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Tailoring the efficiency of 3 D wire‐shaped photovoltaic cells ( WPVC s) by functionalization of solid–liquid interfacial properties (Phys. Status Solidi A 12∕2013)
Author(s) -
Yan Jin,
Uddin M. Jasim,
Dickens Tarik J.,
Daramola Deborah E.,
Olawale David,
Okoli Okenwa I.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
physica status solidi (a)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.532
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1862-6319
pISSN - 1862-6300
DOI - 10.1002/pssa.201370075
Subject(s) - flexibility (engineering) , materials science , electrolyte , photovoltaic system , nanotechnology , electrode , auxiliary electrode , surface modification , optoelectronics , energy conversion efficiency , electron , carbon nanotube , engineering physics , electrical engineering , mechanical engineering , chemistry , engineering , physics , statistics , mathematics , quantum mechanics
In the study by Jin Yan et al. (pp. 2535–2541 ), a novel three‐dimensional (3D) wire‐shaped photovoltaic cell (WPVC) is demonstrated. Carbon Nanotube Yarns (CNYs) are used to replace the metal‐based counter electrode. The CNYs have outstanding functions on enriching the WPVCs, which can provide excellent interfacial and electrocatalytic properties. The counter electrode plays a key role in receiving electrons from the outer circuit and reducing the electrolyte redox mediator (I - /I 3 - ). However, pure CNYs are proved to have a catalytic effect on the couple I - /I 3 - . Therefore, it is worth noting that, instead of Pt wires, Pt‐coated CNYs can help cells maintain good flexibility and long lifetime when meeting the practical application. The WPVC shows an outstanding operational flexibility with efficient photovoltaic properties (e.g. fill factor above 0.8). These WPVCs are stable under different working environment. By using the 3D energy harvesting capability, the WPVCs provide up to 0.5830% energy conversion efficiency. Furthermore, according to their stabilities under various working environments, WPVCs have capabilities for future engineering application.