Materials for Solar Energy Conversion: Materials, Methods and Applications

Description

MATERIALS FOR SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION This book provides professionals and students with a resource on the basic principles and applications of solar energy materials and processes, as well as practicing engineers who want to understand how functional materials operate in solar energy conversion systems. The demand for energy is increasing daily, and the development of sustainable power generation is a critical issue. In order to overcome the energy demand, power generation through solar energy is booming. Many research works have attempted to enhance the efficiency of collection and storage of solar energy and, as a result, numerous advanced functional materials have been developed for enhancing the performance of solar cells. This book has compiled and broadly explores the latest developments of materials, methods, and applications of solar energy. The book is divided into 2 parts, in which the first part deals with solar cell fundamentals and emerging categories, and the latter part deals with materials, methods, and applications in order to fill the gap between existing technologies and practical requirements. The book presents detailed chapters including organic, inorganic, coating materials, and collectors. The use of modern computer simulation techniques, conversion and storage processes are effectively covered. Topics such as nanostructured solar cells, battery materials, etc. are included in this book as well. Audience The book is aimed at researchers in materials science, chemistry, physics, electrical and mechanical engineering working in the fields of nanotechnology, photovoltaic device technology, and solar energy. Cover Half-Title Page Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents Preface Part 1: Solar Cells - Fundamentals and Emerging Categories 1 Introduction to Solar Energy Conversion 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Forms of Energy 1.3 Solar Radiation 1.4 Heat Transfer Principles 1.4.1 Conduction 1.4.2 Convection 1.4.3 Radiation 1.5 Basic Laws of Radiation 1.5.1 Stefan-Boltzmann Law 1.5.2 Planck’s Law 1.5.3 Wien’s Displacement Law 1.6 Solar Energy Conversion 1.6.1 Sources of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy 1.6.2 Differentiate Between Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources 1.7 Photo-Thermal Conversion System 1.7.1 Flat Plate Collector 1.7.2 Evacuated Solar Collector 1.8 Thermal Applications 1.8.1 Solar Water Heating Systems 1.8.2 Steam Generation 1.9 Solar Drying 1.9.1 Natural Circulation Methods 1.9.2 Forced Circulation Systems 1.10 Photovoltaic Conversion 1.10.1 Photovoltaic Effect 1.10.2 Applications 1.11 Photovoltaic Thermal Systems 1.12 Conclusion References 2 Development of Solar Cells Abbreviations 2.1 Introduction 2.2 First-Generation PV Cells 2.2.1 Single-Crystalline PV Cells 2.3 Second-Generation Solar PV Technology 2.3.1 Amorphous Silicon PV Cell 2.3.2 Cadmium Telluride PV Cell 2.3.3 Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide PV Cells 2.4 Third-Generation PV Cells 2.4.1 Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide PV Cell 2.4.2 Dye Sensitized PV Cell 2.4.3 Organic PV Cell 2.4.4 Perovskite PV Solar Cells 2.4.5 Polymer Photovoltaic Cell 2.4.6 Quantum Dot Photovoltaic Cell 2.5 Conclusion References 3 Recycling of Solar Panels Abbreviations 3.1 Introduction 3.2 PV and Recycling Development Worldwide 3.2.1 Causes of Inability in Solar PV Panel 3.3 Current Recycling and Recovery Techniques 3.3.1 Methods for Recycling 3.3.2 Physical Separation 3.3.3 Thermal and Chemical-Based Treatment 3.4 Strategies for Recycling Processes 3.5 Approaches for Recycling of Solar Panel 3.5.1 Component Repair 3.5.2 Module Separation 3.5.3 Decomposition of Silicon and Precious Industrial Minerals From Modules 3.6 Global Surveys in PV Recycling Technology 3.7 Ecological and Economic Impacts 3.7.1 Evolutionary Factors 3.7.2 Socio-Economic Concerns 3.8 Conclusion References 4 Multi-Junction Solar Cells Abbreviation 4.1 Introduction 4.1.1 Theory of Multi-Junction Cells 4.2 Key Issues for Realizing the Efficiency of MJCs 4.2.1 Preference of Top Layer Materials and Enhancing the Quality 4.2.2 Low-Loss Tunneling Junction for Intercell Connection and Preventing Impurity Diffusion From Tunneling Junction 4.2.3 Lattice-Matching Between Cell Materials and Substrates 4.2.4 Effectiveness of Wide-Bandgap Back Surface Field (BSF) Layer 4.3 Structure of Multi-Junction Cell 4.3.1 Multi-Junction Cell With BSF Layer 4.3.2 Optimization of BSF Layers 4.4 Novel Materials for Multi-Junction Cells 4.5 Applications 4.6 Conclusions References 5 Perovskite Solar Cells 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Structure and Working 5.3 Fabrication of Simple Perovskite Solar Cell 5.4 Fabrication Methods 5.4.1 Spin Coating 5.4.2 Blade Coating 5.4.3 Slot-Die Coating 5.4.4 Inkjet Printing 5.4.5 Screen Printing 5.4.6 Electrodeposition 5.4.7 Vapor-Phase Deposition 5.5 Stability of Perovskite Solar Cell 5.6 Losses in Solar Cells 5.7 Conclusion References 6 Natural Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Abbreviations 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) 6.2.1 The Structure and Operation Principle 6.2.2 Performance Parameters of DSSCs 6.2.2.1 Open Circuit Voltage 6.2.2.2 Short Circuit Current 6.2.2.3 Fill Factor 6.2.2.4 Efficiency 6.3 Dye (Photosensitizer) 6.3.1 Natural Dyes 6.3.2 Plant Pigments 6.3.2.1 Anthocyanin 6.3.2.2 Chlorophylls 6.3.2.3 Betalain 6.3.2.4 Carotenoids 6.3.3 Photoconversion Efficiency of Natural Dyes Employed as Dye Sensitizers—Notable Studies 6.4 Conclusion References Part 2: Materials, Methods and Applications 7 Organic Materials and Their Processing Techniques 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Organic Materials 7.2.1 Organic Solar Cell 7.2.2 Challenges in Organic Solar Cells 7.2.3 Focus Area to Overcome the Challenges 7.2.4 Operation of Organic Solar Cells 7.2.5 Organic Solar Cell Device Architecture 7.3 Electrical Characteristics of OPVs 7.3.1 Open-Circuit Voltage 7.3.2 Short-Circuit Current 7.3.3 Maximum Power Point 7.3.4 Fill Factor 7.3.5 Power Conversion Efficiency 7.3.6 Quantum Efficiency 7.4 Potential Materials for OPV Applications 7.4.1 Electron-Donor Materials 7.4.2 Electron-Acceptor Materials 7.5 Conclusion References 8 Inorganic Materials and Their Processing Techniques 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Functional Inorganic Materials 8.3 Comprehensive Processing Strategy 8.4 Solid-Phase Processing 8.4.1 Ceramic Method 8.4.2 Microwave Technique 8.4.3 Combustion Synthesis 8.4.4 Mechanochemical Synthesis 8.4.5 Carbothermal Reduction 8.4.6 Friction Consolidation 8.4.7 3D Printing Technique 8.4.8 Nanolithography Technique 8.5 Solution-Phase Processing 8.5.1 Sol-Gel Process 8.5.2 Hydrothermal and Solvothermal Process 8.5.3 Sonochemical Synthesis 8.5.4 Surface Coating Technique 8.5.5 Spray Pyrolysis Technique 8.5.6 Electroplating and Electrodeposition Process 8.5.7 Liquid Printing Technique 8.5.8 Liquid-Phase Laser Ablation Technique 8.5.9 Electrospinning and Electrospraying Technique 8.6 Gas-Phase Processing 8.6.1 Physical Vapor Deposition Technique 8.6.2 Chemical Vapor Deposition Technique 8.6.3 Inert Gas Condensation Technique 8.6.4 Molecular Beam Epitaxy Technique 8.6.5 Gas-Phase Flame Spray Pyrolysis 8.7 Challenges in Nanomaterial Production and Processing 8.8 Conclusion and Perspectives References 9 2D Materials for Solar Cell Applications 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Fundamental Principles of Solar Cell 9.3 Fabrication Methods for the Generation of Solar Cell 9.3.1 Spin Coating 9.3.2 Spray Coating 9.3.3 Doctor Blading 9.3.4 Slot-Die Coating 9.3.5 Vacuum Deposition/Chemical Vapor Deposition 9.3.6 Screen Printing 9.4 Introduction to 2D Materials 9.4.1 Graphene 9.4.2 Boron Nitride 9.4.3 Molybdenum Disulfide 9.4.4 MXenes 9.4.5 Other 2D Materials 9.5 Solar Cell Application of 2D Materials 9.5.1 2D Materials for Organic Solar Cells 9.5.2 2D Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells 9.5.3 2D Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) 9.5.4 2D Materials for Other Solar Cell 9.6 Conclusions References 10 Nanostructured Materials and Their Processing Techniques 10.1 Introduction 10.2 The Need for Solar Energy 10.2.1 Solar Photovoltaic Cell 10.2.2 Solar Thermal Heating 10.3 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 10.4 Nanotechnology in Solar Energy 10.4.1 Nanomaterials 10.4.2 Properties of Nanomaterials 10.4.3 Nanofluids 10.5 The Outlook of Nanomaterials in the Performance of Solar Cells 10.6 Photovoltaic-Based Nanomaterials and Synthesis Techniques 10.6.1 Sol-Gel Method 10.6.2 Hydrothermal Method 10.6.3 Solvothermal Technique 10.6.4 Co-Precipitation Technique 10.6.5 Magnetron Sputtering 10.6.6 Spin Coating 10.6.7 Chemical Vapor Deposition Technique 10.7 Nanofluids in Solar Collectors 10.8 Nanofluids in Solar Stills 10.9 Conclusion References 11 Coating Materials, Methods, and Techniques 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Thin Film Deposition Techniques 11.2.1 Advantages of Thin Films 11.3 Anti-Reflection Thin Films 11.4 Methods of Thin Film Growth 11.4.1 Physical Vapor Deposition 11.4.2 Thermal Evaporation Process 11.4.3 Pulsed Laser Deposition 11.4.4 Sputter Deposition 11.4.5 Chemical Vapor Deposition 11.4.6 Plasma-Enhanced CVD Method 11.4.7 Electrochemical Deposition 11.4.8 Sol-Gel Thin Film Formation 11.5 Thin Film Characterization 11.5.1 X-ray Diffraction 11.5.2 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy 11.5.3 Thermogravimetry and Differential Thermal Analysis 11.5.4 UV-Visible Spectroscopy 11.5.5 Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope 11.5.6 High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope 11.5.7 Atomic Force Microscopy 11.5.8 Four-Probe Technique 11.6 Performance Analysis of ARC Coated Solar Cells 11.7 Conclusion References 12 Anti-Reflection Coating 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Anti-Reflection Coating 12.2.1 Types of Anti-Reflection Coating 12.2.2 Textured Coating 12.2.3 Anti-Reflection Coating With Self-Cleaning 12.3 Perspectives on ARC Materials 12.3.1 Silicon-Based Material 12.3.2 TiO2-Based Material 12.3.3 Carbon-Based Material 12.3.4 Gallium-Based Material 12.3.5 Polymer-Based Material 12.3.6 Organic-Based Material 12.4 Techniques for Coating ARC 12.4.1 Sol-Gel Technique 12.4.2 Physical Vapor Deposition 12.4.3 RF and DC Magnetron Sputtering Technique 12.4.4 Chemical Vapor Deposition 12.4.5 Electrospinning Technique 12.4.6 Spray Pyrolysis Technique 12.4.7 Lithography 12.4.8 Comparison of Coating Techniques 12.5 Literature Studies: Impact of ARC on Performance of Solar Cell 12.6 Conclusion References 13 Thermal Energy Storage and Its Applications 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Types of ES 13.2.1 Mechanical ES 13.2.1.1 Flywheel Storage 13.2.1.2 Pumped Water Storage 13.2.1.3 Compressed Air Storage 13.2.2 Electrochemical ES 13.2.3 Thermal Energy Storage 13.2.4 Advantages of TES 13.3 Methods of TES 13.3.1 Sensible Heat Storage 13.3.1.1 Properties of SHS Materials 13.3.2 Latent Heat Storage 13.3.2.1 Properties of LHS Materials or PCMs 13.3.2.2 Classification of PCMs 13.3.3 Thermochemical ES 13.4 Applications of TES 13.4.1 SHS Applications 13.4.1.1 Solar Pond 13.4.1.2 Solar Water Heating 13.4.1.3 Packed Rock Bed Storage 13.4.2 Latent Heat Storage Applications 13.4.2.1 Encapsulation of PCM 13.4.2.2 Solar Water Heater With LHS 13.4.2.3 TES for Building Application 13.4.2.4 Numerical Studies on TES 13.5 Conclusion References Index EULA