Solar Technologies – Page 11 – TechConnect Briefs

Transfer of asymmetric free-standing TiO2 nanowire films for high efficiency flexible dye-sensitized solar cells

Xue Z., Wang L., Liu B., National University of Singapore, SG

A free-standing TiO2 nanowire thin film was prepared using the doctor-blade method. The film is composed of big and small nanowires on each side. The big nanowires have the functions of weakening adhesion to its [...]

CeF3 Fullerene-like Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Upconversion Properties and Application in Photocatalysis Reduction of CO2

Hou W., Fan J., Hu X., Liu E., Wu F., Yang Y., Kang L., Zhang Q., Sun X., Northwest University, CN

As one of the rare-earth fluorides, Cerium fluoride (CeF3) has been used as host materials, solid lubricants and inorganic fluorescent materials. Among various CeF3 nanostructures, fullerene-like structure (IF) with the hollow cavities inside have attracted [...]

Photocatalytic Performance of Cu/TiO2-xNx Nanotube Arrays Enhanced by Surface Plasmon Resonance and Application in Hydrogen Evolution by Water Splitting

Kang L., Liu E., Hu X., Fan J., Fan X., Wu F., Wu H., Fan J., Fan X., Hou W., Wu F., Wu H., Wang Q., Northwest University, CN

Studies revealed that noble metal (Au, Ag, Pd) nanoparticles can improve the photoresponse property of TiO2 in the visible region based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect, and enhance the activity of TiO2 photocatalyst. [...]

A Generalized Model for Global Solar Radiation in South Africa Using Multiple Weather Elements as Predictors

Enweremadu C.C., Adeala A.A., Huan Z., University of South Africa, ZA

In this study a generalized model for predicting global solar radiation was developed for South Africa. This was achieved by employing easily measured weather elements like sunshine hour, ambient temperature, relative humidity and wind speed [...]

Plasmonic Enhanced Light Trapping in a P3HT Photovoltaic

Shepard S., BakshiGupta D., St. Luce G., Louisiana Tech University, US

We consider the enhancement of an organic (P3HT) photovoltaic with conductive nanoparticles of various shapes, sizes and spacing as top-reflectors; used in conjunction with a periodic and a pseudo-random back-reflector. The surface for the pseudo-random [...]

Solar automated greenhouse

Rabago F., de Santago E., Moncada J.I., Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, MX

In this work we presente the results obtained with a electronic circuit to control temperature, water, humidity and fertilizer of plants in a greenhouse. Different sensors were located in the greenhouse and electrovalves were activated [...]

Exploring the IR-limit of the Triplet-Triplet Annihilation Upconversion: Tetraaryltetraanthra[2,3]porphyrin – family

Filatov M., Ilieva I., Landfester K., Baluschev S., MPIP, DE

The main advantage of the techniques, using photon conversion is that conversion processes and devices can be considered and optimized independently, without affecting the particular physical properties of the operating photovoltaic material or device architectures. [...]

Self-Assembly of Squaraine Dyes: A Thermodynamic Exploration of Aggregation on Device Properties

Spencer S., Murcia V., Heaphy P., Bougher C., Conrad B., Misture S., Cody J., Collison C., Rochester Institute of Technology, US

Using a comprehensive experimental and theoretical approach, we present a set of materials from the squaraine family that can serve as a unique energetic probe of the bulk heterojunction. We demonstrate successful devices and tight [...]

Statistical Analysis of Electroplated Indium (III) Sulfide (In2S3) Films, a Potential Buffer Material for PV (Heterojucntion Solar Cells) Systems, using Organic Electrolytes

Ali Mughal M., Newell M.J., Vangilder J., Thapa S., Hall J., McNew D., Felizco F., Wood K., Engelken R., Carroll B.R., Johnson J.B., Arkansas State University, US

Deposition conditions were optimized in order to avoid non-uniformity, cracks, and improper stoichiometry in electrodeposited indium (III) sulfide (In2S3)thin films using statistical analysis.

A New Class of Nonlinear Light Trapping for Photovoltaic Systems

Shepard S., Louisiana Tech University, US

Light trapping is a useful way of enhancing photovoltaic conversion via any means by which light not converted to electricity in a photovoltaic (PV) in one pass through its PN junction, is given another opportunity [...]