Magnetron Sputtered Electron Blocking Layer as an Efficient Method to Improve Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance

Augustowski, Dariusz; Kwaśnicki, Paweł; Dziedzic, Justyna; Rysz, Jakub

doi:10.3390/en13112690

Cited by 6 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…An additional very weak Ti peak appeared at 0.39 keV, corresponding to Ti L α . Finally, the oxygen (O) peak was also observed at an energy of 0.52 keV (O K α ) [ 35 ]. A very low percentage of Ti was calculated from these measurements, together with a non-stoichiometric O concentration, as is summarized in Table 3 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sputtered Ultrathin TiO2 as Electron Transport Layer in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cell Technology

2022

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This work presents the implementation of ultrathin TiO2 films, deposited at room temperature by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering, as electron-selective contacts in silicon heterojunction solar cells. The effect of the working pressure on the properties of the TiO2 layers and its subsequent impact on the main parameters of the device are studied. The material characterization revealed an amorphous structure regardless of the working pressure; a rougher surface; and a blue shift in bandgap in the TiO2 layer deposited at the highest-pressure value of 0.89 Pa. When incorporated as part of the passivated full-area electron contact in silicon heterojunction solar cell, the chemical passivation provided by the intrinsic a-Si:H rapidly deteriorates upon the sputtering of the ultra-thin TiO2 films, although a short anneal is shown to restore much of the passivation lost. The deposition pressure and film thicknesses proved to be critical for the efficiency of the devices. The film thicknesses below 2 nm are necessary to reach open-circuit values above 660 mV, regardless of the deposition pressure. More so, the fill-factor showed a strong dependence on deposition pressure, with the best values obtained for the highest deposition pressure, which we correlated to the porosity of the films. Overall, these results show the potential to fabricate silicon solar cells with a simple implementation of electron-selective TiO2 contact deposited by magnetron sputtering. These results show the potential to fabricate silicon solar cells with a simple implementation of electron-selective TiO2 contact.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sputtered Ultrathin TiO2 as Electron Transport Layer in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cell Technology

2022

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“…One way to achieve such changes is to increase the efficiency of the photoelectron transfer from the dye to the semiconductor. Further, charge recombination occurs at the TiO 2 /electrolyte and FTO/electrolyte interfaces, causing a decrease in the short-circuit current 8,13,15,16 . A solution to reduce the recombination process is to create a blocking layer (BL) between the conductive glass (e.g.…”

Section: Impact Of the Blocking Layer On The Performance Of The Dsscmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…FTO) and the mesoporous semiconductor. This layer should protect the FTO from contact with the electrolyte, and be thin enough to avoid a significant increase in circuit resistance 15 . Metal oxides such as ZnO, TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Nb 2 O 5 , MgO, ZrO, Ga 2 O 3 and SiO 2 are commonly used to produce blocking layers 8 .…”

Section: Impact Of the Blocking Layer On The Performance Of The Dsscmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of blocking layers based on TiO2 and ZnO prepared via direct current reactive magnetron sputtering on DSSC solar cells

Sibiński,

Sawicka-Chudy,

Wisz

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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The optimization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) technology towards suppressing charge recombination between the contact and the electron transport layer is a key factor in achieving high conversion efficiency and the successful commercialization of this type of product. An important aspect of the DSSC structure is the front blocking layer (BL): optimizing this component may increase the efficiency of photoelectron transfer from the dye to the semiconductor by reduction charge recombination at the TiO2/electrolyte and FTO/electrolyte interfaces. In this paper, a series of blocking layer variants, based on TiO2 and ZnO:TiO2, were obtained using the reactive magnetron sputtering method. Material composition, structure and layer thickness were referred to each process parameters. Complete DSSCs with structure FTO/BL/m-TiO2@N719/ EL-HSE/Pt/FTO were obtained on such bases. In the final results, verification of opto-electrical parameters of these cells were tested and used for the conclusions on the optimal blocking layer composition. As the conclusion, application of blocking layer consists of neat TiO2 resulted in improvement of device efficiency. It should be noted that for TiO2:ZnO/CuxO and TiO2/CuxO cells, higher efficiencies were also achieved when pure TiO2 was used as window layer. Additionally it was proven that the admixture of ZnO phase inspires Voc and FF growth, but is overall unfavorable compared to pristine TiO2 blocking layer and the reference cell, according to the final cell efficiency.

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“…Capturing landfill gas and purifying it of sulfur, silicon, ammonia, chlorine and ammonia compounds before it undergoes combustion reduces the amount of gas and dust emissions into the air as a result of its conversion into energy [42]. The revised Renewable Energy Promotion Directive [43] sets a target for the EU of 32% in 2030, which was agreed upon by EU leaders and represents some compromise between the European Parliament and some member states [44]. Further developments in this regard include new support mechanisms, a regulatory framework adapted to the actual consumption of the energy sector and precisely defining sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioenergy [45].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of the Efficiency of Landfill Gas Treatment for Power Generation in a Cogeneration System in Terms of the European Green Deal

Ciuła,

Generowicz,

Gronba-Chyła

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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Climate change and environmental degradation pose a threat to Europe and the world. The mechanism that will address these challenges is the European Green Deal, which envisions transforming the EU into a modern, resourceful, economical and competitive economy, aiming for zero greenhouse gas emissions. Landfill gas generated in a landfill waste deposit poses a threat to the environment and people. In this aspect, its capture, treatment and safe neutralization or use for energy purposes are important. Treatment of landfill gas, which is the fuel for gas engines in cogeneration units, is crucial for their proper operation and the quantity and quality of electricity and heat generated. The purpose of this study was to perform research to determine the hydrogen sulfide content of landfill gas and the actual efficiency of hydrogen sulfide removal from the gas using activated carbon. The tests performed constitute the basis for the reliable operation of gas engines in cogeneration installations and are dedicated mainly to the operators of these installations. Accordingly, three measurement campaigns were carried out, each with 42 measurements, the first for the “raw” gas obtained directly from the landfill, the second for the gas before entering the carbon filter and the third after its treatment. In addition, surface analysis was performed, and the elemental composition of the “fresh” molded activated carbon constituting the filter material was determined using a scanning electron microscope with an EDS system. The results showed a high elemental content of carbon in the test sample at 92.78%, while the efficiency of hydrogen sulfide removal from landfill gas by activated carbon, calculated from the measurements, was 97.05%. The obtained test results confirmed the validity of using impregnated activated carbon to remove hydrogen sulfide from landfill gas and its high adsorption efficiency, which can consequently result in reliable operation of the gas engine in the cogeneration unit and ultimately fit in with the objectives of the European Green Deal. The research results are an incentive for operators of cogeneration installations to systematically examine the quality of landfill gas and the efficiency of biogas purification devices.

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Magnetron Sputtered Electron Blocking Layer as an Efficient Method to Improve Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance

Cited by 6 publications

References 37 publications

Sputtered Ultrathin TiO2 as Electron Transport Layer in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cell Technology

Sputtered Ultrathin TiO2 as Electron Transport Layer in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cell Technology

Impact of blocking layers based on TiO2 and ZnO prepared via direct current reactive magnetron sputtering on DSSC solar cells

Analysis of the Efficiency of Landfill Gas Treatment for Power Generation in a Cogeneration System in Terms of the European Green Deal

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