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At least 1,279 records · Page 71

The Effects of Hydrogen Iodide Back Surface Treatment on CdTe Solar Cells

An appropriate electrical back contact in CdTe solar cells is crucial to achieving high power conversion efficiency. In this work, we develop a facile back surface treatment method for CdTe solar cells using hydroiodic acid (HI) and investigate the effects of HI etching on the CdTe surfaces. The electrical properties of the CdTe absorber and interfaces are characterized by current-voltage, capacitance-voltage, admittance spectroscopy, and complex capacitance spectroscopy measurements. Here, the HI-etched devices show slightly higher apparent carrier concentrations than the control devices, suggesting an increased copper doping in the CdTe absorber. The potential barrier height of the back contact is reduced from 0.430 to 0.368 eV after the HI-treatment, accompanied by reduced contact resistance and carrier recombination. Additionally, the HI-treatment eliminates a defect signature at 0.409 eV. All of these HI-treatment effects lead to improved power conversion efficiency of CdTe solar cells through enhancement of the fill factor, the short circuit current, and open circuit voltage in order of significance.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Complex Electric Modulus Spectroscopy of (MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub x}/CuTl-1223 Nanoparticles-Superconductor Composites

Manganese ferrite (MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) nanoparticles and Cu{sub 0.5}Tl{sub 0}.{sub 5}Ba{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10−δ}(CuTl-1223) superconducting phase were synthesized by sol-gel and solid-state reaction methods, respectively. Different contents of MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles were added in CuTl-1223 superconducting matrix to get (MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub x}/CuTl-1223; x = 0∼2.0 wt% nanoparticles-superconductor composites. Complex electric modulus spectroscopy measurements of (MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub x}/CuTl-1223 composites were carried out at different test frequencies from 20 Hz to 10 MHz and at different operating temperatures from 78 to 253 K to analyze and interpret the dynamical aspects of electrical transport phenomena (i.e., such as carrier hopping rate, conductivity, and blocking factor). The complex electric modulus spectra showed the effects of both grains and grain-boundaries on electrical properties. The capacitance of grain-boundaries was found higher than that of grains. The capacitive behavior of grains was increased and that of grain-boundaries was decreased with increasing operating temperature for all these samples. Blocking factor of these composites was increased with increasing contents of MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles. Shifting of peaks in imaginary part of modulus spectra towards lower frequency with increasing contents of these nanoparticles showed non-Debye type relaxation phenomenon in the material.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Multimodal vibration damping using energy transfer

The vibration control using the piezoelectric elements is an area interesting for many industrial sectors. Within this framework, we propose an improved control technique based in synchronized switch damping by energy transfer. It realizes the energy transfer using storage capacitances and switches synchronized with the structure modal coordinates or piezo-voltages. These switches produce either a voltage inversion on the piezoelements for damping or energy extraction purposes, or oscillating discharges between the piezoelements and the storage capacitances for energy transfer. This new method has an improvement in the modal damping technology SSDI-Max. Their performance is simulated with a model representative of a clamped plate with four piezoelectric elements coupled with the structural modes while taking into account realistic transfer losses. The damping effect is simulated in multi-modal with pulse or multi-sine excitation.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Performance analysis and comparison of data-driven models for predicting indoor temperature in multi-zone commercial buildings

Building thermal models, which characterize the properties of a building’s envelope and thermal mass, are essential for accurate indoor temperature and cooling/heating demand prediction. Because of their flexibility and ease of use, data-driven models are increasingly used. Here, this study compared and analyzed the performance of gray-box (resistance-capacitance) and black-box (recurrent neural network) models for predicting indoor air temperature in a real multi-zone commercial building. The developed resistance-capacitance model served as a benchmark model for which full sets of temporal data and building information were used as inputs. The recurrent neural network models were trained and tested assuming various available types and amounts of temporal data and known building physical information to investigate the effects of data and information availability. Feature importance analysis was conducted to select the key variables for different prediction targets under different scenarios. This research provides guidance in selecting an appropriate building thermal response modeling method based on the measured data availability, building physical information, and application.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Simple route for the synthesis of supercapacitive Co-Ni mixed hydroxide thin films

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Novel method for deposition of Co-Ni mixed hydroxide. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nanoparticle network of Co-Ni hydroxide. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer High specific capacitance of 672 F g{sup -1}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer High discharge/charge rates. -- Abstract: Facile synthesis of Co-Ni mixed hydroxides films with interconnected nanoparticles networks through two step route is successfully established. These films have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared technique (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and wettability test. Co-Ni film formation is confirmed from XRD and FTIR study. SEM shows that the surface of Co-Ni films is composed of interconnected nanoparticles. Contact angle measurement revealed the hydrophilic nature of films which is feasible for the supercapacitor. The electrochemical performance of the film is evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, and constant-current charge/discharge cycling techniques. Specific capacitance of the Co-Ni mixed hydroxide electrode achieved 672 F g{sup -1}. Impedance analysis shows that Co-Ni mixed hydroxide electrode provides less resistance for the intercalation and de-intercalation of ions. The Co-Ni mixed electrode exhibited good charge/discharge rate at different current densities. The results demonstrated that Co-Ni mixed hydroxide composite is very promising for the next generation high performance electrochemical supercapacitors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nanostructured nickel doped β-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} thin films for supercapacitor applications

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Nanorod with pores has been observed for 5 wt.% nickel doped β-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} thin films. • Film with 5 wt.% of nickel exhibits a specific capacitance of 417 F g{sup −1}. • These films exhibit high energy density. • The charge transfer resistance is 103 Ω. - Abstract: Interesting thin film electrodes of nickel doped vanadium pentoxide with different levels of doping (2.5–10 wt.%) are prepared on FTO and glass substrate at 300 °C using sol–gel spin coating method. The structural and morphological studies are made to understand the nature of the surface of the thin films. The electrochemical characteristics have been investigated through cyclic voltammetry and ac impedance spectroscopy measurements. The doping of nickel with β-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} has led to enhanced intercalation and deintercalation of ions. β-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} films with 5 wt.% of Ni exhibit the maximum specific capacitance of 417 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s, with a good cyclic stability making it a promising candidate for supercapacitor application.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fabrication and characterization of a nanoporous NiO film with high specific energy and power via an electrochemical dealloying approach

Graphical abstract: The maximum values were 170 Wh kg{sup −1} and 27.5 kW kg{sup −1} for specific energy and power at the potential window of 1.1 V, respectively. As so far as we know, the values of specific energy and power were both the highest than that reported in literatures. - Highlights: • We developed a convenient approach to fabricate the three-dimensional nanoporous NiO film. • The nanoporous films contain irregular 3D interconnected nanosheets structure with open channels. • The film as supercapacitor electrode showed excellent specific capacitance values. • It is noticed that the nanoporous film exhibited high specific energy and high specific power. • The electrochemical electrode presented excellent cycling performance and low retention. - Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous NiO film was fabricated via a two-step process using an electrochemical route. This process included electrodeposition of the Ni/Zn alloy film and electrochemical dealloying using a direct-current power source. The scanning electron microscopy images suggest that the film has an irregular 3D interconnected nanosheet structure with open channels. The adsorption–desorption isotherms indicate that the as-prepared NiO film had a high specific surface area of 198 m g{sup −1} and a narrow pore size distribution, with two peaks at 2.7 and 5.1 nm. The specific capacitance of the sample reached 1670 F g{sup −1} at a discharge current density of 1 A g{sup −1}. In addition, the as-prepared nanoporous film exhibited high performance during a long-term cycling test. The maximum values for the specific energy and specific power at the 1.1 V potential window were 170 and 27.5 kW kg{sup −1}, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The AMWCNTs supported porous nanocarbon composites for high-performance supercapacitor

Graphical abstract: The AMWCNTs supported porous nanocarbon composites were prepared by a easy method. The composites had shown good performances for electrochemical energy storage with high specific capacitance and good stability. - Highlights: • The AMWCNTs supported porous nanocarbon composites were prepared. • The composites have good conductivity and large BET specific surface areas. • The composites had shown high specific capacitance, and good stability. - Abstract: The porous nanocarbons supported by acid-treated multiwall carbon nanotubes (PC@ACNTs) were prepared by the combination of the hydrothermal polymerization of glucose on ACNTs, carbonization under N{sub 2} protection and final activation with ZnCl{sub 2}. The materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectra. The results indicated that the ACNTs distributed uniformly into the framework of the porous carbon. The composites showed the high BET specific surface area up to 1712 m{sup 2} g{sup −1} and good conductivity. The electrochemical measurements indicated that the composites processed good performances for electrochemical energy storage (210 F g{sup −1} at 0.5 A g{sup −1}), and high stability (>99.9%), much higher than the corresponding ACNTs, porous carbons and the samples prepared by using raw MWCNTs as source. The good performance of PC@ACNTs composites was relative with the synergy of good conductivity of ACNTs and large specific surface areas of PC.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Hydrothermal self-assembly and supercapacitive behaviors of Co(II) ion-modified graphene aerogels in H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} electrolyte

Highlights: • 3D Co(II) ions modified graphene aerogels were prepared by one-step hydrothermal process. • The aerogel electrodes showed hybrid supercapacitor behaviors. • The aerogel electrodes exhibited high rate capability and long-term cycling stability. - Abstract: Reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) aerogels decorated with divalent cobalt ions were synthesized via a one-pot hydrothermal self-assembly route. The interaction of Co(II) ions with 3D r-GO aerogels was investigated by spectroscopic techniques, including Raman, attenuated total reflectance infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The excellent electrochemical properties of the aerogels were confirmed by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in an acid electrolyte (1 M H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}). The Co(II) ion-modified r-GO aerogels can be used as high-performance hybrid supercapacitor materials with a specific capacitance of 387.2 F g{sup –1} at 1 A g{sup –1} current density and a good cycling stability without capacity decay over 1000 cycles. The mechanical integrity enhancement of the hybrid r-GO aerogel framework and the improvement in its unique capacitive performance are attributed to the efficient interconnection produced by electro-active Co(II) ions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electrochemical performance studies of MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers recovered from spent battery

Highlights: • MnO{sub 2} is recovered from spent zinc–carbon batteries as nanoflowers structure. • Recovered MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers show high specific capacitance. • Recovered MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers show stable electrochemical cycling up to 900 cycles. • Recovered MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers show low resistance in EIS data. - Abstract: The electrochemical performance of MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers recovered from spent household zinc–carbon battery is studied by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers are recovered from spent zinc–carbon battery by combination of solution leaching and electrowinning techniques. In an effort to utilize recovered MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers as energy storage supercapacitor, it is crucial to understand their structure and electrochemical performance. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the recovery of MnO{sub 2} in birnessite phase, while electron microscopy analysis shows the MnO{sub 2} is recovered as 3D nanostructure with nanoflower morphology. The recovered MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers exhibit high specific capacitance (294 F g{sup −1} at 10 mV s{sup −1}; 208.5 F g{sup −1} at 0.1 A g{sup −1}) in 1 M Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} electrolyte, with stable electrochemical cycling. Electrochemical data analysis reveal the great potential of MnO{sub 2} nanoflowers recovered from spent zinc–carbon battery in the development of high performance energy storage supercapacitor system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Miniaturized and reconfigurable notch antenna based on a BST ferroelectric thin film

Highlights: • A miniature and agile antenna based on a BST MIM capacitor is simulated and made. • Mn{sup 2+} doped BST thin films are synthesized by chemical deposition and spin coating. • Permittivity and losses of the BST thin film are respectively 225 and 0.02 at 1 GHz. • A miniaturization rate of 70% is obtained with a MIM capacitance of 3.7 pF. • A frequency tunability of 14.5% and a tunability performance of 0.04 are measured. - Abstract: This work deals with the design, realization and characterization of a miniature and frequency agile antenna based on a ferroelectric Ba{sub 0,80}Sr{sub 0,20}TiO{sub 3} thin film. The notch antenna is loaded with a variable metal/insulator/metal (MIM) capacitor and is achieved by a monolithic method. The MIM capacitance is 3.7 pF, which results in a resonant frequency of 670 MHz compared to 2.25 GHz for the unloaded simulated antenna; the resulting miniaturization rate is 70%. The characterization of the antenna prototype shows a frequency tunable rate of 14.5% under an electric field of 375 kV/cm, with a tunability performance η = 0.04.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electrical characterization of grain boundaries of CZTS thin films using conductive atomic force microscopy techniques

Graphical abstract: Experimental setup for conducting AFM (C-AFM). - Highlights: • Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} (CZTS) thin film was grown by reactive co-sputtering. • The electronic properties were probed using conducting atomic force microscope, scanning Kelvin probe microscopy and scanning capacitance microscopy. • C-AFM current flow mainly through grain boundaries rather than grain interiors. • SKPM indicated higher potential along the GBs compared to grain interiors. • The SCM explains that charge separation takes place at the interface of grain and grain boundary. - Abstract: Electrical characterization of grain boundaries (GB) of Cu-deficient CZTS (Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide) thin films was done using atomic force microscopic (AFM) techniques like Conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM), Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM). Absorbance spectroscopy was done for optical band gap calculations and Raman, XRD and EDS for structural and compositional characterization. Hall measurements were done for estimation of carrier mobility. CAFM and KPFM measurements showed that the currents flow mainly through grain boundaries (GB) rather than grain interiors. SCM results showed that charge separation mainly occurs at the interface of grain and grain boundaries and not all along the grain boundaries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electrical and structure properties for the alloy system Ce{sub x}La{sub 1−x}O{sub y} nanostructure thin films

Highlights: • Glassy Ce{sub x}La{sub 1−x}O{sub y} nanostructure films were grown on Si(1 0 0) substrate using the sol–gel method. • G{sub p} = ωϵ{sub 0}ϵ′ tan(δ) was calculated at different temperatures. • Electrical and structural the Ce{sub x}La{sub 1−x}O{sub y} samples were studied. • The conductivity-temperature study shows that the compound obeys the Arrhenius law. - Abstract: The Ce{sub x}La{sub 1−x}O{sub y} samples are synthesized, characterized and their electrical properties are reported at different molar ratios in the frequency range of 10{sup −1}–10{sup +5} Hz. Ac conductivity and permittivity data are analyzed by using conductivity formalism. The values of capacitance and tan(δ) were recorded with respect to different frequencies and temperatures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the films show that the films posses crystalline phases. Surface morphology of the films is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses reveal that elemental composition is in right stoichiometry. Electrical characterizations of the Ce{sub x}La{sub 1−x}O{sub y} samples were done by capacitance–voltage (C–V) and current density–voltage (J–V) measurements of MOS structures. Investigation showed high value of k = 44.80 and low leakage current (∼1 × 10{sup −5} A/cm{sup 2}) of the Ce{sub 0.4}La{sub 0.6}O{sub y} film.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Exploring electrolyte preference of vanadium nitride supercapacitor electrodes

Highlights: • Hierarchical VN nanostructures were prepared on graphite foam. • Electrolyte preference of VN supercapacitor electrodes was explored. • VN showed better capacitive property in organic and alkaline electrolytes than LiCl. - Abstract: Vanadium nitride hierarchical nanostructures were prepared through an ammonia annealing procedure utilizing vanadium pentoxide nanostructures grown on graphite foam. The electrochemical properties of hierarchical vanadium nitride was tested in aqueous and organic electrolytes. As a result, the vanadium nitride showed better capacitive energy storage property in organic and alkaline electrolytes. This work provides insight into the charge storage process of vanadium nitride and our findings can shed light on other transition metal nitride-based electrochemical energy storage systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Hierarchical NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanowalls composed of ultrathin nanosheets as electrode materials for supercapacitor and Li ion battery applications

Highlights: • NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanowalls composed of ultrathin nanosheets are synthesized by solvothermal reaction. • The prepared NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} structures possess excellent electrochemical properies. • The hierarchica electrode materials might potential applications for energy storage devices. - Abstract: In this work, NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanowalls composed of ultrathin nanosheets are fabricated successfully on Ni foam by a facile one-pot solvothermal method followed by thermolysis of the precursors. The as-prepared NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} products are evaluated as electrode materials for supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries. The results show high discharge capacitance of 925 mF/cm{sup 2} at a current density of 5 mA/cm{sup 2}, with remarkable cycling stability (about 24.2% loss after 6000 cycles) and excellent rate performance (71.5% capacitance retention with current density range from 1 mA/cm{sup 2} to 20 mA/cm{sup 2}). In addition, Ni foam supported NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanowalls possess excellent discharge capacity of 1100 mAh/g as lithium ion battery anode at a current density of 100 mA/g. The excellent electrochemical performance of NiCo{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanowalls could be ascribed to the unique spatial structure composed of interconnected ultrathin nanosheets, which facilitates ion penetration and electron transportation, demonstrating their potential applications as electrode materials for high performance supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of reaction time on the dielectric behaviour of reduced graphene oxide–layered cobalt hydroxide composite for high-k gate dielectrics

Highlights: • Disc-like layered cobalt hydroxide microparticles were synthesized on reduced graphene oxide using one-pot hydrothermal method. • An enhanced dielectric constant of 7.19 × 10{sup 6} with a capacitance of 2.44 × 10{sup −6} F was achieved at 100 Hz frequency. • A leakage current of a few mA was produced in the composites that find potential applications in high-k gate dielectrics. - Abstract: Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)–cobalt hydroxide [Co(OH){sub 2}] composite was synthesized using one-pot hydrothermal method. The frequency-dependent dielectric properties and leakage conduction mechanism were studied for the composite. Samples were made with different reaction times of 2, 4, 6 and 12 h for the same concentration of graphene oxide and cobalt nitrate at constant temperature and pH. A high dielectric constant of 7.19 × 10{sup 6} with a capacitance of 2.45 × 10{sup −6} F was achieved for a reaction time of 2 h, at 100 Hz frequency and 27 °C temperature. One order decrement in the dielectric constant (10{sup 5}) was found with an increase in time starting from 4 to 12 h. The leakage current characteristics revealed Schottky barrier-type conduction mechanism in the composites. Thus, RGO-Co(OH){sub 2} composite with a high dielectric constant, microcapacitance and large leakage current could be regarded as a potential high-k candidate, which has its application as a gate dielectric material in the fabrication of metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

First-Principles Modeling of Sodium Ion and Water Intercalation into Titanium Disulfide Interlayers for Water Desalination

Recent experiments revealed the possibility of using titanium disulfide (TiS 2 ) as the cathode material in capacitive deionization (CDI) devices for water desalination. Although it performed stably up to 70 cycles with a salt removal capacity of 14 mg/g (corresponding to a sodium ion removal capacity of 35.8 mg/g) at high molar concentration (600 mM NaCl), the maximum capacity of TiS 2 as a CDI electrode was much lower (~70 mAh/g) than as a supercapacitor (239 mAh/g). Understanding why the ion capacities of these two configurations of the same material differ will entail elucidating detailed charge/discharge mechanisms at the atomic scale. Here, we present density functional theory simulations of sodium intercalation into TiS 2 interlayers in order to gain such understanding. We systematically investigated TiS 2 stacking patterns and ion intercalation sites, energetics of the intercalated compounds, and phase transformation during sodium intercalation. The calculated structural evolution and capacitance–voltage curve agree quite well with previous measurements. We conclude that the different maximum capacities of TiS 2 measured in aqueous and dry environments originate from weaker interlayer interactions with respect to shear strain after ~33% intercalation of Na + –H 2 O pairs, which is detrimental to the mechanical stability of TiS 2 . In conclusion, this study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of ion intercalation into layered materials and contributes to understanding requirements for future design and optimization of CDI electrode materials for water desalination.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗