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Photovoltaically Self-Charging Cells with WO3·H2O/CNTs/PVDF Composite
Xuezhen Huang1, Xi Zhang1, Hongrui Jiang2
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1415 Engineering Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States.
RSC Advances
|October 25, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed efficient photovoltaically self-charging cells (PSCs) using tungsten oxide nanoplates. These cells integrate energy conversion and storage, achieving a 2.12% efficiency and 1.38 C cm⁻² storage capacity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Two-electrode photovoltaically self-charging cells (PSCs) offer integrated energy conversion and storage.
- Developing PSCs with high efficiency in both functions remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize WO₃·H₂O nanoplates for enhanced energy storage in PSCs.
- To improve the overall performance of PSCs through novel electrode material design.
Main Methods:
- Modified acid-directed hydrothermal synthesis of WO₃·H₂O nanoplates assisted by polyethylenimine.
- Fabrication of a WO₃·H₂O/CNTs/PVDF composite film for PSC electrodes.
- Electrochemical characterization including cyclic voltammetry.
Main Results:
- Smaller WO₃·H₂O nanoplates with larger surface area were achieved, leading to higher coulombic efficiency.
- The fabricated PSCs demonstrated an energy conversion efficiency of 2.12%.
- Simultaneous energy storage capacity of 1.38 C cm⁻² was recorded.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized WO₃·H₂O nanoplates are effective for energy storage in PSCs.
- Optimizing electrolyte composition (higher Li+ concentration) can improve photocurrent.
- Further improvements in PSC performance are possible through optimizing electrode-collector contact.
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