Bioelectrochemical Interface Engineering


Book Description

An introduction to the fundamental concepts and rules in bioelectrochemistry and explores latest advancements in the field Bioelectrochemical Interface Engineering offers a guide to this burgeoning interdisciplinary field. The authors—noted experts on the topic—present a detailed explanation of the field’s basic concepts, provide a fundamental understanding of the principle of electrocatalysis, electrochemical activity of the electroactive microorganisms, and mechanisms of electron transfer at electrode-electrolyte interfaces. They also explore the design and development of bioelectrochemical systems. The authors review recent advances in the field including: the development of new bioelectrochemical configurations, new electrode materials, electrode functionalization strategies, and extremophilic electroactive microorganisms. These current developments hold the promise of powering the systems in remote locations such as deep sea and extra-terrestrial space as well as powering implantable energy devices and controlled drug delivery. This important book: • Explores the fundamental concepts and rules in bioelectrochemistry and details the latest advancements • Presents principles of electrocatalysis, electroactive microorganisms, types and mechanisms of electron transfer at electrode-electrolyte interfaces, electron transfer kinetics in bioelectrocatalysis, and more • Covers microbial electrochemical systems and discusses bioelectrosynthesis and biosensors, and bioelectrochemical wastewater treatment • Reviews microbial biosensor, microfluidic and lab-on-chip devices, flexible electronics, and paper and stretchable electrodes Written for researchers, technicians, and students in chemistry, biology, energy and environmental science, Bioelectrochemical Interface Engineering provides a strong foundation to this advanced field by presenting the core concepts, basic principles, and newest advances.




Dye-sensitized Solar Cells


Book Description

The operation of everything in the universe needs a special „material“-energy. The earth is no exception. There are many kinds of energy sources on earth. But where does the earth‘s energy come from? The answer is that everything grows under the sun. Developing renewable energy is of strategic importance to achieve sustainable energy supply. Simulating natural photosynthesis is the ultimate goal of effi cient solar energy conversion. Photovoltaic technology has been widely used in industry and will be one of the major energy sources in the future. Developing new materials and structures, the photoelectric conversion effi ciency of solar cells will be improved day by day, and solar cells will attract more and more attention. This book presents principles of solar photovoltaic conversion, and introduces the physical and chemical processes involved. Mechanisms which affect solar cell performance are also discussed.




Pore Filling and Light Trapping in Solid-state Dye-sensitized Solar Cells


Book Description

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are among the promising photovoltaic technologies that could potentially replace the expensive silicon. Liquid electrolyte-based DSCs have the highest efficiency but they suffer from potential stability and encapsulation problems when manufactured at high volumes. Research groups are actively pursuing solid state dye-sensitized solar cells (ss-DSCs), which uses a solid-state hole-transport material to replace the liquid electrolyte. SS-DSCs can potentially achieve higher power conversion efficiencies than the liquid-electrolyte because the open-circuit voltage can be adjusted by the choice of different hole-transport materials. However, current ss-DSCs are limited by both pore filling and electron-hole recombination such that the optimal thickness is around 2 microns, far thinner than the thickness needed to achieve good optical absorption. This thesis presents results that address two challenges facing the field of ss-DSC research - what is limiting the thickness of the device, and what can we do to boost light absorption and power conversion efficiency? In the first part, we describe how pore filling of hole-transport materials inside mesoporous TiO2 films is a limiting factor to the device thickness. This is accomplished by three closely-related pore filling projects: (a) quantifying the pore filling of hole-transport materials inside mesoporous TiO2 films; (b) experimenting with new methods to improve pore filling fraction; and (c) investigating the effect of pore filling on photovoltaic performances of ss-DSCs and the underlying photophysical mechanisms. This brings new physical understanding of the importance of pore filling and how pore filling a effects the photovoltaic performances. In the second part, we describe a new device architecture to increase the absorption through the use of plasmonic back reectors, which consist of two-dimensional (2D) array of silver nanodomes. They are incorporated into the ss-DSCs by nanoimprint lithography, and they enhance absorption through excitation of plasmonic modes and increased light scattering.




Organic Solar Cells


Book Description

This book contains detailed information on the types, structure, fabrication, and characterization of organic solar cells (OSCs). It discusses processes to improve efficiencies and the prevention of degradation in OSCs. It compares the cost-effectiveness of OSCs to those based on crystalline silicon and discusses ways to make OSCs more economical. This book provides a practical guide for the fabrication, processing, and characterization of OSCs and paves the way for further development in OSC technology.







Interfacial Engineering in Functional Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells


Book Description

Offers an Interdisciplinary approach to the engineering of functional materials for efficient solar cell technology Written by a collection of experts in the field of solar cell technology, this book focuses on the engineering of a variety of functional materials for improving photoanode efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The first two chapters describe operation principles of DSSC, charge transfer dynamics, as well as challenges and solutions for improving DSSCs. The remaining chapters focus on interfacial engineering of functional materials at the photoanode surface to create greater output efficiency. Interfacial Engineering in Functional Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells begins by introducing readers to the history, configuration, components, and working principles of DSSC It then goes on to cover both nanoarchitectures and light scattering materials as photoanode. Function of compact (blocking) layer in the photoanode and of TiCl4 post-treatment in the photoanode are examined at next. Next two chapters look at photoanode function of doped semiconductors and binary semiconductor metal oxides. Other chapters consider nanocomposites, namely, plasmonic nanocomposites, carbon nanotube based nanocomposites, graphene based nanocomposites, and graphite carbon nitride based nanocompositesas photoanodes. The book: Provides comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals through the applications of DSSC Encompasses topics on various functional materials for DSSC technology Focuses on the novel design and application of materials in DSSC, to develop more efficient renewable energy sources Is useful for material scientists, engineers, physicists, and chemists interested in functional materials for the design of efficient solar cells Interfacial Engineering in Functional Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells will be of great benefit to graduate students, researchers and engineers, who work in the multi-disciplinary areas of material science, engineering, physics, and chemistry.




Photosensitizers in Medicine, Environment, and Security


Book Description

This book addresses the synthesis of photosensitizers, the main emphasis being on the new methods of synthesis such as microwave, sonochemistry and the use of ionic liquids. It also addresses the photochemistry and photophysics of the photosensitizers alone and in combination with nanoparticles, the use of the photosensitizers in environmental control, safety and medicine. It discusses the common structures of the photosensitizers which are beneficial to these applications.




Halide Perovskites


Book Description

Real insight from leading experts in the field into the causes of the unique photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells, describing the fundamentals of perovskite materials and device architectures. The authors cover materials research and development, device fabrication and engineering methodologies, as well as current knowledge extending beyond perovskite photovoltaics, such as the novel spin physics and multiferroic properties of this family of materials. Aimed at a better and clearer understanding of the latest developments in the hybrid perovskite field, this is a must-have for material scientists, chemists, physicists and engineers entering or already working in this booming field.




The Physics of Solar Cells


Book Description

The book provides an explanation of the operation of photovoltaic devices from a broad perspective that embraces a variety of materials concepts, from nanostructured and highly disordered organic materials, to highly efficient devices such as the lead halide perovskite solar cells. The book establishes from the beginning a simple but very rich model of a solar cell, in order to develop and understand step by step the photovoltaic operation according to fundamental physical properties and constraints. It emphasizes the aspects pertaining to the functioning of a solar cell and the determination of limiting efficiencies of energy conversion. The final chapters of the book establish a more refined and realistic treatment of the many factors that determine the actual performance of experimental devices: transport gradients, interfacial recombination, optical losses and so forth. The book finishes with a short review of additional important aspects of solar energy conversion, such as the photonic aspects of spectral modification, and the direct conversion of solar photons to chemical fuel via electrochemical reactions.




Fiber Electronics


Book Description

This book highlights the main advances in fiber electronics, like fiber-shaped solar cells, batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, light-emitting devices, memristors and communication devices from the standpoints of material synthesis, structure design and property enhancement. It focuses on revealing the separation and transport mechanisms of charges, establishing transport equations for electrons and ions, and emphasizing integration methods in fiber devices. In closing, it reviews emerging applications based on fiber devices that could accelerate their large-scale production in the near future. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable resource for scientists, engineers, graduate students and undergraduate students in a wide variety of fields such as advanced materials, energy, electrochemistry, applied physics, nanoscience and nanotechnology, polymer science and engineering and biomedical science. It also benefits many non-specialist industrialists who are working to promote new technologies.