Kesterite Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)(CZTSSe)solar cells suffer from severe carrier recombination,limiting the photovoltaic performance.Unfavorable energy band alignment at the p-n junction and defective front interface are ...Kesterite Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)(CZTSSe)solar cells suffer from severe carrier recombination,limiting the photovoltaic performance.Unfavorable energy band alignment at the p-n junction and defective front interface are two main causes.Herein,oxygen incorporation in CZTSSe via absorber air-annealing was developed as a strategy to optimize its surface photoelectric property and reduce the defects.With optimized oxygen incorporation conditions,the carrier separation and collection behavior at the front interface of the device is improved.In particular,it is found that oxygen incorporated absorber exhibits increased band bending,larger depletion region width,and suppressed absorber defects.These indicate the dynamic factors for carrier separation become stronger.Meanwhile,the increased potential difference between grain boundaries and intra grains combined with the decreased concentration of interface deep level defect in the absorber provide a better path for carrier transport.As a consequence,the champion efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells has been improved from 9.74%to 12.04%with significantly improved open-circuit voltage after optimized air-annealing condition.This work provides a new insight for interface engineering to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of CZTSSe devices.展开更多
Sb_(2)Se_(3) with unique one-dimensional(1D) crystal structure exhibits exceptional deformation tolerance,demonstrating great application potential in flexible devices.However,the power conversion efficiency(PCE) of f...Sb_(2)Se_(3) with unique one-dimensional(1D) crystal structure exhibits exceptional deformation tolerance,demonstrating great application potential in flexible devices.However,the power conversion efficiency(PCE) of flexible Sb_(2)Se_(3) photovoltaic devices is temporarily limited by the complicated intrinsic defects and the undesirable contact interfaces.Herein,a high-quality Sb_(2)Se_(3) absorber layer with large crystal grains and benign [hkl] growth orientation can be first prepared on a Mo foil substrate.Then NaF intermediate layer is introduced between Mo and Sb_(2)Se_(3),which can further optimize the growth of Sb_(2)Se_(3)thin film.Moreover,positive Na ion diffusion enables it to dramatically lower barrier height at the back contact interface and passivate harmful defects at both bulk and heterojunction.As a result,the champion substrate structured Mo-foil/Mo/NaF/Sb_(2)Se_(3)/CdS/ITO/Ag flexible thin-film solar cell delivers an obviously higher efficiency of 8.03% and a record open-circuit voltage(V_(OC)) of 0.492 V.This flexible Sb_(2)Se_(3) device also exhibits excellent stability and flexibility to stand large bending radius and multiple bending times,as well as superior weak light photo-response with derived efficiency of 12.60%.This work presents an effective strategy to enhance the flexible Sb_(2)Se_(3) device performance and expand its potential photovoltaic applications.展开更多
Emerging energy technologies,aimed at addressing the challenges of energy scarcity and environmental pollution,have become a focal point for society.However,these actualities present significant challenges for modern ...Emerging energy technologies,aimed at addressing the challenges of energy scarcity and environmental pollution,have become a focal point for society.However,these actualities present significant challenges for modern energy storage devices.Lithium metal batteries(LMBs)have gained considerable attention due to their high energy density.Nonetheless,their use of liquid electrolytes raises safety concerns,including dendritic growth,electrode corrosion,and electrolyte decomposition.In light of these challenges,solid-state batteries(SSBs)have emerged as a highly promising next-generation energy storage solution by leveraging lithium metal as the anode to achieve improved safety and energy density.Metal organic frameworks(MOFs),characterized by their porous structure,ordered crystal frame,and customizable configuration,have garnered interest as potential materials for enhancing solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)in SSBs.The integration of MOFs into SSEs offers opportunities to enhance the electrochemical performance and optimize the interface between SSEs and electrodes.This is made possible by leveraging the high porosity,functionalized structures,and abundant open metal sites of MOFs.However,the rational design of high-performance MOF-based SSEs for high-energy Li metal SSBs(LMSSBs)remains a significant challenge.In this comprehensive review,we present an overview of recent advancements in MOF-based SSEs for LMSSBs,focusing on strategies for interface optimization and property enhancement.We categorize these SSEs into two main types:MOF-based quasi-solid-state electrolytes and MOF-based all solid-state electrolytes.Within these categories,various subtypes are identified based on the combination mode,additional materials,formation state,preparation method,and interface optimization measures employed.The review also highlights the existing challenges associated with MOF materials in SSBs applications and proposes potential solutions and future development prospects to guide the advancement of MOFs-based SSEs.By providing a comprehensive assessment of the applications of MOFs in LMSSBs,this review aims to offer valuable insights and guidance for the development of MOF-based SSEs,addressing the key issues faced by these materials in SSBs technology.展开更多
High temperature solid oxide fuel cell(SOFC)is the most efficient and clean energy conversion technology to electrochemically convert the chemical energy of fuels such as hydrogen,natural gas and hydrocarbons to elect...High temperature solid oxide fuel cell(SOFC)is the most efficient and clean energy conversion technology to electrochemically convert the chemical energy of fuels such as hydrogen,natural gas and hydrocarbons to electricity,and also the most viable alternative to the traditional thermal power plants.However,the power output of a SOFC critically depends on the characteristics and performance of its key components:anode,electrolyte and cathode.Due to the highly reducing environment and strict requirements in electrical conductivity and catalytic activity,there are limited choices in the anode materials of SOFCs,particularly for operation in the intermediate temperature range of 500–800C.Among them,Ni-based cermets are the most common and popular anode materials of SOFCs.The objective of this paper is to review the development of Ni-based anode materials in SOFC from the viewpoints of materials microstructure,performance and industrial scalability associated with the fabrication and optimization processes.The latest advancement in nano-structure architecture,contaminant tolerance and interface optimization of Ni-based cermet anodes is presented.And at the end of this paper,we propose and appeal for the collaborative work of scientists from different disciplines that enable the inter-fusion research of fabrication,microanalysis and modelling,aiming at the challenges in the development of Ni-based cermet anodes for commercially viable intermediate temperature SOFC or IT-SOFC technologies.展开更多
Reinforcing metal matrix composites(MMCs)with nanophases of distinct characteristics is an effective strategy for utilizing their individual advantages and achieving superior properties of the composite.In this study,...Reinforcing metal matrix composites(MMCs)with nanophases of distinct characteristics is an effective strategy for utilizing their individual advantages and achieving superior properties of the composite.In this study,a combination of molecular level mixing(MLM),segment ball milling(SBM),and in-situ solid-phase reaction was employed to fabricate Cu matrix composites(TiC-CNT/Cu)reinforced with TiC decorated CNT(TiC@CNT)and in-situ nanoscale TiC particles.The HRTEM results revealed the epitaxial growth of interfacial TiC on the surface of CNT(i.e.,CNT(0002)//TiC(200),and the formation of a semi-coherent interface between TiC and Cu matrix,which can effectively enhance the interfacial bonding strength and optimize load transfer efficiency of CNT.The independent in-situ TiC nanoparticles got into the grain interior through grain boundary migration,thereby significantly enhancing both strain hardening capacity and strength of the composite by fully utilizing the Orowan strengthening mechanism.Moreover,the enhanced bonding strength of the interface can also effectively suppress crack initiation and propagation,thereby improving the fracture toughness of the composite.The TiC-CNT/Cu composite with 1.2 vol.%CNT exhibited a tensile strength of 372 MPa,achieving a super high strengthening efficiency of 270,while simultaneously maintaining a remarkable ductility of 21.2%.Furthermore,the impact toughness of the TiC-CNT/Cu composite exhibited a significant enhancement of 70.7%compared to that of the CNT/Cu composite,reaching an impressive value of 251 kJ/m^(2),thereby demonstrating exceptional fracture toughness.Fully exploiting the synergistic strengthening effect of different nanophases can be an effective way to improve the comprehensive properties of MMCs.展开更多
Copper zinc tin sulfur selenide(Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4),CZTSSe)thin-film solar cells have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology due to their environmentally benign composition and abundant elemental constituents...Copper zinc tin sulfur selenide(Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4),CZTSSe)thin-film solar cells have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology due to their environmentally benign composition and abundant elemental constituents,though their current efficiency record remains constrained by substantial open-circuit voltage losses at the heterojunction interface.This review systematically examines the crucial role of heterojunction annealing processes in enhancing device performance,demonstrating that precisely optimized annealing parameters can effectively promote interfacial element redistribution,improve band alignment,and significantly suppress recombination losses.The low-temperature prolonged annealing approach has proven particularly effective in achieving superior interface passivation while maintaining structural integrity.Further interface optimization has been realized through innovative strategies including nanoscale interlayer engineering and cationic substitution approaches.By comprehensively analyzing recent advances in heterojunction annealing technology and highlighting promising research directions such as atomic-scale interface modification and computational optimization methods,this work provides valuable insights for overcoming the efficiency limitations of CZTSSe solar cells and advancing their commercial potential.展开更多
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries(AZIBs)are attracting worldwide attention due to their multiple merits such as extreme safety,low cost,feasible assembly,and environmentally friendly enabled by water-based electrolytes.At pr...Aqueous zinc-ion batteries(AZIBs)are attracting worldwide attention due to their multiple merits such as extreme safety,low cost,feasible assembly,and environmentally friendly enabled by water-based electrolytes.At present,AZIBs have experienced systematic advances in battery components including cathode,anode,and electrolyte,whereas research involving separators is insufficient.The separator is the crucial component of AZIBs through providing ion transport,forming contact with electrodes,serving as a container for electrolyte,and ensuring the efficient battery operation.Considering this great yet ignored significance,it is timely to present the latest advances in design strategies,the systematic classification and summary of separators.We summarize the separator optimization strategies mainly along two approaches including the modification of the frequently used glass fiber and the exploitation of new separators.The advantages and disadvantages of the two strategies are analyzed from the material types and the characteristics of different strategies.The effects and mechanisms of various materials on regulating the uniform migration and deposition of Zn2+,balancing the excessively concentrated nucleation points,inhibiting the growth of dendrites,and the occurrence of side reactions were discussed using confinement,electric field regulation,ion interaction force,desolvation,etc.Finally,potential directions for further improvement and development of AZIBs separators are proposed,aiming at providing helpful guidance for this booming field.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62074052,61974173,52072327)the Joint Talent Cultivation Funds of NSFC-HN(U1904192)the Science and Technology Innovation Talents in Universities of Henan Province(21HASTIT023)。
文摘Kesterite Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4)(CZTSSe)solar cells suffer from severe carrier recombination,limiting the photovoltaic performance.Unfavorable energy band alignment at the p-n junction and defective front interface are two main causes.Herein,oxygen incorporation in CZTSSe via absorber air-annealing was developed as a strategy to optimize its surface photoelectric property and reduce the defects.With optimized oxygen incorporation conditions,the carrier separation and collection behavior at the front interface of the device is improved.In particular,it is found that oxygen incorporated absorber exhibits increased band bending,larger depletion region width,and suppressed absorber defects.These indicate the dynamic factors for carrier separation become stronger.Meanwhile,the increased potential difference between grain boundaries and intra grains combined with the decreased concentration of interface deep level defect in the absorber provide a better path for carrier transport.As a consequence,the champion efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells has been improved from 9.74%to 12.04%with significantly improved open-circuit voltage after optimized air-annealing condition.This work provides a new insight for interface engineering to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of CZTSSe devices.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.62104156,62074102)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(Grant Nos.2023A1515011256,2022A1515010979)China+1 种基金Science and Technology plan project of Shenzhen(Grant Nos.20220808165025003,20200812000347001)Chinasupported by the open foundation of Guangxi Key Laboratory of Processing for Non-ferrous Metals and Featured Materials,State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-cycle Safety for Composite Structures,Guangxi University(Grant No.2022GXYSOF13)。
文摘Sb_(2)Se_(3) with unique one-dimensional(1D) crystal structure exhibits exceptional deformation tolerance,demonstrating great application potential in flexible devices.However,the power conversion efficiency(PCE) of flexible Sb_(2)Se_(3) photovoltaic devices is temporarily limited by the complicated intrinsic defects and the undesirable contact interfaces.Herein,a high-quality Sb_(2)Se_(3) absorber layer with large crystal grains and benign [hkl] growth orientation can be first prepared on a Mo foil substrate.Then NaF intermediate layer is introduced between Mo and Sb_(2)Se_(3),which can further optimize the growth of Sb_(2)Se_(3)thin film.Moreover,positive Na ion diffusion enables it to dramatically lower barrier height at the back contact interface and passivate harmful defects at both bulk and heterojunction.As a result,the champion substrate structured Mo-foil/Mo/NaF/Sb_(2)Se_(3)/CdS/ITO/Ag flexible thin-film solar cell delivers an obviously higher efficiency of 8.03% and a record open-circuit voltage(V_(OC)) of 0.492 V.This flexible Sb_(2)Se_(3) device also exhibits excellent stability and flexibility to stand large bending radius and multiple bending times,as well as superior weak light photo-response with derived efficiency of 12.60%.This work presents an effective strategy to enhance the flexible Sb_(2)Se_(3) device performance and expand its potential photovoltaic applications.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22075211 and 51971157)City University of Hong Kong Donation Research Grant(DON-RMG No.9229021)Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education(YCBZ2023009).
文摘Emerging energy technologies,aimed at addressing the challenges of energy scarcity and environmental pollution,have become a focal point for society.However,these actualities present significant challenges for modern energy storage devices.Lithium metal batteries(LMBs)have gained considerable attention due to their high energy density.Nonetheless,their use of liquid electrolytes raises safety concerns,including dendritic growth,electrode corrosion,and electrolyte decomposition.In light of these challenges,solid-state batteries(SSBs)have emerged as a highly promising next-generation energy storage solution by leveraging lithium metal as the anode to achieve improved safety and energy density.Metal organic frameworks(MOFs),characterized by their porous structure,ordered crystal frame,and customizable configuration,have garnered interest as potential materials for enhancing solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)in SSBs.The integration of MOFs into SSEs offers opportunities to enhance the electrochemical performance and optimize the interface between SSEs and electrodes.This is made possible by leveraging the high porosity,functionalized structures,and abundant open metal sites of MOFs.However,the rational design of high-performance MOF-based SSEs for high-energy Li metal SSBs(LMSSBs)remains a significant challenge.In this comprehensive review,we present an overview of recent advancements in MOF-based SSEs for LMSSBs,focusing on strategies for interface optimization and property enhancement.We categorize these SSEs into two main types:MOF-based quasi-solid-state electrolytes and MOF-based all solid-state electrolytes.Within these categories,various subtypes are identified based on the combination mode,additional materials,formation state,preparation method,and interface optimization measures employed.The review also highlights the existing challenges associated with MOF materials in SSBs applications and proposes potential solutions and future development prospects to guide the advancement of MOFs-based SSEs.By providing a comprehensive assessment of the applications of MOFs in LMSSBs,this review aims to offer valuable insights and guidance for the development of MOF-based SSEs,addressing the key issues faced by these materials in SSBs technology.
基金This project was supported by Australian Research Council(DP180100731,DP 180100568)JSPS Joint Research Project(Open Partnership)under bilateral program between Japan and Australia(FY 2019-FY2020,DG 1270).
文摘High temperature solid oxide fuel cell(SOFC)is the most efficient and clean energy conversion technology to electrochemically convert the chemical energy of fuels such as hydrogen,natural gas and hydrocarbons to electricity,and also the most viable alternative to the traditional thermal power plants.However,the power output of a SOFC critically depends on the characteristics and performance of its key components:anode,electrolyte and cathode.Due to the highly reducing environment and strict requirements in electrical conductivity and catalytic activity,there are limited choices in the anode materials of SOFCs,particularly for operation in the intermediate temperature range of 500–800C.Among them,Ni-based cermets are the most common and popular anode materials of SOFCs.The objective of this paper is to review the development of Ni-based anode materials in SOFC from the viewpoints of materials microstructure,performance and industrial scalability associated with the fabrication and optimization processes.The latest advancement in nano-structure architecture,contaminant tolerance and interface optimization of Ni-based cermet anodes is presented.And at the end of this paper,we propose and appeal for the collaborative work of scientists from different disciplines that enable the inter-fusion research of fabrication,microanalysis and modelling,aiming at the challenges in the development of Ni-based cermet anodes for commercially viable intermediate temperature SOFC or IT-SOFC technologies.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52371136)the Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department(No.202202AG050004).
文摘Reinforcing metal matrix composites(MMCs)with nanophases of distinct characteristics is an effective strategy for utilizing their individual advantages and achieving superior properties of the composite.In this study,a combination of molecular level mixing(MLM),segment ball milling(SBM),and in-situ solid-phase reaction was employed to fabricate Cu matrix composites(TiC-CNT/Cu)reinforced with TiC decorated CNT(TiC@CNT)and in-situ nanoscale TiC particles.The HRTEM results revealed the epitaxial growth of interfacial TiC on the surface of CNT(i.e.,CNT(0002)//TiC(200),and the formation of a semi-coherent interface between TiC and Cu matrix,which can effectively enhance the interfacial bonding strength and optimize load transfer efficiency of CNT.The independent in-situ TiC nanoparticles got into the grain interior through grain boundary migration,thereby significantly enhancing both strain hardening capacity and strength of the composite by fully utilizing the Orowan strengthening mechanism.Moreover,the enhanced bonding strength of the interface can also effectively suppress crack initiation and propagation,thereby improving the fracture toughness of the composite.The TiC-CNT/Cu composite with 1.2 vol.%CNT exhibited a tensile strength of 372 MPa,achieving a super high strengthening efficiency of 270,while simultaneously maintaining a remarkable ductility of 21.2%.Furthermore,the impact toughness of the TiC-CNT/Cu composite exhibited a significant enhancement of 70.7%compared to that of the CNT/Cu composite,reaching an impressive value of 251 kJ/m^(2),thereby demonstrating exceptional fracture toughness.Fully exploiting the synergistic strengthening effect of different nanophases can be an effective way to improve the comprehensive properties of MMCs.
基金financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52472255 and 52072327)Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(No.232300420099)+2 种基金Key Scientific Research Project of Colleges and Universities in Henan Province(No.23B430009)Higher Education and Teaching Reformation Project(No.2014SJGLX064)Henan Provincial Undergraduate College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program(No.202510480044).
文摘Copper zinc tin sulfur selenide(Cu_(2)ZnSn(S,Se)_(4),CZTSSe)thin-film solar cells have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology due to their environmentally benign composition and abundant elemental constituents,though their current efficiency record remains constrained by substantial open-circuit voltage losses at the heterojunction interface.This review systematically examines the crucial role of heterojunction annealing processes in enhancing device performance,demonstrating that precisely optimized annealing parameters can effectively promote interfacial element redistribution,improve band alignment,and significantly suppress recombination losses.The low-temperature prolonged annealing approach has proven particularly effective in achieving superior interface passivation while maintaining structural integrity.Further interface optimization has been realized through innovative strategies including nanoscale interlayer engineering and cationic substitution approaches.By comprehensively analyzing recent advances in heterojunction annealing technology and highlighting promising research directions such as atomic-scale interface modification and computational optimization methods,this work provides valuable insights for overcoming the efficiency limitations of CZTSSe solar cells and advancing their commercial potential.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52372252)the Hebei Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholar(E2019209433)the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(E2022209158)。
文摘Aqueous zinc-ion batteries(AZIBs)are attracting worldwide attention due to their multiple merits such as extreme safety,low cost,feasible assembly,and environmentally friendly enabled by water-based electrolytes.At present,AZIBs have experienced systematic advances in battery components including cathode,anode,and electrolyte,whereas research involving separators is insufficient.The separator is the crucial component of AZIBs through providing ion transport,forming contact with electrodes,serving as a container for electrolyte,and ensuring the efficient battery operation.Considering this great yet ignored significance,it is timely to present the latest advances in design strategies,the systematic classification and summary of separators.We summarize the separator optimization strategies mainly along two approaches including the modification of the frequently used glass fiber and the exploitation of new separators.The advantages and disadvantages of the two strategies are analyzed from the material types and the characteristics of different strategies.The effects and mechanisms of various materials on regulating the uniform migration and deposition of Zn2+,balancing the excessively concentrated nucleation points,inhibiting the growth of dendrites,and the occurrence of side reactions were discussed using confinement,electric field regulation,ion interaction force,desolvation,etc.Finally,potential directions for further improvement and development of AZIBs separators are proposed,aiming at providing helpful guidance for this booming field.
