This work reports the facile, one-step electro-polymerization synthesis of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) using a 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulphate (EMIMHSO4) ionic liquid (IL) and, for the first time its utilization as a counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Using the IL doped PEDOT as CE, we effectively improve the solar cell efficiency to as high as 8.52%, the highest efficiency reported in 150 mC/cm2 charge capacity, an improvement of ~52% over the control device using the bare PEDOT CE (5.63%). Besides exhibiting good electrocatalytic stability, the highest efficiency reported for the PEDOT CE-based DSSCs using hydrogen sulphate [HSO4]− anion based ILs is also higher than platinum-(Pt)-based reference cells (7.87%). This outstanding performance is attributed to the enhanced charge mobility, reduced contact resistance, improved catalytic stability, smoother surface and well-adhesion. Our experimental analyses reveal that the [HSO4]− anion group of the IL bonds to the PEDOT, leading to higher electron mobility to balance the charge transport at the cathode, a better adhesion for high quality growth PEDOT CE on the substrates and superior catalytic stability. Consequently, the EMIMHSO4-doped PEDOT can successfully act as an excellent alternative green catalyst material, replacing expensive Pt catalysts, to improve performance of DSSCs.
Transesterification of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) is the most known production method of biodiesel which has a growing popularity in the renewable clean energy sector. Energy consumption increases all around the world. To meet increasing this consumption lots of new techniques are being studied. It is important to obtain low cost and high quality energy. For biodiesel production processes it can be provided by improving reaction conditions. Conversion efficiency of transesterification process is an important parameter so various catalysts are being developed to increase it. Waste materials are good alternatives for catalyst production. There are lots of studies are being carried about using waste materials as catalyst. Cost of energy decreases and waste assessment is provided by this way. Among the heterogeneous catalysts, calcium (Ca) based catalysts are highly preferred in the transesterification reaction because of their high catalytic activity and easy accessibility. It can be obtained from especially egg shell and egg is one of the most over-consumed foodstuff across the world. Waste egg shell that is rich in terms of Ca was subjected to calcination process to obtain calcium oxide (CaO). CaO catalyst which is synthesized with high activity increased the quality of reaction. In this study efforts have been taken to review the studies that are about the biodiesel production from vegetable oil using waste egg shells as a bio-based catalyst. Optimum experimental conditions were summarized from reviewed studies.
Abstract. Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are most promising devices among third-generation solar cells because of low cost, easy production, environmental friendliness, and relatively high conversion efficiency. Counter electrode (CE), which is an important component in DSSCs, functions as an electron transfer agent as well as the regenerator of redox couple. Hitherto, various methods and materials were used to prepare different counter electrodes.Among these materials, conducting polymers have been widely investigated and employed in various applications such as sensors, supercapacitors, energy storage devices, DSSCs and others. In this study, Polythiophene (PTh) conducting polymer was successfully synthesized by electrochemical deposition method, and employed as an alternative to expensive platinum (Pt) CE for DSSC. Besides, PTh conducting polymer was electrochemically deposited via cyclic voltammetry method on FTO substrates. The morphology of the PTh film was characterized by SEM and AFM. Finally, the photovoltaic performance of PTh CE based DSSC was compared with PEDOT CE based device. This new concept-along with promising electrocatalytic activity and facile electron transfer-provides a new approach to enhance the photovoltaic performances of Pt-free DSSCs.
Scientists continue to work in order to obtain clean and efficient energy in a sustainable and economical way. Biodiesel is an important research topic not only because it is a renewable energy source, but also because it is an environmentally friendly fuel that can be produced as efficiently as petroleum-derived fuels. The raw materials used are as important as the production parameters in the production of biodiesel fuels. Hemp is not a widely cultivated plant because its cultivation is subject to government control. However, by breeding, the production of species containing low amount of stimulant and high amount of seed and fiber can be realized. In case of an efficient fuel production in compliance with the determined standards, the hemp plant can be accepted as a raw material that can also be evaluated in the field of energy. In order to guide the studies to be carried out for this purpose, in this study, the conformity of the fuel obtained by producing biodiesel from hemp seed oil to the standards was examined. As a result of the fuel analysis, it has been seen that the fuel properties of the produced hemp biodiesel are largely compatible with the TS EN 14214 standards. The results obtained provided a sufficient starting point for the development of the study.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.