The external quantum efficiency of solar cells can be improved by using texturing pyramid- and honeycomb-like structures with minimum reflection. In this study, we investigated the reflection properties of texturing structures through rigorous coupled-wave analysis and the three-dimensional finite-difference time domains (FDTD) method to analyze close-packed texturing structures. We also demonstrate a simple method-combining sub-wavelength-scale monolayer and bilayer polystyrene spheres with a one-step reactive ion etching process-to fabricate optimized pyramid- and honeycomb-shaped antireflection structures, respectively. Thus, sub-wavelength pyramidal and honeycomb-like structures displaying low reflectance were obtained readily without the need for any lithography equipment.

This study describes a strategy for developing ultra-high-responsivity broadband Si-based photodetectors (PDs) using ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs). The ZnO NRAs grown by a low-temperature hydrothermal method with large growth area and high growth rate absorb the photons effectively in the UV region and provide refractive index matching between Si and air for the long-wavelength region, leading to 3 and 2 orders of magnitude increase in the responsivity of Si metal-semiconductor-metal PDs in the UV and visible/NIR regions, respectively. Significantly enhanced performances agree with the theoretical analysis based on the finite-difference time-domain method. These results clearly demonstrate that Si PDs combined with ZnO NRAs hold high potential in next-generation broadband PDs.

MicroRNA-29a signaling protected against glucocorticoid-induced disturbance of Wnt and Dkk-1 actions and improved osteoblast differentiation and mineral acquisition. Promotion of miR-29a signaling is an alternative strategy for alleviating glucocorticoid-induced bone deterioration.

A novel strategy employing core-shell nanowire arrays (NWAs) consisting of Si/regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) was demonstrated to facilitate efficient light harvesting and exciton dissociation/charge collection for hybrid solar cells (HSCs). We experimentally demonstrate broadband and omnidirectional light-harvesting characteristics of core-shell NWA HSCs due to their subwavelength features, further supported by the simulation based on finite-difference time domain analysis. Meanwhile, core-shell geometry of NWA HSCs guarantees efficient charge separation since the thickness of the P3HT shells is comparable to the exciton diffusion length. Consequently, core-shell HSCs exhibit a 61% improvement of short-circuit current for a conversion efficiency (η) enhancement of 31.1% as compared to the P3HT-infiltrated Si NWA HSCs with layers forming a flat air/polymer cell interface. The improvement of crystal quality of P3HT shells due to the formation of ordering structure at Si interfaces after air mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5G) illumination was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The core-shell geometry with the interfacial improvement by AM 1.5G illumination promotes more efficient exciton dissociation and charge separation, leading to η improvement (∼140.6%) due to the considerable increase in V(oc) from 257 to 346 mV, J(sc) from 11.7 to 18.9 mA/cm(2), and FF from 32.2 to 35.2%, which is not observed in conventional P3HT-infiltrated Si NWA HSCs. The stability of the Si/P3HT core-shell NWA HSCs in air ambient was carefully examined. The core-shell geometry should be applicable to many other material systems of solar cells and thus holds high potential in third-generation solar cells.

This article presents a comprehensive review of the current research addressing the surface effects on physical properties and potential applications of nanostructured ZnO. Studies illustrating the transport, photoluminescence (PL), and photoconductivity properties of ZnO with ultrahigh surface-to-volume (S/V) ratio are reviewed first. Secondly, we examine recent studies of the applications of nanostructured ZnO employing the surface effect on gas/chemical sensing, relying on a change of conductivity via electron trapping and detrapping process at the surfaces of nanostructures. Finally, we comprehensively review the photovoltaic (PV) application of ZnO nanostructures. The ultrahigh S/V ratios of nanostructured devices suggest that studies on the synthesis and PV properties of various nanostructured ZnO for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer great potential for high efficiency and low-cost solar cell solutions. After surveying the current literature on the surface effects on nano-structured ZnO, we conclude this review with personal perspectives on a few surface-related issues that remain to be addressed before nanostructured ZnO devices can reach their ultimate potential as a new class of industrial applications.