Search Results (4,831)

This study is based on the stock returns of 11 subindustry markets in the international clean energy market from 2010 to 2024 and constructs a skewed t distribution dynamic factor copula model. The time-varying load factor is used to characterize the correlation between a single subindustry market and the entire system, and the joint probability of distress is calculated as a measure of the overall level of systemic risk. Two indicators, Systemic Vulnerability Degree and Systemic Importance Degree, are introduced to evaluate the vulnerability of a single subindustry market in systemic risk and its contribution to systemic risk. A conditional risk-spillover index is constructed to measure the risk-spillover level between subindustry markets. This method fully considers the individual differences and inherent correlations of the international clean energy market subsectors, as well as the fat tail and asymmetry of returns, thus capturing more information and more timely information. This study found that the correlation between subindustry markets changes over time, and during the crisis, the market correlation shows a significant upward trend. In the measurement of the overall level of systemic risk, the joint probability of distress can identify the changes in systemic risk in the international clean energy market. The systemic risk of the international clean energy market presents the characteristics of rapid and multiple outbreaks, and the joint default risk probability of the whole system can exceed 0.6. The outbreak of systemic risk is closely related to a series of major international events, showing a strong correlation. In addition, the systemic vulnerability analysis found that the biofuel market has the lowest systemic vulnerability, and the advanced materials market has the highest vulnerability. The energy efficiency market is considered to be the most important market in the system. The advanced materials market and renewable energy market play a dominant role in the risk contribution to other markets, while the geothermal market, solar market, and wind energy market are net risk overflow parties in the tail risk impact, and the developer market and fuel cell market are net risk receivers. This study provides a theoretical basis for systemic risk management and ensuring the stability of the international clean energy market. Full article

The pursuit of sustainable energy sources has led to significant advances in solar cell technology, with conducting polymers (CPs) emerging as key innovations. This review examines how CPs improve the performance and versatility of three important types of solar cells: dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and organic solar cells (OSCs). Polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) have shown significant potential to increase the efficiency of solar cells. In DSSCs, conducting polymers act as counter electrodes, electrolytes, and dyes, contributing to improved efficiency and stability. In PSCs, they serve as hole transport materials and electron transport materials that improve charge separation and reduce recombination losses. In OSCs, conducting polymers act as HTMs and active layers, significantly impacting device performance and enabling advances in both binary and ternary solar cell configurations. Recent research highlights the important role of conducting polymers in improving both the efficiency and stability of solar cells under different indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. Recent advances have led to impressive energy conversion efficiencies, particularly in low-light environments. This report also highlights the environmental and economic benefits associated with these materials. At the same time, it highlights the challenges associated with optimizing the materials, scalability, and ensuring long-term stability. Future research directions are outlined to overcome these obstacles and promote the commercial viability of next-generation solar technologies. Full article

In this study, we investigate the electrodeposition of various metals on silicon. Mn, Co, Ni, Ru, Pd, Rh, and Pt were identified as promising candidates for controlled electrodeposition onto silicon. Electrochemical evaluations employing cyclic voltammetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) associated with energy-dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) techniques confirmed the deposition of Pd, Rh, and Pt as nanoparticles. Multi-cycle charge-controlled depositions were subsequently performed to evaluate the possibility of achieving tunable electrodeposition of nanostructured rhodium on n-doped silicon. The procedure increased surface coverage from 9% to 84%, with the average particle size diameter ranging from 57 nm to 168 nm, and with an equivalent thickness of the deposits up to 43.9 nm, varying the number of charge-controlled deposition cycles. The electrodeposition of rhodium on silicon presents numerous opportunities across various scientific and technological domains, driving innovation and enhancing the performance of devices and materials used in catalysis, electronics, solar cells, fuel cells, and sensing. Full article

The hot carrier multi-junction solar cell (HCMJC) is an advanced-concept solar cell with a theoretical efficiency greater than 65%. It combines the advantages of hot carrier solar cells and multi-junction solar cells with higher power conversion efficiency (PCE). The thermalization coefficient (Q_th) has been shown to slow down by an order of magnitude in low-dimensional structures, which will significantly improve PCE. However, there have been no studies calculating the Q_th of MAPbBr₃ quantum dots so far. In this work, the Q_th values of MAPbBr₃ quantum dots and after BABr addition were calculated based on power-dependent steady-state photoluminescence (PD-SSPL). Their peak positions in PD-SSPL increased from 2.37 to 2.71 eV after adding BABr. The fitting shows that, after adding BABr, the Q_th decreased from 2.64 ± 0.29 mW·K⁻¹·cm⁻² to 2.36 ± 0.25 mW·K⁻¹·cm⁻², indicating a lower relaxation rate. This is because BABr passivates surface defects, slowing down the carrier thermalization process. This work lays the foundation for the theoretical framework combining perovskite materials, which suggests that the appropriate passivation of BABr has the potential to further reduce Q_th and make MAPbBr₃ QDs with BABr modified more suitable as the top absorption layer of HCMJCs. Full article

This research addresses the need for enhanced thermal management in building-integrated photovoltaic systems, specifically focusing on semi-transparent PV panels based on luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) technology. In pursuit of optimal thermal regulation, the cooling effect of a paraffin PCM was investigated via finite element simulations developed with COMSOL Multiphysics. The PCM was thermally coupled with the PV cells situated in the frame of a south-facing window. Due to the seasonal difference between winter and summer, the PCM latent heat capacity and melting temperature were optimized to ensure the maximum nominal operating cell temperature (NOCT) reduction during summer months. PCM latent heat capacities equivalent to 120 kJ/kg, 180 kJ/kg, and 240 kJ/kg have been investigated, whereas for the melting temperature a range from 20 °C to 42 °C was spanned. The combination of higher latent heat and 36 °C melting point showed the most significant thermal benefits, by reducing the NOCT from 42 °C to 36 °C, which led to an 11.80% increase in power output across the whole PV window. Considering the same latent heat, the other melting temperature resulted in more moderate benefits, namely an enhancement of 7.88% and 3.94%, for 38 °C and 40 °C, respectively. The lower latent heat capacities resulted in an NOCT reduction that ranged between 2.7 °C and 5.3 °C, according to the associated melting point. These results testify that the presented solution could significantly enhance energy production in semi-transparent PV applications based on LSC panels. Full article

This paper presents an overview of research results on the physical and technological features of crystal formation with an ordered distribution of vacancies. It is noted that the composition and properties of complex chalcogenide phases are not always described by the traditional concepts behind Kroeger’s theory. Model concepts are considered in which the carriers of properties in the crystalline state are not molecules, but an elementary crystalline element with a given arrangement of nodes with atoms and vacancies. It is established that the introduction of the term “quasi-element atom” of the zero group for a vacancy allows us to predict a number of compounds with an ordered distribution of vacancies. Examples of the analysis of peritectic multicomponent compounds and solid solutions based on them are given. Quasi-crystalline concepts are applicable to perovskite materials used in solar cells. It is shown that the photoluminescence of perovskite lead-cesium halides is determined by crystalline structural subunits i.e., the anionic octets. This is the reason for the improvement in the luminescent properties of colloidal quantum CsPbBr₃ dots under radiation exposure conditions. Full article

Solar electricity has become one of the most important renewable power sources due to rapid developments in the manufacturing of photovoltaic (PV) cells and power electronic techniques as well as the consciousness of environmental protection. In general, PV panels are connected to DC-DC converters and/or DC-AC inverters to implement the maximum power point tracking algorithm and to fulfill the load requirements. Thus, power conversion efficiency and power density need to be taken into consideration when designing PV systems. Three-port and partial power conversion technologies are proposed to improve the efficiency of a whole PV system and its power density. In this paper, three types of three-port converters (TPCs), including fully isolated, partly isolated, and non-isolated TPCs, are studied with detailed discussions of advantages, disadvantages, and comparisons. In addition, based on partial power conversion technologies, partial power two-port and three-port topologies are analyzed in detail. Their efficiency and power density can be further improved by the combination of three-port and partial power conversion technologies. Moreover, comparisons among seven different types of distributed PV systems are presented with their advantages and disadvantages. Compared to distributed PV systems without energy storage, distributed PV systems with hybridization of energy storage and with partial power regulation can use solar energy in a more efficient way. Full article

Antimony selenide (Sb₂Se₃) shows promise for photovoltaics due to its favorable properties and low toxicity. However, current Sb₂Se₃ solar cells exhibit efficiencies significantly below their theoretical limits, primarily due to interface recombination and non-optimal device architectures. This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of Sb₂Se₃ thin-film solar cells using SCAPS-1D simulation software, focusing on device architecture optimization and interface engineering. We systematically analyzed device configurations (substrate and superstrate), hole-transport layer (HTL) materials (including NiOx, CZTS, Cu₂O, CuO, CuI, CuSCN, CZ-TA, and Spiro-OMeTAD), layer thicknesses, carrier densities, and resistance effects. The substrate configuration with molybdenum back contact demonstrated superior performance compared with the superstrate design, primarily due to favorable energy band alignment at the Mo/Sb₂Se₃ interface. Among the investigated HTL materials, Cu₂O exhibited optimal performance with minimal valence-band offset, achieving maximum efficiency at 0.06 μm thickness. Device optimization revealed critical parameters: series resistance should be minimized to 0–5 Ω-cm² while maintaining shunt resistance above 2000 Ω-cm². The optimized Mo/Cu₂O(0.06 μm)/Sb₂Se₃/CdS/i-ZnO/ITO/Al structure achieved a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.68%, representing a significant improvement from 14.23% in conventional cells without HTL. This study provides crucial insights for the practical development of high-efficiency Sb₂Se₃ solar cells, demonstrating the significant impact of device architecture optimization and interface engineering on overall performance. Full article

Cs₂PtI₆ is a promising photoabsorber with a direct bandgap of 1.4 eV and a high carrier lifetime; however, the cost of Pt inhibits its commercial viability. Here, we performed a cost analysis and experimentally explored the effect of replacing Pt with earth-abundant Ni in solution-processed Cs(Pt_xNi_1−x)(I,Cl)₃ thin films on the properties and stability of the perovskite material. Films fabricated with CsI and PtI₂ precursors result in a perovskite phase with a bandgap of 2.13 eV which transitions into stable Cs₂PtI₆ with a bandgap of 1.6 eV upon annealing. The complete substitution of PtI₂ in films with CsI + NiCl₂ precursors results in a wider bandgap of 2.35 eV and SEM shows two phases—a rod-like structure identified as CsNi(I,Cl)₃ and residual white particles of CsI, also confirmed by XRD and Raman spectra. Upon extended thermal annealing, the bandgap reduces to 1.65 eV and transforms to CsNiCl₃ with a peak shift to higher 2-theta. The partial substitution of PtI₂ with NiCl₂ in mixed 50-50 Pt-Ni-based films produces a bandgap of 1.9 eV, exhibiting a phase of Cs(Pt,Ni)(I,Cl)₃ composition. A similar bandgap of 1.85 eV and the same diffraction pattern with improved crystallinity is observed after 100 h of annealing, confirming the formation of a stable mixed Pt-Ni phase. Full article

The double-ridge superimposed structures (DRSSs), formed by the superposition of a nano-ridged textured ZnO layer and a ternary organic active layer (PTB7:PC₇₀BM:PC₆₀BM) with self-assembled nano-ridged (SANR) structures, have been preliminarily examined experimentally for its positive effects in light-trapping for organic solar cells (OSCs). To obtain DRSSs with higher-performance light-trapping effects and enhance the light absorption of OSCs, the present work carried out prior theoretical simulations of the light-trapping characteristics of the DRSS using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm. The results show that the DRSS exhibits a significant light-trapping effect, with an active layer absorption peak around 530 nm due to the light-trapping effect. This helps the active layer capture more high-energy photons, significantly enhancing the photon utilization of the DRSS. Interestingly, the intensity of the light-trapping absorption peak is solely dependent on the height or width of the active layer ridges in the DRSS, while the position of the peak is jointly determined by both the ZnO and active layer ridges. By controlling the aspect ratio (W/H) of the dual ridges, the light-trapping absorption peak position can be fine-tuned, enabling precise light-trapping management for specific wavelength bands. It is certain that the outcomes of this work will provide theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the fabrication of light-trapping OSCs. Full article

Perovskite photovoltaic technology carries immense opportunity for the solar industries because of its remarkable efficiency and prospect for cost-effective production. However, the successful deployment of perovskite solar modules (PSMs) in the solar market necessitates tackling stability-based obstacles, scalability, and environmental considerations. This paper unveils a comprehensive examination of the cutting-edge advancements in the manufacturing of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and modules, with an emphasis on high-speed, large-area printing. The paper underscores the substantial progress achieved in printed PSCs and PSMs, demonstrating promising electrical performance and long-term device durability. This review paper categorizes printing techniques compatible with large-area high-speed manufacturing into three distinct families: blade coating, slot die coating, and screen printing, as these common printing practices offer precise control, scalability, cost-effectiveness, high resolution, and efficient material usage. Additionally, this paper presents an in-depth investigation and comparison of superior PSCs and PSMs fabricated by printing on power conversion efficiency (PCE), stability, and scalability. Full article

Kesterite-based semiconductors, particularly copper–zinc–tin–sulfide (CZTS), have garnered considerable attention as potential absorber layers in thin-film solar cells because of their abundance, nontoxicity, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, we explored the synthesis of Ag-alloyed CZTS (ACZTS) materials via the sol–gel method and deposited them on a transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) back electrode. A key challenge is the selection and manipulation of metal–salt precursors, with a particular focus on the oxidation states of copper (Cu) and tin (Sn) ions. Two distinct protocols, varying the oxidation states of the Cu and Sn ions, were employed to synthesize the ACZTS materials. The transfer from the solution to the precursor film was analyzed, followed by annealing at different temperatures under a sulfur atmosphere to investigate the behavior and growth of these materials during the final stage of annealing. Our results show that the precursor transformation from solution to film is highly sensitive to the oxidation states of these metal ions, significantly influencing the chemical reactions during sol–gel synthesis and subsequent annealing. Furthermore, the formation pathway of the kesterite phase at elevated temperatures differs between the two protocols. Structural, morphological, and optical properties were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our findings highlight the critical role of the Cu and Sn oxidation states in the formation of high-quality kesterite materials. Additionally, we studied a novel approach for controlling the synthesis and phase evolution of kesterite materials via molecular inks, which could provide new opportunities for enhancing the efficiency of thin-film solar cells. Full article

Renewable energy sources are particularly significant in global energy production, with wind and solar being the most prevalent sources. Managing the simultaneous connection of wind and solar energy generators to the smart grid as distributed generators involves complex control and stabilization due to their inherent uncertainties, making their management more intricate than traditional power plants. This study focuses on enhancing the speed and efficiency of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system in a solar power plant. A hybrid network is modeled, comprising a wind turbine with a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), a solar power plant with photovoltaic (PV) cells, an MPPT system, a Z-source converter, and a storage system. The proposed approach employs a motion detection-based method, utilizing image-processing techniques to optimize the MPPT of PV cells based on shadow movement patterns within the solar power plant area. This method significantly reduces the time required to reach the maximum power point (MPP), lowers the computational load of the control system by predicting shadow movements, and enhances the MPPT speed while maintaining system stability. The approach, which is suitable for relatively large solar farms, is implemented without the need for any additional sensors and relies on the system’s history. The simulation results show that the proposed approach improves the MPPT system’s efficiency and reduces the pressure on the control circuits by more than 70% in a 150,000 m² solar farm under shaded conditions. Full article

Energy generation and storage are critical challenges for developing economies due to rising populations and limited access to clean energy resources. Fossil fuels, commonly used for energy production, are costly and contribute to environmental pollution through greenhouse gas emissions. Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) offer a promising alternative due to their stability, low cost, and high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to other third-generation solar cells. Kesterite materials, known for their excellent optoelectronic properties and chemical stability, have gained attention for their potential as hole transport layer (HTL) materials in solar cells. In this study, the SCAPS-1D numerical simulator was used to analyze a solar cell with the configuration FTO/TiO₂/MoS₂/HTL/Ag. The electron transport layer (ETL) used was titanium dioxide (TiO₂), while Cu₂FeSnS₄ (CFTS), Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTSe), Cu₂NiSnS₄ (CNTS), and Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ (CZTSSe) kesterite materials were evaluated as HTLs. MoS₂ quantum dot served as the absorber, with FTO as the anode and silver as the back metal contact. The CFTS material outperformed the others, yielding a PCE of 25.86%, a fill factor (FF) of 38.79%, a short-circuit current density (J_SC) of 34.52 mA cm⁻², and an open-circuit voltage (V_OC) of 1.93 V. This study contributes to the advancement of high-performance QDSSCs. Full article

This study offers a comprehensive summary of the current states as well as potential future directions of transparent conducting oxides (TCOs), particularly tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), the most readily accessible TCO on the market. Solar cells, flat panel displays (FPDs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), antireflection (AR) coatings for airbus windows, photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices, transparent p–n junction diodes, etc. are a few of the best uses for this material. Other conductive metals that show a lot of promise as substitutes for traditional conductive materials include copper, zinc oxide, aluminum, silver, gold, and tin. These metals are also utilized in AR coatings. The optimal deposition techniques for creating ITO films under the current conditions have been determined to be DC (direct current) and RF (radio frequency) MS (magnetron sputtering) deposition, both with and without the introduction of Ar gas. When producing most types of AR coatings, it is necessary to obtain thicknesses of at least 100 nm and minimum resistivities on the order of 10⁻⁴ Ω cm. For AR coatings, issues related to less-conductive materials than ITO have been considered. Full article