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Search results for: photocurrent
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The photocurrent quantum efficiency dependence on the applied voltage in organic solar cells
PublicationWe demonstrate that our recently reported model (Szmytkowski 2007 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 40 3352) of the photocurrent quantum efficiency in organic semiconductors explains the external quantum efficiency dependence on the electric field in organic solar cells. This effect can be explained by taking into account that the photogeneration of charge carriers occurs via the electron-hole pair dissociation and the space charge effects...
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Spectral dependences of photocurrent of the aluminium-nickel phthalocyanine-tetracene-aluminium heterojunction
PublicationAnalizowano charakterystyki spectralne fotoprądu płynącego przez heterozłącze tetracen-ftalocyjanina niklu. Obserwowany fotoprąd jest prądem dziurowym generowanym w trzech obszarach: w pobliżu obu elektrod Al i międzypowierzchni tetracen-ftalocyjanina niklu.
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Energetic density of states in copper phthalocyanine studied by modulated photocurrent method
PublicationPrzy pomocy metody modulowanych fotoprądów określono różniczkowy i całkowy rozkład stanów pułapkowych w naparowanej ftalocyjaninie miedzi w koplanarnej konfiguracji elektrod próbki.
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Modeling of Transient Photocurrent in Organic Semiconductors Incorporating the Annihilation of Excitons on Charge Carriers
PublicationThe role of the annihilation of excitons on charge carriers has been theoretically investigated in organic semiconductors. We have developed the numerical drift-diffusion model by incorporation terms which describe the annihilation process. The transient photocurrent has been calculated for different injection barrier heights, exciton mobilities, and annihilation rate constants. We have demonstrated that the annihilation has a...
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The influence of the thickness, recombination and space charge on the loss of photocurrent in organic semiconductors: an analytical model
PublicationWe propose an analytical model of the photocurrent efficiency dependence on the light intensity in organic semiconductors. The influence of the thickness of sample, space charge effects and recombination of charge on the loss of photocurrent has been considered. We demonstrate that the presented model is the enhancement of an analytical model reported recently by Rappaport et al (2005 J. Appl. Phys. 98 033714). The method to identify...
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Higher harmonics of the intensity modulated Photocurrent/Photovoltage spectroscopy response - a tool for studying photoelectrochemical nonlinearities
PublicationIn this work, a higher harmonic analysis (HHA) of the intensity modulated photocurrent/photovoltage (IMPS/IMVS) spectroscopy data is proposed as a potent tool for studying nonlinear phenomena in photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic systems. Analytical solutions of kinetic equations were constructed for cases of single and double resonance accounting for various sources of higher harmonics. These sources correspond to the physical...
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Exploring of electronic structure of nitrogen-modified TiO2 photocatalysts through photocurrent and surface photovoltage studies
PublicationPrzeprowadzono pomiary fotonapięcia powierzchniowego i fotoprądu w obecności różnych reduktorów celem otrzymania eksperymentalnego potwierdzenia położenia pasma walencyjnego w strukturze elektronowej tlenku tytanu(IV) modyfikowanego azotem. Zaobserwowano silne sprzężenie poziomów N 2p i O 2p, którego konsekwencją jest powstanie nowego pasma walencyjnego
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Singlet Exciton Diffusion in Vacuum-Evaporated Films of Amine-Based Materials as Studied by Photocurrent and Photoluminescence Quenching Methods
PublicationThe singlet exciton diffusion lengths are determined by the photoconductivity as well as the luminescence surface quenching technique, in vacuum‐evaporated layers of (4,4′,4″‐tris(N‐(3‐methylphenyl)‐N‐phenylylamino) triphenylamine) (m‐MTDATA), 4,4′,4″‐tris[2‐naphthyl(phenyl)amino] triphenylamine (2TNATA), and N,N′‐diphenyl‐N,N′‐bis(3‐methylphenyl)‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4,4′‐diamine (TPD) which are frequently used for fabrication of electroluminescent...
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Comparison of quenching mechanisms in Gd3Al5−xGaxO12:Ce3+ (x = 3 and 5) garnet phosphors by photocurrent excitation spectroscopy
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Unravelling the role of electron–hole pair spin in exciton dissociation in squaraine-based organic solar cells by magneto-photocurrent measurements
PublicationA high absorption coefficient and narrow absorption bands in squaraine (SQ) dyes have resulted in rapidly growing interest in them as a donor material in photovoltaic devices. The exciton dissociation process in organic systems proceeds via a multistep mechanism where the electron–hole pairs (charge transfer states) involved in the current generation process determine the recombination losses and subsequently limit the overall...
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Currents and photocurrents in organic materials determined by the interface phenomena
PublicationW pracy analizowany jest wpływ złącza materiał-elektroda na prądy i fotoprądy. W szczególności dyskutowane są mechanizmy iniekcji, fotogeneracji oraz transportu nośników ładunku. Rozważania teoretyczne uzupełniają wyniki badań doświadczalnych zarówno własne jak i literaturowe.
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Modulated photocurrents in amorphuous solids uner varius experimwntal conditions
PublicationPodobno przybliżone wzory opisujące modulowane fotoprądy mierzone w słaboprzewodzących próbkach o kanapkowym układzie elektrod. Pokazano wpływ zapełnienia pułapek, głębokości absorpcji światła i dyfuzji w próbce na teoretyczne przebiegi fotoprądów. Zamieszczono przykładowe krzywe fotoprądów, zmierzone w poli(N-winylokarbazolu) i otrzymane na ich podstawie energetyczne rozkłady gęstości pułapek dla dziur.
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Modulated photocurrents in a sandwich-cell structure: II. Influence of biasillumination intensity and carrier diffusion
PublicationPodano przybliżone wyrażenia opisujące modulowane fotoprądy (na podstawiemodelu wielokrotnego pułapkowania) w uwzględnieniem czynników wymienionych wtytule. Zbadano numerycznie ich wpływ na modulowane fotoprądy dla modelowychrozkładów pułapek. Otrzymano wzór - kryterium zaniedbania wpływu dyfuzji nafotoprądy.
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The luminescence study of Bi-doped Cs2AgInCl6 double perovskite.
Open Research DataHere, we report a halide precursor acid precipitation method to synthesize Cs2AgIn1−xBixCl6 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16, 0.32, 0.64, and 1) microcrystals. Cs2AgInCl6 and Bi derivative double perovskites show broadband white light emission via self-trapped excitons (STEs) and have achieved the highest internal quantum efficiency of up to 52.4% at...
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Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of inorganic-organic hybrid consisting of BiVO4 and PEDOT:PSS
PublicationThe PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)) was electrodeposited on a thin layer of bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4 ) prepared using the pulsed laser deposition technique onto FTO. The inorganic-organic junction was characterized by Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and sc anning electron microscopy. Chronoamperometry curves, recorded under simulated solar light illumination,...
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Photoconduction and magnetic field effect on photoconduction in hole-transporting star-burst amine (m-MTDATA) films
PublicationPhotoconduction and magnetic field effect on photoconduction have been investigated as a function of electric field strength, excitation light intensity and wavelength in vacuum evaporated films of m-MTDATA (4,4′,4″-tris(N-(3-methylphenyl)-N-phenylylamino) triphenylamine), the starburst amine commonly used as hole-transporting material in organic light-emitting diodes. The photocurrent is found to be generated by the singlet exciton...
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Synthesis and photoelectrochemical behaviour of hydrogenated titania nanotubes modified with conducting polymer infiltrated by redox active network
PublicationIn this work, we show preparation of ordered inorganic-organic composite electrode material where hydrogenated titania nanotubes H-TiO2 with tubularly developed surface modified with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) matrix permeated by Prussian Blue (PB) inorganic redox network in order to reach highly photoactive heterojunction. The polymer deposition was realized via two subsequent processes covering: i) potentiostatic polymerization...
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Electrical responses of nanostructured ZrS3 as field-effect transistor for nitrogen dioxide, ethanol, and acetone detection enhanced by visible light
Open Research DataSmall-area layers of nanostructured ZrS3 were fabricated and measured in the field-effect transistor configuration. Irradiation with visible light enabled generating photocurrent and increasing the sensitivity to selected ambient gases: nitrogen dioxide, ethanol, and acetone. The data set consists of electrical responses (current vs. voltage characteristics...
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Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytical Performance of Inorganic-Inorganic Hybrid Consisting BiVO4, V2O5, and Cobalt Hexacyanocobaltate as a Perspective Photoanode for Water Splitting
PublicationThin layers of BiVO4/V2O5 were prepared on FTO substrates using pulsed laser deposition technique. The method of cobalt hexacyanocobaltate (Cohcc) synthesis on the BiVO4/V2O5 photoanodes consists of cobalt deposition followed by electrochemical oxidation of metallic Co in K3[Co(CN)6] aqueous electrolyte. The modified electrodes were tested as photoanodes for water oxidation under simulated sunlight irradiation. Deposited films...
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Magnetic field effects in dye-sensitized and organic solar cells
PublicationThe charge recombination and exciton dissociation are generally recognized as the basic electronic processes limiting the efficiency of photovoltaic devices. The aim of this thesis is to understand the electronic processes limiting the operation of efficient solar cells with particular emphasis on the role of electronic states endowed with magnetic dipole moment. The research work is divided into two parts. The first part deals...
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Magnetic field effects in dye-sensitized solar cells controlled by different cell architecture
PublicationThe charge recombination and exciton dissociation are generally recognized as the basic electronic processes limiting the efficiency of photovoltaic devices. In this work, we propose a detailed mechanism of photocurrent generation in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) examined by magnetic field effect (MFE) technique. Here we demonstrate that the magnitude of the MFE on photocurrent in DSSCs can be controlled by the radius and...
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Ti-Fe2O3/In2O3 as photoactive material: The role of the substrate in photoelectrochemical water oxidation
PublicationThe layers of Ti-Fe2O3/In2O3 were prepared on the different substrates using hydrothermal method: Ti/TiO2 nanotubes, Ti foil, FTO and FTO/TiO2. Materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, XRD, Raman, UV-Vis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and tested as photoanodes for water oxidation under illumination. The formation of heterojunction on the TiO2 nanotubes increases photocurrent of water oxidation at...
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Electrochemical and photoelectrochemical characterization of photoanodes based on titania nanotubes modified by a BiVO4 thin film and gold nanoparticles
PublicationTitania nanotubes (TNT) modified with thin films of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) and gold nanoparticles (GNP) were photoelectrochemically characterized as photoanodes for water photooxidation. Presence of bismuth vanadate enhanced efficiency of photocurrent generation in comparison with pristine TNTs under visible light illumination. Besides an extended range of absorbed light, the presence of both BiVO4 and GNP reduced the charge...
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Scaling Up the Process of Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Synthesis and Its Effect on Photoelectrochemical Properties
PublicationIn this work, for the first time, the influence of scaling up the process of titanium dioxide nanotube (TiO2NT) synthesis on the photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2 nanotubes is presented. Titanium dioxide nanotubes were obtained on substrates of various sizes: 2 × 2, 4 × 4, 5 × 5, 6 × 6, and 8 × 8 cm2. The electrode material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy as well as Raman and UV–vis spectroscopy in order...
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The optimization of CuxO microwires synthesis for improvement in photoelectrochemical performance
PublicationOne of the most important challenges in the fabrication of CuxO microstructures via the electrochemical method is formation of long, regular and well-packed microwires with good adhesion on the Cu substrate and to achieve better photoelectrochemical properties, which can be potentially applied in solar-driven water splitting and CO2 conversion to light hydrocarbons. In this paper, Cu2O photoelectrode has been fabricated by direct...
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Enhanced Visible Light Active WO3 Thin Films Toward Air Purification: Effect of the Synthesis Conditions
PublicationTaking into consideration, our current environmental situation in the world people should face with growing problem of air and water pollution. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is highly promising tool to improve both, air and water quality through decomposition/mineralization of contaminations directly into harmless CO2 and H2O under ambient conditions. In this contribution we focused on the synthesis of self-assembly WO3 thin films...
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Influence of dipoles on the recombination in organic photovoltaic devices
PublicationAlthough organic compounds are promising materials to use them in photovoltaic devices, the efficiencies of organic solar cells are still lower in comparison to inorganic photocells. The recombination of charge carriers leads to the loss of photocurrent, therefore a detailed theoretical description of this process is required. In the present work, an influence of interface dipoles on the recombination process is discussed. We show...
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Electrochemical and photoelectrochemical properties of the interface between titania nanotubes covered by conducting polymer in aqueous by conducting polymer in aqueous electrolytes – The effect of various geometry and electrolytes concentration
PublicationIn the present work we show the impact of nanotubes (NTs) geometry of titania utilized as a substrate in organic-inorganic systems acting as a p-n junction on efficient conversion of radiation energy into electrochemical energy. The electrolytic bath composition and electrolysis conditions were controlled in order to obtain TiO2NTs of various geometry as a result of electrochemical oxidation of titanium foil. The electrode material...
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Annealing Rate as a Crucial Parameter Controlling the Photoelectrochemical Properties of AuCu Mosaic Core–Shell Nanoparticles
PublicationThermal processing is an essential step during the synthesis of various metal nanostructures and for tailoring their morphology, optical, and electrochemical properties. Herein, a profound impact of the annealing rate and time on photoactivity of gold–copper nanostructures by changes in the position and alignment of energy levels and surface states is reported. AuCu nanoparticles (NPs) are fabricated by sputtering of thin metal...
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Linking optical and electronic properties to photoresponse of heterojunctions based on titania nanotubes and chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten oxides
PublicationThe development of photosensitization strategies for titanium dioxide is necessary for the enhancement of its optical and electronic properties towards its application potential in solar photoelectrochemistry. In this work, significant differences in the photosensitizing capability of the 6th group transition metal oxides applied on the surface of titania nanotubes are reported. For the first time, correlations between the experimentally...
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Optimization of electrochemical doping approach resulting in highly photoactive iodine-doped titania nanotubes
PublicationThe paper focuses on the optimization procedure concerning the synthesis method resulting in highly ordered titania nanotubes doped with iodine atoms. The doping process was based on the electrochemical treatment of a titania nanotube layer immersed in a potassium iodide (KI) solution acting as an iodine precursor. A number of endeavors were undertaken in order to optimize the doping conditions. Electrolyte concentration, reaction...
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Laser-Induced Graphitization of Polydopamine on Titania Nanotubes
PublicationSince the discovery of laser-induced graphite/graphene, there has been a notable surge of scientific interest in advancing diverse methodologies for their synthesis and applications. This study focuses on the utilization of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser to achieve graphitization of polydopamine (PDA) deposited on the surface of titania nanotubes. The partial graphitization is corroborated through Raman and XPS spectroscopies and supported...
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The influence of polarization of titania nanotubes modified by a hybrid system made of a conducting polymer PEDOT and Prussian Blue redox network on the Raman spectroscopy response and photoelectrochemical properties
PublicationIn this work we show the impact of applied potential on network vibrations and photoelectrochemical properties of a composite material containing hydrogenated titania nanotubes and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with iron hexacyanoferrate (H-TiO2/pEDOT:Fehcf) acting as a redox centre. For this purpose, Raman spectroscopy measurements under the working electrode (WE) polarization were carried out, allowing investigation of changes...
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Semi-transparent ordered TiO2 nanostructures prepared by anodization of titanium thin films deposited onto the FTO substrate
PublicationIn a significant amount of cases, the highly ordered TiO2nanotube arrays grow through anodic oxidationof a titanium metal plate immersed in electrolyte containing fluoride ions. However, for some practicalapplications, e.g. solar cells or electrochromic windows, the semi-transparent TiO2formed directly onthe transparent, conductive substrate is very much desired. This work shows that high-quality Ti coatingcould be formed at room...
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Novel nitrogen precursors for electrochemically driven doping of titania nanotubes exhibiting enhanced photoactivity
PublicationNitrogen doped titania nanotubes were successfully sensitized by electrochemical method, i.e. as-anodized titania was immersed in different amine (diethyleneamine-DETA, triethyleneamine-TEA, ethylenediamine-EDA) and urea (U) solution and a constant potential was applied. The highly ordered morphology of fabricated N-TiO2 was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy. Spectroscopic techniques, i.e. UV-Vis spectroscopy,...
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Enhancement of self-trapped excitons and near-infrared emission in Bi3+/Er3+ co-doped Cs2Ag0.4Na0.6InCl6 double perovskite
Open Research DataErbium (Er) complexes are used as optical gain materials for signal generation in the telecom C-band at 1540 nm, but they need a sensitizer to enhance absorption. Na+ substitution for Ag+ and Bi3+ doping at the In3+ site is a possible strategy to enhance the broadband emission of Cs2AgInCl6, which could be used as a sensitizer for energy transfer to...
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Titania nanotubes infiltrated with conducting polymer PEDOT modified by Prussian Blue – a novel type of organic-inorganic heterojunction characterised with enhanced photoactivity.
PublicationA highly ordered p–n heterojunction was formed based on titania nanotubes containing a conducting polymer with Prussian blue matrix. The study demonstrates, for the first time, cases when a composite based on titania array scaffolding and Prussian blue embedded in PEDOT exhibits reversible FeII/FeIII redox activity. Highly enhanced photoactivity and capacitance of the obtained material are depicted in comparison to pristine titania....
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Facile preparation of extremely photoactive boron-doped TiO2 nanotubes arrays
PublicationDoping of TiO2 nanotube arrays with boron was realized via electrochemical treatment of as-anodized titania immersed in electrolyte containing boric acid. The photoactivity of doped and pure titania was examined by means of photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic response under UV-vis irradiation. The results showed that photocurrent density of B-TNTs is remarkably higher (7.5 times) than density of pure TiO2 nanotube arrays. Furthermore,...
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The influence of the Cu2O deposition method on the structure, morphology and photoresponse of the ordered TiO2NTs/Cu2O heterojunction
PublicationThe increased interest in highly ordered titania structures exhibiting tubular shape that could be directly formed onto the stable substrate is related with the intensive research on their modification enabling absorption of light within the wide solar spectrum and its further conversion into electric or chemical energy. Among others, formation of uniform 3D heterojunctions based on the TiO2 nanotubes attracts attention since porous...
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Does the low optical band gap of yellow Bi3YO6 guarantee the photocatalytical activity under visible light illumination?
PublicationBi3YO6, which is known as an ionic conductor, was tested here as an electrode and photoanode in contact with aqueous electrolytes. Bi3YO6 was deposited onto the Pt substrate and the such prepared electrode was polarized in various aqueous electrolytes. The optical energy band gap of the material equal to 1.89 eV was determined using the Kubelka-Munk function resulting from the UV-Vis spectrum (allowed indirect transition) and also...
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Modeling the electrical characteristics of P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction solar cells: Influence of the interface recombination
PublicationThe interface recombination of charge carriers located in the material with lower permittivity (Szmytkowski 2009 Chem.Phys.Lett. 470 123) has been implemented for the first time to calculate the electrical characteristics of the donor-acceptor P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction solar cell. In order to estimate the photocurrent density in this system, a simple analytical formula has been derived. We have obtained a very good agreement...
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Photocatalytic Decomposition of Air Pollutants using Electrodeposited Photocatalysts on Stainless Steel
PublicationThe aim of research was to develop an immobilization method for photocatalysts, which is an alternative to the sol-gel or dip coating methods and can be simply scaled up for technical applications. The investigated photocatalyst was TiO2, which was electrochemically deposited onto a cathode made of stainless steel. This deposited film was photocatalytically active. In order to enhance the photoactivity of the TiO2 film, commercially...
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Hydrothermal Cobalt Doping of Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes towards Photoanode Activity Enhancement
PublicationDoping and modification of TiO2 nanotubes were carried out using the hydrothermal method. The introduction of small amounts of cobalt (0.1 at %) into the structure of anatase caused an increase in the absorption of light in the visible spectrum, changes in the position of the flat band potential, a decrease in the threshold potential of water oxidation in the dark, and a significant increase in the anode photocurrent. The material...
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Highly stable organic–inorganic junction composed of hydrogenated titania nanotubes infiltrated by a conducting polymer
PublicationA poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conducting polymer doped with poly(2-styrene sulfonate) (pEDOT:PSS) was efficiently electrodeposited on a layer composed of ordered titania nanotubes. TiO2 nanotubes were formed during an anodization process and, after calcinations, a layer was subjected to hydrogen plasma. Hydrogenation leads to Ti(III) formation, a decrease in resistance, and a huge increase of donor density when compared with...
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The bismuth vanadate thin layers modified by cobalt hexacyanocobaltate as visible-light active photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water oxidation
PublicationBismuth vanadate thin films deposited using the pulsed laser deposition technique were modified using cobalt hexacyanocobaltate (Cohcc). The 2-step method of Cohcc nanocubes preparation was applied: i) metallic cobalt deposition and ii) cobalt electrooxidation in Co(CN)63− containing electrolyte. The presence of CN stretching vibrations was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The energy band gap was equal to 2.5 eV and was estimated...
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Influence of alkali metal cations on the photoactivity of crystalline and exfoliated amorphous WO3 – photointercalation phenomenon
PublicationIn order to investigate the effect of photointercalation on photoelectrochemical properties, two types of WO3-based photoanodes, bulk and exfoliated have been prepared and investigated. An aqueous exfoliation method is introduced for the simple fabrication of amorphous and hydrated WO3 nanomaterial using commercial bulk WO3 precursor. The comparison of obtained material with bulk WO3 was performed using Raman, UV–vis, and XPS as...
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Optical and photoelectrochemical characterization of pulsed laser deposited Bi4V2O11, BICUVOX, and BIZNVOX
PublicationThin layers of three compounds from the BIMEVOX family (Bi4V2O11, Bi2V0.9Cu0.1O5.35, and Bi2V0.9Zn0.1O5.35) were prepared via pulsed laser deposition technique on quartz, silicon, and platinum foil and tested as photoanodes for water photooxidation. The film formation, as well as the crystallization upon heating, was characterized using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The optical properties were investigated using spectroscopic...
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Role of surface recombination in perovskite solar cells at the interface of HTL/CH3NH3PbI3
PublicationIn order to achieve the highest performance of organometal trihalide perovskite solar cells, it is required to recognize the dominant mechanisms which play a key role in a perovskite material. In the following studies, we have focused on the interfacial recombination between the hole transporting layer (HTL) and the perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 in solar cell devices with p–i–n architecture. It has been shown that Cu:NiOx : used as HTL...
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Optimization of boron-doping process of titania nanotubes via electrochemical method toward enhanced photoactivity
PublicationIn this work, we were focused on the development of the electrochemical approach resulting in a stable boron doping of titania nanotubes. The doping procedure concerns anodic polarization of as-anodized titania in a H3BO3 solution acting as n boron precursor. The series of attempts were taken in order to elaborate the most beneficial doping conditions. The parameters of electrochemical doping allowing to obtain boron-doped titania...
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The importance of anchoring ligands of binuclear sensitizers on electron transfer processes and photovoltaic action in dye-sensitized solar cells
PublicationThe relatively low photon-to-current conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells is their major drawback limiting widespread application. Light harvesting, followed by a series of electron transfer processes, is the critical step in photocurrent generation. An in-depth understanding and fine optimization of those processes are crucial to enhance cell performance. In this work, we synthesize two new bi-ruthenium sensitizers...
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Visible light activity of pulsed layer deposited BiVO4/MnO2 films decorated with gold nanoparticles: The evidence for hydroxyl radicals formation
PublicationThin films containing BiVO4 and MnO2 deposited on FTO and modified by Au nanoparticles were studied towards their photoelectrochemical and photocatalytical activities in an aqueous electrolyte. Electrodes were prepared by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The surfactant-free ablation process was used for preparation of the gold nanoparticles (GNP) water suspension. Obtained layers of varied thicknesses (27–115 nm) were...
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The pulsed laser ablation synthesis of colloidal iron oxide nanoparticles for the enhancement of TiO2 nanotubes photo-activity
PublicationThe rapid, only a few minutes long synthesis of FeO, Fe3O4, and Fe2O3nanoparticles mixture utilizing the pulsedlaser ablation using simply pure iron target and water was demonstrated. The size and crystal phase of Fe-basedNPs were characterized using DLS and HR-TEM techniques, respectively. The metastable suspension of FeO,Fe3O4, and Fe2O3nanoparticles was used to the decoration of anodized TiO2nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) by means ofthe...
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Fabrication and Significant Photoelectrochemical Activity of Titania Nanotubes Modified with Thin Indium Tin Oxide Film
PublicationOrdered titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2NTs) modified with indium tin oxide (ITO) films were obtained via magnetron sputtering, in which ITO plate was used as a target, onto the as-anodized titania support followed by the calcination process. The morphology of fabricated material with deposited oxide was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Raman and UV–Vis spectroscopies were utilized to characterize crystalline phase...
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Flexible dye-sensitized solar cells based on Ti/TiO2 nanotubes photoanode and Pt-free and TCO-free counter electrode system
PublicationFlexible dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are getting more attention compared to standard glass covered DSSCs due to their unique commercial applications (e.g. tents or sail surfaces) and the possibility of rolling up into a small, portable device. In this work, titania nanotubes (TiO2 NT) modified with titania nanoparticles (TiO2 NP) were photoelectrochemically characterized as an anode for flexible dye-sensitized solar cells....
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Band Gap Engineering toward Semimetallic Character of Quinone-Rich Polydopamine
PublicationSemiconductor|melanin interfaces have received increasingly more attention in the fields of photocatalysis and applied electrochemistry because of their facile synthesis, unique electrical properties, and strong capability toward photosensitization. In this work, we describe the electropolymerization of quinone-rich polydopamine (PDA) on the surface of hydrogenated TiO2 nanotubes with enhanced photoactivity in the visible spectrum....
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Enhanced photocatalytic, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2 nanotubes arrays modified with Cu, AgCu and Bi nanoparticles obtained via radiolytic reduction
PublicationTiO2 nanotubes arrays (NTs), obtained via electrochemical anodization of Ti foil, were modified with monometallic (Cu, Bi) and bimetallic (AgCu) nanoparticles. Different amounts of metals’ precursors were deposited on the surface of NTs by the spin-coating technique, and the reduction of metals was performed via gamma radiolysis. Surface modification of titania was studied by EDS and XPS analysis. The results show that AgCu nanoparticles...
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Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide via Surfactant-Assisted Microwave Method for Photocatalytic and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Applications
PublicationIn this study, titania nanoparticles were obtained using the microwave-assisted technique. Moreover, different surfactants (PEG (Mn = 400), Pluronic P123 and Triton X−100) were used during the synthesis in order to determine their impact on the crystallinity and morphology of the final products. Subsequently, techniques such as XRD, SEM and TEM (performed in high contrast and high-resolution mode), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy...
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Thin layer of ordered boron-doped TiO2 nanotubes fabricated in a novel type of electrolyte and characterized by remarkably improved photoactivity
PublicationThis paper reports a novel method of boron doped titania nanotube arrays preparation by electrochemical anodization in electrolyte containing boron precursor – boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BF3 C4H10O), simultaneously acting as an anodizing agent. A pure, ordered TiO2 nanotubes array, as a reference sample, was also prepared in solution containing a standard etching compound: ammonium fluoride. The doped and pure titania...
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Insightful studies of AuCu nanostructures deposited on Ti platform: Effect of rapid thermal annealing on photoelectrochemical activity supported by synchrotron radiation studies
PublicationIn this work, we present the influence of annealing atmospheres during rapid thermal annealing (40◦C/s) on nanostructured Ti platforms modified by 10 nm layer of AuCu alloy obtained via magnetron sputtering. The AuCu/Ti platform annealed under hydrogen atmosphere exhibits the best photoelectrochemical activity under visible light, i.e. 27 times higher photocurrent than for pure Ti dimpled platform, and the lowest reflectance with minimum...
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Titania nanotubes modified by a pyrolyzed metal-organic framework with zero valent iron centers as a photoanode with enhanced photoelectrochemical, photocatalytical activity and high capacitance
PublicationThe paper discusses the synthesis, photoelectrochemical and electrochemical behaviour of titania nanotube arrays modified by a pyrolyzed metal-organic framework (MOF). A poly(3,4–ethylenedioxyphene) (PEDOT) matrix with an embedded inorganic network of iron hexacyanoferrate (BP) covering TiO2 nanotubes (TNT) is used as a MOF for the further sintering procedure, resulting in a novel, thin film of carbonaceous wrap supported Fe catalytic...
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Lanthanide ions (Eu3+, Er3+, Pr3+) as luminescence and charge carrier centers in Sr2TiO4
PublicationA series of strontium orthotitanate (Sr2TiO4) samples doped with 2% of a mole of europium, praseodymium, and erbium were obtained using the solid-state synthesis method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique confirms the phase purity of all samples and the lack of the influence of dopants at a given concentration on the structure of materials. The optical properties indicate, in the case of Sr2TiO4:Eu3+, two independent emission...
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Hybrid P3HT: PCBM/GaN nanowire/Si cascade heterojunction for photovoltaic application
PublicationPoly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) are commonly used for the fabrication of organic photovoltaics (OPV). Efficiency limitations of OPVs could be circumvented by incorporation of inorganic nanostructures into organic blends. Again, integration of organic solar cells with well-developed silicon photovoltaic technology is ultimately desirable. In present work, GaN nanowires with diameters...
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Environmentally Friendly Fabrication of High-Efficient Fe-ZnO/Citric Acid-Modified Cellulose Composite and the Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity in the Presence of H2O2
PublicationIn the present study, a novel Fe-ZnO/citric acid-modified cellulose composite (x%Fe-ZnOy% CAC) was synthesized using an environmentally friendly hydrothermal method. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV−vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen physisorption, and electrochemical and photocurrent density...
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Enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic performance of iodine-doped titania nanotube arrays
PublicationThe paper discusses the synthesis and performance of iodine doped titania nanotube arrays exhibited under irradiation. The doping procedure was performed as an additional, electrochemical process carried out after formation of nanotube arrays via anodization of Ti substrate. The optical and structural properties were characterized using Raman, UV-vis, photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface morphology...
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Pulsed Laser Deposition of Bismuth Vanadate Thin Films—The Effect of Oxygen Pressure on the Morphology, Composition, and Photoelectrochemical Performance
PublicationThin layers of bismuth vanadate were deposited using the pulsed laser deposition technique on commercially available FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide) substrates. Films were sputtered from a sintered, monoclinic BiVO4 pellet, acting as the target, under various oxygen pressures (from 0.1 to 2 mbar), while the laser beam was perpendicular to the target surface and parallel to the FTO substrate. The oxygen pressure strongly affects...
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Hydrothermal modification of TiO2 nanotubes in water and alkali metal electrolytes (LiNO3, NaNO3, KNO3) – Direct evidence for photocatalytic activity enhancement
PublicationThe influence of hydrothermal annealing (HA) of TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) in various baths (H2O, LiNO3, NaNO3, KNO3 performed for 4 h, 24 h, 64 h), on their photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic properties, was studied. The use of electrolytes was to enable the monitoring of photoactivity changes as a result of the expected impact on the population of hydroxyl groups on the surface. The assumption turned out to be correct and...
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A new simple approach to prepare rare-earth metals-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays photoactive under visible light: Surface properties and mechanism investigation
PublicationApplication of Ti90RE10 alloys (RE = Ho, Er, Nd, Y, Ce, Tm) as a working electrode, instead of Ti pure foil in anodic oxidation in a fluoride-based electrolyte, resulted in formation of well-ordered nanotubes made of TiO2 and RE2O3 mixture, which could be efficiently used for pollutant removal from water and air phase upon UV and visible irradiation and easily separable from the reaction mixture to recycle. The as-prepared NTs...