A fabrication of Sb2S3 layer as surface modification on pyramidal BiVO4 film is realized to improve photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of BiVO4 photoanode. The Sb2S3-modified BiVO4 film exhibits an increased photocurrent density of 1.1 mA / cm2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and a negative shift of onset potential. Further, the negative shift of flat band potential demonstrates

We numerically studied the effect of the geometric structure and Al component on the optical capture performance of gradient Al component AlxGa1 − xN photocathodes. The effects of geometric parameters, such as base radius (R), wire-to-wire spacing, cone rate, and angle of incident light, on the optical response were systematically studied based on the finite element method. In the radial direction

Thanks to the reviewers who served JPE in 2020.

A significant advancement in the Ce:Nd:YAG solar laser performance using a side-pumping configuration is reported. A solar laser head was composed of a double-stage semispherical lens and a trapezoidal-shaped pumping cavity, which coupled and redistributed the concentrated solar radiation from the focal zone of a parabolic mirror into a laser rod. The laser output performance of a 4.0-mm diameter,

The optical properties of suspensions of P25 TiO2 photocatalyst are calculated with particulate-aggregates-based light scattering model. The effects of structure, number of monomer, and particle radius of cluster on the absorption and scattering coefficients are analyzed. It is found that the radius of particle in clusters significantly affects their scattering capacity, and this effect could be attributed

Filtering of the sub-band spectral radiation is an attractive technique to overcome the lower efficiencies of direct conversion thermophotovoltaic technology. The poor performance of these systems is due to the relatively small portion of the incident energy being above the bandgap of photovoltaic cell. To effectively filter the majority of the sub-bandgap radiation and re-employ it as regenerative

Guest editors Zakya Kafafi and Mónica Lira-Cantú introduce the Special Section Celebrating Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE).

Numerical model was developed to analyze photovoltaic parameters according to electronic properties of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well solar cell (MQWSC) under hydrostatic pressure. Finite difference method was used to acquire energy eigenvalues and their corresponding eigenfunctions of InGaN/GaN MQWSC and hole eigenstates were calculated using a 6 × 6 k.p method under an applied hydrostatic pressure

We report the effect of cyclodextrin (CD) cavity size on the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) containing inclusion complexes of tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(bpy)3]2 + ) in various CDs ([Ru(bpy)3]2 + / CD). The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of the [Ru(bpy)3]2 + -containing DSSC at 460 nm was calculated to be 8.1%, and this value was enhanced

The characteristics of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with surface roughness are reported and analyzed for solar cell (SC) applications. The SiNWs are fabricated using a metal-assisted chemical etching process. The effects of the etching time and reaction temperature on the surface roughness and the performance of the SiNWs are investigated. Further, the optical and electrical characteristics of the roughed

Grätzel solar cells are reported in a transparent conducting oxide-less (TCO-less) back-contact dye-sensitized solar cell (BC-DSC) architecture using a stainless steel mesh-protected working electrode along with nanoporous TiO2 semiconductor and metal-free D205 dye. Liquid electrolytes play a significant role for the dye regeneration in the working operation of TCO-less BC-DSCs; therefore, we report

Co3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by a green synthesis method using bread fungus and cobalt nitrate hexahydrate as the precursors. The effects of the calcination temperature on the structure and properties of nanoparticles, and the ambient temperature on the photocatalytic reaction are discussed. The cubic structure of Co3O4 nanoparticles was obtained, and the grain size was between 14 and 19 nm

Near-field electroluminescent refrigerators (NFERs) have potential applications in thermal management. The input electricity can manipulate the photons’ electrochemical potential to realize heat transfer from cold side to hot side. However, the coupled properties and the overall optimum performances of the NFER driven by actual power sources have not been studied. A model of solar cell powered NFER

The luminescent coupling effect in a multijunction solar cell is known to help achieve current matching among subcells through carrier redistribution. We demonstrate the carrier redistribution in III-V multijunction solar cell devices using a moisture-resistant, all-inorganic perovskite quantum dot (PQD) film. This hydrophobic PQD film was applied on a full III-V multijunction solar cell device. This

When a single spot in a planar luminescent waveguide is excited, some photoluminescence photons that are trapped inside reach its edge. Considering the photon losses due to leakage from its top and bottom surfaces and self-absorption during wave-guiding, the probability of collecting photons at its edge is expressed as a function of the coordinates of the excited spot for polygonal and curved waveguides

We use nonimaging, statistical-ray optics and ray-tracing simulations to study external light traps as a cost-effective means to enhance the absorption of optically imperfect solar cells. Our main finding is that the optical performance of a cell may be compromised substantially without affecting its overall performance if a trap is being used. As a result, simpler cell construction that gives better

Photonic management is a key issue for the optimization of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion systems. It is realized by selective emitters, front surface filters on TPV cells, and back surface reflectors (BSRs). Photonic management modifies photon energy transfer from the emitter to the TPV cell due to photon reuse and energy conversion processes in the TPV cell due to photon recycling and

Ideal three-dimensional concentration has been sought for decades in the solar and optical worlds. Nonimaging optics has been able to achieve this thermodynamic maximum concentration limit with certain symmetrical designs, but three-dimensional concentration in which acceptance angles are not symmetric has been a challenge for researchers. Our study outlines a new design approach that hopes to move

In present-day single-rod/single-beam solar laser systems, the thermal lens effect is a serious issue that limits its ability for a scale-up to higher powers and improved beam quality. Aiming at resolving this shortcoming, the concept of a seven-rod/seven-beam solar pumping scheme is proposed. This scheme was composed of a first-stage heliostat-parabolic mirror system and a single large laser head

Three ortho-, meta-, and para-linked polymers derived from 9,9-dioctylfluorene (FO) and dimethoxyl-biphenyl (DMBP) were designed and synthesized via catalyst-transfer Suzuki coupling polymerization with palladium(0) catalyst as initiator. Compared to PFO, the conjugated polymers of PFO-o-DMBP, PFO-m-DMBP, and PFO-p-DMBP displayed a significantly blued-shifted absorption and emission spectra with the

Transparent conductive materials (TCMs) with high p-type conductivity and broadband transparency have remained elusive for years. Despite decades of research, no p-type material has yet been found to match the performance of n-type TCMs. If developed, the high-performance p-type TCMs would lead to significant advances in a wide range of technologies, including thin-film transistors, transparent electronics

A new generation of anode interlayers (AILs) has been introduced in recent years for improving the efficiency and stability of organic solar cell (OSC) devices. Electrode interlayer modification is a simple and effective way of enhancing OSC device performance. We used poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as an AIL modifier to alter molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) and vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) AILs in OSC devices

A photovoltaic (PV) panel operating in partial shading condition results in lowering its power efficiency. In a worst-case scenario, it can create a hotspot that can eventually cause a fire hazard. To address this issue, bypass diodes are connected across a group of PV cells having series-parallel (SP) configuration. Owing to the placement bypass diodes in the PV panel, it can circumvent unshaded PV