Search Results (792)

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly become a hot area of research in the photovoltaic field due to their (e.g., 26.2%), ease of fabrication, and low cost. Over the last decade the electron transport layer (ETL) has been one of the most critical elements in achieving high-performing solar cells, necessitating a higher electron mobility and superior charge extraction ability. Consequently, there is a significant demand for an improved ETL that is not only cost-effective but also exhibits high charge extraction and mobility, particularly in the context of planar solar cell architecture. Tin Oxide (SnO₂) has emerged as one of the most promising high-performance inorganic ETLs suitable for PSCs. In this work, we synthesize solution-processed SnO₂. The spin-coated SnO₂ thin films undergo annealing at relatively low temperatures ranging from 130 °C to 180 °C and various characterization tools are employed for the evaluation of thin films. Full article

This research delves into asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) design, utilizing activated carbon from bamboo poles (AC) and electrodeposited polyaniline (PANI) on nickel foam (NF) as key active components. The composite electrode formed from AC and PANI exhibited enhanced electrochemical attributes in various electrochemical configurations. The specified ASC, PANI@AC/NF//AC/NF, demonstrated a potential of 1.8 V. Impressively, it reached an areal capacitance measuring 423 mF/cm², coupled with an energy density of 190 µWh/cm² at a power density of 900 µW/cm², and maintained ~82% capacitance after 5000 GCD cycles. Notably, our developed ASC presents outstanding research potential for scholars and scientists. Full article

The Rompas–Prajapat (Au-Co) and Sakatti (Ni-Cu-PGE) mineral deposits are among the only important discoveries of the last few decades in Finland. Both are partially located in Natura 2000 areas, which are among the most sensitive land use contexts in which mining and mineral disputes have emerged in Finland. Consequently, the project holders apply low-impact mineral exploration technologies and practice active stakeholder engagement and communication. In fact, projects seem to be mostly favored by local populations. However, because of their association with protected areas (and uranium in the case of Rompas), projects are opposed by non-governmental organizations, as well as by reindeer herders in the case of Sakatti. Project holders perform feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments. Mining licenses are applied under a new Finnish mining act and the European Union’s Raw Materials acts. Full article

The present work is on the synthesis and investigation of the structural, optical, and optoelectrical properties of NbSe₂ as an efficient material for energy conversion applications. The liquid phase exfoliation method was employed for the synthesis of 2D nanosheets from the bulk NbSe₂ at different exfoliation levels. SEM was used to confirm the physical dimensions of the nanosheets, while XRD was used to verify the structural retention of hexagonal nanosheets. The results demonstrate that high-quality, single-crystalline NbSe₂ nanosheets with a size of ≈1 μm in the lateral dimension and ≈6–12 nm thick were obtained. The 2D nanosheets will be further explored for energy storage and conversion applications. Full article

Rare earth elements (REEs) have emerged as strategic elements. Due to their unique electronic and magnetic properties, REEs have extensive applications in modern-day technologies. Two aspects make the supply chain of REEs very critical: first, more than ~85% of the global rare earth elements are processed by China alone; second, presently, hardly any substitute materials exist for these elements. The supply chain of these elements is vulnerable because of the Chinese monopoly on rare earth resources. These circumstances drove researchers to explore alternative resources for these elements. This article reviews the prospective alternative resources of REEs. Based on the available resources and technical experience, a road map has also been suggested. Full article

Lignin, a paper and pulp industry waste product, has attracted significant attention in recent years as a promising sustainable material for high-end energy applications. Herein, we examine lignin as a potential material for ionic thermoelectric hydrogels and carbon-based materials. Optimized lignin-derived hydrogels demonstrate a remarkable Seebeck coefficient of 3.63 mV/K when subjected to an axial temperature gradient. Furthermore, synthesized lignin-based porous carbon materials exhibit exceptional performance as supercapacitor electrodes, with a superior specific capacitance of 56.3 F/g at 0.5 A/g. Lignin-based hydrogels and porous carbon electrodes offer a promising path towards the development of lignin-derived ionic thermoelectric supercapacitors. Full article

The present study was conducted to develop highly ordered facile TiO₂ nanotubes (TiNTs) at two different applied voltages using two-step electrochemical anodization for the application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The nanotube fabrication is carried out in an aqueous electrolyte containing ethylene glycol and ammonium fluoride at 40 V and 60 V fixed applied potentials. Nanotubes synthesized at 40 V are comparatively uniform and smoother, whereas a rough top surface is observed at 60 V. The photovoltaic efficiency achieved for the device based on TiNTs prepared at 40 V is 0.84% which is higher than the efficiency achieved for the 60 V device. This work highlights the importance of ordered nanotubes for efficient devices. Full article

A sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, cow dung is a renewable energy source that might considerably lower carbon emissions. By modifying its characteristics, such as its gross calorific value (GCV), it could be utilized as a flexible and effective fuel for both industrial and domestic use. To create a fuel composite with a higher heating value, this research examines the heating values and proximate analysis of local cow dung as well as the effects of blending it with agricultural waste. To provide the best heating value, the technique comprises infusing prepared agricultural biomass blends and cow dung at particular ratios. The composite’s quality was enhanced by increasing GCV from 3066 Kcal/kg to 3600 Kcal/kg, increasing volatile matter content, i.e., from 60% to 68%, as well as lowering the ash content of the resultant pellet from 19% to 11%, on average. Full article

This study presents a solar-powered parabolic dish desalination system with a solar tracking system and conical receiver. It efficiently transforms solar radiation into heat and evaporates saltwater, producing fresh water. The system is sustainable and affordable, making it a viable solution for water desalination in areas with limited access to fresh water. It achieves a high conversion rate from saltwater to fresh water, while consuming minimal energy. The results indicate that the system effectively utilizes solar energy, exhibiting high efficiency levels ranging from 78.56% to 82.77%, with an average efficiency of 80.79%. This system offers an effective solution to meet the growing demand for fresh water in water-scarce regions. Full article

Nuclear power plays a significant role in fulfilling the energy needs of Pakistan and its share in the total energy mix has increased from 4.7% to 8.8% in the past seven years. As per the Pakistan energy outlook report (2021–2030), this share is hypothesized to increase to 10.82% by the year 2030, which will alleviate the energy shortage problem and, at same time, reduce carbon emissions. Like all thermal power plants, it is also necessary for nuclear plants to operate at optimum efficiency. This study is based on the thermodynamic analysis of the conventional side of an advanced HPR-1000 (PWR) nuclear power plant. In this paper, a comparison of indigenously developed model results is made, with vendor-provided sea water temperatures and power curves for year-long sea water temperature variation. Firstly, a computational model is developed using Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software to evaluate the performance of the secondary side of the plant and is validated based on the designer-provided heat balance analysis for full power mode. Then, the condenser heat balance is performed for different cooling medium inlet temperatures and terminal temperature differences to study the relationship of condenser performance, thermal efficiency, and output power. Initial results reveal that sea water temperature varies at the condenser inlet from 5 to 35 °C, the power output of the unit decreases by 54 MW, and the thermodynamic efficiency drops by 1.79%. Thus, this paper highlights the impact of sea water temperature on plant performance and the need to devise more effective techniques to approach the plant’s optimum efficiency. Full article

Herein, two commercially available spiral-wound nanofiltration (NF) and reverse-osmosis (RO) membrane elements were tested for aqueous ammonium nitrate salt separation. The effect of feed concentration and salt rejection as a function of transmembrane pressure were evaluated. NF and RO membranes exhibited 60% and 92% ammonium nitrate salt rejection, respectively, upon the initial feed concentration of 0.1 wt% at a seven-bar operating pressure. High ammonium nitrate salt rejection by the RO membrane was owing to its relatively small pore size compared to the NF membrane. It was found experimentally that the commercially available RO and NF membrane elements can be used for ammonium nitrate salt rejections from industrial effluents at ambient conditions. Full article

All inorganic perovskite colloidal nano crystals are an emerging class of optoelectronic materials. However, their colloidal and structural stability during isolation and washing are major hurdles for their commercial application. Their intrinsic chemical instability and optical stability are directly related to the bonding nature of the nanocrystals’ surface and organic capping agents that passivate the surface of nanocrystals. We studied the surface ligand properties of CsPbBr3 prepared by the conventional hot injection method and their washing with varying polarity antisolvent. We observed changes in electrical and optical properties through experimental studies. The study was mainly done by optical and electronic measurements. We determined a facile nanocrystal washing protocol and observed a considerable improvement in the optoelectronic properties of the all-inorganic perovskite colloidal nanocrystals. Full article

Energy is the primary concern of the modern era and the requirement of energy is being increased day by day; energy resources are not sufficiently available for sustainable development. It is crucial to generate affordable and pollution-free sources of energy to meet this required demand. Walking is a common daily activity for humans; the kinetic energy from walking is converted into mechanical energy. Moreover, this energy is converted into electrical power using a rack-and-pinion mechanism which is simply a non-conventional method of producing electric current. In this research study, a simple and low-cost rack-and-pinion mechanism with a flywheel is introduced to enhance the performance and efficiency of energy conversion from kinetic energy to mechanical energy and subsequently into electrical energy. The results showed that the proposed footstep floor tile generated an average power of 3 watts for a 0.5 s duration with a peak load of 60 kg. The electrical energy produced per step was noted as 1.8 Joules. A percentage of 75% of the total potential energy theoretically accessible was transmitted by the energy-harvesting paver, and 50% of it was successfully converted into electricity. The generated energy is stored in a backup battery bank system and can be used to charge smart devices, providing a cost-effective and pollution-free solution. Full article

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have the potential to generate electricity under sunlight at a low cost. In this study, the influence of active layer thickness, defect density, temperature and the presence of reflective coating is studied for the structure ITO/PTAA/PBDB-T: ITIC-OE/PDINO/Ag, by applying PTAA as a hole transport layer (HTL), while the blend of PBDB-T: ITIC-OE is used as an active layer and PDINO is applied as electron transport layer (ETL), respectively. Solar capacitance simulator one-dimensional (SCAPS—1D) software is used to optimize different parameters, which affect the performance of OSCs. By introducing backside reflective coating, the efficiency increases by 2.5%. In the future, this study can be used for the power conversion efficiency (PCE) enhancement of OSCs. Full article