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Materials for Solar Energy Conversion

Materials, Methods and Applications
Edited by R. Rajasekar, C. Moganapriya and A. Mohankumar
Copyright: 2022   |   Status: Published
ISBN: 9781119750604  |  Hardcover  |  
398 pages | 136 illustrations
Price: $225 USD
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One Line Description
This book provides professionals and students with a resource on the basic principles and applications of solar energy materials and processes, as well as practicing engineers who want to understand how functional materials operate in solar energy conversion systems.

Audience
The book is aimed at researchers in materials science, chemistry, physics, electrical and mechanical engineering working in the fields of nanotechnology, photovoltaic device technology, and solar energy.


Description
The demand for energy is increasing daily, and the development of sustainable power generation is a critical issue. In order to overcome the energy demand, power generation through solar energy is booming. Many research works have attempted to enhance the efficiency of collection and storage of solar energy and, as a result, numerous advanced functional materials have been developed for enhancing the performance of solar cells.
This book has compiled and broadly explores the latest developments of materials, methods, and applications of solar energy. The book is divided into 2 parts, in which the first part deals with solar cell fundamentals and emerging categories, and the latter part deals with materials, methods, and applications in order to fill the gap between existing technologies and practical requirements. The book presents detailed chapters including organic, inorganic, coating materials, and collectors. The use of modern computer simulation techniques, conversion and storage processes are effectively covered. Topics such as nanostructured solar cells, battery materials, etc. are included in this book as well.

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Author / Editor Details
R. Rajasekar PhD, Professor and Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kongu Engineering College (an Autonomous Institution under Anna University), Tamilnadu, India. He obtained his PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and specializes in materials science and engineering, renewable energy, surface coating on solar cells, and tribological performance of carbide inserts. He has published more than 100 research articles in reputed international journals, as well as more than 30 book chapters.

C. Moganapriya PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kongu Engineering College (An Autonomous Institution under Anna University), Tamilnadu, India. She completed her PhD in 2019, and her current research area includes surface engineering of solar cells for performance enhancement of power conversion efficiency and tribological performance of cutting tool insert by adopting several hard coating materials. She has published 13 research articles and 15 book chapters with international publishers.

A. Mohan Kumar PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kongu Engineering College (An Autonomous Institution under Anna University), Tamil Nadu. He completed his postgraduate degree at Government College of Engineering, Salem. His research areas are the characterization of reinforced composite materials, composite machining polymer coatings, and nanocomposite coatings. He has published 13 research articles and book chapters.

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Table of Contents
Preface
Part 1: Solar Cells - Fundamentals and Emerging Categories
1. Introduction to Solar Energy Conversion

Manivannan Rajendran, Moganapriya Chinnasamy, Suresh Muthusamy and Manikandan Kumaran Nair
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Forms of Energy
1.3 Solar Radiation
1.4 Heat Transfer Principles
1.4.1 Conduction
1.4.2 Convection
1.4.3 Radiation
1.5 Basic Laws of Radiation
1.5.1 Stefan-Boltzmann Law
1.5.2 Planck’s Law
1.5.3 Wien’s Displacement Law
1.6 Solar Energy Conversion
1.6.1 Sources of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy
1.6.2 Differentiate Between Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Sources
1.7 Photo-Thermal Conversion System
1.7.1 Flat Plate Collector
1.7.2 Evacuated Solar Collector
1.8 Thermal Applications
1.8.1 Solar Water Heating Systems
1.8.2 Steam Generation
1.9 Solar Drying
1.9.1 Natural Circulation Methods
1.9.2 Forced Circulation Systems
1.10 Photovoltaic Conversion
1.10.1 Photovoltaic Effect
1.10.2 Applications
1.11 Photovoltaic Thermal Systems
1.12 Conclusion
References
2. Development of Solar Cells
Mohan Kumar Anand Raj, Rajasekar Rathanasamy and Moganapriya Chinnasamy
Abbreviations
2.1 Introduction
2.2 First-Generation PV Cells
2.2.1 Single-Crystalline PV Cells
2.3 Second-Generation Solar PV Technology
2.3.1 Amorphous Silicon PV Cell
2.3.2 Cadmium Telluride PV Cell
2.3.3 Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide PV Cells
2.4 Third-Generation PV Cells
2.4.1 Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide PV Cell
2.4.2 Dye Sensitized PV Cell
2.4.3 Organic PV Cell
2.4.4 Perovskite PV Solar Cells
2.4.5 Polymer Photovoltaic Cell
2.4.6 Quantum Dot Photovoltaic Cell
2.5 Conclusion
References
3. Recycling of Solar Panels
Sathish Kumar Palaniappan, Moganapriya Chinnasamy, Rajasekar Rathanasamy and Samir Kumar Pal
Abbreviations
3.1 Introduction
3.2 PV and Recycling Development Worldwide
3.2.1 Causes of Inability in Solar PV Panel
3.3 Current Recycling and Recovery Techniques
3.3.1 Methods for Recycling
3.3.2 Physical Separation
3.3.3 Thermal and Chemical-Based Treatment
3.4 Strategies for Recycling Processes
3.5 Approaches for Recycling of Solar Panel
3.5.1 Component Repair
3.5.2 Module Separation
3.5.3 Decomposition of Silicon and Precious Industrial Minerals From Modules
3.6 Global Surveys in PV Recycling Technology
3.7 Ecological and Economic Impacts
3.7.1 Evolutionary Factors
3.7.2 Socio-Economic Concerns
3.8 Conclusion
References
4. Multi-Junction Solar Cells
Mohanraj Thangamuthu, Tamilvanan Ayyasamy and Santhosh Sivaraj
Abbreviation
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 Theory of Multi-Junction Cells
4.2 Key Issues for Realizing the Efficiency of MJCs
4.2.1 Preference of Top Layer Materials and Enhancing the Quality
4.2.2 Low-Loss Tunneling Junction for Intercell Connection and Preventing Impurity Diffusion From Tunneling Junction
4.2.3 Lattice-Matching Between Cell Materials and Substrates
4.2.4 Effectiveness of Wide-Bandgap Back Surface Field (BSF) Layer
4.3 Structure of Multi-Junction Cell
4.3.1 Multi-Junction Cell With BSF Layer
4.3.2 Optimization of BSF Layers
4.4 Novel Materials for Multi-Junction Cells
4.5 Applications
4.6 Conclusions
References
5. Perovskite Solar Cells
Santhosh Sivaraj, Rajasekar Rathanasamy, Gobinath Velu Kaliyannan and Mugilan Thanigachalam
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Structure and Working
5.3 Fabrication of Simple Perovskite Solar Cell
5.4 Fabrication Methods
5.4.1 Spin Coating
5.4.2 Blade Coating
5.4.3 Slot-Die Coating
5.4.4 Inkjet Printing
5.4.5 Screen Printing
5.4.6 Electrodeposition
5.4.7 Vapor-Phase Deposition
5.5 Stability of Perovskite Solar Cell
5.6 Losses in Solar Cells
5.7 Conclusion
References
6. Natural Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Viswapriya Shanmugam, Rajasekar Rathanasamy, Saratha Raman and Abbas Ganesan
Abbreviations
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)
6.2.1 The Structure and Operation Principle
6.2.2 Performance Parameters of DSSCs
6.2.2.1 Open Circuit Voltage
6.2.2.2 Short Circuit Current
6.2.2.3 Fill Factor
6.2.2.4 Efficiency
6.3 Dye (Photosensitizer)
6.3.1 Natural Dyes
6.3.2 Plant Pigments
6.3.2.1 Anthocyanin
6.3.2.2 Chlorophylls
6.3.2.3 Betalain
6.3.2.4 Carotenoids
6.3.3 Photoconversion Efficiency of Natural Dyes Employed as Dye Sensitizers—Notable Studies
6.4 Conclusion
References
Part 2: Materials, Methods and Applications
7. Organic Materials and Their Processing Techniques

Raja Gunasekaran, Gobinath Velu Kaliyannan,
Saravanakumar Jaganathan and Harikrishnakumar Mohan Kumar
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Organic Materials
7.2.1 Organic Solar Cell
7.2.2 Challenges in Organic Solar Cells
7.2.3 Focus Area to Overcome the Challenges
7.2.4 Operation of Organic Solar Cells
7.2.5 Organic Solar Cell Device Architecture
7.2.5.1 Single Active-Layer Device
7.2.5.2 Double Active-Layer Device
7.2.5.3 Bulk Heterojunction Photovoltaic Cell
7.3 Electrical Characteristics of OPVs
7.3.1 Open-Circuit Voltage
7.3.2 Short-Circuit Current
7.3.3 Maximum Power Point
7.3.4 Fill Factor
7.3.5 Power Conversion Efficiency
7.3.6 Quantum Efficiency
7.4 Potential Materials for OPV Applications
7.4.1 Electron-Donor Materials
7.4.2 Electron-Acceptor Materials
7.5 Conclusion
References
8. Inorganic Materials and Their Processing Techniques
Manivasakan Palanisamy, Gobinath Velu Kaliyannan and Harikrishnakumar Mohan Kumar
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Functional Inorganic Materials
8.3 Comprehensive Processing Strategy
8.4 Solid-Phase Processing
8.4.1 Ceramic Method
8.4.2 Microwave Technique
8.4.3 Combustion Synthesis
8.4.4 Mechanochemical Synthesis
8.4.5 Carbothermal Reduction
8.4.6 Friction Consolidation
8.4.7 3D Printing Technique
8.4.8 Nanolithography Technique
8.5 Solution-Phase Processing
8.5.1 Sol-Gel Process
8.5.2 Hydrothermal and Solvothermal Process
8.5.3 Sonochemical Synthesis
8.5.4 Surface Coating Technique
8.5.5 Spray Pyrolysis Technique
8.5.6 Electroplating and Electrodeposition Process
8.5.7 Liquid Printing Technique
8.5.8 Liquid-Phase Laser Ablation Technique
8.5.9 Electrospinning and Electrospraying Technique
8.6 Gas-Phase Processing
8.6.1 Physical Vapor Deposition Technique
8.6.2 Chemical Vapor Deposition Technique
8.6.3 Inert Gas Condensation Technique
8.6.4 Molecular Beam Epitaxy Technique
8.6.5 Gas-Phase Flame Spray Pyrolysis
8.7 Challenges in Nanomaterial Production and Processing
8.8 Conclusion and Perspectives
References
9. 2D Materials for Solar Cell Applications
Shrabani De, Sourav Acharya, Sumanta Sahoo, Ashok Kumar Das and Ganesh Chandra Nayak
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Fundamental Principles of Solar Cell
9.3 Fabrication Methods for the Generation of Solar Cell
9.3.1 Spin Coating
9.3.2 Spray Coating
9.3.3 Doctor Blading
9.3.4 Slot-Die Coating
9.3.5 Vacuum Deposition/Chemical Vapor Deposition
9.3.6 Screen Printing
9.4 Introduction to 2D Materials
9.4.1 Graphene
9.4.2 Boron Nitride
9.4.3 Molybdenum Disulfide
9.4.4 MXenes
9.4.5 Other 2D Materials
9.5 Solar Cell Application of 2D Materials
9.5.1 2D Materials for Organic Solar Cells
9.5.2 2D Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
9.5.3 2D Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)
9.5.4 2D Materials for Other Solar Cell
9.6 Conclusions
References
10. Nanostructured Materials and Their Processing Techniques
Tamilvanan Ayyasamy, Abubakkar Abdul Jaffar, Selvakumar Pandiyaraj, Mohanraj Thangamuthu and Thangavel Palaniappan
10.1 Introduction
10.2 The Need for Solar Energy
10.2.1 Solar Photovoltaic Cell
10.2.2 Solar Thermal Heating
10.3 Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
10.4 Nanotechnology in Solar Energy
10.4.1 Nanomaterials
10.4.2 Properties of Nanomaterials
10.4.3 Nanofluids
10.5 The Outlook of Nanomaterials in the Performance of Solar Cells
10.6 Photovoltaic-Based Nanomaterials and Synthesis Techniques
10.6.1 Sol-Gel Method
10.6.2 Hydrothermal Method
10.6.3 Solvothermal Technique
10.6.4 Co-Precipitation Technique
10.6.5 Magnetron Sputtering
10.6.6 Spin Coating
10.6.7 Chemical Vapor Deposition Technique
10.6.7.1 Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition Method
10.6.7.2 Plasma-Enhanced Vapor Deposition Method
10.7 Nanofluids in Solar Collectors
10.8 Nanofluids in Solar Stills
10.9 Conclusion
References
11. Coating Materials, Methods, and Techniques
Gobinath Velu Kaliyannan, Raja Gunasekaran, Manju Sri Anbupalani and Sathish Kumar Palaniappan
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Thin Film Deposition Techniques
11.2.1 Advantages of Thin Films
11.3 Anti-Reflection Thin Films
11.4 Methods of Thin Film Growth
11.4.1 Physical Vapor Deposition
11.4.2 Thermal Evaporation Process
11.4.3 Pulsed Laser Deposition
11.4.4 Sputter Deposition
11.4.5 Chemical Vapor Deposition
11.4.6 Plasma-Enhanced CVD Method
11.4.7 Electrochemical Deposition
11.4.8 Sol-Gel Thin Film Formation
11.5 Thin Film Characterization
11.5.1 X-ray Diffraction
11.5.2 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
11.5.3 Thermogravimetry and Differential Thermal Analysis
11.5.4 UV-Visible Spectroscopy
11.5.5 Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope
11.5.6 High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope
11.5.7 Atomic Force Microscopy
11.5.8 Four-Probe Technique
11.6 Performance Analysis of ARC Coated Solar Cells
11.7 Conclusion
References
12. Anti-Reflection Coating
Ragavendran Asokan, Rajasekar Rathanasamy, Saravanakumar Jaganathan and Mohan Kumar Anand Raj
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Anti-Reflection Coating
12.2.1 Types of Anti-Reflection Coating
12.2.2 Textured Coating
12.2.3 Anti-Reflection Coating With Self-Cleaning
12.3 Perspectives on ARC Materials
12.3.1 Silicon-Based Material
12.3.2 TiO2-Based Material
12.3.3 Carbon-Based Material
12.3.4 Gallium-Based Material
12.3.5 Polymer-Based Material
12.3.6 Organic-Based Material
12.4 Techniques for Coating ARC
12.4.1 Sol-Gel Technique
12.4.1.1 Spin Coating Technique
12.4.1.2 Dip Coating Technique
12.4.1.3 Meniscus Coating Technique
12.4.2 Physical Vapor Deposition
12.4.2.1 Thermal Evaporation Technique
12.4.2.2 Electron Beam Technique
12.4.3 RF and DC Magnetron Sputtering Technique
12.4.4 Chemical Vapor Deposition
12.4.5 Electrospinning Technique
12.4.6 Spray Pyrolysis Technique
12.4.7 Lithography
12.4.8 Comparison of Coating Techniques
12.5 Literature Studies: Impact of ARC on Performance of Solar Cell
12.6 Conclusion
References
13. Thermal Energy Storage and Its Applications
Veerakumar Chinnasamy, Sathish Kumar Palaniappan, Mohan Kumar Anand Raj, Manivannan Rajendran and Honghyun Cho
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Types of ES
13.2.1 Mechanical ES
13.2.1.1 Flywheel Storage
13.2.1.2 Pumped Water Storage
13.2.1.3 Compressed Air Storage
13.2.2 Electrochemical ES
13.2.3 Thermal Energy Storage
13.2.4 Advantages of TES
13.3 Methods of TES
13.3.1 Sensible Heat Storage
13.3.1.1 Properties of SHS Materials
13.3.2 Latent Heat Storage
13.3.2.1 Properties of LHS Materials or PCMs
13.3.2.2 Classification of PCMs
13.3.3 Thermochemical ES
13.4 Applications of TES
13.4.1 SHS Applications
13.4.1.1 Solar Pond
13.4.1.2 Solar Water Heating
13.4.1.3 Packed Rock Bed Storage
13.4.2 Latent Heat Storage Applications 365
13.4.2.1 Encapsulation of PCM
13.4.2.2 Solar Water Heater With LHS
13.4.2.3 TES for Building Application
13.4.2.4 Numerical Studies on TES
13.5 Conclusion
References
Index

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