovoltaic performance of novel T-Shaped Indan-1,3-dione derivatives as donors in a solution processed bulk heterojunction solar cells. Small molecule bulk heterojunction solar cells of these molecules with [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) were fabricated and characterized. The preliminary characterization of these devices yielded a PCE of 0.24% and 0.33% for two separate derivatives. These low power conversion efficiencies were attributed to a high surface roughness with a large number of dewetting spots. Doping with 10% Polystyrene in the Indan-1,3-dione derivatives decreases surface roughness and dewetting spots thereby improving the efficiency of the devices. Efficiency of the devices was found as 0.39% and 0.51% for two derivatives after doping with polystyrene. The charge transfer mechanism was studied with photoluminescence quenching. The morphology and packing behavior of molecules were further studied using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

The Fabrication of Bulk Heterojunction P3HT: PCBM Organic Photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darwis, D.; Sesa, E.; Farhamza, D.; Iqbal

2018-05-01

Bulk heterojunction Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are gaining a lot of interest due to their potential for ease of processing and lower manufacturing cost sustainable energy generation. In consequence, the number of studies into the properties and characteristics of organic solar cell devices has been increased to improving their power conversion. A further advancement over past decade has shown that improved efficiency could be obtained by mixed of poly(3 - hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [1] – phenyl - C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as an active layer. A series of optimizations of this P3HT: PCBM blends, such as the mixture ratio variation, the annealing treatments, and solvent treatment, have been emerged to improve the efficiency of the OPV. As a result, significant improvements were achieved. Here, we report the fabrication heterojunction devices of 2.9 % efficiency. This result has been achieved using the configuration of a typical heterojunction solar cell modules consists of layered glass/ITO/PEDOT: PSS/active layer/cathode interlayer

A novel coaxial Ku-band transit radiation oscillator without external guiding magnetic field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ling, Junpu, E-mail: lingjunpu@163.com; Zhang, Jiande; He, Juntao

2014-02-15

A novel coaxial transit radiation oscillator without external guiding magnetic field is designed to generate high power microwave at Ku-band. By using a coaxial structure, the space-charge potential energy is suppressed significantly, that is good for enhancing efficient beam-wave interaction. In order to improve the transmission stability of the unmagnetized intense relativistic electron beam, a Pierce-like cathode is employed in the novel device. By contrast with conventional relativistic microwave generators, this kind of device has the advantages of high stability, non-guiding magnetic field, and high efficiency. Moreover, with the coaxial design, it is possible to improve the power-handing capacity bymore » increasing the radial dimension of the Ku-band device. With a 550 keV and 7.5 kA electron beam, a 1.25 GW microwave pulse at 12.08 GHz has been obtained in the simulation. The power conversion efficiency is about 30%.« less

Modulated CH3NH3PbI3−xBrx film for efficient perovskite solar cells exceeding 18%

PubMed Central

Tu, Yongguang; Wu, Jihuai; Lan, Zhang; He, Xin; Dong, Jia; Jia, Jinbiao; Guo, Panfeng; Lin, Jianming; Huang, Miaoliang; Huang, Yunfang

2017-01-01

The organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite layer is a crucial factor for the high performance perovskite solar cell (PSC). We introduce CH3NH3Br in the precursor solution to prepare CH3NH3PbI3−xBrx hybrid perovskite, and an uniform perovskite layer with improved crystallinity and apparent grain contour is obtained, resulting in the significant improvement of photovoltaic performance of PSCs. The effects of CH3NH3Br on the perovskite morphology, crystallinity, absorption property, charge carrier dynamics and device characteristics are discussed, and the improvement of open circuit voltage of the device depended on Br doping is confirmed. Based on above, the device based on CH3NH3PbI2.86Br0.14 exhibits a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.02%. This study represents an efficient method for high-performance perovskite solar cell by modulating CH3NH3PbI3−xBrx film. PMID:28303938

n-MoS2/p-Si Solar Cells with Al2O3 Passivation for Enhanced Photogeneration.

PubMed

Rehman, Atteq Ur; Khan, Muhammad Farooq; Shehzad, Muhammad Arslan; Hussain, Sajjad; Bhopal, Muhammad Fahad; Lee, Sang Hee; Eom, Jonghwa; Seo, Yongho; Jung, Jongwan; Lee, Soo Hong

2016-11-02

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) has recently emerged as a promising candidate for fabricating ultrathin-film photovoltaic devices. These devices exhibit excellent photovoltaic performance, superior flexibility, and low production cost. Layered MoS 2 deposited on p-Si establishes a built-in electric field at MoS 2 /Si interface that helps in photogenerated carrier separation for photovoltaic operation. We propose an Al 2 O 3 -based passivation at the MoS 2 surface to improve the photovoltaic performance of bulklike MoS 2 /Si solar cells. Interestingly, it was observed that Al 2 O 3 passivation enhances the built-in field by reduction of interface trap density at surface. Our device exhibits an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.6%, which to our knowledge is the highest efficiency among all bulklike MoS 2 -based photovoltaic cells. The demonstrated results hold the promise for integration of bulklike MoS 2 films with Si-based electronics to develop highly efficient photovoltaic cells.

Hybrid Lead Halide Perovskites for Ultrasensitive Photoactive Switching in Terahertz Metamaterial Devices.

PubMed

Manjappa, Manukumara; Srivastava, Yogesh Kumar; Solanki, Ankur; Kumar, Abhishek; Sum, Tze Chien; Singh, Ranjan

2017-08-01

The recent meteoric rise in the field of photovoltaics with the discovery of highly efficient solar-cell devices is inspired by solution-processed organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites that exhibit unprecedented light-to-electricity conversion efficiencies. The stunning performance of perovskites is attributed to their strong photoresponsive properties that are thoroughly utilized in designing excellent perovskite solar cells, light-emitting diodes, infrared lasers, and ultrafast photodetectors. However, optoelectronic application of halide perovskites in realizing highly efficient subwavelength photonic devices has remained a challenge. Here, the remarkable photoconductivity of organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites is exploited to demonstrate a hybrid perovskite-metamaterial device that shows extremely low power photoswitching of the metamaterial resonances in the terahertz part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Furthermore, a signature of a coupled phonon-metamaterial resonance is observed at higher pump powers, where the Fano resonance amplitude is extremely weak. In addition, a low threshold, dynamic control of the highly confined electric field intensity is also observed in the system, which could tremendously benefit the new generation of subwavelength photonic devices as active sensors, low threshold optically controlled lasers, and active nonlinear devices with enhanced functionalities in the infrared, optical, and the terahertz parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Enhanced photovoltaic performance utilizing effective charge transfers and light scattering effects by the combination of mesoporous, hollow 3D-ZnO along with 1D-ZnO in CdS quantum dot sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Chetia, Tridip Ranjan; Barpuzary, Dipankar; Qureshi, Mohammad

2014-05-28

A combination of 3-dimensional (3D) hollow mesoporous ZnO microspheres (ZnO HMSP) and vertically grown one-dimensional ZnO nanowires (1D ZnO NWs) on a fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrate has been investigated as a photoanode for a CdS quantum dot-sensitized solar cell (QSSC). A comparative study of the photovoltaic performance of the solar cell with devices fabricated with pristine ZnO HMSPs and ZnO NWs was carried out. The proposed photovoltaic device exhibits an enhancement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) upto ∼74% and ∼35%, as compared to the 1D ZnO NW and ZnO HMSP based solar cells. The maximum incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) for the solar cell was observed to be ∼40%, whereas for the devices fabricated with bare ZnO HMSP and ZnO NW the IPCE were only ∼32% and ∼19%, respectively. The enhanced photovoltaic performance of the solar cell is attributed to the high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, efficient light-scattering effects and facilitated diffusion of the electrolyte for better functioning of the redox couple (S(2-)/Sn(2-)) in the hybrid photoanode. Moreover, a faster electron transport through 1D ZnO NWs provides better charge collection from the photoactive layer, which leads to an increase in the short circuit current density of the device. The present study highlights the design and development of a new hybrid photoanode for solar harvesting.

Dye molecular structure device open-circuit voltage correlation in Ru(II) sensitizers with heteroleptic tridentate chelates for dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Wu, Kuan-Lin; Li, Cheng-Hsuan; Chi, Yun; Clifford, John N; Cabau, Lydia; Palomares, Emilio; Cheng, Yi-Ming; Pan, Hsiao-An; Chou, Pi-Tai

2012-05-02

Dicarboxyterpyridine chelates with π-conjugated pendant groups attached at the 5- or 6-position of the terminal pyridyl unit were synthesized. Together with 2,6-bis(5-pyrazolyl)pyridine, these were used successfully to prepare a series of novel heteroleptic, bis-tridentate Ru(II) sensitizers, denoted as TF-11-14. These dyes show excellent performance in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) under AM1.5G simulated sunlight at a light intensity of 100 mW cm(-2) in comparison with a reference device containing [Ru(Htctpy)(NCS)(3)][TBA](3) (N749), where H(3)tctpy and TBA are 4,4',4"-tricarboxy-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine and tetra-n-butylammonium cation, respectively. In particular, the sensitizer TF-12 gave a short-circuit photocurrent of 19.0 mA cm(-2), an open-circuit voltage (V(OC)) of 0.71 V, and a fill factor of 0.68, affording an overall conversion efficiency of 9.21%. The increased conjugation conferred to the TF dyes by the addition of the π-conjugated pendant groups increases both their light-harvesting and photovoltaic energy conversion capability in comparison with N749. Detailed recombination processes in these devices were probed by various spectroscopic and dynamics measurements, and a clear correlation between the device V(OC) and the cell electron lifetime was established. In agreement with several other recent studies, the results demonstrate that high efficiencies can also be achieved with Ru(II) sensitizers that do not contain thiocyanate ancillaries. This bis-tridentate, dual-carboxy anchor configuration thus serves as a prototype for future omnibearing design of highly efficient Ru(II) sensitizers suited for use in DSCs. © 2012 American Chemical Society

All-solution-processed PbS quantum dot solar modules.

PubMed

Jang, Jihoon; Shim, Hyung Cheoul; Ju, Yeonkyeong; Song, Jung Hoon; An, Hyejin; Yu, Jong-Su; Kwak, Sun-Woo; Lee, Taik-Min; Kim, Inyoung; Jeong, Sohee

2015-05-21

A rapid increase in power conversion efficiencies in colloidal quantum dot (QD) solar cells has been achieved recently with lead sulphide (PbS) QDs by adapting a heterojunction architecture, which consists of small-area devices associated with a vacuum-deposited buffer layer with metal electrodes. The preparation of QD solar modules by low-cost solution processes is required to further increase the power-to-cost ratio. Herein we demonstrate all-solution-processed flexible PbS QD solar modules with a layer-by-layer architecture comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate/indium tin oxide (ITO)/titanium oxide (TiO2)/PbS QD/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) : poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT : PSS)/Ag, with an active area of up to 30 cm(2), exhibiting a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.3% under AM 1.5 conditions (PCE of 2.2% for a 1 cm(2) unit cell). Our approach affords trade-offs between power and the active area of the photovoltaic devices, which results in a low-cost power source, and which is scalable to larger areas.

Understanding the Halogenation Effects in Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Based Small Molecule Photovoltaics.

PubMed

Sun, Shi-Xin; Huo, Yong; Li, Miao-Miao; Hu, Xiaowen; Zhang, Hai-Jun; Zhang, You-Wen; Zhang, You-Dan; Chen, Xiao-Long; Shi, Zi-Fa; Gong, Xiong; Chen, Yongsheng; Zhang, Hao-Li

2015-09-16

Two molecules containing a central diketopyrrolopyrrole and two oligothiophene units have been designed and synthesized. Comparisons between the molecules containing terminal F (FDPP) and Cl (CDPP) atoms allowed us to evaluate the effects of halogenation on the photovoltaic properties of the small molecule organic solar cells (OSCs). The OSCs devices employing FDPP:PC71BM films showed power conversion efficiencies up to 4.32%, suggesting that fluorination is an efficient method for constructing small molecules for OSCs.

Highly efficient photocatalytic conversion of solar energy to hydrogen by WO3/BiVO4 core-shell heterojunction nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosar, Sonya; Pihosh, Yuriy; Bekarevich, Raman; Mitsuishi, Kazutaka; Mawatari, Kazuma; Kazoe, Yutaka; Kitamori, Takehiko; Tosa, Masahiro; Tarasov, Alexey B.; Goodilin, Eugene A.; Struk, Yaroslav M.; Kondo, Michio; Turkevych, Ivan

2018-04-01

Photocatalytic splitting of water under solar light has proved itself to be a promising approach toward the utilization of solar energy and the generation of environmentally friendly fuel in a form of hydrogen. In this work, we demonstrate highly efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 7.7% by photovoltaic-photoelectrochemical (PV-PEC) device based on hybrid MAPbI3 perovskite PV cell and WO3/BiVO4 core-shell nanorods PEC cell tandem that utilizes spectral splitting approach. Although BiVO4 is characterized by intrinsically high recombination rate of photogenerated carriers, this is not an issue for WO3/BiVO4 core-shell nanorods, where highly conductive WO3 cores are combined with extremely thin absorber BiVO4 shell layer. Since the BiVO4 layer is thinner than the characteristic carrier diffusion length, the photogenerated charge carriers are separated at the WO3/BiVO4 heterojunction before their recombination. Also, such architecture provides sufficient optical thickness even for extremely thin BiVO4 layer due to efficient light trapping in the core-shell WO3/BiVO4 nanorods with high aspect ratio. We also demonstrate that the concept of fill factor can be used to compare I-V characteristics of different photoanodes regarding their optimization for PV/PEC tandem devices.

Experimental Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Chen, Teng-Yun; Wang, Liu-Jun; Liang, Hao; Shentu, Guo-Liang; Wang, Jian; Cui, Ke; Yin, Hua-Lei; Liu, Nai-Le; Li, Li; Ma, Xiongfeng; Pelc, Jason S.; Fejer, M. M.; Peng, Cheng-Zhi; Zhang, Qiang; Pan, Jian-Wei

2013-09-01

Quantum key distribution is proven to offer unconditional security in communication between two remote users with ideal source and detection. Unfortunately, ideal devices never exist in practice and device imperfections have become the targets of various attacks. By developing up-conversion single-photon detectors with high efficiency and low noise, we faithfully demonstrate the measurement-device-independent quantum-key-distribution protocol, which is immune to all hacking strategies on detection. Meanwhile, we employ the decoy-state method to defend attacks on a nonideal source. By assuming a trusted source scenario, our practical system, which generates more than a 25 kbit secure key over a 50 km fiber link, serves as a stepping stone in the quest for unconditionally secure communications with realistic devices.

Experimental measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution.

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Chen, Teng-Yun; Wang, Liu-Jun; Liang, Hao; Shentu, Guo-Liang; Wang, Jian; Cui, Ke; Yin, Hua-Lei; Liu, Nai-Le; Li, Li; Ma, Xiongfeng; Pelc, Jason S; Fejer, M M; Peng, Cheng-Zhi; Zhang, Qiang; Pan, Jian-Wei

2013-09-27

Quantum key distribution is proven to offer unconditional security in communication between two remote users with ideal source and detection. Unfortunately, ideal devices never exist in practice and device imperfections have become the targets of various attacks. By developing up-conversion single-photon detectors with high efficiency and low noise, we faithfully demonstrate the measurement-device-independent quantum-key-distribution protocol, which is immune to all hacking strategies on detection. Meanwhile, we employ the decoy-state method to defend attacks on a nonideal source. By assuming a trusted source scenario, our practical system, which generates more than a 25 kbit secure key over a 50 km fiber link, serves as a stepping stone in the quest for unconditionally secure communications with realistic devices.

Colloidally prepared La-doped BaSnO3 electrodes for efficient, photostable perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Seong Sik; Yeom, Eun Joo; Yang, Woon Seok; Hur, Seyoon; Kim, Min Gyu; Im, Jino; Seo, Jangwon; Noh, Jun Hong; Seok, Sang Il

2017-04-01

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exceeding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20% have mainly been demonstrated by using mesoporous titanium dioxide (mp-TiO2) as an electron-transporting layer. However, TiO2 can reduce the stability of PSCs under illumination (including ultraviolet light). Lanthanum (La)-doped BaSnO3 (LBSO) perovskite would be an ideal replacement given its electron mobility and electronic structure, but LBSO cannot be synthesized as well-dispersible fine particles or crystallized below 500°C. We report a superoxide colloidal solution route for preparing a LBSO electrode under very mild conditions (below 300°C). The PSCs fabricated with LBSO and methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) show a steady-state power conversion efficiency of 21.2%, versus 19.7% for a mp-TiO2 device. The LBSO-based PSCs could retain 93% of their initial performance after 1000 hours of full-Sun illumination.

Review of Computational Stirling Analysis Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dyson, Rodger W.; Wilson, Scott D.; Tew, Roy C.

2004-01-01

Nuclear thermal to electric power conversion carries the promise of longer duration missions and higher scientific data transmission rates back to Earth for both Mars rovers and deep space missions. A free-piston Stirling convertor is a candidate technology that is considered an efficient and reliable power conversion device for such purposes. While already very efficient, it is believed that better Stirling engines can be developed if the losses inherent its current designs could be better understood. However, they are difficult to instrument and so efforts are underway to simulate a complete Stirling engine numerically. This has only recently been attempted and a review of the methods leading up to and including such computational analysis is presented. And finally it is proposed that the quality and depth of Stirling loss understanding may be improved by utilizing the higher fidelity and efficiency of recently developed numerical methods. One such method, the Ultra HI-Fl technique is presented in detail.

Synthesis of chemicals using solar energy with stable photoelectrochemically active heterostructures.

PubMed

Mubeen, Syed; Singh, Nirala; Lee, Joun; Stucky, Galen D; Moskovits, Martin; McFarland, Eric W

2013-05-08

Efficient and cost-effective conversion of solar energy to useful chemicals and fuels could lead to a significant reduction in fossil hydrocarbon use. Artificial systems that use solar energy to produce chemicals have been reported for more than a century. However the most efficient devices demonstrated, based on traditionally fabricated compound semiconductors, have extremely short working lifetimes due to photocorrosion by the electrolyte. Here we report a stable, scalable design and molecular level fabrication strategy to create photoelectrochemically active heterostructure (PAH) units consisting of an efficient semiconductor light absorber in contact with oxidation and reduction electrocatalysts and otherwise protected by alumina. The functional heterostructures are fabricated by layer-by-layer, template-directed, electrochemical synthesis in porous anodic aluminum oxide membranes to produce high density arrays of electronically autonomous, nanostructured, corrosion resistant, photoactive units (~10(9)-10(10) PAHs per cm(2)). Each PAH unit is isolated from its neighbor by the transparent electrically insulating oxide cellular enclosure that makes the overall assembly fault tolerant. When illuminated with visible light, the free floating devices have been demonstrated to produce hydrogen at a stable rate for over 24 h in corrosive hydroiodic acid electrolyte with light as the only input. The quantum efficiency (averaged over the solar spectrum) for absorbed photons-to-hydrogen conversion was 7.4% and solar-to-hydrogen energy efficiency of incident light was 0.9%. The fabrication approach is scalable for commercial manufacturing and readily adaptable to a variety of earth abundant semiconductors which might otherwise be unstable as photoelectrocatalysts.

Carbon-Nanotube-Based Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blackburn, Jeffrey L.; Ferguson, Andrew J.; Cho, Chungyeon

Conversion of waste heat to voltage has the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a number of critical energy sectors, such as the transportation and electricity-generation sectors, and manufacturing processes. Thermal energy is also an abundant low-flux source that can be harnessed to power portable/wearable electronic devices and critical components in remote off-grid locations. As such, a number of different inorganic and organic materials are being explored for their potential in thermoelectric-energy-harvesting devices. Carbon-based thermoelectric materials are particularly attractive due to their use of nontoxic, abundant source-materials, their amenability to high-throughput solution-phase fabrication routes, and the high specificmore » energy (i.e., W g-1) enabled by their low mass. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) represent a unique 1D carbon allotrope with structural, electrical, and thermal properties that enable efficient thermoelectric-energy conversion. Here, the progress made toward understanding the fundamental thermoelectric properties of SWCNTs, nanotube-based composites, and thermoelectric devices prepared from these materials is reviewed in detail. This progress illuminates the tremendous potential that carbon-nanotube-based materials and composites have for producing high-performance next-generation devices for thermoelectric-energy harvesting.« less

Carbon-Nanotube-Based Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

DOE PAGES

Blackburn, Jeffrey L.; Ferguson, Andrew J.; Cho, Chungyeon; ...

2018-01-22

Conversion of waste heat to voltage has the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a number of critical energy sectors, such as the transportation and electricity-generation sectors, and manufacturing processes. Thermal energy is also an abundant low-flux source that can be harnessed to power portable/wearable electronic devices and critical components in remote off-grid locations. As such, a number of different inorganic and organic materials are being explored for their potential in thermoelectric-energy-harvesting devices. Carbon-based thermoelectric materials are particularly attractive due to their use of nontoxic, abundant source-materials, their amenability to high-throughput solution-phase fabrication routes, and the high specificmore » energy (i.e., W g-1) enabled by their low mass. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) represent a unique 1D carbon allotrope with structural, electrical, and thermal properties that enable efficient thermoelectric-energy conversion. Here, the progress made toward understanding the fundamental thermoelectric properties of SWCNTs, nanotube-based composites, and thermoelectric devices prepared from these materials is reviewed in detail. This progress illuminates the tremendous potential that carbon-nanotube-based materials and composites have for producing high-performance next-generation devices for thermoelectric-energy harvesting.« less

Carbon-Nanotube-Based Thermoelectric Materials and Devices.

PubMed

Blackburn, Jeffrey L; Ferguson, Andrew J; Cho, Chungyeon; Grunlan, Jaime C

2018-03-01

Conversion of waste heat to voltage has the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a number of critical energy sectors, such as the transportation and electricity-generation sectors, and manufacturing processes. Thermal energy is also an abundant low-flux source that can be harnessed to power portable/wearable electronic devices and critical components in remote off-grid locations. As such, a number of different inorganic and organic materials are being explored for their potential in thermoelectric-energy-harvesting devices. Carbon-based thermoelectric materials are particularly attractive due to their use of nontoxic, abundant source-materials, their amenability to high-throughput solution-phase fabrication routes, and the high specific energy (i.e., W g -1 ) enabled by their low mass. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) represent a unique 1D carbon allotrope with structural, electrical, and thermal properties that enable efficient thermoelectric-energy conversion. Here, the progress made toward understanding the fundamental thermoelectric properties of SWCNTs, nanotube-based composites, and thermoelectric devices prepared from these materials is reviewed in detail. This progress illuminates the tremendous potential that carbon-nanotube-based materials and composites have for producing high-performance next-generation devices for thermoelectric-energy harvesting. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A theoretical study on hot charge-transfer states and dimensional effects of organic photocells based on an ideal diode model.

PubMed

Shimazaki, Tomomi; Nakajima, Takahito

2017-05-21

This paper discusses an ideal diode model with hot charge-transfer (CT) states to analyze the power conversion efficiency of an organic photocell. A free carrier generation mechanism via sunlight in an organic photocell consists of four microscopic processes: photon absorption, exciton dissociation, CT, and charge separation. The hot CT state effect has been actively investigated to understand the charge separation process. We previously reported a theoretical method to calculate the efficiency of the charge separation process via a hot CT state (T. Shimazaki et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 12538 and J. Chem. Phys., 2016, 144, 234906). In this paper, we integrate the simulation method into the ideal photocell diode model and calculate several properties such as short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and power conversion efficiency. Our results highlight that utilizing the dimensional (entropy) effect together with the hot CT state can play an essential role in developing more efficient organic photocell devices.

The reliability and stability of multijunction amorphous silicon PV modules

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carlson, D.E.

1995-11-01

Solarex is developing a manufacturing process for the commercial production of 8 ft{sup 2} multijunction amorphous silicon (a-Si) PV modules starting in 1996. The device structure used in these multijunction modules is: glass/textured tin oxide/p-i-n/p-i-n/ZnO/Al/EVA/Tedlar where the back junction of the tandem structure contains an amorphous silicon germanium alloy. As an interim step, 4 ft{sup 2} multijunction modules have been fabricated in a pilot production mode over the last several months. The distribution of initial conversion efficiencies for an engineering run of 67 modules (4 ft{sup 2}) is shown. Measurements recently performed at NREL indicate that the actual efficiencies aremore » about 5% higher than those shown, and thus exhibit an average initial conversion efficiency of about 9.5%. The data indicates that the process is relatively robust since there were no modules with initial efficiencies less than 7.5%.« less

GaAs nanopillar-array solar cells employing in situ surface passivation

PubMed Central

Mariani, Giacomo; Scofield, Adam C.; Hung, Chung-Hong; Huffaker, Diana L.

2013-01-01

Arrays of III–V direct-bandgap semiconductor nanopillars represent promising photovoltaic candidates due to their inherent high optical absorption coefficients and minimized reflection arising from light trapping, efficient charge collection in the radial direction and the ability to synthesize them on low-cost platforms. However, the increased surface area results in surface states that hamper the power conversion efficiency. Here, we report the first demonstration of GaAs nanopillar-array photovoltaics employing epitaxial passivation with air mass 1.5 global power conversion efficiencies of 6.63%. High-bandgap epitaxial InGaP shells are grown in situ and cap the radial p–n junctions to alleviate surface-state effects. Under light, the photovoltaic devices exhibit open-circuit voltages of 0.44 V, short-circuit current densities of 24.3 mA cm−2 and fill factors of 62% with high external quantum efficiencies >70% across the spectral regime of interest. A novel titanium/indium tin oxide annealed alloy is exploited as transparent ohmic anode. PMID:23422665

Nanoscale Light Manipulation for Improved Organic Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fisher, Brett

Organic Solar Cells can be made to be flexible, semi-transparent, and low-cost making them ideal for novel energy harvesting applications such as in greenhouses. However, the main disadvantage of this technology is its low energy conversion efficiency (<15%); mostly due to high recombination rates, compared with other higher performing technologies, such as thinfilm GaAs (>30% Efficiency), and Si-based (>20% Efficiency), solar cells, where recombination within these technologies is much less than Organic Solar Cells. There are still many challenges to overcome to improve the efficiency of Organic Solar Cells. Some of these challenges include: Maximising the absorption of the solar spectrum; improving the charge dynamics; and increasing the lifetime of the devices. One method to address some of these challenges is to include plasmonic nanoparticles into the devices, which has been shown to increase the absorption through scattering, and improve the charge dynamic through localised surface plasmon resonance effects. However, including nanoparticles into Organic Solar Cells has shown to adversely affect the performance of the devices in other ways, such as increasing the recombination of excitons. To address this, an additional (insulating) coating around the nanoparticles supresses this increase, and has shown to be able to increase the performance of the solar cells. In this work, we demonstrate the use of our all-inclusive optical model in the design and optimisation of bespoke colour-specific windows (i.e. Red, Green, and Blue), where the solar cells can be made to have a specific transparency and colour, whilst maximizing their efficiency. For example, we could specify that we wish the colour to be red, with 50% transmissivity; the model will then maximise the Power Conversion Efficiency. We also demonstrate how our extension to Mie theory can simulate nanoparticle systems and can be used to tune the plasmon resonance utilising different coatings, and configurations thereof.

Switchable photovoltaic windows enabled by reversible photothermal complex dissociation from methylammonium lead iodide

DOE PAGES

Wheeler, Lance M.; Moore, David T.; Ihly, Rachelle; ...

2017-11-23

Materials with switchable absorption properties have been widely used for smart window applications to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort in buildings. In this work, we combine the benefits of smart windows with energy conversion by producing a photovoltaic device with a switchable absorber layer that dynamically responds to sunlight. Upon illumination, photothermal heating switches the absorber layer - composed of a metal halide perovskite-methylamine complex - from a transparent state (68% visible transmittance) to an absorbing, photovoltaic colored state (less than 3% visible transmittance) due to dissociation of methylamine. After cooling, the methylamine complex is re-formed, returning themore » absorber layer to the transparent state in which the device acts as a window to visible light. The thermodynamics of switching and performance of the device are described. In conclusion, this work validates a photovoltaic window technology that circumvents the fundamental tradeoff between efficient solar conversion and high visible light transmittance that limits conventional semitransparent PV window designs.« less

Switchable photovoltaic windows enabled by reversible photothermal complex dissociation from methylammonium lead iodide.

PubMed

Wheeler, Lance M; Moore, David T; Ihly, Rachelle; Stanton, Noah J; Miller, Elisa M; Tenent, Robert C; Blackburn, Jeffrey L; Neale, Nathan R

2017-11-23

Materials with switchable absorption properties have been widely used for smart window applications to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort in buildings. In this work, we combine the benefits of smart windows with energy conversion by producing a photovoltaic device with a switchable absorber layer that dynamically responds to sunlight. Upon illumination, photothermal heating switches the absorber layer-composed of a metal halide perovskite-methylamine complex-from a transparent state (68% visible transmittance) to an absorbing, photovoltaic colored state (less than 3% visible transmittance) due to dissociation of methylamine. After cooling, the methylamine complex is re-formed, returning the absorber layer to the transparent state in which the device acts as a window to visible light. The thermodynamics of switching and performance of the device are described. This work validates a photovoltaic window technology that circumvents the fundamental tradeoff between efficient solar conversion and high visible light transmittance that limits conventional semitransparent PV window designs.

Switchable photovoltaic windows enabled by reversible photothermal complex dissociation from methylammonium lead iodide

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wheeler, Lance M.; Moore, David T.; Ihly, Rachelle

Materials with switchable absorption properties have been widely used for smart window applications to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort in buildings. In this work, we combine the benefits of smart windows with energy conversion by producing a photovoltaic device with a switchable absorber layer that dynamically responds to sunlight. Upon illumination, photothermal heating switches the absorber layer - composed of a metal halide perovskite-methylamine complex - from a transparent state (68% visible transmittance) to an absorbing, photovoltaic colored state (less than 3% visible transmittance) due to dissociation of methylamine. After cooling, the methylamine complex is re-formed, returning themore » absorber layer to the transparent state in which the device acts as a window to visible light. The thermodynamics of switching and performance of the device are described. In conclusion, this work validates a photovoltaic window technology that circumvents the fundamental tradeoff between efficient solar conversion and high visible light transmittance that limits conventional semitransparent PV window designs.« less

Direct digital conversion detector technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandl, William J.; Fedors, Richard

1995-06-01

Future imaging sensors for the aerospace and commercial video markets will depend on low cost, high speed analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion to efficiently process optical detector signals. Current A/D methods place a heavy burden on system resources, increase noise, and limit the throughput. This paper describes a unique method for incorporating A/D conversion right on the focal plane array. This concept is based on Sigma-Delta sampling, and makes optimum use of the active detector real estate. Combined with modern digital signal processors, such devices will significantly increase data rates off the focal plane. Early conversion to digital format will also decrease the signal susceptibility to noise, lowering the communications bit error rate. Computer modeling of this concept is described, along with results from several simulation runs. A potential application for direct digital conversion is also reviewed. Future uses for this technology could range from scientific instruments to remote sensors, telecommunications gear, medical diagnostic tools, and consumer products.

Tritiated amorphous silicon for micropower applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kherani, N.P.; Kosteski, T.; Zukotynski, S.

1995-10-01

The application of tritiated amorphous silicon as an intrinsic energy conversion semiconductor for radioluminescent structures and betavoltaic devices is presented. Theoretical analysis of the betavoltaic application shows an overall efficiency of 18% for tritiated amorphous silicon. This is equivalent to a 330 Ci intrinsic betavoltaic device producing 1 mW of power for 12 years. Photoluminescence studies of hydrogenated amorphous silicon, a-Si:H, show emission in the infra-red with a maximum quantum efficiency of 7.2% at 50 K; this value drops by 3 orders of magnitude at a temperature of 300 K. Similar studies of hydrogenated amorphous carbon show emission in themore » visible with an estimated quantum efficiency of 1% at 300 K. These results suggest that tritiated amorphous carbon may be the more promising candidate for room temperature radioluminescence in the visible. 18 refs., 5 figs.« less

The relationship between the thermoelectric generator efficiency and the device engineering figure of merit Zd,eng. The maximum efficiency 𝜼max

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hapenciuc, C. L.; Borca-Tasciuc, T.; Mihailescu, I. N.

2017-04-01

Thermoelectric materials are used today in thermoelectric devices for heat to electricity(thermoelectric generators-TEG) or electricity to heat(heat pumps) conversion in a large range of applications. In the case of TEGs the final measure of their performance is given by a quantity named the maximum efficiency which shows how much from the heat input is converted into electrical power. Therefore it is of great interest to know correctly how much is the efficiency of a device to can make commercial assessments. The concept of engineering figure of merit, Zeng, and engineering power factor, Peng, were already introduced in the field to quantify the efficiency of a single material under temperature dependent thermoelectric properties, with the mention that the formulas derivation was limited to one leg of the thermoelectric generator. In this paper we propose to extend the concept of engineering figure of merit to a thermoelectric generator by introducing a more general concept of device engineering thermoelectric figure of merit, Zd,eng, which depends on the both TEG materials properties and which shall be the right quantity to be used when we are interested in the evaluation of the efficiency. Also, this work takes into account the electrical contact resistance between the electrodes and thermoelement legs in an attempt to quantify its influence upon the performance of a TEG. Finally, a new formula is proposed for the maximum efficiency of a TEG.

High Performance of PEDOT:PSS/n-Si Solar Cells Based on Textured Surface with AgNWs Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Xiangyu; Zhang, Pengbo; Zhang, Juan; Wang, Jilei; Li, Gaofei; Fang, Xiaohong; Yang, Liyou; Chen, Xiaoyuan

2018-02-01

Hybrid heterojunction solar cells (HHSCs) have gained extensive research and attention due to simple device structure and low-cost technological processes. Here, HHSCs are presented based on a highly transparent conductive polymer poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)(PEDOT:PSS) directly spin-coated on an n-type crystalline silicon with microscale surface textures, which are prepared by traditional chemical etching. We have studied interface properties between PEDOT:PSS and textured n-Si by varying coating conditions. Final power conversion efficiency (PCE) could arrive at 8.54% by these simple solution-based fabrication processes. The high conversion efficiency is attributed to the fully conformal contact between PEDOT:PSS film and textured silicon. Furthermore, the reflectance of the PEDOT:PSS layer on textured surface is analyzed by changing film thickness. In order to improve the performance of the device, silver nanowires were employed as electrodes because of its better optical transmittance and electrical conductivity. The highest PCE of 11.07% was achieved which displayed a 29.6% enhancement compared with traditional silver electrodes. These findings imply that the combination of PEDOT:PSS film and silver nanowire transparent electrodes pave a promising way for realizing high-efficiency and low-cost solar cells.

A 1 kW-class multi-stage heat-driven thermoacoustic cryocooler system operating at liquefied natural gas temperature range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, L. M.; Hu, J. Y.; Wu, Z. H.; Luo, E. C.; Xu, J. Y.; Bi, T. J.

2015-07-01

This article introduces a multi-stage heat-driven thermoacoustic cryocooler capable of reaching cooling capacity about 1 kW at liquefied natural gas temperature range without any moving mechanical parts. The cooling system consists of an acoustically resonant double-acing traveling wave thermoacoustic heat engine and three identical pulse tube coolers. Unlike other traditional traveling wave thermoacoustic heat engines, the acoustically resonant double-acting thermoacoustic heat engine is a closed-loop configuration consists of three identical thermoacoustic conversion units. Each pulse tube cooler is bypass driven by one thermoacoustic heat engine unit. The device is acoustically completely symmetric and therefore "self-matching" for efficient traveling-wave thermoacoustic conversion. In the experiments, with 7 MPa helium gas as working gas, when the heating temperature reaches 918 K, total cooling capacity of 0.88 kW at 110 K is obtained with a resonant frequency of about 55 Hz. When the heating temperature is 903 K, a maximum total cooling capacity at 130 K of 1.20 kW is achieved, with a thermal-to-cold exergy efficiency of 8%. Compared to previously developed heat-driven thermoacoustic cryocoolers, this device has higher thermal efficiency and higher power density. It shows a good prospect of application in the field of natural gas liquefaction and recondensation.

Hybrid solar cells from MDMO-PPV and silicon nanocrystals.

PubMed

Liu, Chin-Yi; Kortshagen, Uwe R

2012-07-07

Solution-processed bulk heterojunction solar cells from silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) have shown promising power conversion efficiencies. Here we report on an attempt to enhance the performance of Si NC-polymer hybrid solar cells by using poly[2-methoxy-5-(3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV) as a hole conductor, which is expected to yield a higher open circuit voltage than P3HT due to its lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). Bulk heterojunction solar cells consisting of 3-5 nm silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) and poly[2-methoxy-5-(3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV) have been fabricated. The properties of the hybrid Si NC/MDMO-PPV devices were studied as a function of the Si NC/MDMO-PPV weight ratio. Cells of 58 wt% 3-5 nm Si NCs showed the best overall performance under simulated one-sun AM 1.5 global illumination (100 mW cm(-2)). Compared to composite films of Si NCs and poly(3-hexylthiophene), we indeed observed an improved open circuit voltage but a lower power conversion efficiency from the Si NC/MDMO-PPV devices. The lower efficiency of Si NC/MDMO-PPV is correlated to the lower hole mobility and narrower absorption spectrum of MDMO-PPV compared to P3HT.

Effect of CdTe Back Surface Field on the Efficiency Enhancement of a CGS Based Thin Film Solar Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khattak, Yousaf Hameed; Baig, Faisal; Marí, Bernabé; Beg, Saira; Gillani, Syed Rizwan; Ahmed, Tanveer

2018-05-01

Numerical analysis of the proposed solar cell is based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper gallium sulfide (CuGaS2), also known as CGS, is proposed in this research work. Performance of a CdTe/CGS/CdS/ZnO cell is analyzed in Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS) software, by changing the physical parameters like doping density of acceptor, doping density of donor, absorber thickness and buffer thickness. The cell structure is in the same order as the CGS/CdS/ZnO with CdTe used for the back surface field layer. Power conversion efficiency of the CGS/CdS/ZnO solar cell without CdTe is 10.578% (with FF = 83.70%, V oc = 0.82 V, J sc = 15.40 mA/cm2) and conversion efficiency of CdTe/CGS/CdS/ZnO is 28.20% (with FF = 77.66%, V oc = 1.22 V, J sc = 29.63 mA/cm3). The overall investigation and simulation results from the modeling of a proposed device in SCAPS is very useful for the understanding of the fundamentals of photovoltaic devices and gives feedback to engineers and designers for the fabrication of CdTe/CGS based solar cells.

High Performance of PEDOT:PSS/n-Si Solar Cells Based on Textured Surface with AgNWs Electrodes.

PubMed

Jiang, Xiangyu; Zhang, Pengbo; Zhang, Juan; Wang, Jilei; Li, Gaofei; Fang, Xiaohong; Yang, Liyou; Chen, Xiaoyuan

2018-02-14

Hybrid heterojunction solar cells (HHSCs) have gained extensive research and attention due to simple device structure and low-cost technological processes. Here, HHSCs are presented based on a highly transparent conductive polymer poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)(PEDOT:PSS) directly spin-coated on an n-type crystalline silicon with microscale surface textures, which are prepared by traditional chemical etching. We have studied interface properties between PEDOT:PSS and textured n-Si by varying coating conditions. Final power conversion efficiency (PCE) could arrive at 8.54% by these simple solution-based fabrication processes. The high conversion efficiency is attributed to the fully conformal contact between PEDOT:PSS film and textured silicon. Furthermore, the reflectance of the PEDOT:PSS layer on textured surface is analyzed by changing film thickness. In order to improve the performance of the device, silver nanowires were employed as electrodes because of its better optical transmittance and electrical conductivity. The highest PCE of 11.07% was achieved which displayed a 29.6% enhancement compared with traditional silver electrodes. These findings imply that the combination of PEDOT:PSS film and silver nanowire transparent electrodes pave a promising way for realizing high-efficiency and low-cost solar cells.

High-performance ternary blend polymer solar cells involving both energy transfer and hole relay processes

DOE PAGES

Lu, Luyao; Chen, Wei; Xu, Tao; ...

2015-06-04

The integration of multiple materials with complementary absorptions into a single junction device is regarded as an efficient way to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, because of increased complexity with one more component, only limited high-performance ternary systems have been demonstrated previously. Here we report an efficient ternary blend OSC with a PCE of 9.2%. We show that the third component can reduce surface trap densities in the ternary blend. Detailed studies unravel that the improved performance results from synergistic effects of enlarged open circuit voltage, suppressed trap-assisted recombination, enhanced light absorption, increasedmore » hole extraction, efficient energy transfer and better morphology. As a result, the working mechanism and high device performance demonstrate new insights and design guidelines for high-performance ternary blend solar cells and suggest that ternary structure is a promising platform to boost the efficiency of OSCs.« less

Single-Crystalline InGaAs/InP Dense Micro-Pillar Forest on Poly-Silicon Substrates for Low-Cost High-Efficiency Solar Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang-Hasnain, Constance

2015-05-04

The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a photovoltaic system high conversion efficiency (>20%) using high quality III-V compound-based three-dimensional micro-structures on silicon and poly-silicon. Such a PV-system could be of very low cost due to minimum usages of III-V materials. This project will address the barriers that currently hamper the performance of solar cells based on three-dimensional micro-structures. To accomplish this goal the project is divided into 4 tasks, each dealing with a different aspect of the project: materials quality, micropillar growth control, light management, and pillar based solar cells. Materials Quality: the internal quantum efficiency (IQE)more » - by which is meant here the internal fluorescence yield - of the micro-pillars has to be increased. We aim at achieving an IQE of 45% by the end of the first year. By the end of the second year there will be a go-no-go milestone of 65% IQE. By the end of year 3 and 4 we aim to achieve 75% and 90% IQE, respectively. Micropillar growth control: dense forests of micropillars with high fill ratios need to be grown. Pillars within forests should show minimum variations in size. We aim at achieving fill ratios of 2%, 10%, >15%, >20% in years 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Variations in dimension should be minimized by site-controlled growth of pillars. By the end of year 1 we will aim at achieving site-controlled growth with > 15% yield. By end of year 2 the variation of critical pillar dimensions should be less than 25%. Light management: high light absorption in the spectral range of the sun has been to be demonstrated for the micropillar forests. By the end of year 1 we will employ FDTD simulation techniques to demonstrate that pillar forests with fill ratios <20% can achieve 99% light absorption. By end of year 2 our original goal was to demonstrate >85% absorption. By end of year 3 > 90% absorption should be demonstrated. Pillar based solar cells: devices will be studied to explore ways to achieve high open-circuit voltages which will lead to high efficiency micropillar-based solar cells. We will start on single pillar devices and the findings in these studies should pave the way for devices based on forests/ arrays of pillars. By the end of the second year we aim to demonstrate a single pillar device with an open-circuit voltage of 0.7 V, as well as a pillar-forest based device with 8% conversion efficiency. By the end of year 3 these numbers should be improved to 0.9 V open-circuit voltage for single pillar devices and >15% efficiency for forest/array-based devices. We will aim to realize a device with 20% efficiency by the end of the project period.« less

Quantum Efficiency and Bandgap Analysis for Combinatorial Photovoltaics: Sorting Activity of Cu–O Compounds in All-Oxide Device Libraries

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

All-oxide-based photovoltaics (PVs) encompass the potential for extremely low cost solar cells, provided they can obtain an order of magnitude improvement in their power conversion efficiencies. To achieve this goal, we perform a combinatorial materials study of metal oxide based light absorbers, charge transporters, junctions between them, and PV devices. Here we report the development of a combinatorial internal quantum efficiency (IQE) method. IQE measures the efficiency associated with the charge separation and collection processes, and thus is a proxy for PV activity of materials once placed into devices, discarding optical properties that cause uncontrolled light harvesting. The IQE is supported by high-throughput techniques for bandgap fitting, composition analysis, and thickness mapping, which are also crucial parameters for the combinatorial investigation cycle of photovoltaics. As a model system we use a library of 169 solar cells with a varying thickness of sprayed titanium dioxide (TiO2) as the window layer, and covarying thickness and composition of binary compounds of copper oxides (Cu–O) as the light absorber, fabricated by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). The analysis on the combinatorial devices shows the correlation between compositions and bandgap, and their effect on PV activity within several device configurations. The analysis suggests that the presence of Cu4O3 plays a significant role in the PV activity of binary Cu–O compounds. PMID:24410367

Efficient methylammonium lead iodide perovskite solar cells with active layers from 300 to 900 nm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Momblona, C.; Malinkiewicz, O.; Soriano, A.

2014-08-01

Efficient methylammonium lead iodide perovskite-based solar cells have been prepared in which the perovskite layer is sandwiched in between two organic charge transporting layers that block holes and electrons, respectively. This configuration leads to stable and reproducible devices that do not suffer from strong hysteresis effects and when optimized lead to efficiencies close to 15%. The perovskite layer is formed by using a dual-source thermal evaporation method, whereas the organic layers are processed from solution. The dual-source thermal evaporation method leads to smooth films and allows for high precision thickness variations. Devices were prepared with perovskite layer thicknesses ranging frommore » 160 to 900 nm. The short-circuit current observed for these devices increased with increasing perovskite layer thickness. The main parameter that decreases with increasing perovskite layer thickness is the fill factor and as a result optimum device performance is obtained for perovskite layer thickness around 300 nm. However, here we demonstrate that with a slightly oxidized electron blocking layer the fill factor for the solar cells with a perovskite layer thickness of 900 nm increases to the same values as for the devices with thin perovskite layers. As a result the power conversion efficiencies for the cells with 300 and 900 nm are very similar, 12.7% and 12%, respectively.« less

Nanoparticle-Enhanced Silver-Nanowire Plasmonic Electrodes for High-Performance Organic Optoelectronic Devices.

PubMed

Kim, Taehyo; Kang, Saewon; Heo, Jungwoo; Cho, Seungse; Kim, Jae Won; Choe, Ayoung; Walker, Bright; Shanker, Ravi; Ko, Hyunhyub; Kim, Jin Young

2018-05-21

Improved performance in plasmonic organic solar cells (OSCs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) via strong plasmon-coupling effects generated by aligned silver nanowire (AgNW) transparent electrodes decorated with core-shell silver-silica nanoparticles (Ag@SiO 2 NPs) is demonstrated. NP-enhanced plasmonic AgNW (Ag@SiO 2 NP-AgNW) electrodes enable substantially enhanced radiative emission and light absorption efficiency due to strong hybridized plasmon coupling between localized surface plasmons (LSPs) and propagating surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) modes, which leads to improved device performance in organic optoelectronic devices (OODs). The discrete dipole approximation (DDA) calculation of the electric field verifies a strongly enhanced plasmon-coupling effect caused by decorating core-shell Ag@SiO 2 NPs onto the AgNWs. Notably, an electroluminescence efficiency of 25.33 cd A -1 (at 3.2 V) and a power efficiency of 25.14 lm W -1 (3.0 V) in OLEDs, as well as a power conversion efficiency (PCE) value of 9.19% in OSCs are achieved using hybrid Ag@SiO 2 NP-AgNW films. These are the highest values reported to date for optoelectronic devices based on AgNW electrodes. This work provides a new design platform to fabricate high-performance OODs, which can be further explored in various plasmonic and optoelectronic devices. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Low-Temperature Solution-Processed ZnSe Electron Transport Layer for Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with Negligible Hysteresis and Improved Photostability.

PubMed

Li, Xin; Yang, Junyou; Jiang, Qinghui; Lai, Hui; Li, Shuiping; Xin, Jiwu; Chu, Weijing; Hou, Jingdi

2018-05-15

For a typical perovskite solar cell (PKSC), the electron transport layer (ETL) has a great effect on device performance and stability. Herein, we manifest that low-temperature solution-processed ZnSe can be used as a potential ETL for PKSCs. Our optimized device with ZnSe ETL has achieved a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.78% with negligible hysteresis, compared with the TiO 2 based cell (13.76%). This enhanced photovoltaic performance is attributed to the suitable band alignment, high electron mobility, and reduced charge accumulation at the interface of ETL/perovskite. Encouraging results were obtained when the thin layer of ZnSe cooperated with TiO 2 . It shows that the device based on the TiO 2 /ZnSe ETL with cascade conduction band level can effectively reduce the interfacial charge recombination and promote carrier transfer with the champion PCE of 18.57%. In addition, the ZnSe-based device exhibits a better photostability than the control device due to the greater ultraviolet (UV) light harvesting of the ZnSe layer, which can efficiently prevent the perovskite film from intense UV-light exposure to avoid associated degradation. Consequently, our results present that a promising ETL can be a potential candidate of the n-type ETL for commercialization of efficient and photostable PKSCs.

Microfluidic Analysis with Front-Face Fluorometric Detection for the Determination of Total Inorganic Iodine in Drinking Water.

PubMed

Inpota, Prawpan; Strzelak, Kamil; Koncki, Robert; Sripumkhai, Wisaroot; Jeamsaksiri, Wutthinan; Ratanawimarnwong, Nuanlaor; Wilairat, Prapin; Choengchan, Nathawut; Chantiwas, Rattikan; Nacapricha, Duangjai

2018-01-01

A microfluidic method with front-face fluorometric detection was developed for the determination of total inorganic iodine in drinking water. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic device was employed in conjunction with the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction, in which iodide catalyzed the redox reaction between Ce(IV) and As(III). Direct alignment of an optical fiber attached to a spectrofluorometer was used as a convenient detector for remote front-face fluorometric detection. Trace inorganic iodine (IO 3 - and I - ) present naturally in drinking water was measured by on-line conversion of iodate to iodide for determination of total inorganic iodine. On-line conversion efficiency of iodate to iodide using the microfluidic device was investigated. Excellent conversion efficiency of 93 - 103% (%RSD = 1.6 - 11%) was obtained. Inorganic iodine concentrations in drinking water samples were measured, and the results obtained were in good agreement with those obtained by an ICP-MS method. Spiked sample recoveries were in the range of 86%(±5) - 128%(±8) (n = 12). Interference of various anions and cations were investigated with tolerance limit concentrations ranging from 10 -6 to 2.5 M depending on the type of ions. The developed method is simple and convenient, and it is a green method for iodine analysis, as it greatly reduces the amount of toxic reagent consumed with reagent volumes in the microfluidic scale.

Highly Efficient Flexible Quantum Dot Solar Cells with Improved Electron Extraction Using MgZnO Nanocrystals.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaoliang; Santra, Pralay Kanti; Tian, Lei; Johansson, Malin B; Rensmo, Håkan; Johansson, Erik M J

2017-08-22

Colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells have high potential for realizing an efficient and lightweight energy supply for flexible or wearable electronic devices. To achieve highly efficient and flexible CQD solar cells, the electron transport layer (ETL), extracting electrons from the CQD solid layer, needs to be processed at a low-temperature and should also suppress interfacial recombination. Herein, a highly stable MgZnO nanocrystal (MZO-NC) layer is reported for efficient flexible PbS CQD solar cells. Solar cells fabricated with MZO-NC ETL give a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.4% and 9.4%, on glass and flexible plastic substrates, respectively. The reported flexible CQD solar cell has the record efficiency to date of flexible CQD solar cells. Detailed theoretical simulations and extensive characterizations reveal that the MZO-NCs significantly enhance charge extraction from CQD solids and diminish the charge accumulation at the ETL/CQD interface, suppressing charge interfacial recombination. These important results suggest that the low-temperature processed MZO-NCs are very promising for use in efficient flexible solar cells or other flexible optoelectronic devices.

Effect of proton-conduction in electrolyte on electric efficiency of multi-stage solid oxide fuel cells

PubMed Central

Matsuzaki, Yoshio; Tachikawa, Yuya; Somekawa, Takaaki; Hatae, Toru; Matsumoto, Hiroshige; Taniguchi, Shunsuke; Sasaki, Kazunari

2015-01-01

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising electrochemical devices that enable the highest fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiencies under high operating temperatures. The concept of multi-stage electrochemical oxidation using SOFCs has been proposed and studied over the past several decades for further improving the electrical efficiency. However, the improvement is limited by fuel dilution downstream of the fuel flow. Therefore, evolved technologies are required to achieve considerably higher electrical efficiencies. Here we present an innovative concept for a critically-high fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiency of up to 85% based on the lower heating value (LHV), in which a high-temperature multi-stage electrochemical oxidation is combined with a proton-conducting solid electrolyte. Switching a solid electrolyte material from a conventional oxide-ion conducting material to a proton-conducting material under the high-temperature multi-stage electrochemical oxidation mechanism has proven to be highly advantageous for the electrical efficiency. The DC efficiency of 85% (LHV) corresponds to a net AC efficiency of approximately 76% (LHV), where the net AC efficiency refers to the transmission-end AC efficiency. This evolved concept will yield a considerably higher efficiency with a much smaller generation capacity than the state-of-the-art several tens-of-MW-class most advanced combined cycle (MACC). PMID:26218470

Effect of proton-conduction in electrolyte on electric efficiency of multi-stage solid oxide fuel cells.

PubMed

Matsuzaki, Yoshio; Tachikawa, Yuya; Somekawa, Takaaki; Hatae, Toru; Matsumoto, Hiroshige; Taniguchi, Shunsuke; Sasaki, Kazunari

2015-07-28

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising electrochemical devices that enable the highest fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiencies under high operating temperatures. The concept of multi-stage electrochemical oxidation using SOFCs has been proposed and studied over the past several decades for further improving the electrical efficiency. However, the improvement is limited by fuel dilution downstream of the fuel flow. Therefore, evolved technologies are required to achieve considerably higher electrical efficiencies. Here we present an innovative concept for a critically-high fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiency of up to 85% based on the lower heating value (LHV), in which a high-temperature multi-stage electrochemical oxidation is combined with a proton-conducting solid electrolyte. Switching a solid electrolyte material from a conventional oxide-ion conducting material to a proton-conducting material under the high-temperature multi-stage electrochemical oxidation mechanism has proven to be highly advantageous for the electrical efficiency. The DC efficiency of 85% (LHV) corresponds to a net AC efficiency of approximately 76% (LHV), where the net AC efficiency refers to the transmission-end AC efficiency. This evolved concept will yield a considerably higher efficiency with a much smaller generation capacity than the state-of-the-art several tens-of-MW-class most advanced combined cycle (MACC).

Electrical and Optical Performance Characteristics of 0.74-eV p/n InGaAs Monolithic Interconnected Modules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilt, David M.; Fatemi, Navid S.; Jenkins, Phillip P.; Weizer, Victor G.; Hoffman, Richard W., Jr.; Jain, Raj K.; Murray, Christopher S.; Riley, David R.

1997-01-01

There has been a traditional trade-off in thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion development between system efficiency and power density. This trade-off originates from the use of front surface spectral controls such as selective emitters and various types of filters. A monolithic interconnected module (MIM) structure has been developed which allows for both high power densities and high system efficiencies. The MIM device consists of many individual indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) cells series-connected on a single semi-insulating indium phosphide (InP) substrate. The MIM is exposed to the entire emitter output, thereby maximizing output power density. An infrared (IR) reflector placed on the rear surface of the substrate returns the unused portion of the emitter output spectrum back to the emitter for recycling, thereby providing for high system efficiencies. Initial MIM development has focused on a 1 sq cm device consisting of eight (8) series interconnected cells. MIM devices, produced from 0.74-eV InGaAs, have demonstrated V(sub oc) = 3.2 volts, J(sub sc) = 70 mA/sq cm, and a fill factor of 66% under flashlamp testing. Infrared (IR) reflectance measurements (greater than 2 micron) of these devices indicate a reflectivity of greater than 82%. MIM devices produced from 0.55-eV InGaAs have also been demonstrated. In addition, conventional p/n InGaAs devices with record efficiencies (11.7% AM0) have been demonstrated.

Preparation of PCDTBT nanofibers with a diameter of 20 nm and their application to air-processed organic solar cells.

PubMed

Kim, Taehoon; Yang, Seung Jae; Kim, Sung Kyun; Choi, Hong Soo; Park, Chong Rae

2014-03-07

A strategy for fabricating organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices based on PCDTBT nanofibers and PC70BM is described. Electrospinning techniques are used to prepare PCDTBT nanofibers and OPV devices in ambient air. The diameters of the PCDTBT nanofibers are approximately twice the exciton diffusion length, 20 nm. The active layer exhibits 100% photoluminescence quenching due to the small nanofiber diameter, indicating that the excitons are efficiently dissociated. The electrospun PCDTBT nanofibers absorb more photons at longer wavelengths, leading to improved photon harvesting. OPV devices composed of PCDTBT nanofibers show a high short circuit current of 11.54 mA cm(-2) and a high power conversion efficiency of 5.82%. The increase in the short circuit current is attributed to enhanced photon harvesting and charge transport. This method may be applied to the fabrication, in ambient air, of large-area active layers composed of other new conjugated polymers to yield high-performance OPV devices.

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with In2S3 buffer layer deposited by thermal evaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, SeongYeon; Rana, Tanka R.; Kim, JunHo; Yun, JaeHo

2017-12-01

We report on physical vapor deposition of indium sulfide (In2S3) buffer layers and its application to Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) thin film solar cell. The Indium sulfide buffer layers were evaporated onto CIGSe at various substrate temperatures from room temperature (RT) to 350 °C. The effect of deposition temperature of buffer layers on the solar cell device performance were investigated by analyzing temperature dependent current-voltage ( J- V- T), external quantum efficiency (EQE) and Raman spectroscopy. The fabricated device showed the highest power conversion efficiency of 6.56% at substrate temperature of 250 °C, which is due to the decreased interface recombination. However, the roll-over in J- V curves was observed for solar cell device having buffer deposited at substrate temperature larger than 250 °C. From the measurement results, the interface defect and roll-over related degradation were found to have limitation on the performance of solar cell device.

Simply modified indium tin oxides by ultrathin aluminum and sodium chloride composite interlayer for high performance inverted polymer solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Shuang; Wu, Zhenxuan; Zhang, Chuan; Liu, Huan; Yan, Minnan; Su, Xiaodan; Wang, Jin; Zhang, Hongmei; Ma, Dongge

2017-07-01

We report the fabrication of high performance inverted polymer solar cells with simply modified indium tin oxide (ITO) by an ultrathin aluminum (Al) and sodium chloride (NaCl) composite layer. The device efficiency and stability were both improved. The optimized device with poly(3-hexylthiophene) as the donor and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methylester as the acceptor under AM 1.5 (100 mw cm-2) radiation achieved a high power conversion efficiency of 3.88% with an open-circuit voltage of 0.60 V and a fill factor of 0.61, which is significantly higher than those of the inverted devices with only Al or NaCl as modification interlayer, respectively. Moreover, the stability is enhanced by about 70% more than that of the conventional device. The significant enhancement is attributed to the reduced work function of ITO electrode from 4.75 to 3.90 eV by modification as well as the improvement of the electrode interface.

Polymer taper bridge for silicon waveguide to single mode waveguide coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruse, Kevin; Middlebrook, Christopher T.

2016-03-01

Coupling of optical power from high-density silicon waveguides to silica optical fibers for signal routing can incur high losses and often requires complex end-face preparation/processing. Novel coupling device taper structures are proposed for low coupling loss between silicon photonic waveguides and single mode fibers are proposed and devices are fabricated and measured in terms of performance. Theoretical mode conversion models for waveguide tapers are derived for optimal device structure design and performance. Commercially viable vertical and multi-layer taper designs using polymer waveguide materials are proposed as innovative, cost-efficient, and mass-manufacturable optical coupling devices. The coupling efficiency for both designs is determined to evaluate optimal device dimensions and alignment tolerances with both silicon rib waveguides and silicon nanowire waveguides. Propagation loss as a function of waveguide roughness and metallic loss are determined and correlated to waveguide dimensions to obtain total insertion loss for the proposed taper designs. Multi-layer tapers on gold-sputtered substrates are fabricated through photolithography as proof-of-concept devices and evaluated for device loss optimization. Tapered waveguide coupling loss with Si WGs (2.74 dB) was experimentally measured with high correlation to theoretical results.

Frequency mixer having ferromagnetic film

DOEpatents

Khitun, Alexander; Roshchin, Igor V.; Galatsis, Kosmas; Bao, Mingqiang; Wang, Kang L.

2016-03-29

A frequency conversion device, which may include a radiofrequency (RF) mixer device, includes a substrate and a ferromagnetic film disposed over a surface of the substrate. An insulator is disposed over the ferromagnetic film and at least one microstrip antenna is disposed over the insulator. The ferromagnetic film provides a non-linear response to the frequency conversion device. The frequency conversion device may be used for signal mixing and amplification. The frequency conversion device may also be used in data encryption applications.