Concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems require less area of the solar cell while achieving a high efficiency. One of the development factors in the CPV includes the irradiance uniformity over the solar cell. To overcome this issue, a parabolic trough-based optical design is proposed using two nonimaging secondary reflectors: reflective grooves and compound parabolic concentrator (CPC). The reflective

In our work, UV-response with a small visible light absorption TiO2 nanoparticles were supported on lamellar La2NiO4 perovskite to build a type I heterojunction for efficient hydrogen production under visible light. It was found that, with the increase of La2NiO4 contents, the hydrogen production rates gradually increased and amounted to the highest value when the mass fraction of La2NiO4 was 8 wt

The pattern of the front electrode and the solar cell size has a significant influence on the performance of solar cells. In order to improve the conversion efficiency of solar cells, we present a combined finite-element-genetic algorithm (GA) method for designing the front electrode and solar cell size. In the proposed method, a solar cell is considered to consist of many small unit cells, and these

The gallium content-dependent theoretical limit of the efficiencies of Cu ( In , Ga ) Se2 solar cells were studied using a MATLAB model developed based on the Shockley–Queisser detailed balance. The developed model included the temperature dependence of the bandgap according to the gallium content. The original Shockley–Queisser detailed-balance and the developed model at the ASTM G173-03 AM1.5G solar

The optical absorption and heat transfer properties of fluid can be improved by suspending nanoparticles in a base fluid. Due to the strong photothermal effect around nanoparticles, water around the particles evaporates when exposed to light. Therefore, nanofluids can be used as the working fluid of solar evaporation devices. The evaporation heat transfer model of the Ag nanofluid is established. The

We propose structures that are colored with photoluminescence materials for radiative cooling applications. Using simulations, we show that implementing photoluminescence materials provides color to the structures by shifting electromagnetic energy between spectrums. Resulting additional solar energy absorption due to coloration is lower with photoluminescence compared to the traditional materials

Reducing the surface optical loss and broadening the spectral response range can improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the tandem solar cell (TSC). In this study, SiO2 / MgF2 / SiO2 / MgF2 four antireflective coatings (ARCs) on top of perovskite/silicon TSC were designed, and the influence of each layer on the TSC performance was simulated and analyzed. The results indicate that the four

To reduce costs, the solar cell industry aims at producing thinner solar cells. Structuring the surfaces of optically thin devices is important for avoiding transmission-related losses and, hence, increasing their efficiency. Light trapping leads to longer optical pathlengths and increased absorption of energy. In addition, resonances in the nanostructures enhance the absorption in the energy-converting

Guest editors Aaswath Raman, Xiaobo Yin, and Peter Bermel introduce the Special Series on Radiative Cooling.

Conventional photovoltaic (PV) modules (exclude interdigitated back contact modules) with silicon or gallium arsenide PV cells often have significant inactive module surface area. This results from wafer cutting techniques and metal contacts that reduce the module’s collection area and the resultant power conversion efficiency. A holographic light collector (HLC) combining a low-cost holographic optical

Editor in Chief Sean Shaheen presents a revised list of interest areas within the Scope of the Journal of Photonics for Energy.

Solar-driven CO2 reduction to solar fuel is an effective way to deal with the greenhouse effect and energy crisis. A one-step hydrothermal method was used to synthesize Bi4Ti3O12 / SrTiO3 composite photocatalysts. The heterogeneous structure formed by intimate contact was observed between SrTiO3 (STO) nanoparticles and Bi4Ti3O12 (BTO) nanoplates, achieving an enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction yield

Passive radiative cooling provides an energy-saving method for heat management in buildings. Solar reflective paints are versatile and scalable formats that can be readily applied for this cooling technology. We investigate solar reflective paints consisting of hollow silica (SiO2) and hollow titanium dioxide (TiO2) microparticles as pigments and methyltrimethoxysilane as a binder. The hollow microparticles

Semi-transparent luminescent solar concentrators window panels based on methylammonium lead bromide perovskite coatings are fabricated. It is shown that spraying as a large-scale fabrication technique delivers samples with comparable characteristics with those prepared by the physical vapor deposition or spin-coating methods. Three mirrorless, mirrored, and gaped-mirror configurations are designed

Radiative cooling as a spontaneous cooling phenomenon without any energy input has great research value and broad application prospects. However, environmental shields around the thermal emitter have a negative impact on the radiative cooling power of thermal emitters. A PTFE-Al was used as the radiative cooling thermal emitter, and the radiative cooling performances with different unilateral shielding

Ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF) imaging is a widely used technique to analyze encapsulant discoloration, which is one of the prominent degradation modes in photovoltaic (PV) modules. Conventionally, UVF is done during nighttime or in a dark room, but performing UVF imaging during nighttime causes several inconveniences including safety due to snakes and other animals and inconvenient scheduling issues

Structured surfaces are used to reduce reflection and enhance light-trapping in silicon solar cells. In this simulation study, we investigated the relationship between the refractive index of front-side coupling structures on top of planar wafer-based crystalline silicon solar cells and the light-trapping performance of the structures. A crossed diffraction grating with a period of 1 μm and random

Optical absorption of rectangular a-Si/c-Si solar cells is investigated. Each nanowire consists of a thin layer of a-Si, which surrounded by c-Si layers. The proposed structure has a very simple geometry compared with other nanowire solar cells, while its absorption rate is comparable to very complex structures. Periodic, semiperiodic, and multiple rectangular nanowires are used to achieve broadband

JPE Editor in Chief Sean Shaheen outlines a vision for the journal.

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

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

Abstract. 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

Abstract. 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

Abstract. 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

Abstract. 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

Abstract. 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

Abstract. 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

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

Abstract. 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

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

Abstract. 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

Abstract. 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

Abstract. 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

Abstract. 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

Abstract. We reduce the problem of asymmetrical distribution of carriers (electrons and holes) by engineering the last barrier and electron blocking layer (EBL) of green indium gallium nitride (InGaN)-based multiquantum well light-emitting diodes. We employ stair-engineered EBL with a graded InGaN last quantum barrier to enhance the device performance. The efficiency droop ratio of the proposed device

Abstract. We investigate the role of luminescence effects on the analysis of solar cell properties. InGaP/GaAs tandem solar cells fabricated using hydride vapor phase epitaxy have a luminescent coupling (LC) efficiency of 0.6% from the top to the bottom subcell. We investigate the impact of LC on subcell current–voltage curve analysis using electroluminescence (EL) measurements. EL efficiency measurements

Abstract. Traditional Cu ( InGa ) Se2 (CIGS) solar cells consist of an Mo bottom contact, p-type CIGS absorber layer, n-type CdS buffer layer, and ZnO window layer including a very thin intrinsic ZnO layer topped with an Al-doped ZnO transparent conducting oxide layer that was simulated by an Silvaco technology computer aided design simulator. The thickness of the layers and other parameters were limited

Abstract. An indium arsenide photovoltaic cell with gold front contacts is designed for use in a near-field thermophotovoltaic (NF-TPV) device consisting of millimeter-size surfaces separated by a nanosize vacuum gap. The device operates with a doped silicon radiator maintained at a temperature of 800 K. The architecture of the photovoltaic cell, including the emitter and base thicknesses, the doping

Abstract. We present measured optical absorptivity, emissivity, and maximum solar-heated temperatures for micropatterned molybdenum. The molybdenum samples were fabricated using laser micromachining and characterized using an integrating sphere and an infrared microscope. In-air solar simulator-heated temperature results for the molybdenum samples with different microstructures are presented, and COMSOL

Abstract. Cadmium selenide (n-CdSe) thin films were grown on a silicon substrate with a polished surface and applied to the Schottky type device structure. The n-CdSe thin films produced depended on various deposition times at 70°C by the use of the chemical bath deposition technique. XRD results show that the fabricated thin films consist of both cubic and hexagonal crystal systems. The morphology

Abstract. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have been studied for decades as an alternative to conventional lens-based optical concentrators for improving the performance and lowering the cost of high-efficiency photovoltaic solar converters. However, the Stokes shift from luminophores that comprise the LSC entails that the strategy cannot achieve the well-known Shockley–Queisser conversion efficiency

Abstract. Efficient electron transport layers (ETLs) play a pivotal role in the performance of solar cells. In recent years, Indium sulfide (In2S3) has been studied as a promising ETL in CuInGaS(e)2, Cu2ZnSnS(e)4, and perovskite solar cells. Despite several studies on spray-deposited In2S3, there is no complete experimental investigation on In2S3 thin films. The effect of the molar ratio of S/In and

Abstract. Perovskite-based solar cells (PSCs) have opened the possibility of cost-effective, high-efficiency photovoltaic conversion. However, their instabilities prevent them from commercialization. One of the instability triggers has been attributed to the mobile ions flowing into the carrier transport layer(s). To study the effect of this ionic migration, a numerical PSC model is developed, considering

Abstract. Numerical simulations based on solving the Maxwell equations provide a robust and efficient approach to obtaining optical properties of plasmonic metal nanoparticles (NPs), but they have high computational costs when considering the real conditions of incorporated NPs such as random distribution and nonuniform size. Therefore, an effective medium theory, taking into account light scattering

Abstract. Guest editors provide an introduction to the special section on Advanced Materials and Devices for Solar Driven Liquid Fuel and Hydrogen Production.

Abstract. To develop a photo-Fenton catalyst that works under mild conditions, we report the fabrication of Fe2O3 / g-C3N4 composite via a simple two-step calcination process for the degradation of phenol under room temperature, neutral solution, and simulated sunlight. The photo-Fenton catalytic degradation constant of the Fe2O3 / g-C3N4 composite is 7.07 and 7.62 times that of Fe2O3 and g-C3N4, respectively

Abstract. A low-temperature solution process technique is employed to develop an inorganic cesium carbonate (Cs2CO3) as an electron transport material for inorganic–organic hybrid double cation (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 perovskite solar cells, as an alternative to the conventional thick and meso-TiO2. A device structure of compact-TiO2/Cs2CO3 (0.2 wt. %)/perovskite/spiro-OMETAD leads to enhanced performance

Abstract. The study of magnetophotonic crystals is usually based on its reflection and transmission of light waves, but its absorption properties are rarely studied. Considering the current high absorptivity of one-way absorbers has one absorption peak, and the optical constants of magnetophotonic crystals are all ideal approximation, we introduce the practical optical constants of silicon carbide

Abstract. Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) precursor was successfully synthesized, which was supported by one-dimensional (1-D) cobalt alginate fibers. After the pyrolysis at 900°C under N2 atmosphere, the composites were converted to 1-D carbon-fiber-coated Co@N-doped porous carbon (CoNC-CF-900), acting as efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. We investigated the effect

Abstract. Increasing oil spill accidents and oil industrial wastewater have led to the frequent occurrence of oily contaminants. To remedy these environmental risks, separating oil/water mixtures by absorbent materials has shown great potential. However, viscous oils are difficult to clean up with conventional materials because of their high viscosity with respect to practical applications. A photothermal

Abstract. A hydrothermal method was used to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) with different exposure faces. Only when the ratio of OH − / Zn2 + is 2/1, ZnO with different morphologies and exposure faces can be obtained by controlling the amount of the polyvinylpyrrolidone as a capping agent. Five samples with representative morphology and wurtzite crystal structure were selected from 28 different synthesis

Abstract. 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

Abstract. A series of ZnO/CdS photoelectrodes with three-dimensional (3-D) structure were synthesized by two-step hydrothermal method. The photoelectrodes were characterized by x-ray diffraction, UV–vis absorption spectrum, and field emission scanning electron microscope. The results confirmed that all samples have similar hierarchical structure composed of CdS sheets and ZnO nanorod. In particular

Abstract. 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

Abstract. 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