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Chemical Properties of Photoelectric Materials

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 4036

Special Issue Editor

School of Materials and Energy, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
Interests: organic solar cells; perovskite solar cells; polyimide; flexible electronics; photodetector
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Solution-processed organic solar cells have emerged as a promising energy technology alternative owing to the great potential in the fabrication of low-cost, light-weight, large-area. Thanks to the rapid development of nonfullerene acceptors, the power conversion efficiency of state-of-the-art organic solar cells has surpassed 18% when using Y6 derivatives as the electron acceptors, indicating the bright future of the practical applications of solution-processed organic solar cells.

This Special Issue aims to cover recent progress and trends of materials in the field of organic solar cells. We seek full research articles, short communications, and reviews related, but not limited, to the topics listed below:

  1. The utilization of novel organic solar cells for light harvesting and energy conversion
  2. Design of electron donors
  3. Design of electron acceptors
  4. Design of interface materials for charge transport
  5. Multicomponent solar cell 
  6. Tandem solar cell
  7. Photovoltaic module

Dr. Liangang Xiao
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • organic solar cells
  • electron donors
  • electron acceptors
  • multicomponent solar cell
  • tandem solar cell
  • photovoltaic module

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 4274 KiB  
Communication
Accessible New Non-Quantum Dot Cs2PbI2Cl2-Based Photocatalysts for Efficient Hole-Driven Photocatalytic Applications
by Xing Huang, Kuanxin Lv, Wenqiang Zhu, Zhenzhen Li and Hang Zhao
Molecules 2024, 29(14), 3249; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143249 - 9 Jul 2024
Viewed by 866
Abstract
Efficient, low-cost photocatalysts with mild synthesis conditions and stable photocatalytic behavior have always been the focus in the field of photocatalysis. This study proves that non-quantum-dot Cs2PbI2Cl2-based materials, created by a simple method, can be successfully employed [...] Read more.
Efficient, low-cost photocatalysts with mild synthesis conditions and stable photocatalytic behavior have always been the focus in the field of photocatalysis. This study proves that non-quantum-dot Cs2PbI2Cl2-based materials, created by a simple method, can be successfully employed as new high-efficient photocatalysts. The results demonstrate that two-dimensional Cs2PbI2Cl2 perovskite can achieve over three times higher photocatalytic performance compared to three-dimensional CsPbBr3 perovskite. Moreover, the photocatalytic performance of Cs2PbI2Cl2 can be further improved by constructing a heterojunction structure, such as Cs2PbI2Cl2/CsPbBr3. Cs2PbI2Cl2 can connect well with CsPbBr3 through a simple method, resulting in tight bonding at the interface and efficient carrier transfer. Cs2PbI2Cl2/CsPbBr3 exhibits notable 5-fold and 10-fold improvements in photocatalytic performance and rate compared to CsPbBr3. Additionally, Cs2PbI2Cl2/CsPbBr3 demonstrates superb stable catalytic performance, with nearly no decrease in photocatalytic performance after 7 months (RH = 20% ± 10, T = 25 °C ± 5). This study also reveals that the photocatalytic process based on Cs2PbI2Cl2/CsPbBr3 can directly oxidize organic matter using holes, without relying on the generation of intermediate reactive oxygen species from water or oxygen (such as ·OH or ·O2), showcasing further potential for achieving high photocatalytic efficiency and selectivity in anhydrous/anaerobic catalytic reactions and treating recalcitrant pollutants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Properties of Photoelectric Materials)
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11 pages, 2511 KiB  
Article
Layer-by-Layer-Processed All-Polymer Solar Cells with Enhanced Performance Enabled by Regulating the Microstructure of Upper Layer
by Yixuan Wu, Peng Li, Shiqi Yu, Yonggang Min and Liangang Xiao
Molecules 2024, 29(12), 2879; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29122879 - 17 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 830
Abstract
The layer-by-layer (LBL) fabrication method allows for controlled microstructure morphology and vertical component distribution, and also offers a reproducible and efficient technique for fabricating large-scale organic solar cells (OSCs). In this study, the polymers D18 and PYIT-OD are employed to fabricate all-polymer solar [...] Read more.
The layer-by-layer (LBL) fabrication method allows for controlled microstructure morphology and vertical component distribution, and also offers a reproducible and efficient technique for fabricating large-scale organic solar cells (OSCs). In this study, the polymers D18 and PYIT-OD are employed to fabricate all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs) using the LBL method. Morphological studies reveal that the use of additives optimizes the microstructure of the active layer, enhancing the cells’ crystallinity and charge transport capability. The optimized device with 2% CN additive significantly reduces bimolecular recombination and trap-assisted recombination. All-PSCs fabricated by the LBL method based on D18/PYIT-OD deliver a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.07%. Our study demonstrates the great potential of additive engineering via the LBL fabrication method in regulating the microstructure of active layers, suppressing charge recombination, and enhancing the photovoltaic performance of devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Properties of Photoelectric Materials)
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18 pages, 4400 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Study and Analysis of CsSnX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) All-Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells with Different X-Site Elements
by Shiyu Yuan, Zhenzhen Li, Yitong Wang and Hang Zhao
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2599; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112599 - 31 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 881
Abstract
In this research, SCAPS-1D simulation software (Version: 3.3.10) was employed to enhance the efficiency of CsSnX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) all-inorganic perovskite solar cells. By fine-tuning essential parameters like the work function of the conductive glass, the back contact point, defect [...] Read more.
In this research, SCAPS-1D simulation software (Version: 3.3.10) was employed to enhance the efficiency of CsSnX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) all-inorganic perovskite solar cells. By fine-tuning essential parameters like the work function of the conductive glass, the back contact point, defect density, and the thickness of the light absorption layer, we effectively simulated the optimal performance of CsSnX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) all-inorganic perovskite solar cells under identical conditions. The effects of different X-site elements on the overall performance of the device were also explored. The theoretical photoelectric conversion efficiency of the device gradually increases with the successive substitution of halogen elements (Cl, Br, I), reaching 6.09%, 17.02%, and 26.74%, respectively. This trend is primarily attributed to the increasing size of the halogen atoms, which leads to better light absorption and charge transport properties, with iodine (I) yielding the highest theoretical conversion efficiency. These findings suggest that optimizing the halogen element in CsSnX3 can significantly enhance device performance, providing valuable theoretical guidance for the development of high-efficiency all-inorganic perovskite solar cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Properties of Photoelectric Materials)
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Review

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18 pages, 4026 KiB  
Review
Innovative Approaches to Large-Area Perovskite Solar Cell Fabrication Using Slit Coating
by Yitong Wang, Zetong Cheng, Junguo Li, Kuanxin Lv, Zhenzhen Li and Hang Zhao
Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4976; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204976 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1034
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are gaining prominence in the photovoltaic industry due to their exceptional photoelectric performance and low manufacturing costs, achieving a significant power conversion efficiency of 26.4%, which closely rivals that of silicon solar cells. Despite substantial advancements, the effective area [...] Read more.
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are gaining prominence in the photovoltaic industry due to their exceptional photoelectric performance and low manufacturing costs, achieving a significant power conversion efficiency of 26.4%, which closely rivals that of silicon solar cells. Despite substantial advancements, the effective area of high-efficiency PSCs is typically limited to about 0.1 cm2 in laboratory settings, with efficiency decreasing as the area increases. The limitation poses a major obstacle to commercialization, as large-area, high-quality perovskite films are crucial for commercial applications. This paper reviews current techniques for producing large-area perovskites, focusing on slot-die coating, a method that has attracted attention for its revolutionary potential in PSC manufacturing. Slot-die coating allows for precise control over film thickness and is compatible with roll-to-roll systems, making it suitable for large-scale applications. The paper systematically outlines the characteristics of slot-die coating, along with its advantages and disadvantages in commercial applications, suggests corresponding optimization strategies, and discusses future development directions to enhance the scalability and efficiency of PSCs, paving the way for broader commercial deployment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Properties of Photoelectric Materials)
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