Atomic Structure, Electronic States and Relaxation Dynamics in Photovoltaic Materials and Interfaces from Photoemission-related Spectroscopies

Atomic Structure, Electronic States and Relaxation Dynamics in Photovoltaic Materials and Interfaces from Photoemission-related Spectroscopies
Author: Min-I. Lee
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2018
Genre:
ISBN:

The efficiency of the photovoltaic process depends on the electronic band structure of the active material and the charge carrier dynamics. In this thesis, we have studied how these issues are related to the atomic structure in materials for two different technologies of solar cells, namely silicon heterostructure solar cells, and hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells. In silicon heterostructure solar cells, we have analyzed the impact of defects on the electronic properties of amorphous silicon heterostructures (a-Si:H/a-SIC:H/c-Si) by core level and valence band spectroscopies. In particular, we have quantified the number of dangling bonds inside a-Si:H layer upon irradiation, we have identified the electronic states associated to them, and we have understood the transitions previously observed by photoluminescence. In perovskite solar cells, we have correlated the atomic structure, the electronic structure and the electronic dynamics for two- and three-dimensional hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites. We have used with this goal a whole panel of complementary techniques: X-ray diffraction, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, inverse photoemission spectroscopy, and time-resolved two-photon photoemission. In the two-dimensional perovskite (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4, the valence and conduction bands have been determined experimentally and compared to spectral function simulations. In the three-dimensional perovskite CH3NH3PbI3, we have again determined the band structure and simulated it. Very broad spectral features have been experimentally observed, which relax the optical transition conditions impacting in the solarcell efficiencies. In both experiments and calculations, we observe that the spectral weight follows a cubic periodicity while the system is structurally in the tetragonal phase. This apparent contradiction is explained by the band broadness, which hides the band folding of the tetragonal distortion. As for the relaxation dynamics, we have observed that the photoexcited carriers thermalize in a subpicosecond time scale through the coupling to organic cation vibrations. At longer timescales (10~100 picoseconds), the electron diffusion controls the dynamics. This dynamics is affected by the annealing-induced defects, which localize the photoexcited electrons for more than 300 picoseconds.

Electronic Characterisation of Earth‐Abundant Sulphides for Solar Photovoltaics

Electronic Characterisation of Earth‐Abundant Sulphides for Solar Photovoltaics
Author: Thomas James Whittles
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 388
Release: 2018-07-31
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319916653

This book examines the electronic structure of earth-abundant and environmentally friendly materials for use as absorber layers within photovoltaic cells. The corroboration between high-quality photoemission measurements and density of states calculations yields valuable insights into why these materials have demonstrated poor device efficiencies in the vast literature cited. The book shows how the materials’ underlying electronic structures affect their properties, and how the band positions make them unsuitable for use with established solar cell technologies. After explaining these poor efficiencies, the book offers alternative window layer materials to improve the use of these absorbers. The power of photoemission and interpretation of the data in terms of factors generally overlooked in the literature, such as the materials’ oxidation and phase impurity, is demonstrated. Representing a unique reference guide, the book will be of considerable interest and value to members of the photoemission community engaged in solar cell research, and to a wider materials science audience as well.

Photovoltaic and Photoactive Materials

Photovoltaic and Photoactive Materials
Author: Joseph M. Marshall
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 361
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9401006326

The primary objective of this NATO Advanced Study Institute (ASI) was to present an up-to-date overview of various current areas of interest in the field of photovoltaic and related photoactive materials. This is a wide-ranging subject area, of significant commercial and environmental interest, and involves major contributions from the disciplines of physics, chemistry, materials, electrical and instrumentation engineering, commercial realisation etc. Therefore, we sought to adopt an inter disciplinary approach, bringing together recognised experts in the various fields while retaining a level of treatment accessible to those active in specific individual areas of research and development. The lecture programme commenced with overviews of the present relevance and historical development of the subject area, plus an introduction to various underlying physical principles of importance to the materials and devices to be addressed in later lectures. Building upon this, the ASI then progressed to more detailed aspects of the subject area. We were also fortunately able to obtain a contribution from Thierry Langlois d'Estaintot of the European Commission Directorate, describing present and future EC support for activities in this field. In addition, poster sessions were held throughout the meeting, to allow participants to present and discuss their current activities. These were supported by what proved to be very effective feedback sessions (special thanks to Martin Stutzmann), prior to which groups of participants enthusiastically met (often in the bar) to identify and agree topics of common interest.

Spectroscopy of Complex Oxide Interfaces

Spectroscopy of Complex Oxide Interfaces
Author: Claudia Cancellieri
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 326
Release: 2018-04-09
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3319749897

This book summarizes the most recent and compelling experimental results for complex oxide interfaces. The results of this book were obtained with the cutting-edge photoemission technique at highest energy resolution. Due to their fascinating properties for new-generation electronic devices and the challenge of investigating buried regions, the book chiefly focuses on complex oxide interfaces. The crucial feature of exploring buried interfaces is the use of soft X-ray angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) operating on the energy range of a few hundred eV to increase the photoelectron mean free path, enabling the photons to penetrate through the top layers – in contrast to conventional ultraviolet (UV)-ARPES techniques. The results presented here, achieved by different research groups around the world, are summarized in a clearly structured way and discussed in comparison with other photoemission spectroscopy techniques and other oxide materials. They are complemented and supported by the most recent theoretical calculations as well as results of complementary experimental techniques including electron transport and inelastic resonant X-ray scattering.

Atomic-Scale Insights into Emergent Photovoltaic Absorbers

Atomic-Scale Insights into Emergent Photovoltaic Absorbers
Author: Alex Ganose
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 151
Release: 2020-08-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030557081

This book presents an original investigation into alternative photovoltaic absorbers. Solar power is a highly promising renewable energy solution; however, its success is hampered by the limited cost-effectiveness of current devices. The book assesses the photovoltaic performance of over 20 materials using state-of-the-art, first-principles methods. Adopting a computational approach, it investigates atomic-scale properties at a level of accuracy that is difficult to achieve using laboratory-based experimental techniques. Unlike many theoretical studies, it provides specific advice to those involved in experimental investigations. Further, it proposes directions for future research. This book advances the field of photovoltaics in three crucial ways: firstly, it identifies why one class of proposed materials cannot achieve high efficiency, while at the same time gaining insights that can be used to design future absorbers. Secondly, it shows that poor performance in the bismuth chalcohalides is not due to fundamental limitations, and can be overcome by finely controlling synthesis conditions. Lastly, it describes a range of new stable materials that are expected to show excellent photovoltaic performance.

Solar Energy Conversion

Solar Energy Conversion
Author: Piotr Piotrowiak
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
Total Pages: 397
Release: 2013-10-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1849735441

The importance of developing new, clean and renewable sources of energy will continue to grow in the foreseeable future and so will the need for the education of researchers in this field of research. The interest and challenges of the field continue to shift from simple homogeneous solutions to increasingly more complex heterogeneous systems and interfaces. Over the past decade there have been numerous theoretical and experimental breakthroughs many of which still exist only in the primary literature. The aim of this book is to gather in one volume the description of modern, sometimes exploratory, experimental and theoretical techniques applied to the dynamics of interfacial electron and electronic excitation transfer processes studied in the context of solar energy conversion. The intended treatment will be fundamental in nature and thus applicable to a broad range of hybrid photovoltaic and photocatalytic materials and interfaces. The book will focus on the dynamic aspects of the electron injection, exciton and carrier relaxation processes, as well as coherence effects, which continue to provide the impetus and the greatest challenge for the development of new methodologies.

Electron Dynamics in Nanomaterials for Photovoltaic Applications by Time-resolved Two-photon Photoemission

Electron Dynamics in Nanomaterials for Photovoltaic Applications by Time-resolved Two-photon Photoemission
Author: John Russell Tritsch
Publisher:
Total Pages: 212
Release: 2013
Genre:
ISBN:

The impetus of unsustainable consumption coupled with major environmental concerns has renewed our society's investment in new energy production methods. Solar energy is the poster child of clean, renewable energy. Its favorable environmental attributes have greatly enhanced demand resulting in a spur of development and innovation. Photovoltaics, which convert light directly into usable electrical energy, have the potential to transform future energy production. The benefit of direct conversion is nearly maintenance free operation enabling deployment directly within urban centers. The greatest challenge for photovoltaics is competing economically with current energy production methods. Lowering the cost of photovoltaics, specifically through increasing the conversion efficiency of the active absorbing layer, may enable the invisible hand to bypass bureaucracy. To accomplish the ultimate goal of increased efficiency and lowered cost, it is essential to develop new material systems that provide enhanced output or lowered cost with respect to current technologies. However, new materials require new understanding of the physical principles governing device operation. It is my hope that elucidating the dynamics and charge transfer mechanisms in novel photovoltaic material systems will lead to enhanced design principles and improved material selection. Presented is the investigation of electron dynamics in two materials systems that show great promise as active absorbers for photovoltaic applications: inorganic semiconductor quantum dots and organic semiconductors. Common to both materials is the strong Coulomb interaction due to quantum confinement in the former and the low dielectric constant in the latter. The perceived enhancement in Coulomb interaction in quantum dots is believed to result in efficient multiexciton generation (MEG), while discretization of electronic states is proposed to slow hot carrier cooling. Time-resolved two-photon photoemission (TR2PPE) is utilized to directly map out the hot electron cooling and multiplication dynamics in PbSe quantum dots. Hot electron cooling is found to proceed on ultrafast time scales (

Halide Perovskites

Halide Perovskites
Author: Tze-Chien Sum
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 312
Release: 2019-03-25
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 3527341110

Real insight from leading experts in the field into the causes of the unique photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells, describing the fundamentals of perovskite materials and device architectures. The authors cover materials research and development, device fabrication and engineering methodologies, as well as current knowledge extending beyond perovskite photovoltaics, such as the novel spin physics and multiferroic properties of this family of materials. Aimed at a better and clearer understanding of the latest developments in the hybrid perovskite field, this is a must-have for material scientists, chemists, physicists and engineers entering or already working in this booming field.

Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (HAXPES)

Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (HAXPES)
Author: Joseph Woicik
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 576
Release: 2015-12-26
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319240439

This book provides the first complete and up-to-date summary of the state of the art in HAXPES and motivates readers to harness its powerful capabilities in their own research. The chapters are written by experts. They include historical work, modern instrumentation, theory and applications. This book spans from physics to chemistry and materials science and engineering. In consideration of the rapid development of the technique, several chapters include highlights illustrating future opportunities as well.

Conical Intersections: Electronic Structure, Dynamics & Spectroscopy

Conical Intersections: Electronic Structure, Dynamics & Spectroscopy
Author: Wolfgang Domcke
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 857
Release: 2004-07-14
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9814483753

It is widely recognized nowadays that conical intersections of molecular potential-energy surfaces play a key mechanistic role in the spectroscopy of polyatomic molecules, photochemistry and chemical kinetics. This invaluable book presents a systematic exposition of the current state of knowledge about conical intersections, which has been elaborated in research papers scattered throughout the chemical physics literature.Section I of the book provides a comprehensive analysis of the electronic-structure aspects of conical intersections. Section II shows the importance of conical intersections in chemical reaction dynamics and gives an overview of the computational techniques employed to describe the dynamics at conical intersections. Finally, Section III deals with the role of conical intersections in the fields of molecular spectroscopy and laser control of chemical reaction dynamics.This book has been selected for coverage in:• CC / Physical, Chemical & Earth Sciences• Chemistry Citation Index(tm)• Index to Scientific Book Contents® (ISBC)