Review Articles MORE

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  Graphene synthesis, fabrication, characterization based on bottom-up and top-down approaches: An overview

  Abstract Full Text PDF This study presents an overview on graphene synthesis, fabrication and different characterization techniques utilized in the production. Since its discovery in 2004 by Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov several research articles have been published globally to this effect, owing to graphene’s extraordinary, and exclusive characteristics which include optical transparency, excellent thermal, and mechanical properties. The properties and applications of this two-dimensional carbon crystal composed of single-layered material have created new avenues for the development of high-performance future electronics and technologies in energy storage and conversion for the sustainable energy. However, despite its potential and current status globally the difficulty in the production of monolayer graphene sheet still persists. Therefore, this review highlighted two approaches in the synthesis of graphene, which are the top-down and bottom-up approaches and examined the advantages and failings of the methods involved. In addition, the prospects and failings of these methods are investigated, as they are essential in optimizing the production method of graphene vital for expanding the yield, and producing high-quality graphene.

  This study presents an overview on graphene synthesis, fabrication and different characterization techniques utilized in the production. Since its discovery in 2004 by Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov several research articles have been published globally to this effect, owing to graphene’s extraordinary, and exclusive characteristics which include optical transparency, excellent thermal, and mechanical properties. The properties and applications of this two-dimensional carbon crystal composed of single-layered material have created new avenues for the development of high-performance future electronics and technologies in energy storage and conversion for the sustainable energy. However, despite its potential and current status globally the difficulty in the production of monolayer graphene sheet still persists. Therefore, this review highlighted two approaches in the synthesis of graphene, which are the top-down and bottom-up approaches and examined the advantages and failings of the methods involved. In addition, the prospects and failings of these methods are investigated, as they are essential in optimizing the production method of graphene vital for expanding the yield, and producing high-quality graphene.
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  Characterization of interfaces: Lessons from the past for the future of perovskite solar cells

  Abstract Full Text PDF A photovoltaic technology historically goes through two major steps to evolve into a mature technology. The first step involves advances in materials and is usually accompanied by the rapid improvement of power conversion efficiency. The second step focuses on interfaces and is usually accompanied by significant stability improvement. As an emerging generation of photovoltaic technology, perovskite solar cells are transitioning to the second step of their development when a significant focus shifts toward interface studies and engineering. While various interface engineering strategies have been developed, interfacial characterization is crucial to show the effectiveness of interfacial modification. Here, we review the characterization techniques that have been utilized in studying interface properties in perovskite solar cells. We first summarize the main roles of interfaces in perovskite solar cells, and then we discuss some typical characterization methodologies for morphological, optical, and electrical studies of interfaces. Successful experiences and existing problems are analyzed when discussing some commonly used methods. We then analyze the challenges and provide an outlook for further development of interfacial characterizations. This review aims to evoke strengthened research devotion on novel and persuasive interfacial engineering.

  A photovoltaic technology historically goes through two major steps to evolve into a mature technology. The first step involves advances in materials and is usually accompanied by the rapid improvement of power conversion efficiency. The second step focuses on interfaces and is usually accompanied by significant stability improvement. As an emerging generation of photovoltaic technology, perovskite solar cells are transitioning to the second step of their development when a significant focus shifts toward interface studies and engineering. While various interface engineering strategies have been developed, interfacial characterization is crucial to show the effectiveness of interfacial modification. Here, we review the characterization techniques that have been utilized in studying interface properties in perovskite solar cells. We first summarize the main roles of interfaces in perovskite solar cells, and then we discuss some typical characterization methodologies for morphological, optical, and electrical studies of interfaces. Successful experiences and existing problems are analyzed when discussing some commonly used methods. We then analyze the challenges and provide an outlook for further development of interfacial characterizations. This review aims to evoke strengthened research devotion on novel and persuasive interfacial engineering.
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  In-situ/operando characterization techniques for organic semiconductors and devices

  Abstract Full Text PDF The increasing demands of multifunctional organic electronics require advanced organic semiconducting materials to be developed and significant improvements to be made to device performance. Thus, it is necessary to gain an in-depth understanding of the film growth process, electronic states, and dynamic structure-property relationship under realistic operation conditions, which can be obtained by in-situ/operando characterization techniques for organic devices. Here, the up-to-date developments in the in-situ/operando optical, scanning probe microscopy, and spectroscopy techniques that are employed for studies of film morphological evolution, crystal structures, semiconductor-electrolyte interface properties, and charge carrier dynamics are described and summarized. These advanced technologies leverage the traditional static characterizations into an in-situ and interactive manipulation of organic semiconducting films and devices without sacrificing the resolution, which facilitates the exploration of the intrinsic structure-property relationship of organic materials and the optimization of organic devices for advanced applications.

  The increasing demands of multifunctional organic electronics require advanced organic semiconducting materials to be developed and significant improvements to be made to device performance. Thus, it is necessary to gain an in-depth understanding of the film growth process, electronic states, and dynamic structure-property relationship under realistic operation conditions, which can be obtained by in-situ/operando characterization techniques for organic devices. Here, the up-to-date developments in the in-situ/operando optical, scanning probe microscopy, and spectroscopy techniques that are employed for studies of film morphological evolution, crystal structures, semiconductor-electrolyte interface properties, and charge carrier dynamics are described and summarized. These advanced technologies leverage the traditional static characterizations into an in-situ and interactive manipulation of organic semiconducting films and devices without sacrificing the resolution, which facilitates the exploration of the intrinsic structure-property relationship of organic materials and the optimization of organic devices for advanced applications.
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  In-situ monitoring of dynamic behavior of catalyst materials and reaction intermediates in semiconductor catalytic processes

  Abstract Full Text PDF Semiconductor photocatalysis, as a key part of solar energy utilization, has far-reaching implications for industrial, agricultural, and commercial development. Lack of understanding of the catalyst evolution and the reaction mechanism is a critical obstacle for designing efficient and stable photocatalysts. This review summarizes the recent progress of in-situ exploring the dynamic behavior of catalyst materials and reaction intermediates. Semiconductor photocatalytic processes and two major classes of in-situ techniques that include microscopic imaging and spectroscopic characterization are presented. Finally, problems and challenges in in-situ characterization are proposed, geared toward developing more advanced in-situ techniques and monitoring more accurate and realistic reaction processes, to guide designing advanced photocatalysts.

  Semiconductor photocatalysis, as a key part of solar energy utilization, has far-reaching implications for industrial, agricultural, and commercial development. Lack of understanding of the catalyst evolution and the reaction mechanism is a critical obstacle for designing efficient and stable photocatalysts. This review summarizes the recent progress of in-situ exploring the dynamic behavior of catalyst materials and reaction intermediates. Semiconductor photocatalytic processes and two major classes of in-situ techniques that include microscopic imaging and spectroscopic characterization are presented. Finally, problems and challenges in in-situ characterization are proposed, geared toward developing more advanced in-situ techniques and monitoring more accurate and realistic reaction processes, to guide designing advanced photocatalysts.